"A human skull?" Ice Wind repeated, "Why would a human skull be in there? I thought you said ponies were placed inside!"

"Ponies were, but it seems humans also suffered the same."

"Why would humans put their own kind in these things?"

"I don't know, but it might be the case that this human was placed inside by ponies."

"But ponies would never do such things!" Ice Wind snarled.

"Yet we have several ponies in the cells out there for torturing a human."

Ice Wind's snarl immediately evaporated and his face fell into sadness, the uncomfortable truth hitting home hard. Antonius placed the skull back inside the Brazen Bull and walked over to his friend and comrade, placing comforting hands on his shoulders, "Come on now, don't let those lot out there dim your view on ponykind."

"I'll try not to," Ice Wind replied, sighing tiredly.

"Good to hear, now come on Icey; we have some more investigating to do."

MEANWHILE IN PONYVILLE

Spike and the remaining girls were still in the library, still blissfully unaware of the situation in Canterlot and keeping themselves busy while waiting to hear from Twilight and Rainbow. Nightlock and Star Cross where staying behind in Gordon's house as a precautionary measure, whilst Photon accompanied Shining to the library also. Rarity was brushing and braiding Fluttershy's mane, while Pinkie and Applejack where playing cards. Spike meanwhile took the free time to catch up on his comics, an activity that was disrupted when he belched green flames.

"You OK Spike?" asked Applejack.

"I'm OK, just getting a scroll from Twilight," he said, noting her wax seal.

Spike unfurled the scroll and began reading, being watched intently by the others despite his face being obscured by the scroll. After a few seconds, he began shaking and he dropped the scroll, revealing his distressed expression.

"What's wrong Spike?" Rarity asked, standing up and walking over.

Spike didn't answer and instead continued shaking. Concerned, Rarity picked the scroll up and read it herself.

"Oh my...." she said quietly, beginning to shake herself.

"Rarity, what's the matter? asked Applejack.

Rarity held out the scroll with her magic, which Applejack took and began reading. Rarity meanwhile, sat down next to Spike and pulled him into a comforting hug in a show of emotional support.

"Ahm headin' out now ta get Zecora," Applejack said affirmatively.

"What's wrong?" asked Pinkie.

"Read the scroll, y'all find out."

Applejack immediately headed off and left the library, going at once with haste to Zecora's hut. Pinkie meanwhile picked up the scroll and took it over with her as she sat down next to Fluttershy, and held it in front of them allowing them both to read.

...

"Oh no!" Fluttershy whimpered, "How could they do that to Gordon?!"

Fluttershy burst into tears and was immediately consoled by Pinkie, "Don't worry Fluttershy, Gordon will be OK. We'll get Zecora out to him and she'll make sure he gets the treatment he needs."

"But they hurt him so much," Fluttershy cried.

Spike too was continuing to cry into Rarity's chest, Rarity wanted to too but she had to remain strong for Spike.

"Will Gordon be OK?" Spike whimpered out, tears falling down his cheeks.

"He will be darling," Rarity replied softly, tightening her embrace of Spike, "I promise."

Applejack panted furiously as she ran through the Everfree Forest, not wanting to take a second longer that was necessary, vaulting over fallen trees and vine swinging over gullies just like Daring Do.

I'd get there even quicker if I had four legs.

After running fast non-stop for around fifteen minutes, a sweating and panting Applejack finally reached Zecora's hut. Knocking on the door rapidly, she slumped against the door frame, exhausted.

She wasn't waiting long before the door opened. Standing up straight again, Applejack readied herself to relay the bad news to Zecora.

"Applejack, what brings you back?"

"Hey Zecora. Ahv some bad news about Gordon, and it ain't pretty."

"Perhaps you should come on in and tell me there, and rest before I have to take care of a collapsed mare."

Zecora turned around and went back into her hut, with Applejack following. She sat down on the chair Zecora pulled out for her and began relaying what had transpired in Canterlot.

"Ah'll get straight to the point Zecora, Gordon has been savagely tortured by Princess Celestia's Solar Guards. He was lashed several times on his back leaving many wounds from which he bled. Rainbow Dash seems ta think you may be able to help heal those wounds, like how ya did after he was attacked by Timberwolves."

Zecora's face soured somewhat at Applejack's news and she began shaking her head.

"But this cannot be so, Princess Celestia would never sink so low."

"Ahm afraid it's true. Gordon needs yer help Zecora, will ya help him?"

"I will help our human friend, but first I must make the potion to bring his pain to an end."

Zecora walked over to some shelves containing all sorts of ingredients ranging from plants, herbs, liquids and so on. Grabbing several item, she brought them over to her workstation and began preparing.

"What are yer makin'?"

"An ointment to be applied to his wounds with a generous amount, the importance if which is paramount."

"How long will it take? Gordon sounded in a pretty bad way."

"I will endeavour to be as quick as I can, but remember that Gordon is a strong and resilient man."

Before Luna went off to acquire the services of Bill Brawn, she first decided to pay her sister another visit. Stomping up the staircase furiously, she then strode down the corridor until she reached her sister's room. The Solar Guards stationed outside wisely remained motionless and made no attempt to block Luna.

Luna, showed no such restraint and attempted to gain entry, only to be denied by a magical forcefield. Angry, she pounded her fist furiously on the door.

"CELESTIA! OPEN UP! YOU HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!" she bellowed in her Royal Canterlot Voice, leaving the guards with a ringing in their ears.

There was no response.

"CELESTIA, OPEN THIS DOOR AT ONCE!"

"BE GONE LUNA!"

"I WILL NOT! AND YOU WILL NOT HIDE AWAY AFTER WHAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR!"

"I SAID GO AWAY LUNA!"

Gritting her teeth in anger, Luna lit up her horn and attempted to teleport in; only to be repelled by magic.

"DO NOT TRY TO FORCE YOUR WAY IN!"

Luna ignored her sister and scanned the magic surrounding the room, and realised there may be a way inside using a very difficult but little known spell.

Walking over to the wall of her sister's room, she lit up her horn. The spell put her in a 'phased' state and allowed her through the wall and the magical shield like a hot knife through butter. Walking inside she saw her sister on the floor beside her bed, her mane not flowing and in an unkempt state. Also evident was the fact that Celestia had been crying.

"We need to talk sister!"

Celestia startled in fright, "How did you get in here?"

"I walked through the wall."

"How?" Celestia demanded.

"It's not important. But what is important is what has happened to Gordon."

Celestia angrily stood up and flared her wings out, radiating intense heat, "I DID NOT ORDER HE BE WHIPPED!"

To anyone else, her 8ft height, outstretched wings and angry response would be intimidating, but to Luna it was water off a duck's back.

"I know, Private Brick Dust attests to that."

"Private Brick Dust?" Celestia queried, the name unfamiliar to her.

"The young soldier who blew the whistle."

"What has become of him and the others?" she asked, folding her wings back and sitting back down.

"Private Brick Dust is in his barracks whilst the others are occupying the dungeon cells. Private Brick Dust has agreed to testify against his former comrades, but it is unlikely he face a Court Martial."

"Good, I do not intend for the perpetrators to go unpunished for their actions."

"Need I remind you sister that any punishment will be handed down by the Court Martial Judge, and that neither of us can issue punishments ourselves or intervene in the investigation or court case."

"I know Luna, but I believe you wanted to talk about Gordon?"

Luna raised an eyebrow, surprised by her sister's sudden change in attitude, "You want to talk about Gordon? Just a few moments ago you were using the Royal Canterlot Voice through the door, making it quite clear that you did not wish to discuss him."

"But you do. And if there's one thing I've learnt is that you are extremely stubborn."

"It takes one to know one sister," Luna replied, smiling slightly.

"What is it about him you wanted to talk about?" Celestia asked scowling, not liking her sister implying she's the stubborn one.

"Compensation for false arrest, wrongful imprisonment and unsapient treatment."

"I suppose that is fair. I will also apologise, but I fear he may not accept it or believe me when I say I did not order he be treated like he was."

"With evidence provided he may believe you, but I would advise against pressing the issue if he does not. Like you, Gordon seems to be quite stubborn when hearing something he doesn't see to be true; especially without evidence to back it up."

Celestia once again ignored the 'stubborn' comparison with Gordon, and moved the conversation on, "I understand a Zebra shaman is on her way to the castle?"

"Yes. I'll instruct the guards to allow her access to the infirmary. Speaking of the infirmary, should you not pay a visit for yourself?"

"Why would I do that?"

"You have a black eye."

Celestia's cheeks turned a light shade of red and she put a hand up to the black eye, "Oh that, it's nothing."

"What happened?"

"I fell over and hit a door knob."

Luna raised an eyebrow sceptically, "Sister?"

"Yes Luna?"

"Tell the truth."

"I did."

"I mean the real truth. What happened?" Luna demanded to know, her voice firm.

"I fell over."

"Sister, you are a terrible liar. What happened?!"

Celestia scowled and folded her arms, throwing a temper tantrum like a little filly, "Twilight hit me."

"I'm sorry?"

Celestia sighed and with great reluctance, repeated herself, "Twilight hit me! She punched me in the face and knocked me out."

Luna tried with all her might to remain stoical but managed only two seconds before bursting into laughter.

ONE HOUR LATER, BACK IN PONYVILLE

Applejack and Zecora approached the library and from the sound of things, it sounded like an argument was taking place. Walking into the library they found the girls were joined by Star Cross and Shining Armor.

"I cannot accept that Princess Celestia would order such a thing!" Shining said fiercely, clenching his knuckles.

"Twilight wouldn't lie, Shining!" Rarity yelled back, "Gordon has been deliberately tortured by Solar Guards, all of whom I believe are under your command as well."

"I know that!" Shining's nostrils flared up with frustration, his ears sticking straight up in aggression, before slowly his face fell again and his ears drooped downward, "And believe me that is something I feel ashamed of! To think that my own soldiers would do something like this!"

Shining rested his head against a wall, taking in deep, slow breaths in an attempt to calm himself down. Soon though, the silence was disturbed by the sound of the latch on the door moving. No-one bothered to look over though, their minds on other matters.

Everyone except for Pinkie that is.

"Hey guys!" Pinkie said, noting Applejack and Zecora re-entering the library.

Everyone else looked up to see them also, their attention now acquired.

"Zecora's got an ointment ready for Gordon," Applejack said, unsurprisingly getting straight to the point, "We're headed to Canterlot right now, any of ya comin'?"

All of them stepped forward, eager to see their friend. Shining too, although he would also be paying his former soldiers a visit and give them all a monumental bollocking for their atrocious actions.

*MEANWHILE IN CANTERLOT*

Rainbow and Twilight re-entered the infirmary, having had something to eat, and approached Gordon's bed. They noticed he was asleep, laying on his front so not to further aggravate the injury on his back. Thin bed sheets covered his back, giving him some warmth without putting too much weight on his back.

"Will the nurses remove the bandages so Zecora can do her stuff?"

"They'll probably wait until the bandages need replacing before they apply whatever Zecora whips up."

"Whips up?! That's not funny Twilight!" Rainbow snarled.

"Sorry," Twilight replied quickly holding her hands up apologetically, "Slip of the tongue. I didn't mean anything by it."

Rainbow's expression softened, "That's OK, I know you wouldn't. You think Gordon will be OK though?"

"He might be a little shaken by it, but he's gone through things like this before; at least he says he has."

"How long will he have to stay here?"

"Not too long hopefully. I don't feel comfortable with the princess so close by."

Rainbow had to do a double take to make sure it really was Twilight stood beside her, "I never thought I'd hear you of all ponies say something like that about Princess Celestia."

"Well after what's happened, my views on her have changed a little. Gordon was right though, I looked up to her so much I was incapable of seeing any wrong in her."

"No one's perfect Twi."

"I used to think Princess Celestia was. And now that image has been shattered."

Rainbow looked at her book loving friend and saw her crestfallen appearance; sad eyes, lowered ears and drooping tail. In an unusually uncharacteristic display of emotion, the cyan mare wrapped her arms around her friend and pulled her in for a hug.

"Come on Twi, don't get yourself so down. Things will turn out OK, maybe this will be a blessing in disguise."

"What do you mean?" Twilight asked, pulling away from the hug slightly and looking confused at Rainbow.

"Well think about it; what happened to Gordon was bad, there's no denying it, but it may end all the anti-human attitudes once and for all. A blessing in disguise."

Twilight thought over it for a few seconds and saw some logic in Rainbow's argument, "Well if it does then it's a pity another human had to suffer for it. They've suffered enough; after all, if it wasn't for Gordon, there'd still be no humans left. It's a bit ironic. Ponies finally accepting humans after being made extinct."

"Do you think there might be humans still out there?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it's no secret that the Griffons saw humans as their equals, some even as kindred spirits; I mean, the human victory over the Changelings at the Battle of Everfree inspired the Griffons to end their civil war and come together as one nation again, the nation we know today. So I was just thinking, what if humans were still around, but living in the Griffon kingdom, the Griffons have never admitted or denied that humans are there."

"It's possible," Twilight replied, pondering the possibility, "The Griffons are hardly fans of the Princess either and they strictly limit access to their nation to ponies. Specifically Equestrian ponies."

"I can't imagine why," Rainbow muttered.

"Anyway, I suppose we'll find out one day," Twilight replied, looking down to the floor, "I wish I knew what really happened."

*KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*

Twilight and Rainbow looked over to the door.

"I wonder who that could be," Rainbow wondered aloud.

Before they had a chance to move, the door opened revealing a very tall, very well built biped that was neither pony or human, flanked by two more of the same creature; though the latter two were clearly soldiers if the Winchester like rifles and uniforms were anything to go by. The figure wore ceremonial robes of purple and with gold embroidery, draped over him in the same way a Roman senator wore a toga. The figure saw the two mares and walked over, causing them to quickly move out of the way, slightly fearful of his great size. The figure moved the covers back and his eyes widened with horror at the sight.

"So it really is true," he whispered venomously, turning his head to the now shaking mares.

A FEW MINUTES PREVIOUSLY

When uninvited guests entered the castle, it was customary for the guards to attempt to remove the intruder. If said intruder refused, force could be used to either arrest the individual and place them in the dungeons, or to literally kick them out. This time though, the guards on duty decided to not approach the 'intruder'.

Being a 7ft tall Griffon flanked by two 7ft armed guards had its advantages. Especially when the locals still used swords and spears and you used guns.

The hulking Griffon angrily threw open the throne room doors, his blood boiling increasingly and his control over his anger reaching breaking point.

"PRINCESS CELESTIA!" the griffon bellowed, his voice echoing off of the walls, "I DEMAND AN AUDIENCE!"

The griffon looked around to find the room vacant. Huffing and turning back around, he approached the Solar Guards on duty outside the throne room. Pointing a massive claw at one of them, he addressed him firmly, "You, I demand an audience with your princess at once!"

"Y-yes s-sir," the guard quivered, quickly saluting and running away quickly.

The griffons were not impressed.

"Pathetic."

A few minutes later, the griffon and his two guards were still waiting in the throne room when the doors opened once more, revealing the two Princesses. Luna looked slightly nervous, knowing full well what this was about and where it was going to go. Celestia meanwhile, had a cheery smile on her face, seemingly oblivious to the angry snarl of the griffon.

"Ambassador Fairfax, a pleasure to see you again."

"Don't act all nice with me Princess!" he hissed, "I am here on behalf of the Griffon government and Royal Family, to demand an explanation!"

"An explanation about what?"

"Do not insult me with your fake ignorance!" Fairfax snarled.

"Sister!" Luna harshly snapped, "Now is not the time for your political mind games!"

Fairfax looked to Luna and extended a claw, "Princess Luna, it is a pleasure to meet you again."

"Likewise Ambassador," she replied with a smile, shaking the ambassador's claw, "Though I wish the circumstances were different."

"As do I," Fairfax said, "Which is precisely why I am here. We, the griffons, want to know why we were not informed as to the appearance of another human, and we also want to know what transpired earlier. We have heard that the human was savagely tortured by Solar Guards."

Celestia scowled at the emphasis on Solar, but didn't intervene and allowed Fairfax to continue speaking.

"Surely," Fairfax continued, "This was just a fantasy written by the racist bigots at the Celestia News Network."

"I beg your pardon?! Celestia News Network?" Celestia repeated indignantly.

"Apologies, the Canterlot News Network," Fairfax replied with a satisfied grin, retelling a joke that never gets old amongst Griffons, "But like I said, surely the rumours I heard was just some horror fantasy story and not actual fact."

Celestia and Luna looked at one another, a stern looking Luna giving Celestia a firm nod.

Celestia took a deep breath to compose herself before revealing the damning truth, "It is indeed true. He is currently in the castle infirmary. You may go there to see him if you so wish."

Fairfax showed no emotion and he wasted no time in leaving, his two guards following him, not even giving a customary farewell to Celestia. Something that greatly irked her. Even more so then his slamming close the throne room door.

"How rude."

"I doubt he gives a shit what you think, Celestia."

*PRESENT TIME BACK IN THE INFIRMARY

Fairfax looked at Gordon laying injured in the bed, a mix of awe and anger overwhelmed him. Awe in that he was the first Griffon to see a non-Equestrian human in eight centuries, but blood-boiling anger over what had been done to him. He looked over to the two mares, both of whom he recognised.

"The Elements of Magic and Loyalty. Why are you two here?" he demanded.

Twilight spoke up, "We're his friends. I'm Twilight Sparkle and this is Rainbow Dash."

"When did you find out about this?" Fairfax asked.

"Earlier today. At first we came to demand he be released from the dungeons-"

"WHY WAS HE BEING HELD IN HE DUNGEONS?!" Fairfax's voice boomed, his voice bouncing off the walls.

Twilight and Rainbow both flinched slightly from the volume and force of his voice, but Twilight managed to compose herself quick enough to answer.

"It's a long story, but Princess Celestia put him in there after he told her to shut up."

It took Fairfax a few seconds to process the information he had just been given. He scrutinised Twilight's facial expressions, looking for any sign that she was pulling his leg. Ponies were known for being very expressionistic in their facial features and easy to read, and Fairfax found it hard to believe that even Celestia would react in such a manner to something so trivial.

But the more he scrutinised Twilight the more he realised she was being deadly serious.

"'Shut up'? He told her to 'shut up' and this," he hissed, pointing to Gordon, "Is what she does?!"

"She didn't order it to happen! Rogue Solar Guards are responsible!"

"How convenient," Fairfax replied, "She has scapegoats to take the fall for her. Your Princess never was one for admitting she made mistakes, she would always cover them up or attach blame to others. Believe me, we Griffons know all to well what she's done in the past. She may airbrush history when events don't suit her or portray her in a flattering light, but we don't. Not even the parts of our history that we are ashamed of."

"It's true this time," Twilight quickly added, "One of the Solar Guards who only witnessed what happened managed to get word to Prince Blueblood. The guards responsible are currently in the dungeons themselves."

"Really?" Fairfax sceptically asked, "So if I were to ask Prince Blueblood, he would confirm this?"

"Yes."

"Where can I find him?"

"I don't know where exactly he'll be, but there's a chance he might be in the concert hall."

"Very well, and how do I get there?"

"I'll show you, I used to live in the castle after all," Twilight replied, before turning to Rainbow, "Will you be OK here with Gordon?"

"I'll be fine, don't worry."

"Gordon?" Fairfax repeated, "That is his name?"

"Yes, his first name anyway," Twilight replied.

"Gresley," muttered Fairfax.

"You know his last name?" Rainbow asked, shocked at the revelation, "How?"

Damn pony hearing, Fairfax thought.

"It-it came to my attention in some of the rumours I heard."

Twilight scrutinised Fairfax, noting his mouth said one thing but his eyes another. But then again she didn't know much about Griffon body language so she may be misreading things.

"Anyway, if you would be so kind as to lead the way Miss Sparkle."

"Of course, but if you don't mind me asking....who are you?"

"William Fairfax, Griffon Ambassador to Equestria," he replied, not surprised that they didn't know given how ignorant Equestrians are of outside nations and cultures.

"We have a new one?" Rainbow asked, "What happened to the last one?"

"Sir William Montague retired due to ill health and as I had completed my commission as General of the Griffon 6th Army, I was appointed by Prime Minister Cromwell and received Royal Approval from His Majesty King Edward III to take over the post."

"Is it normal for military officers to become ambassadors?" asked Twilight.

"It is for Griffons. I am not the first and I will not be the last."

"Who was the first?" Rainbow asked curiously.

"General Sir Thomas Ferdinand, now; if there's no more questions...." Fairfax said, his tone of voice starting to become impatient.

"Of course, I apologise. Follow me ambassador," Twilight said, blushing slightly and twiddling her mane with her fingers.

A SHORT WHILE LATER

The other girls and company had finally arrived at the castle and were making their way up the castle steps and into the castle itself, the guards opening the doors immediately having remembered their orders expecting them to arrive and to allow them entry. Entering the castle with vary emotions ranging from fear, anger, trepidation etc, they were greeted by a Thestral guard who had been waiting specifically for them to arrive.

"Elements, Captain Armor; If you follow me I will take you to the infirmary as per Princess Luna's orders."

"Proceed Corporal," Shining replied.

The group followed the corporal and within a couple of minutes, were stood outside the infirmary.

"You may go in whenever you are ready," the corporal said.

Shining nodded and headed for the door immediately, with the girls and Spike following. Shining opened the door and went inside, seeing Rainbow and Twilight already at Gordon's bedside.

"Twilight," Shining called out.

She looked up and smiled at the sight of her big brother, "Shining, come on over."

He did so with the girls right behind him. As he got closer, Shining saw Gordon laid on his front with thin sheet draped over his back, hiding his heavily bandaged back. Shining walked up to the bed, slowly moved the covers back and shook his head in disbelief, "How is he?"

"The doctor said he'd have some scarring, but his wounds should for the most part heal up."

Zecora joined Shining at the side of the bed and pulled out a medium sized tub, handing it over to Rainbow, "This ointment I give to you, your love for Gordon strong and true."

Rainbow blushed and tentatively took the tub, "Th-thank you."

Rainbow held the tub close to her chest as she turned her attention back to Gordon, staring at his bandaged back once more. As much as she wanted to apply some of the ointment now, the nurses would give her an absolute bollocking if she removed the bandages now.

Better wait until they change them, she thought, Or I might be a patient too.

"Are you OK Rainbow?"

Rainbow looked up to see her oldest and bestest friend, "I'm OK Fluttreshy.....mostly."

"We're here if ya need us sugarcube."

"Thanks AJ."

The girls, despite their best efforts, couldn't hide their distress at seeing Gordon on the condition he was; and despite the heavy bandaging, blood was still visible that had soaked into the bandages.

"Forgive me for asking," Rarity started, her voice nervous and quiet, "But how bad was it?"

"Terrible," Rainbow replied, a tear falling down her cheek, "Th-they h-hurt him s-so bad...."

Unsurprisingly, Fluttershy came to Rainbow's aid and wrapped her friend into a hug. Rainbow returned the gesture and soon the emotional dam she built up burst and what was a few tears became a flood.

"It's OK Rainbow," Fluttershy said softly, "Just let it all out."

The others watched on in pity, feeling deeply for their friend. It was extremely rare for Rainbow to show such emotions in front of anyone, her friends included, but what had happened to Gordon was too much for her. If ever there was any doubt that she cared deeply for Gordon, one need only look at recent events to see how Rainbow reacted and how she intends to take care of any needs he'll have once discharged.

After a few moments Fluttershy let go and Rarity handed over a tissue to Rainbow.

"Thanks Rares," Rainbow replied, drying her eyes and blowing her nose.

A barely audible groan could be heard along with the rusting of bedsheets of very slight movements from the bed's occupant.

"Gordon?" Rainbow said, looking over, desperately hoping he was waking up.

"Mmmph, Dash?"

Gordon began shakily waving his hand slowly around, trying to feel for something. Rainbow gently caught his hand and moved her muzzle close to his face, "I'm here Gordon."

"Dash?"

"It's me Gordon."

Gordon slowly opened his eyes and his blurry vision soon focussed. A smile formed on his face upon seeing the increasingly pleasant-to-see cyan furred mare with rainbow mane.

"Dashie."

"Hey Gordon, you feeling better?" she asked quietly, fighting back tears again.

"A lot now you're here," he replied quietly, "Is anyone else here?"

"Spike, Shining, Zecora and the girls. Zecora made some ointment for your back, to help it heal."

"That'll be good, the pain's almost unbearable."

"Will you be OK?"

Gordon nodded, "I've suffered worse."

"We can't put any ointment on yet though," Rainbow said, "We'll have to wait until the nurses change the bandages."

"Fair enough, how are the others?" Gordon asked, doing his best to look at them despite the way he was positioned.

"We're OK darling, more so than before when we heard....what happened," Rarity finished off with a grimace, feeling uneasy once more just thinking about it.

"How did anyone find out what was going on?"

"One of the guards snuck off to inform Prince Blueblood, a young private a few weeks out of training," Shining replied.

"Brick Dust."

Shining's eyes widened in surprise, "How did you know that?"

"He was with some twat called Short Fuse who decided to hit me a few times before they stripped me naked and whipped me."

"That concurs with Brick Dust's statement," Shining continued.

"What happened to him?"

"Prince Blueblood has put him on medical leave, the others who took part are in the dungeons."

"Why would Brick Dust be given medical leave? He took part in it! He should be in the slammer too!" Gordon snarled, his face going red with anger.

"He did not partake in the whipping, he admits to hitting you in the cell but once he saw what Short Fuse and the others were doing he realised he had to do something; so he snuck out and reported the incident."

"So he's a rookie who got assigned to a bad officer?"

"Not exactly. Whilst Short Fuse is known for having a hair trigger temper, even this is going too far for him. We'll be looking thoroughly into all performance reviews about him to determine just why he did what he did."

"Maybe it's because he hates humans and follows every order his bitch of a boss gives," Gordon said with increasing agitation, twisting around so he could get a better view of everyone, "I mean for fucks sake, I knew she hated me but don't you think this is going a little too far?"

"Gordon, calm down," Rainbow pleaded, "You'll open your wounds again if you're not careful."

"After what I've been put through I deserve an answer!"

"You're right," Twilight said, "You absolutely do but according to Brick Dust, Princess Celestia did not order you to be whipped."

"Yeah right," Gordon replied, rolling his eyes, "Next you'll be telling me she moves the sun."

The group flinched slightly at Gordon's stinging comeback and an awkward silence fell amongst them.

"Sorry," Gordon said, "I didn't mean to snap like that. But considering how she's acted towards me in the past, can you blame me for thinking that?"

"No, I suppose not," Twilight conceded.

Hearing the door open, everyone looked up to and saw two ponies enter.

"Piss off you fucking bitch!"

Celestia did not need to be told to whom Gordon was addressing. Gulping nervously and fumbling with her hands, she approached the bed where everyone was stood. Celestia's nervous smile did nothing to lessen the stern glares the girls were giving her.

Particularly Rainbow.

"Which part of piss off did you not understand?" Gordon asked, "I do not want to hear anything from you. So FUCK OFF!"

"Please allow me to speak Gordon, and say what I must," Celestia pleaded, on the brink of tears.

"Will you get out of my sight afterwards and not show yourself again?"

Celestia hesitantly nodded, "Y-yes."

"Then say what you must."

Celestia took a deep breath then began, being watched on intently by everyone else in the room, "I know this will mean little to you, but I deeply regret and apologise for what transpired in the dungeon. I assure you that I did not make any such orders in regards to you being whipped. I am truly appalled by the actions of my guards and I again assure you that they will be punished."

Celestia walked a little closer to the bed and pulled up a nearby chair, sitting down next to Rainbow.

"I also regret for goading you earlier in Ponyville. I behaved in a manner completely unacceptable to someone in my position. I realise that I may have ruined any chance there may have been in creating a cordial relationship between us and that I have forfeited the second chance you granted me after I assaulted you at our first encounter."

Gordon continued to watch and listen to Celestia, his neutral face giving no indication as to what he was thinking.

"I will understand if you do not accept my apology or even believe me when I say I did not give those orders, but I speak truthfully. I will leave you to your friends......when you are discharged by the doctor, you are free to return to Ponyville."

Celestia's eyes began to water as she looked over Gordon's bandaged back, spots of blood still seeping through despite the heavy bandaging.

"Do you accept my apology?" she pleadingly asked.

Gordon turned his head away from Celestia and rested it on the pillow with several seconds passing without a sound from anyone. Interpreting Gordon's silence as a no, she hung her head in defeat and sighed. She stood up and slowly made her way to the door and opened it, but before she left, Gordon called out.

"Celestia."

"Yes?"

"........shut up."

Celestia flinched and reeled back a little, not expecting the venom filled answer. Tears began falling and her bottom lip trembled and she ran out of the room, quickly followed by Luna.

After she left and closed the door, the others turned back to Gordon, with Twilight being the first to speak.

"Was that really necessary?"

"Probably not."

"Then why did you do it?"

Gordon shrugged his shoulders, "It felt like the right thing to say. You didn't honestly believe her bullcrap that she didn't give those orders?"

"I'm inclined to believe her," Twilight replied, "I've known her longer than you Gordon and while I admit she's 'airbrushed history', as you put it, I honestly believe her when she says she didn't order the guards to whip you."

"Well believe what you want," Gordon said grumpily, "I'm going back to sleep. My back's killing me."

"Do you want any painkiller's for it?" Twilight asked, "I can get one the nurses to fetch some."

"Please, might help me sleep better."

"Sure thing. I'll try not be too long," Twilight said standing up, turning to the gang, "Are you guys coming?"

"Sure," replied Applejack, before turning to Gordon, "You get plenty of rest now, ya hear?"

"I will do," Gordon replied, "Don't worry about me."

"Rest well darling."

"Bye Gordon," Pinkie added.

"I hope you get well soon Gordon," Fluttershy added, gently hugging Gordon, "Angel is wanting to see you again."

"I'll stop by after I get back to Ponyville, if that's OK?"

"Of course it is."

"I'll see you then then."

The others made their way to the infirmary room door, except for Rainbow who remained sat at Gordon's bedside, holding his hand.

"Rainbow, are you coming?" Twilight asked, standing at the door.

"I'll stay here."

"OK, I'll let the princesses know. Bye Rainbow, bye Gordon."

"Bye Twi."

Twilight and the others left, leaving Rainbow with Gordon. Much to her delight.

"It's just you and me now Gordon," she said aloud.

No response.

"Gordon?"

Still no response.

Rainbow looked down to Gordon and gently shook him.

"Gordon?"

A snort left his nostrils.

"And you're asleep," Rainbow said sighing.

Looking around the room for other ponies and seeing there were none, she slowly moved her head close to Gordon.

And nuzzled him.

Celestia burst into her bedroom clutching the skirt of her dress, tears falling freely as she collapsed over her bed, kneeling over the side of it. A soft click of the door indicated Luna had followed her in and had shut the door behind her.

Luna walked up to the bed and sat down gently next to her sister, looking on sympathetically, "Sister, do not take what Gordon said to heart. He is just angry over what has happened to him."

"No Luna," Celestia cried into the bed, "He absolutely meant it! He hates me!"

"No he does not. He may hate what you do and may have done, but I do not believe he hates you personally."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

Luna reeled back like she'd just been slapped, "Tia! I would never do such a thing!"

Celestia lifted her head off of the bed and looked at Luna, the fur in her face matted with her tears, "No......you wouldn't. Forgive me Luna I didn't mean to-"

Luna held up a hand, "There's no need to apologise sister, I am not offended."

Celestia pulled herself up and sat beside Luna, pulling out some tissues with her magic and blowing her nose as she did so.

"Better?" asked Luna.

Celestia nodded, "A little."

"Do you want to talk about anything?"

Celestia, still crying, looked over to where she had left the box containing memories from long ago. Events of the past week had affected her far more than she realised, causing memories from long ago to surface once more along with all the emotional baggage that came with them. Feeling overwhelmed by all that was happening, she knew she had to unload the emotional burden that was consuming her; and if she couldn't talk to her sister about it, then she couldn't talk to anyone.

Celestia took a deep breath and composed herself, ".......I suppose now is as good a time as any. But you'll need to follow me to the dungeon."

"Why?"

"It involves the room where Gordon was tortured."

*MEANWHILE IN THE CASTLE THEATRE

Blueblood sat on a chair adjacent to the conductor's podium in the castle's theatre, with Ambassador Fairfax sat opposite. Despite being a member of the Royal Family and having military experience, serving as an officer and reaching the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, his true passion was music. Specifically conducting and production. Sadly though, too many ponies didn't like dramatic, upsetting and ominous plays. They much preferred happy, sappy musicals that had no depth or anything he considered a story or plot. Despite his best efforts, he had yet to find a truly emotional and deep story that resonates with ponies and others.

For now though, his mind was on more pressing matters.

"It is regrettable what has happened, my aunt's baffling behaviour earlier today most certainly did not help. Tea?"

Fairfax looked at the fine china tea set before him, the smell of East Riding Gold filling his nostrils. As much as he found the Equestrians annoying and self-centred, they at least knew how to blend excellent tea.

"Thank you. In what way did your aunt's behaviour not help?"

Blueblood began pouring some tea, followed by milk; much to Fairfax's satisfaction. It reminded him of an old Griffon saying, 'Never trust a Griffon who puts milk in first'.

Wise words to live by.

"According to Lady Sparkle, my aunt taunted and goaded the human in addition to tampering with some science experiments he was conducting."

"What kind of experiments?" Fairfax asked, taking his tea and having a sip.

"Sugar rockets, according to Aunt Luna."

"Why did your aunt sabotage them?"

"My aunt has always been opposed to scientific advancement. She sees it as a threat to the status quo and a threat to her rule."

"A threat to her rule, as in her rule specifically," Fairfax scoffed, "Clearly parliamentary representation means nothing to her. Does she really think her subjects are not entitled to a voice in government?"

"She is a control freak. Everything and everyone has to do things her way or it is wrong. She doesn't trust anyone except herself to teach ponies the 'right path'."

Fairfax scoffed and shook his head, "The last time one of our sovereigns attempted to interfere with the affairs of parliament, the reigning king ended up getting his head lopped off. "

"Rule by consent."

"Exactly. Every King and Queen knows they rule by the consent of parliament only, they may refuse Royal Assent amongst other things, but they do NOT govern!" Fairfax stated with conviction, a belief he deeply believed in.

And one he would die for.

"You are a descendant of one of the 'Consenters' are you not?"

Fairfax nodded, "A direct descendant of the Brigadier Orville Fairfax, he lead a Consenter victory against the 'Absolutists' at the Battle of Winchester, although it was not the winning victory."

"Still an impressive family history nonetheless."

"Indeed. My son followed in family tradition but instead of the army, wished to join the Navy. A wish I fully supported."

"Has he graduated yet?"

"Last year. I hope I live long enough to see him command his own ship."

"Do you think you will?"

"So long as I don't anger my wife I should be able to."

"ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS!"

Shining's booming voice echoed throughout the dungeon, ricocheting off of the walls and amplifying the sound.

"YOU ARE ALL A DISGRACE TO THE SOLAR GUARD! AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THIS NATION!"

Some of the Solar Guards were quivering in fear and avoiding eye contact with Shining as he marched up and down the dungeon hallway, his hoof steps echoing throughout the chambers. Though not all of them were so afarid, some looked bored through their skulls and completely unfazed at the dressing down.

Realising the ring leader wasn't listening, Shining marched over and banged the bars loudly in an attempt to elicit Short Fuse's attention.

"LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU SHORT FUSE!"

"Go fuck yourself."

Shining was certain a blood vessel just burst in his head, "EXCUSE ME! WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!"

"I said 'go fuck yourself' you dumb princess's sissy colt."

Shining marched up the dungeon cell door and slammed it as hard as he could, hurting his hand in the process, "SILENCE!"

"It seems you struck a nerve Short," another former guard said, "Lovebutt's pet doggie is throwing a temper tantrum."

"YOU WILL BE SILENT TOO!"

The imprisoned former guards responded by mimicking the howls and barks of dogs, further angering the respectful Captain. Placing a hand on his sword, Shining began to walk over to Short Fuse's cell.

The only thing that saved the guards from Shining embedding them into their cell walls was the opening of the dungeon entrance door. Hearing the hooves getting louder, Shining looked up to see who it was that was coming down.

It was the Princesses.

"Your royal highnesses," Shining said, letting go of his sword and bowing in respect to his diarchs.

"That's right," yelled an incarcerated guard, "Bow down like an obedient puppy."

"BE SILENT!"

The shouting this time came not from Shining, but Celestia. Scowling fiercely and with wings stretched out and the slightest appearance of fire emanating from them, Celestia walked over the the cell containing the former guard with the loose tongue.

"You will be silent!" she spat venomously, "I will not hear any more from you or the others. You have disgraced the Solar Guard, this castle, Equestria, your families and yourselves!"

Celestia began walking up the hallway, looking into the cells at the former guards noting their different attitudes and expressions. One of them, a private, looked deeply ashamed and, huddled into a corner, tried to cover himself with his arms so as to not see the shame and disappointment his Princess saw in him. The others however, did not seem to care one iota. When she stopped in front of the cell containing Short Fuse, her mane and tail began changing colours from their usual rainbow appearance, to look more like fire.

"You," she spat, "You are a truly despicable individual."

"Pot kettle black.......Sun Butt."

Celestia's fiery mane and tail seemed to gain intensity, illuminating the dark and dingy dungeon like the beam of a warship searchlight being switched on in the dead of night.

"Do not speak to me like that," Celestia replied with a disturbing calmness.

"Or what? You'll send those dumb little whores in with their dumb necklaces and rainbow beam of friendship me to death?"

A fuse blew in Celestia's mind and she slammed on the bars of the cell door ferociously, the flames on her mane and tail roaring intensely.

"Do not speak of the elements in that manner! You are in deep enough trouble as it is!"

"Ooooooooooh, I'm soooo scared."

Celestia was too angry to respond but if looks alone could kill then Short Fuse would have been reduced to a speck of ash right there and then.

"Sister?"

Celestia looked over to Luna, "What?"

"You may wish to let go of the cell door."

"Why?"

Luna motioned with her head for Celestia to look. Celestia did so and saw that where her hands where in the door had melted the metal. Her anger had manifested intense heat in her hands that melted the magic reinforced steel. Slightly shocked, Celestia let go and after a few breathing exercises to calm down, her mane and tail returned to normal.

Turning to one of her accompanying guards, she pointed to the cell, "Move him to a cell in deeper below the castle under constant surveillance, and send a court mage to repair this door."

The guard bowed, "At once ma'am."

"At once ma'am," Short Fuse mimicked.

The guard, to his credit, ignored Short Fuse's behaviour despite it angering him and instead carried out his orders.

Shining, seeing no reason to be there any longer, decided to leave too.

"If you'll excuse me, your highnesses, I will leave you."

"Farewell Captain Armor," Luna replied.

"Shall we see you at tea, Captain?" asked Celestia.

"Of course. I'm sure Twilight will be too."

"She will do. Until later Captain."

Shining bowed once more and left. Once he had left, Luna turned to her sister.

"So, what now?" asked Luna.

"Follow me."

Celestia lead Luna further into the dungeon to the room Gordon was tortured. Upon entering the room and seeing Blueblood's guards, the stench of blood and death filled their noses making the princesses feel sick to their stomachs. The guards on duty, hearing the door open, looked up and all immediately took to their knees in a bow upon seeing their princesses.

"Rise, please," Celestia replied with a smile.

They all did so and where soon approached by two guards, both of whom looking worried.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, I am Sergeant Antonius Remus and this is Corporal Ice Wind. Whilst investigating this room for clues we discovered something......unexpected."

"In what way?" Celestia asked.

"It is over on the evidence table ma'am."

"Show us."

Ice Wind and Antonius lead the Princesses over to the table, as they did so a feeling of dread overcame Celestia. This room she knew all too well from long ago when, to her later shame and regret, had many humans tortured.....and sometimes her own subjects. Sometimes for information, sometimes as punishment.

But sometimes for revenge.

As she looked around at all the terrible devices, she could hear the screams of pain and begs of mercy from humans and their pony collaborators being horrifically tortured, the awful memories of eight centuries yet again reminding her of her failures and how letting anger spiral out of control can consume you and make decisions for you.

"This is what we found ma'am," Antonius said, pointing to a skull, "We found it in the brazen bull over there."

Celestia looked over to where he was pointing and almost immediately recoiled in horror, stumbling back into the table and almost falling to the floor.

"Sister!"

Luna rushed over and helped her sister to her feet while the guards watched on. Luna looked between her sister and the brazen bull and quickly deduced that seeing it may be connected to what Celestia wanted to talk to her about. But first, the guards needed to leave.

"Guards, leave us at once."

Luna's firm order left no question that it was to carried out without delay and Blueblood's guards quickly and quietly left the room, leaving the sisters on their own.

"Tia, what's wrong?" she asked, helping her sister to stand up.

Celestia didn't immediately answer, instead tears fell from her eyes and she sniffled a little.

"Sister?"

"Eight centuries ago," Celestia began, still crying, "Torture was still common practice, used for various reasons such as punishment for law breaking. At one point, several dozen ponies attempted to depose me. The ones we captured were tortured for information for the whereabouts of their remaining group. I....personally tortured some of them myself."

Despite having an unsavoury past herself, even Luna was shocked at this, "I cannot see you committing such horrible acts Tia."

"I was a different mare eight hundred years ago. A lot angrier and prone to rash decisions. Eventually, we captured a human who we were lead to believe was behind the coup."

As she said this, she pulled out a photo she had hidden in the bust of her chest and unfolded it.

"What is that?" asked Luna.

Celestia looked down at the skull on the table and then over to the brazen bull, "Nothing."

"If it's nothing, then why are you so distressed? Sister, please tell me," Luna pleaded, walking over and placing a comforting hand on Celestia's shoulder.

Celestia stood silently for a few moments, calmly composing herself, "The items in the box you saw earlier..... some are photos of when the first humans were in Equestria. Memories of one human in particular."

Celestia showed the picture she was holding to Luna. It showed a black haired human sitting on a wooden garden bench, drinking a glass of wine with Celestia; the wine glass in one hand, and holding Celestia's hand with the other. He was dressed in what was unmistakably the golden armour of the Solar Guard Captain, and a sword on his hip that showed to all that that he had been given a knighthood by the Princess herself, one of the nations highest honours.

Luna, looking between the man in the photo, the skull on the table and Celestia's tears, connected the dots and came to an assumption she hoped wasn't true, "This skull, is that of the same man in the photo?"

Celestia nodded, her eyes closed.

"Who was he?"

Celestia sniffed as she burst into tears, "He was my lover!"

Celestia bawled her eyes out as a torrent of tears were now in free-fall. She collapsed to the floor and cried into her knees, quickly comforted by her sister, but the tears kept coming, as did new information.

"And he was innocent."

Author's Notes:

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