Pinkamena and Rainbow Dash had an intense staring contest, inches away from each other’s face. Pinkamena had dried blood on her face, an insane smile, a daring look in her eyes. Rainbow looked the same, minus the blood. Neither seemed to be budging, the tension in the room was thick. Until Pinkamena scoffed, leaning back in her chair away from Rainbow as if she was uninterested.

“So, who’s going to be asking the first question?”

Pinkamena asked curiously, hoping that didn’t count as the first question. Rainbow didn’t flinch, expecting that response.

“Well, since I’m in a generous mood, I’ll let you ask the first question. Also, because I figured you wouldn’t find it fair if I’d go first so that you can go.”

Rainbow said sadistically, almost as if she knew exactly what she was going to ask.

Pinkamena leaned forward again, her eyebrows furrowing and the smile her face disappearing, being replaced by a look of seriousness and anger.

“how are you alive?!”

Her words were filled with venom, practically spitting her words.

“Yeah, figured that would be the first thing you’d ask. It would be the same for me in your position, but since I’m not, mine would be quite different.”

Rainbow looked into Pinkamena’s eyes, noticing the anger burning inside her, it made her smile widen.

“Do you remember The Mirror Pool?”

Pinkamena was taken back, the sudden calmness of her voice was…unsettling.

“The thing I used to clone myself? Didn’t Twilight block that off? What does that have to do with anything?”

The face Pinkamena had shown her confusion, as she was trying to put together the pieces in her head. She had used the pool to clone herself, that way she could make an alibi, or be able to play with her toys all she wanted. But then things got out of hand, and she was forced to ask Twilight and the others for help. She had learned from that point on not to rely on unpredictable magical stuff she finds in the woods.

Rainbow leaned back, smirking, further enraging Pinkamena.

“More than you think, that pool can clone any individual an infinite amount of times, making it extremely useful. There are millions of ways you could use that, one of them, might even be faking your death.”

Rainbow said suggestively, as if she wanted Pinkamena to guess the answer. And, after a few seconds, Pinkamena had a look of realization on her face.

“You cloned yourself!”

Pinkamena declared, Rainbow only looking at her smugly in response.

“Correct, good job, then again, wasn’t that hard to figure out. But yeah, that’s what happened. Originally, they were just going to make me stay in The Factory like everypony else. But, when I was sent to The Summer Sun Celebration as the representative, the whole Nightmare Moon incident happened, and I became The Element of Loyalty. So, they had to compromise. Using the Mirror Pool, we made a clone of me to stand in as The Element of Loyalty. She had all my memories and knowledge but had a different job. Then, well, you know the rest.”

Rainbow’s explanation was calm and thought out as if it was so simple to her. But that cocky look in her eyes and that smug smile never left, it irritated Pinkamena more and more every second. But, she had to admit, she was slightly impressed. It was a smart plan, using a clone like that, something she could do. But somehow, if she did that, killing her friends would be less enjoyable. Still, there was one thing that didn’t make sense.

“Ok, that explains how you’re here. But, that doesn’t explain why you knew it was me that killed you. If your clone just stopped reporting to you, there could be dozens of explanations of what could have happened to them.”

While Pinkamena was somewhat satisfied now that she had an explanation, she was also disappointed. Since it was her clone who she played with, Rainbow wouldn’t have the memories of the fun they shared.

At Pinkamena’s question, for the first time, Rainbow flinched. The smile on her face disappeared, being replaced by a frown. The cocky look in her eyes left, being replaced by something, something familiar. She looked different, like she recalled something, like she was traumatized. There was a look in her eyes, something Pinkamena recognized; it almost looked like fear.

“Well, you see, that’s the thing about clones.”

Her tone was different from before; it wasn't calm like before, it sounded like she was frightened. Like she recalled a memory, or trauma.

“You wouldn’t know this, since your clones didn’t technically die, they were sent back. But, when a clone dies, their memories are sent to the original. Meaning, everyone they met, everything they did, and…everything that was done to them, goes to the owner. So, when yo-“

“You remember then!?”

Pinkamena interrupted her, her excitement overcoming her. She had leaped forward, and eager smile on her face. But this time, Rainbow didn’t have one on hers. She was almost stammering, practically sweating, as she recalled the events of that night. She’s done things to other ponies, killed dozens. But never as gruesome like that, having it done to her, being in fear like that, at the mercy of someone she thought was a friend. Not even she could be unfazed after something like that, but she would try her hardest not to show it, she was stronger than that.

“Yes, I do. Now, on-

“That’s amazing! I was so worried you wouldn’t remember, we had so much fun together! And you made such good cupcakes too! And that look on your face, when you realized your ‘best friend’ was about to murder you? Priceless! Ooh! What was your favorite part? The electrocution? The maiming? What about when I cut you open and pulled out your-“

“NEXT QUESTION!”

Pinkamena had been behaving erratically, asking questions about the event like it was a party, subject aside, she was acting like Pinkie. Combined with her still dealing with the trauma, her acting like the Pinkie that was once her friend, enraged her.

“Someone’s touchy, fine, ruin my fun.”

Pinkamena’s excitement left her, as she disappointingly sat back down in the chair, her arms crossed. Though, she was immensely satisfied. Not only did she now know Rainbow remembered everything, but for the first time since she killed her, that was the first time she’s ever seen Rainbow angry, truly angry. Their fun together had obviously affected her, but she’d never show it. Either because of some tough pony complex, or just not to give Pinkamena the satisfaction. But, this was good, this meant she could be hurt. And if it can be damaged, it can be broken.

“Since you went, it’s my turn. Now, how long have you been doing this?”

Rainbow asked, her anger and fear seem to completely disappear. Her composure returning, but, the damage had been done, she had lost her cool. She had to focus; she couldn’t let this get personal. If she did, Pinkamena might not make it out of this room.

“Really? That’s your first question? Bit cliché, don’t you think?”

Pinkamena’s arms were still crossed childishly, but her face was now more serious.

“Ever since I was a filly, I was curious what it would be like to take a life, to watch the life leave their eyes. So, my first time was in high school, same time as my first kill, if you know what I mean. Got a taste of it ever since, luckily, ponies are far too stupid and trusting for me to have ever get caught. Allowed me to get proper experience and learn, it took a few years before I was as good as I am, and now, we’re here.”

She said nonchalantly, as if the subject meant nothing to her, or she’s been asked that question multiple times before. Rainbow seemed…unsatisfied, there had to be some sort of trauma, some event that damaged her, something. Ponies aren’t born evil; she didn’t believe that.

“That’s it? You killed out of curiosity? There wasn’t something that traumatized you? You weren’t raped by your dad, kidnapped by some serial killer, someone was killed in front of you? Nothing traumatizing at all?”

Rainbow asked demandingly, she was sure there must have been something. But, Pinkamena just smiled at her.

“Sorry to disappoint, but no, daddy didn’t have the balls to touch me, we didn’t have serial killers where I lived, and no pony’s been killed in front of me. I was just born like this; I’m one hundred percent natural! Now, onto my question:”

Pinkamena sadistically leaned forward, looking into Rainbow’s eye, a smile on her face.

“Why did you start killing? I’m sure it was because of whatever system this place has, but still, I want to know how you became who you are today.”

Her tone was filled with a morbid curiosity; something Rainbow Dash shouldn’t have been surprised at.

“Well, I can’t tell you how the exactly they decide on who’s good enough, sort of confidential. But, I’ll tell you what I can. How members are initiated are simple, after passing the basic flying test, the higher ups look at your results. And if they’re good enough, they look at your record. If they think you have potential, then they lock you up with the rest of the failures. Failures, are the ones who couldn’t even pass the basic flying test, and aren’t even considered Pegasi if they’re that pathetic.

When they lock you up with the rest, after a few days, they take you out, and one other pony. Preferably one who you’ve made friends with, but if not, just any random pony. Then, they tell you to kill them in the name of Pegasi. I was stubborn then, and had my innocence, so I refused. But, eventually, I did. I felt regret for months, but, after they taught me that failures like them meant nothing, and that I should be proud, I became one of them.

And, through years of climbing the ladder of power, I’m now one of the highest ranks possible. Does that answer satisfy you?”

Rainbow’s explanation sounded more like a rant; she didn’t have her usual tone of calmness. It sounded more angry and spiteful, like it was something that bothered her. But, Pinkamena wouldn’t dwell on it, it probably wasn’t that important.

“Well, I was hoping for more detail on how you killed, like beat them to death, choke them, etc. but, I got what I wanted from that. Now, go on, ask your question. From that look on your face, there’s something you really want to ask me. But that’s okay, because I have something I want to ask you, and you’re not going to like it.”

Rainbow’s face changed, it was no longer sadistic and playful, it was anger.

“This is more like two questions, but I’m sure you don’t mind answering. How many have you killed, and did you plan on killing Twilight and the others?”

Her voice was filled with hate, practically oozing from her voice. Pinkamena noticed this, and began to question what was really an act or not. What was really Rainbow, and what was an act. Her behavior was erratic and unpredictable. It was beginning to be hard to tell what she was really feeling and thinking, but soon, with just a little bit of emotional manipulation, she can find out.

Pinkamena looked at her curiously, that signature sadistic smile on her face.

“Ooh, I can hear the venom dripping from your voice, somepony’s angry. Well, if we’re talking about just ponies, one hundred and seven. Only twelve with any kind of high social status, and a few that might cause some international problems. But if we’re talking everything? Every species, hybrid, animal, even a few anomalies, three hundred and twenty-two. And as for Twilight and the others?”

She spoke with twisted pride, as if she was proud of the numbers. Her smile widened, her head tilted slightly to the left.

“They were just challenges for me, something I wanted to strive to achieve. I enjoy killing, but just picking random ponies wasn’t as exciting as it used to be. So, I decided to strive for more. Important ponies, ones who would be harder to get, and more fun to kill. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, you. Even Celestia and Luna, I’m going to kill them, even if it means killing gods. You see, this is all just a game for me. I’m the player, and you and the others are enemies I need to beat, well, not need. More like optional enemies, and ones all the more fun to kill. So, to answer your question, yes. I have plans to kill them all, and contingencies if they fail. You were just the easiest, since you trusted me the most. Would you like to know my plans? I’m sure the details would sur-“

“ENOUGH! That’s…enough. We’re done today, get out.”

Rainbow declared loudly and violently, suddenly jumping up and slamming her hooves on the table. Her head was turned to the left; she couldn’t look at her face anymore, it was too much.

“Done? What do you mean? Don’t you have questions to ask me, things you need to know? Because I have plenty of things I want to ask you, like how Scootaloo would think if she found ou-“

“SHUT UP! We figured there’d be too many questions that could be asked in one day; it’ll take at least a week to get through everything. We’re going to ask you more than just your plans to kill, we’re going to have you look at every case of missing ponies, both in Equestria, and some Pegasi. So, GET OUT!”

Rainbow screamed at her; her face was impossible to see, it was turned in another direction and covered by her hair. Pinkamena was enjoying this; this was proving to be both very easy, and very entertaining, almost enough reason to stay.

“Wow, disappointing. Oh well, guess I’ll be going. It’s been fun playing with you, see you tomorrow!”

Pinkamena shuffled out of the room, almost forgetting she had shackles on for a moment. She left the room with a huge smile on her face, leaving Rainbow alone in the room, looking like she was close to sobbing.

The guards out of the room were still there, and they still seemed pissed at her, the smile didn’t help. Then they begin to escort her, to where? She doesn’t know. But, as fun as it would be playing with her dear rainbow maned friend, it wasn’t worth staying in this place. Soon, she was going to escape.