Closing her side bag after shoving her textbook into it, Horizon Shimmer glanced across the room at the young artist who had drawn her only a little while ago. She knew that Yuna was going to be her ticket to getting into the computers that were locked up tight in the secret room at her home. While Jasper had warned her that there may be serious ramifications to involving her.

Horizon lacked the ability to understand it, so she had conversed with her friends about the subject for a considerable amount of time to wrap her mind around it. The reality was that involving Yuna in what they were involved in could potentially put her life at risk. If that Blade guy tried to kill her then it was safe to assume that others would likely come looking for the lot of them too. Yuna had the right not to get involved, right? She had the right to protect her own safety.

Still, Horizon couldn’t see another way to move forward without her help. If they wanted to solve whatever mysteries were locked away on that computer, they needed an expert that could break into them, and more importantly, one they could trust. Simply hiring someone to do it provided its own risks, even though Horizon certainly had the resources to do just that. They would have to pay them more for their discretion, and on top of that, there was no certainty that they wouldn’t involve the police; a prospect that they couldn’t afford at that time.

If the police got involved, they would likely seal the entire case up, and the ability to find out the truth about what happened to her mother would likely become lost to Horizon. After all, it was the police who didn’t really report much on the matter of her late Aunt Shimmer as well, and their reports seemed exceptionally abrupt. Something in Horizon’s mind told her that they couldn’t be trusted with all of this.

But could she trust, Yuna? She had no reason to distrust her, and it was clear that Yuna saw Horizon as a friend, which definitely added to her trustworthiness. Furthermore, Yuna’s family had gratitude toward the Shimmer family both for her elder sister’s romance with Horizon’s deceased aunt, and the fact that the Shimmer family had left her family a considerable amount of money that rose them out of poverty; they even were provided with financial advisors to ensure their prosperity in the future as well. Since that day, Yuna’s family had remained investors in the Shimmer family’s endeavors and were often first supporters of new projects that Twilight pumped out.

It was clear to Horizon that if she could trust anyone with this task, it was Yuna. While she was horrid at reading people, Horizon could definitely at least tell that Yuna trusted Horizon, and that meant the feeling should be mutual, right?

Adjusting the loose tie on her school uniform, Horizon gave casual follow to Yuna as they both left the classroom, catching up with her outside in the hallway as they approached Yuna’s locker.

The young artist fiddled with her lock as Horizon stood there and spoke up. “Hello, Yuna.”

Yuna flinched at the mention of her name, not used to people addressing her before turning around to see Horizon standing there. Blushing and forming a gentle smile, Yuna bowed her head slightly at the teen. “Oh, Horizon, I didn’t see you there... How are you?”

“I am doing well.” Horizon nodded.

“I hope you’re enjoying the drawing I made of you...” Yuna rubbed her neck nervously.

Horizon nodded. “I had it sent to a professional to frame it. I’m going to hang it in my bedroom.”

“R-really!? It’s not that great...” Yuna looked away bashfully.

“Something that had that kind of work put into it should be treasured, that’s what Twilight always said about those kinds of things. Would you agree?” Horizon tilted her head, hoping she was reading the situation correctly.

“I suppose that’s right... Still, I’m glad you are taking good care of it.” She glanced at Horizon from the corner of her eye and smiled.

Not saying anything further on the matter, there was a pause until Horizon changed the subject. “Yuna, there’s something I want to ask you.”

Perking up, Yuna adjusted her sloppy posture and nodded. “Y-yes?”

Horizon looked to the side and thought of how to word herself as she remembered Jasper telling her to approach this all with as much tact as she could. “There’s sort of something really big going on in my life at this moment, something that I think is going to really define a lot of things about me and my family...”

“That serious, huh?” Yuna gripped her bag as she listened.

“I suppose so. Anyway, I wanted to ask you to help me with something involving it, but to do that I’ll need to tell you what’s happening and bring you up to speed, okay?” Horizon asked.

“I suppose that’s fine...” Yuna nodded. In her mind, Yuna was happy to hear that Horizon would share something so important to her with Yuna.

“Before I do though, I should warn you that the moment I tell you any of this, you’re going to be involved and involvement could be dangerous for you. I think this is a lot bigger than just my family, and the moment anyone else knows they’re going to be in the same danger as I am, so I need to be certain that you understand that when I tell you what’s going on, you are committing to this. If you’re not okay with that, then it’s best that I say nothing and you go on and pretend I never said a word about it,” Horizon explained.

Yuna blinked. Horizon was in danger? That wasn’t possible. No, even if it was possible, Yuna couldn’t take it sitting down. No one would hurt Horizon, not while she was around. She was weak, sure, but Yuna would do everything she could to ensure that no one would harm Horizon.

Stepping forward, Yuna grew a serious expression. “If you’re in danger, I want to be there to help.”

Horizon was a bit surprised at her eagerness so she tilted her head. “Why?”

“Because...” Yuna paused and bit her lip as her blush grew deeper. She couldn’t bring herself to say how she felt about the girl out loud.

“Just because...”

Horizon nodded and gestured for the girl to follow her. “Are you able to come over right now so I can explain then?”

Yuna’s face lit up. She was being invited over, to Horizon’s home?

“Are you sure that your guardian will be okay with that...?” Yuna gulped.

Horizon shrugged. “Twilight is going to be out well past midnight tonight. She said she had some work to finish up, so to just order out or go to a restaurant. I can order stop and get us some food on our way home and then I can bring you up to speed if that’s alright?”

That’s better than alright. Yuna thought. Horizon and she were going to have dinner together? Alone at her home? Without parental supervision? It was almost like a date. Yuna’s heart was racing just at the thought.

“S-sure...” She managed to get out while silently cursing herself for lacking any level of smoothness.

“Asian food sound good?” Horizon asked.

“That’s fine...” Yuna nodded after a gulp.

“Okay. Come on then, I’ll drive us.” Horizon gestured to the parking lot outside.

Yuna followed obediently behind her crush, watching her uniform’s skirt dance in the gentle breeze as they came outside. Her mind quickly raced back to their time together the other night when Yuna drew her. She had gotten just a small glimpse of the sexiness of Horizon’s body back then and her mind was running wild.

She was still internally drooling at the fantasies she had constructed in her head that day, but at the same time cursing herself for being such a pervert. Would Horizon scold her for being so crass if she knew what was going on in her head, or would she be slightly turned on by it, Yuna wondered. She couldn’t tell if Horizon was the kind of girl who liked being praised and admired or otherwise. She was such an enigma but it only served to excite Yuna more.

As the two approached the car, Horizon hit a button on her keys and the doors opened for the both of them. Yuna looked over at the girl who stood with her usual blank expression. She had never seen Horizon smile before, but she wanted to be the person that made her smile if not only once.

Upon getting out into the car, Horizon set the coordinates and set the car to autopilot before leaning back and looking over at Yuna who had just fastened her seatbelt. “You’re certain about this?” Horizon asked.

Yuna nodded as she adjusted her seat. “You can count on me, Horizon. So what’s going on?”

Horizon looked forward at the road trying to think where she should even begin. Finally, she defaulted to starting at the beginning.

“My mother has always had a very odd relationship with the family...” Horizon began.

“She disappeared.” Yuna nodded.

“Yes, but this wasn’t the first time. She disappeared for three years right after I was born. She came back, promised she would never leave again, and then did so about four years later. It’s been eight years since she left though,” Horizon explained.

Yuna’s eyes were drawn to Horizon’s hand that was just resting next to her. She wanted so desperately to reach over and take her hand in her own and tell her it would be okay, but she couldn’t bring herself to. Instead she listened silently.

“Twilight never filed her missing and has never really said much about her. I think it all has to do with something that happened to my Aunt Shimmer years ago. I think their murders are both linked somehow, and Jasper, Bolt, and Cloud have been helping me piece this all together,” Horizon said.

Yuna blinked. She had known that Shimmer was murdered, but was curious as to why Horizon said their murders.

“Murders? As in plural?” Yuna asked.

Horizon nodded as she paid attention to where the car was taking them. “Correct, I think whoever murdered Shimmer must be connected to why someone would murder Sunset. It stands to reason that two deaths within the same family of two girls who are worth a lot of money are likely connected. I can’t discern a motive yet, but I definitely think the two incidents are related for sure.”

“How do you know Sunset Shimmer was murdered?” Yuna tilted her head in confusion. If such a well-known millionaire from the city were murdered, there would be some kind of news report, surely. People couldn’t just be murdered and no one does anything about it, after all.

“We found a storage facility that she was using as some kind of base of operations, from there we managed to get in past some kind of strange lock...” Horizon began to explain.

Yuna interrupted as she turned her head. “Strange lock? Strange, how?”

Horizon shrugged. “It seemed completely impervious to any attempts to break it. Blow torch, chain cutters, nothing would break it. We eventually had to pick it open, but the door seemed immune to damage as well. We checked the other doors at the facility and they seemed quite normal, so it was obvious that Sunset had that particular door and lock made specially.”

“I see, so great lengths to hide what was inside then?” Yuna asked.

Nodding, Horizon continued her explanation. “Inside we found a tremendous amount of blood and Sunset’s severed hand.”

Yuna paused and blinked, trying to make sure that she had heard what was said to her correctly. “Did you just say that you found her severed hand?”

Reaching into a pocket on her school uniform’s vest, Horizon produced a blood-stained ring and presented it to Yuna. “This was on her hand. I recognize it, and it’s even in photos and paintings of her at my house. I’m confident that this is her wedding ring.”

Yuna didn’t dare touch the ring that had been pilfered from a dead woman, but she looked up at Horizon with confusion. For a girl that had discovered her mother had been murdered, she seemed exceptionally calm.

“So your mother was murdered then?” Yuna spoke quietly.

Horizon pulled the ring back and repocketed it and nodded. “Mm, but we’re trying to figure out why... I should warn you though, the brother of the guy who killed her appeared before me a few days ago...”

“W-what!?” Yuna leaned in with interest, and concern. “Are you alright?”

Horizon nodded. “I think I should tell you this because it’s clear that whatever is going in is very dangerous. Getting involved could put your life at risk, so it’s only fair that I warn you in advance.”

“How did you get away?” Yuna asked.

“I didn’t. I fought him,” Horizon spoke calmly.

Yuna was surprised, but she had a feeling that Horizon was tougher than she looked. “What happened then?”

“I won.” Horizon shrugged.

“What did he do when you overpowered him?” Yuna blinked.

“Nothing,” Horizon said plainly.

“Nothing?” Yuna tilted her head.

“He was dead after that.” Horizon shrugged.

Yuna froze at those words. Did Horizon kill him?

“Y-you... Killed him?” Yuna gulped.

“I had no choice, he was adamant on killing me for the box, and while I wanted to avoid it, if he would only continue trying to kill me, even if I got away, I had to kill him there and then. If he knew about myself, then it was very likely he knew about Jasper, Bolt, and Cloud, and that meant they would be in danger...” Horizon explained.

After hearing that explanation it put Yuna at some ease. Horizon wouldn’t kill someone unless her back was put to the wall and she had a very logical reason to do so, and that much was evident.

“I see... What did you do with the body?” Yuna asked curiously.

Horizon shook her head. “There was no need to do anything.”

“What do you mean?”

“His body evaporated into some kind of black mist when he died,” Horizon said.

“What!? How is that possible?” Yuna blinked.

“His arms were able to be turned into bladed weapons actually, and when we were fighting I just sort of got this strange voice that showed me how to do some kind of weird magic or something...” Horizon said.

An ordinary person might have been hesitant to talk about such an experience for fear that they may seem crazy, but Horizon was far from ordinary. She could retell such fantastical events to other people and not really concern herself with how out there they must sound.

Yuna blinked and remained silent, unsure of what to say. Horizon took her silence as skepticism and opened her palm to demonstrate. “You don’t believe me?”

“I do believe you, Horizon, I’m just trying to wrap my head around all of this...” Yuna admitted.

“Why would you believe something so bizarre without proof?” Horizon tilted her head.

“You wouldn’t lie to me, Horizon. We’re friends, right?” Yuna smiled at her, reaching over and boldly closing the distance and taking Horizon’s hand in her own.

She applauded herself internally at her bravery and savored her reward for it. Horizon’s hands were small and soft, she clearly used expensive skin lotion and it showed. Yuna instantly felt like she was sweating, but she tried to block the thought of it out of her mind as she just tried to enjoy the moment.

Horizon looked down at the hand holding her own and then looked back up at Yuna with her usual neutral expression. She allowed the hand holding to continue as she carried on the conversation as if nothing had changed. “Anyway, I can do some kind of weird powers. Unfortunately, they seem to only really work under certain circumstances. I’m hoping that I can learn how to use them all the time at some point.”

“Sort of like a magical girl like from one of your animes?” Yuna suggested.

Considering it for a moment, Horizon nodded as she let go of Yuna’s hand, causing the other girl to frown ever so slightly, but instantly recompose herself before she was questioned on why she looked so dejected.

“I suppose so, except I’m clearly not as powerful.” Horizon shrugged.

But definitely more attractive. Yuna thought.

“So what is this box you kept talking about?” Yuna changed the subject.

Reaching into the back seat where she had stored it, Horizon struggled for a moment before she managed to get her hand into her purse and retrieve the same mysterious box that she had started to carry around with her after the incident with Blade. If people were willing to kill to get the box, Horizon could never leave it unattended.

Yuna leaned forward and did a minor adjustment on her large glasses to get a better look at it. Taking it from Horizon’s hand, she examined it on all sides. The strange box didn’t appear to have any locks or even a mechanism for opening it, and yet Yuna could still feel that something was inside of it.

“I have no idea how to open it, and just like the lock it seems impervious to conventional means, so breaking it open is out of the question,” Horizon explained.

“This is all so crazy...” Yuna admitted.

“I’m aware.” Horizon nodded in agreement, “are you sure that you still want to help?”

Looking up at her crush, Yuna met her serious eyes. Horizon wouldn’t ask for her help unless she truly needed it and if she was in the same kind of danger that did both Sunset and her aunt Shimmer in, then she needed help more than ever. Yuna couldn’t say no, she wouldn’t be at peace if she knew that Horizon was walking down a path of danger without her there. She may have been a weak girl, but she wanted to protect Horizon.

Handing the box back to her, Yuna nodded. “I will do whatever you need me to do, Horizon. Use me however you see fit.”

Horizon didn’t quite get her dedication, but it at least meant she could count on her. Neither girl knew what was ahead of them.

Standing inside a terminal, entering the village-in-name-only of Ponyville, a pink-toned dragon stood waiting to be cleared by customs. It had astounded her how in the past five years all of Equestria had had such major security increases. Outsiders arriving in often were held up at security terminals upon entrance, especially when they were dragons. While relations with Dragon Scar after the Sven conflict a few years back had improved, there were still strict requirements for dragons from there.

The dragon sighed as she cracked her neck as she stood there in her magnificent cloak. It was a gift to her from the royal family, and she wore it with pride. It was large enough to conceal most of her form, except for the katanas at her sides.

A guard grunted and gestured to her weapons. “Do you have a permit for those?” He asked.

Sighing, the dragon presented her left arm which held her ID bracelet. Pulling out a scanner, the pony guard gave it a scan and blinked when he saw her information appear in a hologram before her. “M-miss Razorclaw! I didn’t notice it was you, I’m sorry.”

She smiled at him and shook her head. “In these trying times, one should be careful. After all, even if the conflict with Dragon Scar is over, we have to be cautious of those from there. I’m just thankful that immigrants can come here at all. Vetting is important.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Razorclaw, I am still required to go through the basic security questions for all Dragon Scar and neighboring country immigrants though...” He gulped.

She laughed and gestured with her claw to put him at ease. “It’s fine, I’m not offended. Ask away.”

“R-right...” He pulled up a holographic list and began to read off of it.

“Country of Origin?”

“Dragon Scar, the Scorched Province.” She grinned.

He nodded. “First language?”

“Germanic, and Draconian,” she said.

He blinked. “Really? Your Equestrian is impeccable though?”

“A lot of residents of Dragon Scar speak Equestrian, so we all end up learning it. We’re still one of the Germanic Isles, but only about half the population there speaks it. I believe over eighty percent speak Equestrian.” She placed a claw on her chin as she tried to recall the statistic.

Statistics and studies weren’t that common in Dragon Scar, they were actually somewhat of a new thing. It was only a few years ago that the country was starting to actually have some kind of law and organized government under the rule of King Lash. Once he took over, Dragon Scar began walking down the path to becoming a civilized nation and he began cooperating heavily with Equestria to ensure healthy relationships between the two countries. He offered his deepest apologies for the Sven incident years prior and regularly sent ambassadors to keep relationships positive.

With the aid of Equestria, Dragon Scar’s lawlessness was fading away. While many still refused to acknowledge the new king, a majority of the population was won over and an organized government had finally found the wasteland.

“I see, so you speak three languages then?” He asked.

She nodded. “That is correct.”

Realizing he was getting off track, he cleared his throat again. “Ahem, reason for visiting?”

“I have come to meet with Princess Twilight Sparkle, there is something I need to discuss,” she responded.

Nodding the guard gestured for the other three guards to allow her through. “Sounds like official business. An esteemed ambassador of the royal family needn’t be held up any longer. Thank you for your patience, and please enjoy Ponyville.”

Bowing honorably, Cinder walked out of the security checkpoint and beheld the look of Ponyville. When she had first come to Equestria so long ago, she had only seen a small town that was content with little. Now Ponyville had evolved into the size of a city, and was booming with business and industry.

Almost a decade ago sometime after the defeat of Serenade, Princess Twilight Sparkle had reverse-engineered the suit that Glitch had worn and found a plethora of scientific discoveries. Over the next few years, huge technological advances hit Equestria and before they knew it, the age of technology was upon them with Twilight Sparkle at the top.

She was seen as a business mare by most as she had contributed heavily to the improvement of the economy through technology and before they knew it, her face was everywhere. Her royal duties on top of her scientific endeavors had the girl busy all the time. Twilight Sparkle was the face of the technology revolution for sure.

Glancing at a billboard with the mare’s likeness in a business suit, Cinder couldn’t help but laugh. The Twilight she had come to know was a mare of many faces and many hats. She was adaptable, capable of taking on the appearance necessary for that time.

The dragon made her way through the streets, observing all the ponies with headsets on their ears carrying on conversations wirelessly across the country. Magitech was truly something to behold, and Cinder had only really ever seen anything like it from her sensei who was far ahead of his time.

As she made her way down the streets in her purple robe, occasional children would stop and point, causing her to wave at them with a smile. Ponies would stop and ask for a picture with her, which she would accept.

Cinder found all the attention she received odd, but she accepted it. Back home in Dragon Scar prior to Serenade’s reign, she was feared for her clan, but she wasn’t really a celebrity like she was now. In Equestria she was not only an ambassador, but a hero that had helped save Equestria a clawful of times.

Finally making it to the castle, she entered after clearing who she was to the front guards.

Life in the castle had changed, and Twilight seemed to run the place more like a business now, but that was just like her to try and stay organized. At the front was a desk with a familiar face seated at it. The light pinkish-purple coated mare looked up and blinked as she saw Cinder. A smile came to her face as she reached forward and offered a hoof for the dragon to shake.

Cinder took it and gave her a friendly shake before eyeing her up and down. She looked adorable in her little business suit and tie as she sat there, but the mare was just as put together as always.

“Cinder, it’s great to see you again. We haven’t seen each other in a few years have we?” The mare smiled.

Cinder shook her head. “Not since the Dragon Scar campaign that Twilight and I went on. How have you been, Starlight?”

Starlight laughed. “It really has been that long hasn’t it? I’ve been alright. I just came back here after spending some time doing some out of country work in some of the other Germanic Isles.”

“How long have you been away?” Cinder asked.

“About a year and a half. However, when I got back, I felt it wouldn’t be right to not come right back to working at Twilight’s side. I have to keep busy, you know me.” Starlight grinned.

Shaking her head, the dragon chuckled at her. “When are you going to just find yourself a mate and settle down?”

“I could say the same for you,” Starlight teased.

“I’m married to the fight.” Cinder winked.

The two laughed but after it subsided, Cinder gave a more serious answer. “Besides, who would want to mate with me now? I’m covered in scars, my right arm isn’t real, and I haven’t exactly had fantastic luck with mating anyway.”

“I guess I know all about picking bad mates.” Starlight rolled her eyes.

Cinder leaned in and placed both of her claws on the counter as she hushed her tone. “Out of curiosity... Arax, that changeling... You really miss him don’t you?”

Sighing, Starlight gave a gentle nod. “I know it sounds stupid considering I was his slave for some time, but there was another side to him, you know? I felt close to him. I wish I had fought harder to get him to abandon Serenade, but I didn’t...”

Placing a claw on her shoulder, Cinder shook her head. “Your purpose is elsewhere, clearly.”

Her mood improved as Starlight nodded at her. “Yes, you’re right... So... What can I get for you? I’m sorry, I got distracted and I haven’t even done my job now.”

“It’s fine, actually I’m here to see Twilight, is she available?” Cinder pulled her claw back.

“For you? I’ll send you right up, I’m sure she won’t mind.”

Nodding, the dragon walked past her desk and gave an approving gesture as she headed toward the elevator.

Once she stepped inside, she tapped the button that would take her to the very top floor. Standing there in the device, she couldn’t help but feel it was all strange. The shape of the castle had changed so much so quickly.

Reaching the top floor, she stepped out and approached the only room there was only to have another far smaller dragon stop her. He blinked before grinning with all his fangs showing as he saw her. “Cinder!”

She gave a faux punch at his shoulder as she smirked. “Spike, how’s it going?”

“Pretty good! Glad you could stop by, hey you still owe me a training session, I’m old enough now!” He reminded.

Ruffling his spines she nodded. “Soon, kid. Anyway, Twilight and I have some things to discuss, so could you give us some time?”

“Sure thing!” He saluted her as he returned to guarding the door as she entered the room.

There sitting at a mahogany desk in a suit and tie was ironically one of the most unkempt mares that anyone would ever witness. Twilight’s mare had grown out and was wild and unruly. Gone were her blunt bangs that old pictures of her showed, but she was no longer sporting the short boy cut. Instead, her mane had grown down longer than it was before, but it was a wild mess of cowlicks, and long bangs that often danced in front of her face.

It was a mess, but somehow it made Cinder smile.

The girl was still focused on paperwork in front of her before she heard Cinder’s footsteps. Looking up, she gave a smile to her friend. “Cinder, I didn’t hear you come in.”

Cinder imagined that was a common occurrence.

“Heh, I can see why people are calling you the shaggy princess now. Your mane is a mess. No time to get to a salon?” Cinder teased.

Rolling her eyes, Twilight chuckled. “Yes, but Discord likes it like this anyway, so it’s a win-win. I don’t have to do anything to keep it this way at least.”

Twilight’s left eye focused on Cinder, and the dragon was reminded of how she had augmented it ages ago. The augment was obvious when you saw her left iris was a golden yellow while her right one was her natural purple.

Augmentation was a fairly common practice those days. Magictech had allowed machinery and technological implants that could greatly improve one’s natural abilities. Cinder had even augmented her mechanical arm some time ago to improve its abilities.

“The life of a mate is finding you well then?” Cinder asked.

“You could say that.” She blushed and tried to hide her face.

“Well, I am delighted for you then,” Cinder said.

Twilight changed the subject as she kept her eyes on Cinder. “So to what do I owe the pleasure, Cinder? You don’t drop by unannounced too often.”

“The last time that happened I was saving your ass from Sven.” Cinder smirked.

Twilight rolled her eyes.

“You know if it weren’t for me... You’d be the queen of Dragon Scar and married to him right now,” Cinder reminded.

“Don’t remind me... That entire thing was a nightmare. It was a worse nightmare when I came back and had to convince the public here not to hold it against Dragon Scar. Try telling an entire population that just because someone who ruled the country kidnapped their princess and tried to force her to marry them that we should all still give the country they are from a second chance. Not easy.” Twilight shook her head.

“I can only imagine, but I know nothing about that kind of thing. I’m not exactly a PR expert.” Cinder shrugged.

Twilight shook her head. “No, but you’ve done wonders for it in the long run. Your involvement in ending the Dragon Scar incident definitely helped with getting people on board.”

Cinder shook her head. “You give me too much credit, Twilight. You and Lash shared your burden of the work. Liberating an entire country that has known nothing but lawlessness for thousands of years is no easy task, and certainly not one that I would take credit for on my own. I was merely another sword, you were the tactician that made it possible.”

“Your sword was the killing strike though...” Twilight reminded.

Cinder smirked. “Only after your stunt with Lash’s brother.”

Twilight rubbed her neck and looked away. “Yeah, I still kind of feel weird about that... I mean I never intended any of that to happen, and fortunately, Discord is alright with it, but still...”

“Scarr cared about you, which I gathered was rare for him, even if he refused to show it...” Cinder reminded her.

Twilight glanced over at her, a blush still on her cheeks. “He did, and he died for it.”

“He died for a cause he believed in. He knew you would be the one to bring down Sven,” Cinder’s tone was very serious.

“Thank you, Cinder... Unfortunately in my role a lot of creatures die. It’s not a safe job being one of the rulers of this land. I learned that during Serenade’s reign when so many died under my command. To be the leader, you must accept that, and accept that others look upon you with disdain...” Twilight rambled.

Cinder merely listened and allowed the mare to get her feelings off of her chest.

Twilight found herself looking out the crystal window in her office. “I suppose it’s fitting that I’m now the face of technology isn’t it? Cold and calculating. That’s probably a better face to wear, it makes it easier for people to see me as just a machine that does what needs to be done. It’s better they think of me as that because it means when I have to make difficult decisions, I’m only playing into their expectations then.”

“You’re far from a machine, Twilight.” Cinder shook her head as she approached the mare’s desk, placing her artificial claw upon the mahogany, taking special care not to scratch the fine craftsmanship.

Looking back at her draconian friend, Twilight forced a smile. “You’re always ready to console me it seems. I am glad we’re friends. Still, I have to bear these burdens so that others do not have to; such is the duty of a princess.”

“It sounds like the life of a politician is far more dreadful than that of a warrior.” Cinder joked.

Twilight laughed and shook her head. “While I would say that it’s stressful being a politician... Killing hasn’t been my cup of tea, so I’ll leave that for those of you where it comes more natural. I don’t really know how you can keep doing it after so long.”

“A warrior can feel sympathy for their enemies too, Twilight,” Cinder revealed.

“Then you must carry a lot of baggage as well.” Twilight nodded.

The dragon had no response to that.

There was silence for a moment followed by Twilight asking the question they both knew was coming. “Why are you here, Cinder?”

“You’ve had your share of students, Twilight Sparkle...” Cinder began.

Twilight nodded. “Indeed, and I am thankful for the progress they’ve all made.”

“However, I have only one left in the realm of the living...” Cinder continued.

“Eclipse,” Twilight said so plainly.

“Yes, Eclipse.” Cinder nodded.

“What of him?” Twilight asked.

“I have to follow him, Twilight...” Cinder said.

Twilight blinked, unsure if she was hearing her friend correctly. “Cinder... You know where he went...”

“Yes. I’m fully aware.” Cinder nodded.

“It’s no pony’s land, Cinder. If you go there, you can’t come back. We’re talking eternal banishment...” Twilight picked up a pair of glasses on her desk and planted them onto her face as she leaned in crossing her hooves.

“I know, it doesn’t change my mind though.” Cinder stood her ground.

“Cinder... Please reconsider. Policy dictates that the only time I may send parties to that place is in dire emergencies of Equestrian security. Even then, those parties sent are done with the understanding that they can never return...” Twilight continued to warn her friend.

“I know, I am asking you to authorize me to do so. If Eclipse went there, then I know that I can not simply stand by and wait. Please, Twilight, he is my only student. I have to know he’s okay, and I have to help him with whatever he has set out to do,” Cinder’s voice had conviction in it like she wouldn’t back down and Twilight knew this.

“You’re prepared to never return? You do realize that even if I allowed a return there is no certainty that you’d survive, it’s dangerous there, even for a dragon with your credentials,” Twilight asked.

Cinder placed her claws behind her back and nodded. “I am fully aware of the circumstances. My answer remains the same. I would like permission to go.”

Twilight eyed her up and down and squinted. Finally, she sighed. “Did you bring vodka?”

“Of course.” Cinder reached into her cloak and drew out a rather large bottle of Dragon Scar vodka that had been imported.

“Then you really are serious...” Twilight sighed.

“I am.”

Reaching into her desk, Twilight produced two glasses. “Well, don’t allow me to ruin tradition. Let’s drink.”

Stepping closer, Cinder unscrewed the top with ease and poured them both a glass with a smile. “I’m sure this will be the best vodka I’ve ever tasted...”

“I’m confident of the same, actually.” Twilight watched as the dragon filled the glasses to the brim. Twilight knew that she would be partially drunk by the end of it, and while it would make her duties a challenge to complete, she wasn’t about to decline tradition. In Dragon Scar, it was customary to celebrate goodbyes and the end of a long fight with a drink. The fact that Cinder shared this custom with Twilight was a deep sign of friendship and respect.

Once the glasses were full, they both took one and tapped them together. “To my teacher,” Twilight said.

“I taught you nothing, Twilight.” Cinder chuckled.

Twilight shook her head in disagreement. “I learned much about fighting and being a leader from you. I was your student.”

“And I was yours, Twilight. I have learned so much about friendship and its virtues. I have tried my best to spread your lessons, hopefully, I have made a difference.” Cinder smiled as she lifted her glass.

“I’m sure you have more than you’ll ever realize.” Twilight nodded.

With those words, the two downed the drinks quickly and poured another. They would down them just as quickly and pour a third before Twilight coughed and wiped her eyes which were now stained with tears, though if they were from the drink or from her emotions, it was uncertain. “There’s one last thing before you go, Cinder...”

“Hm?” Cinder asked.

“If you’re going to go looking for Eclipse, there’s something you should know. A bit of information about the boy that I became privy to, and no one else knows about this except me, so you may want to keep it to yourself...” Twilight began as she reached into her desk and retrieved a file she had compiled.

“What is it?” Cinder tilted her head.

“See for yourself.” Twilight placed the open file in front of the dragon.

Looking down, Cinder’s eyes widened as she looked up in shock. “Are you sure?”

Twilight nodded. “Absolutely positive. Everything matches up, there’s no doubt.”

“Just as I think things can’t get any stranger, I’m always left aghast.” Cinder laughed.

“Well, one last drink before you go?” Twilight asked.

Cinder grinned. “Look at you, drinking like a proper dragon.”

“I had to learn to keep up, right?” Twilight’s words were slightly slurred.

Nodding, Cinder poured them both a last drink and they began to sip from it.

“This means your clan will be gone... You’re the last member...” Twilight frowned.

Cinder shook her head as she gripped her fang necklace. “There is another member who wears this emblem, Twilight...”

“You gave your tooth to someone else?” Twilight blinked.

Cinder nodded. “And now I give one to you...”

Twilight blinked as she watched the dragon grab one of her fangs and rip it out. She only groaned slightly before licking where it was to soothe the pain. Stepping forward, Cinder took Twilight’s free hoof as she set her drink down. Placing the fang in her hoof, Cinder recited an ancient tongue.

“Til nor vietts, Twilight Sparkle.”

Looking down at the tooth, Twilight looked back up at her. “You can’t be serious...”

Cinder nodded. “It is not very traditional, but so far my entire life has not been. You’re one of us now, Twilight. I leave our clan’s legacy with you. I will carry it to where I go, but since I can not come back, you will have to carry it for the rest of the world...”

“Cinder, I can’t accept this...” Twilight frowned.

Cinder shook her head. “You can. You’ve already proven yourself.”

Twilight wiped her eyes as she gripped the tooth in her hoof. “I’ll treasure it forever, and I’ll uphold your honor for as long as I live.”

“I have no doubt.” Cinder smiled.

“I’ll miss you...” Twilight frowned.

Cinder laughed. “Don’t forget our ways, Twilight. I will come back through the fighting spirit one day, as will you. One day, we will be united again, ready to face the evils of the world.”

“Goodbye, Cinder...” Twilight nodded.

“Goodbye, friend.” Cinder smiled.

With those parting words, Cinder stepped away and began to make her way out of the office, nodding at Spike as she left.

Twilight wiped her face and tapped a button on her intercom. “Starlight, Cinder is heading to no pony’s land. I have approved this, please see to it that she is given the approval to head there, post-haste.”

“Twilight, are you sure!?” Starlight’s voice called back.

“I’m certain. It’s what she wants,” Twilight responded.

“U-understood, ma’am...”

Sighing, Twilight looked at the bottle of vodka that still had a drink left in it. She knew she would be canceling her appointments for the rest of the day.

As Cinder made her way down the elevator back to the bottom floor, she was surprised at how quickly Starlight must have called the rest of Twilight’s friends to deliver the news. There waiting for her outside of the elevator was Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash.

Rarity frowned as she approached. “Darling, is the news true? Are you actually going to leave us?”

Cinder nodded. “It’s true. My time in Equestria is over, and I have to follow my student, Eclipse. There is no question that he’s in danger and has been for some time. I have to follow him.”

“There ain’t no certainty he’s even alive if that’s the case...” Applejack pointed out.

“I’m aware, but if he is dead, then I must locate him to give him a proper warrior’s burial. We do not simply abandon our fallen brothers...” Cinder stated.

“We’ll miss you dearly, Cinder...” Rarity said quietly.

Cinder smiled and removed her cloak and offering it to Rarity. “Here, I think you should take this back, I’d hate for it to get ruined where I’m going.”

“Oh no, darling! I made that especially for you!” Rarity shook her hooves in protest.

“Consider it a token to remember me by. Trust me, something as fine as this should be where it can be appreciated.” Cinder insisted.

Taking it in her hooves, Rarity nodded with a sniffle.

“Don’t really understand why y’all are gonna go to that place if’n y’all already have a life here. You’re just gonna throw all that away?” Applejack asked.

Rainbow chimed in. “She has to.”

“No she don’t!” Applejack argued.

“Yes she does. Eclipse is her student...” Rainbow began as she approached Cinder and locked eyes with the dragon. “And she has loyalty to her student.”

“You’re spot on.” Cinder smiled.

Applejack rubbed her neck before side-stepping Rainbow Dash to approach the dragon. She cleared her throat. “Ahem... ‘Ah know we hadn’t always gotten along, but ‘Ah’ve grow to respect ya’, Cinder. Y’all did a bang-up job helpin’ us out over the years, and ya’ did it all expectin’ nothin’ in return. It’s mighty decent of ya’ and ‘Ah just wanted to say... Thank you.”

“I appreciate that, Applejack.” Cinder smiled and nodded.

The group shared a goodbye hug followed by Cinder smiling at all of them. “I have to go now, I’ll never forget any of you.”

With those words, the dragon walked out of the room, and out of their lives forever.

Sitting down on her bed, Horizon grabbed a pair of chopsticks and slurped down some noodles from her take out food. Yuna could tell from her skill with the tools that she indeed did eat Asian cuisine quite often. Using chopsticks seemed relatively easy for Horizon.

Glancing about the room, Yuna found herself feeling nervous as she carefully picked at her own food. Horizon’s room was lavish and large, almost big enough to room three people, but most of the walls were lined with 8K Clear disks of various animes that the girl liked. Yuna was a bit surprised, as it was quite evident that Horizon wasn’t exaggerating when she said she loved anime as her room was full of it on one side. There were enough series on that side of the room to probably keep a person busy for a good eight hundred days straight without sleeping. It was quite an impressive collection.

While many just watched their animes with a subscription service over the internet, Horizon was one of the few that seemed to enjoy owning the physical copies. It was odd, but Yuna sort of expected such as Horizon didn’t seem particularly tech-savvy, given that she had asked for her help.

“That’s an amazing anime collection you have...” Yuna commented as she pointed with her finger.

Looking over in the direction of her collection, Horizon nodded. “I keep my favorites in here, I have a media storage down the hall.”

“Wait, so there’s more!? How many animes have you seen?” Yuna blinked.

Horizon just shrugged. “Don’t know. I stopped keeping track some time ago.”

Yuna giggled and looked at the bed where Horizon was sitting. It was a fairly large king-sized bed, much too large for a single girl, and it made Yuna wonder what it would be like to share it with the girl. Her mind began to wonder what Horizon wore to bed.

“So... This is where you sleep, huh?” Yuna changed the subject and internally slapped herself for how stupid she sounded.

Fortunately for her, Horizon didn’t seem to notice the awkward subject change and just nodded as she answered. “Yes, I sleep here.”

“Do you usually wear pajamas to sleep?” Yuna asked, realizing she was already this far in, she may as well find an answer to her curiosity.

Horizon shook her head. “Mostly just my underwear, but during the summer when it’s really hot I just sleep naked.”

Yuna’s face heated up at the thought, she was practically drooling. She would love to crawl into bed with her and let their bodies entwine. She would let the teen have her way with her. It was difficult to imagine Horizon as a sub, but Yuna didn’t think she would have what it took to be a dom.

“Are you okay?” Horizon asked, tilting her head.

“Oh... I’m fine, sorry just a little warm...” Yuna fanned herself with her hand.

“Want me to turn on the air conditioner?” Horizon asked.

“Oh... No, that’s okay... So can you take me to where you want me to see? I think it’s probably better that I get a look at what I’m working with so I know about how long it’ll take to get in,” Yuna suggested.

Nodding, Horizon picked up her take out container and gestured for Yuna to follow her.

The two girls walked in silence as they came down a long hallway with Yuna admiring the building around her. She stopped to gaze at a painting of Sunset Shimmer on the wall. “This is your mother, right?”

Looking back, Horizon checked the painting that Yuna was looking at and nodded. “Yes, that would be her.”

“She’s gorgeous...” Yuna commented.

“Is she?” Horizon asked as she came to the girl’s side.

Yuna nodded. “You said you found her severed hand?”

Horizon nodded and pointed to the hand in the painting with a wedding ring upon it. “It was that hand.”

Yuna frowned at that statement. “Do you have any idea how she died?”

“It would seem from blood loss. We’ve assumed she bled out after losing her hand, probably from other lacerations...” Horizon explained.

Yuna shook her head in remorse. “That’s a shame, such a beautiful woman and she had to die in such a horrid way...”

“You think so?” Horizon asked.

“Yeah, bleeding out like that... She probably was in pain for a considerable amount of time before she passed...” Yuna frowned.

Horizon looked back up at the painting and stared. Her mother was gone, gone forever.

“At least her suffering is over then...” Yuna sighed.

Grabbing Yuna’s sleeve, Horizon tugged the girl down the hall away from the picture and toward the false light fixture that she tugged on to open the hidden room in the hallway. Yuna blinked and watched as the wall opened to allow the two girls in. She was marveled at what she witnessed when the two stepped into the poorly lit room and the wall closed behind them.

“Can you make sense of any of this?” Horizon asked as she gestured to the only chair in the room.

Yuna glanced around and took stock of everything in the room. The server located in the room was definitely outdated, but she could tell it was top of the line when it was purchased, same with the computer that was connected to it.

Turning on the computer, Yuna could see it was a very outdated operating system.

“Well?” Horizon asked again.

Looking back at Horizon, Yuna adjusted her glasses. “Well, this was all state-of-the-art when it came out, but it’s definitely pretty old now. I’ve only really read about most of this hardware and software as they’re obsolete, but there are tons of security holes that I can exploit to get inside.”

“So you can get in?” Horizon blinked.

Yuna nodded. “Definitely, it’ll probably only take me about eight minutes or so, give or take?”

“Can you get in right now?” Horizon asked.

Ordinarily, Yuna would ask what the hurry was, but she already knew. Horizon’s mother was dead, and answers as to why could be housed on this old computer. Instead of asking questions, Yuna nodded and turned to the computer and began to tap away at the keyboard.

I’m making this file to tell you about someone important to me, Sunset. Her name is Adagio Dazzle, and I have to confess, I loved her. For some odd reason, I really connected with this girl, and I wanted to be with her. For a time, I thought we’d get married.

Something happened though, something that I couldn’t look past and we split up. Looking back now, I probably acted too rashly and didn’t think things all the way through. I left her when she needed me most, and I’ve always regretted it. I don’t know why I’m sharing this with you, perhaps I just wanted to confess to someone. If you somehow are reading this, could you please find Adagio and tell her I’m sorry? I have been in contact with her so her contact information should be in my phone and my laptop upstairs.

If you’re reading this, it’s probably likely that I never got to tell her myself. I just want her to be happy, that’s all.

Shimmer

Besides that file, Yuna had found a plethora of files researching “magic”, though a lot of the data was corrupted. They had determined that what Horizon was able to do was indeed magic, though where it came from was likely contained in the corrupted files.

Yuna did all she could to repair as much as she could, but it was in vain. The two girls were able to at least learn that most of the data was shared with this “Adagio” person, and that meant they needed to track her down.

“How are we going to find Adagio?” Yuna asked.

Horizon placed a hand upon her chin and considered the message. There was no way that a phone from almost two decades ago or a laptop was still around and even if they were, there was no certainty they’d work. However, it was likely that Sunset knew of this Adagio person if she was instructed to deliver a message to her. That meant she had to have been tracked down at some point, but this was all assuming that Sunset actually got the message.

Still, she had nothing else to go on, so Horizon had to assume that Sunset did indeed read the message that they had just read. “There’s someone who might know...” Horizon suggested.

“Who?” Yuna asked.

“Well, if Sunset saw this message, then there is one person she’d likely tell about it...” Horizon pieced together.

“Twilight,” Yuna guessed.

Horizon nodded. “I have no choice, I have to ask Twilight.”

Twilight would eventually get home early in the morning as Horizon received a text that she was running late. Horizon had offered to let Yuna stay the night. She offered Yuna one of the many guest rooms, but the girl felt a bit uneasy staying in a room by herself in such a large house, which was understandable, as she was likely to get lost.

Horizon then offered to let her stay in her room, provided she didn’t mind sharing a bed. The girl jumped at the offer, which was perplexing, but Horizon thought little of it.

The teen came out of the bathroom and yawned as she wiped some toothpaste from her lip and saw Yuna had changed into an oversized T-shirt and shorts that Horizon had offered her. Her scrawny figure was much more evident in the outfit.

Horizon nodded at her as Yuna gave her a smile while she checked a hologram projection from her phone. She appeared to be catching up on some manga.

Horizon looked at herself in her vanity and took her glasses off, setting them onto the table before yawning again.

Yuna stole a glance at the girl, blushing as she did. She had never seen Horizon without her glasses, but her cute freckles were not much more prominent. She had such a young-looking face, it drove Yuna crazy to think she was about to share a bed with her crush. The more time she spent around Horizon, the more she grew to love the girl. She was strange, quirky, and aloof, but she was lovable to Yuna.

“I’m tired,” Horizon announced.

“Same,” Yuna agreed.

Nodding, Horizon quickly undid her top and tossed it aside, causing Yuna’s face to turn red as the girl began to undo her skirt. Yuna wanted to look, but she bashfully covered her eyes. “W-what’re you doing!?”

Horizon blinked and tilted her head. “Getting ready for bed?”

“Y-yeah but...” Yuna couldn’t help herself, she peeked through her fingers and found her heart racing as she observed Horizon’s sexy lacy black underwear. Her bra and panties matched and had little bats on them.

“Hm?” Horizon was confused.

“Y-you’re supposed to wear clothes when someone is sleeping in the same bed as you...” Yuna stammered.

“I told you I sleep in my underwear though.” Horizon raised a finger as she reminded the girl.

“Y-yes, but that’s when you’re by yourself, you’re not supposed to do that with another person unless you’re close to them...” Yuna managed to get out.

“We’re not close?” Horizon asked. Her voice posed it as a legitimate question as if she didn’t actually know.

“W-we are but it’s not close like... That...” Yuna gulped.

“Like what?” Horizon asked.

“W-well... Sexually...” Yuna almost whispered, too embarrassed to speak.

Horizon blinked and stood upright. “Oh, I suppose we’re not sexual, are we? That does change things then.”

“Y-yeah... It does...” Yuna nodded.

Placing her hand on her chin, Horizon thought. “I see... Sexuality is so complicated, isn’t it?”

“I-I wouldn’t know...” Yuna admitted.

Horizon wandered to her luxurious walk-in closet and returned with an oversized T-shirt covering her form. She extended her arms to present herself to her friend. “Is this acceptable then?”

Yuna removed the hand from her face and glanced at Horizon. A part of her wished she admitted she would have loved for her to stay in her bra and panties, but she felt unclean tricking Horizon into doing something for her own pleasure. She didn’t want to do something unless Horizon wanted to do it.

“T-that’s fine...” Yuna nodded.

Nodding back, the odd teenager climbed into bed with Yuna and with a hand gesture turned the lights in the room off. Horizon pulled herself under the sheets and looked over at Yuna who had gotten under the quilt as well. “I’m glad you came over, Yuna.”

“Because I was able to get into the computer?” Yuna asked.

“That, and because I don’t really have a lot of friends, I suppose it’s nice for someone to sleep over...” Horizon stated plainly.

“Do you think Twilight will get mad that we’re sharing a bed?” Yuna asked.

“Why would she be mad about that?” Horizon asked curiously.

“Well... Usually people share a bed after they... have sex...” Yuna said quietly.

“And that’s a bad thing?” Horizon questioned.

“Well, usually parents don’t endorse their teenage daughters having sex...” Yuna said.

Horizon was quiet for a moment before asking her next question. “Did you want to have sex with me, Yuna?”

Yuna’s eyes widened. Everything in her body screamed to say yes, but the words that actually came out betrayed her once more. “Uh... Well, I don’t think... We should think about something like that...”

Horizon nodded. “I understand.”

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Yuna thought to herself.

“I’m sorry... I didn’t mean it like...” Yuna didn’t even want to finish her own sentence.

“Like what?” Horizon asked.

This girl is going to make me spell it out!? Yuna screamed internally.

“Like you weren’t worthy of such a thing or something...” Yuna looked away.

“I guess I wouldn’t know, I’ve never really considered what sex was actually like.” Horizon shrugged.

“Maybe one day you will...” Yuna looked back at her and smiled.

“Maybe.” Horizon shrugged again.

“Let’s try and get some sleep, okay?” Yuna changed the subject.

“Probably a good idea, considering I have to get up early enough to talk to Twilight.” Horizon yawned.

Yuna turned so she was facing Horizon. “Hey, how do you think Twilight will react? I mean, she’s going to figure out that you’ve been digging around about Sunset... Do you think she’ll be upset?”

Horizon shrugged. “There’s really no telling how she’s going to react. Twilight has always been pretty quiet about the subject of my mother’s disappearance, so it’s hard to say.”

The freckled girl looked over at her friend with serious eyes. “Let’s get some sleep for now. There’s no sense in worrying about it at this moment.”

“Alright...” Yuna nodded.

The next morning had arrived sooner than Horizon realized and she found herself slipping out of bed with ease. Yuna was a heavy enough sleeper that Horizon could leave her there without disturbing her as she made her way down the hallway and toward the bedroom she knew Twilight would be heading to.

Sure enough, she could hear her guardian in the master bathroom in her bedroom when Horizon entered. The teen stood next to Twilight’s bed and waited for her to come out.

When the bathroom door opened, Twilight was standing there undoing a tie from her blouse and she blinked and gasped when she saw Horizon standing there. “Horizon... You scared me half to death, sweetie...”

“Sorry,” Horizon said plainly.

The girl was so quiet at times that it was easy for her to sneak up on one without even knowing it.

“What’re you doing in here?” Twilight asked as she removed her tie entirely.

“I need to ask you something,” Horizon spoke.

“What is it?” Twilight blinked, a hint of concern had appeared in her voice.

“Who is Adagio Dazzle?”

And now we get to the meat of the matter. Hey, thanks for continuing to read, we're getting closer and closer to everything coming together!