(Equestrian borders, Beast's Talon Fortress)

"What are the rookies doing?" An earth pony soldier asked his comrade. Seeing as the frontier was always peaceful, sudden events like this were easily noticeable.

"First aid training, or so I'm told," His brother in arms replied leaning on the fortress' walls. "Apparently, that's one of the newest gears we will be receiving from the capital. And we will all be taught how to use those. First the rookies, then the veterans."

"What is that thing the other one is carrying?"

"I believe the quartermaster called it a 'defibrillator'. I think it tells if we can shock somepony who is passed out or something. For cardiac arrests that is."

"Why would we need that? Isn't the standard procedure to simply shock every patient? It's always been like that. Sure it doesn't work all the time, but it saved some lives."

"Yeah, but apparently it isn't safe," The brother said leaving the wall and looking down at the rookies, who were placing something on the dummy's chest. "Some researcher in Canterlot said that not every case can be solved with a shock."

"So...we're doing this, just because some random stallion said so."

"Basically, Princess' orders. Anyway, are there griffin visitors coming by?"

"Not that I-OH MY CELESTIA! They lit the dummy on fire!" the earth pony shouted seeing the flames go wild in the courtyard. "They lit themselves on fire!" he screamed as he saw one of the rookies jump on the ground and rolling, as an attempt to put the flames out.

Quickly jumping over the wall, he landed on the ground level. Running towards the well, the earth pony soldier focused on the water inside, then he moved his arm upwards and then towards the fire, water flowed out the well straight into the fire. A loud hiss and the flames died down, the screaming from the burning recruit also grew silent.

"SOMPONY GET A HEALER HERE!" the soldier shouted as he ran to check the state of the burned newbie. Fortunately for the new stallion, only his right arm was burned up, but the cloth from his uniform actually melted and was stuck to his fur and skin. "You'll be alright. What did you two do?"

"I-I don't know. I followed the instructions and placed the pads on the spots marked. Then I waited and pressed the button when the box said so."

"What happened here?!" A third voice spoke up, the soldier knew that voice. It belonged to the quartermaster. "I said SIMULATE! Not to actually use the defibrillator!" The rookie's ears dropped and he looked to the ground. "You get your friend to the infirmary. Then come up to clean up this mess."

"Yes sir!" the recruit replied helping his friend up and walking away from the scene. Although the quartermaster wasn't actually a higher up in military ranks, the fact that she looked out for all the soldiers there and no provisions were ever out of stock made her be very respected by the soldiers.

"Nice job there putting out the fire, you're getting better at that little trick of yours," she said turning to the soldier that immediately saluted her in a military fashion. "No need for that. Tell you what, since you actually helped those two with this incident. You'll be the first stallion to receive the new item that will be mandatory for all of those who want to enter the place where all of our soldiers who are...you know." The soldier felt a chill roll down his spine, guarding the ones she was referring to was always troublesome.

"Was I posted there next?" The mare nodded confirming it. "Shit. I hate walking there. Did they remember to fix the hole from last time?"

"I made sure it was." he let out a small sigh of relief. That meant he would be a little safer when doing his rounds, no need for an emergency route, or the risk of getting temporarily stuck there with them. "But you know that we got a new soldier stationed here, right?" He nodded reluctantly. "Turns out she is a level six and a Leo," The soldier felt the blood drain from his face, he gulped and felt slightly light-headed.

"A-a level six?" The Quartermaster nodded biting her lip. "T-the highest one we had was a level four."

"Yeah, but we are equipped to deal with her. But based on what the captain told me she is going to be a good asset here. So, we need her."

"I guess..." He replied scratching the back of his head. "But what do you mean by 'want to enter'? No stallion in their right mind would enter there. Not unless they want to take responsibility for it afterward."

"Well, along with those first aid kits. We also received something to that may help both parts," The soldier raised an eyebrow at that. "Come with me, and I'll show you."

Confused and slightly curious, he followed the Quartermaster to the storage room. He remembered the first time he ever walked in there, from outside it looked very small. Once inside, however, one could see how big the place was, keeping track of everything that was stored there was quite the feat, especially when it was done by one mare alone. Hence the admiration she received.

The Quartermaster took a few steps inside before taking to the air, she gestured to the soldier to wait, and so he did. The sound of boxes being moved around came by and then she reappeared. In her hands, she had some kind of small packages.

"Is that what came from the city?" He asked taking one into his hands as she offered it. "How is this supposed to help?"

"Well, you know how part and go like you know...how there are times where there are regrets afterward? Because of how they don't feel ready, just like some of the males? Especially the younger ones, which always ends up in drama and a mare being left on her own," For as much pity as he felt towards the males who would abandon the mares in those situations he had to admit that unless both parts were ready, none should do the deed during that time.

"Yes, many cases like that happen all over the country," he replied with a sad tone, he saw her smiling at him softly. She was always very kind to all of the soldiers, be them male or female. But to him, she was always a bit more caring, a bit more kind.

"Well, that little thing apparently prevents the pregnancy," The soldier looked at her with disbelief. "It's what is said in the instructions. That thing serves as a barrier to prevent conception."

"Like those fancy spells from that unicorns use?" She nodded in agreement. "But don't those fail from time to time?"

"This one seems to be less likely to fail. If used correctly, and made correctly that is."

"What do you mean?"

"Open and look at the lid," With a bit of caution, the soldier opened it. Looking at the lid he saw a white lid with vivid red letters. It explained how to use the little plastic bags inside the box, he couldn't help but feel a little skeptical about it. And it was a bit hard to read, he must've been squinting his eyes because... "Touch the lid, then slide your finger. The left side for the background. The right side for the letters. Horizontal swipes and you change the font size."

Doing as instructed he was able to see clearly the text. It was very simple to use actually, single use only, place it before the act, and done. What he would be using was inside the little bags contained in the box, it looked like it was wrapped in a vacuum. If it did work, it would be a very handy thing for both parties involved.

"What are these little things called?" He asked removing one from the box.

"I believe the courier called them 'condom'," She replied closing her eyes and pressing her temples. "Apparently they were made based on research material from the stallion that came from another world."

"That guy we were told to keep a lookout for?"

"Yes."

"Wonder what else did that stallion had. First that de...de...the shock thingy. Now, this!"

"It might help a lot of young mares and stallions," she said looking at him, a slight blush taking over her cheeks. "So...um...Azure...want to see if it works?" Azure Gush simply stopped and stared at her.

"Um...A-avic..." He was trying his best to keep his thoughts in order. She couldn't bring herself to look at him. "...S-sure." Her face seemed to brighten and then she grabbed his hand and dragged him away.

(Canterlot castle, castle library, another day at another time)

'And I was sure I would find Twilight here!'

"Cadence?" The princess jumped a bit when she was called out, turning around she saw Twilight at the door with Spike resting his head on hers. The little guy was fast asleep and just as adorable as she remembered. "It's been a while since I last saw you."

"Yeah, I've been doing some research of my own." Twilight seemed to beam the moment she heard that. "Before you get super excited, why don't we set the little guy to bed?" Twilight gave an embarrassed smile and headed to her room.

'She is basically a mother. Good to see that at least she enjoys taking care of the little one.'

"So, what have you been looking into?" Cadence heard after a few seconds of only hooves hitting the ground. "Some new spells? Or maybe something to do with that mirror Princess Celestia has stored in the lab?" Cadence raised an eyebrow and Twilight covered her mouth.

"You've been snooping around the labs again?" Twilight let out a 'hehe' while her eyes darted to the sides. "Twilight, the Princess trusts you, just wait, I'm sure she will give you permission to check on the labs and even try out some of your little creations."

"I know...I just can't help myself. There is so much we could try and improve and I want to do my part!" Cadence couldn't help but smile at Twilight's dreams, a little shining beacon of creativity and knowledge, ever since the first day.

"I'm sure you do. I'm here for just that," Twilight's ears perked up and she stared at Cadence. "I researching my talent and if it can expand to other emotions other than love. I'm also interested in verifying if, with enough training, I can hear more than one pony at a time."

"Why the sudden interest in your talent? You were always happy with how it worked and everything," Cadence hesitated for a moment, but then she remembered how she wasn't in the presence of the other nobles that were always looking for leverage and reasons to gain her favor.

"Well, I WAS happy. While I was the only one able to do it," Cadence said in a slightly lower tone, even if she was with Twilight, her reasons for researching were a bit embarrassing. "But when Arden came around...I wasn't the only one anymore. And he can see so much more than me, feel much more. Hay, he even managed to pair up two ponies I was trying to help on his first day here. It's actually a bit aggravating! I had to endure a lot to be able to control my talent, he got here, was transformed and now he does much more than I."

"Cadence, you're actually jealous?" Cadence sat on a nearby chair and nodded in agreement. "Okay, but...what do you need from me? I'm not a specialist...You want the data on him, don't you?"

"Touchée, I was hoping that there is something there to help me see more. My title, everything I do is simply walk around and be praised. He got here and on his first day is sent on a mission in Celestia's name. How come he has all that just by appearing? He is out there living an adventure while I stand here waving and smiling."

"I...I think I saw an image data regarding his brain activity. It showed a specific area shining brilliantly. Maybe that will help?"

"Only if we knew how to interpret that. The scientists are still wrapping their heads around the risks of shocking everypony that has a cardiac arrest. That image only tells us that his brain reacts when he reads others. Nothing more."

"Then...how about I help you," Twilight said nearly jumping on her seat, "you tell me what you tried out so far, and I come up with new ways of straining your body and try to expand your talent!"

Cadence giggled at the sight, she was so glad that her aunt brought Twilight in. "Sure, just make sure you don't overdo it, okay? No crazy machines or any of your little experimental spells. Only things I can do to stretch the limits of my talent." Twilight gave out a giggle and stood up.

"Of course, I'll do everything I can to help! I'm gonna help a talent grow! I'm gonna help Cadence expand her abilities!" Twilight exclaimed hopping around like a little child that got what she asked for her birthday.

Cadence smiled before she stood up and hopped around with Twilight. "Twilight, don't ever lose that little spark of yours."

"Of course I won't! It's in my name after all!" She replied, and both of them laughed for a while.

(Ponyville, time passes...so do their stories)

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique!" That's the first thing she heard upon entering the store. "Be with you in a moment!"

'This place was certainly getting a little bit livelier each time I pass by,' she thought as she looked at the different ponies that were inside, mostly locals. Mostly females, not many of the stallions seemed comfortable with being there. 'Don't trust a mare to make your clothes? Or do you find embarrassing to be in a clothing store that is run by a mare?'

Trying to make time pass, she walked around the exhibits. 'This Rarity certainly has a lot of inspiration, and these are getting more and more intricate. But where are the little suggestions I made?' All of them were beautiful and carefully crafted. The difference between the older ones and the newest was very clear. Walking through those stands was like watching a timeline of Rarity's progression as a seamstress.

What she had come for, however, was something a bit more delicate than the dresses. She saw a group of mares basically flocking to a specific spot, not being big on the idea of entering the fray, the mare walked away from it. Shortly afterwards, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw the seamstress and in a matter of seconds, she felt Rarity giving her a hug. "Darling, your little idea has given me such a boost in clients! I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner! I don't even know where they got their underwear before this, but now my lingerie line is a huge success! I can work with so many different designs and they consume so little fabric. The money that I make from selling them gives me more resources to make my dresses"

"I'm glad I helped," She replied rolling her eyes, she hadn't done it for her. The one she had done this for wasn't even aware of this little stunt. "I'm looking for one myself."

"Anything, in particular, dear?"

"I was thinking of something a bit more...endearing?" Rarity scratched her chin for a few seconds. "I need something to...entice, a certain somepony," Rarity's eyes shot open and she darted away. "Oookay..." A few seconds later, she was back with a little box.

"Well, Minuette. I believe this one will do you wonders, dear," Rarity said opening the little container, looking inside Minuette saw what she was believed would help her friend.

"How much for it?" Minuette asked with a bit worry, the fabric for that one seemed a bit delicate. Not to mention that Rarity seemed to have put a lot of effort into it.

"My dear, consider this one a gift." Minuette raised her eyebrow at that. "Your little idea helped me so much. Let me help you out this time. Besides, with all the income I'm getting this little thing won't do any harm if it is given as a present."

"In that case, thank you. How do I adjust this?" Just as she finished saying that sentence, Minuette felt something around her legs, then her around her chest, and then the box was out of her hands.

"I got to say, dear, have you been exercising?" Rarity asked while working on the item. "Your silhouette has changed a lot."

"Y-yes...well, You know how it is. Got to look attractive, hehe..." Minuette scratched the back of her neck.

"Very well dear," Rarity said handing over the box. "I guess this should do the trick. Good thing I was handling my own designs, if it was somepony else's...it would have taken more time to adjust this. I would have needed to check how it was made and where I could change it."

"Thank you. I'll put it to good use."

"In case you pretend to do more than just luring your 'friend' in. Pass by the hospital, I hear they are giving out something to help young couples."

"Sure thing, best of luck," Minuette said before going out of the store.

'Okay, now to the hospital. And then...let's get you to my friend. She can't keep that up forever. Watching out for others is way harder than I thought.'

(Manehattan, carpenter's store)

"Well, I guess I can retire after this job then," Woodworks said as he finished reading the job request. "Are you sure this is right?"

"Don't ask me," the courier replied closing his bag. "I just deliver the mail. I don't write it. Well, before I go..."

"No tips?" Woodworks ask while picking his tools so he could start working on the request he just received.

"I wasn't going to ask for it. I want to know where I can find Doll Maker?"

"DM? I heard she opened a bigger shop a few blocks from that new theater uptown, but she will be passing by later today. You can leave whatever it is your delivery to her with me."

"I can't do that. It's unethical."

"Who would know about it? Not to mention she is working on some new prototype dolls, so she is probably running all over town looking for materials. You'll delay your deliveries considerably, but it's up to you to do it or not."

"Alright...I'll leave this letter. Deliver it for her, please." The pegasus handed out an envelope with Princess Celestia's seal on it. Just like the one Woodworks had just received.

"Sure thing," The carpenter replied, taking the envelope. "Now, if you excuse me. I need to change the store into workshop mode."

"You...had one of those spells done here?"

"Since some of the requests I get are ridiculously big. I would need a second location dedicated just to my workshop, which means more paperwork and bits off my payroll. With this little trick, I don't need that."

"Well...good day to you sir."

Woodworks replied with a simple handshake. As soon as the door closed, Woodworks pressed a few buttons on the back wall and the windows on the front of his shop were covered by curtains. The room started to expand, both in height and in area turning his humble little shop into a huge workshop. The balcony disappeared, the displays of small trinkets made out of wood and other materials were replaced by models of monuments, railways, miniature cities. His talent was to make these models, his little trinkets and other works were a hobby and a source of extra revenue.

He stepped into the center of the room, as he did it, the table where he placed his tools emerged from the ground. Blocks of different materials came out of some of the walls, his work table at the center. Adjusted to fit the base for next work. 'The wonders of space manipulation magic. Worth every bit. Now...what should I use for a base?'

Three hours passed, and he had just begun to carve the streets into the model. Selecting a material to work on the ground was a bit more difficult due to the specifications of the client. 'Why worry so much for the realism? Not that I'm complaining about it...but usually the clients want me to change the models in some way.'

Suddenly the front door opened and the bell rang. "Do you always stand on your works?"

Woodworks smirked before giving a reply. "Well, just as much as certain mare talks to her dolls like they are alive."

"One day I'll make a doll that will fool you into believing it is alive," he heard as he turned around. "But enough about that. What are you up to?"

"Special request from the princess," Woodworks said getting the envelope from one of his pockets. "Something I believe you'll be working with as well."

Doll Maker took the envelope frowning a bit. Woodworks watched her jaw drop as she read the letter. From the look on her face, she had also received a huge job request, but she seemed to have blanked out because she just stood there looking at the piece of paper. Woodworks snapped his fingers in front of her face which caused her to 'restart'.

"F-forty-six dolls?! A-and all of them in my new prototype?! How in the hay has the Princess caught wind of this?!"

"How should I know? But either way, mind if I ask what the request is?"

"Aside from the number, she asked for my next doll project that is a doll she can set a behavior pattern and change its appearance by activating an enchantment I already got figured out."

"That sounds rather complicated."

"That's because it is. It took about two years to figure out the right enchantment. Now, all that is left if figuring out which material can keep its integrity for the longest period of time."

"And I bet the running around is because that discovery of yours is very recent?" She replied with a positive nod. "Well, I got myself a request to make a Canterlot city and castle model. I just wonder where the Princess is going to place this."

"There are plenty of expert crafters here in the city. Any idea why us?"

"Well, if I were to guess...in your case is because of how intricate your automatons and dolls are. As for my case, I believe is because I don't tend to overprice my requests like most stores in town whenever a client comes from the capital. There are plenty of better stores out there that would have this done in half the time it will take me to do it."

"Of course they take less time. They have plenty of extra hands helping them out, which tends to leave different results in the same piece since there are so many different ponies working on it. Your's at least has the same handiwork throughout the entire product."

Woodworks smiled at that, for as much as a nutjob Doll Maker was with all of her antiques and her idea of a living doll. She was way more sociable than he was, so it came as no surprise she knew how to boost somepony else's morale.

"Well, if you're looking for materials," Woodworks said heading over to the walls where he had samples for different things he could use for the models. "I can put out a word for my suppliers to keep an eye out for your potential materials."

Doll Maker crossed her arms and smirked at him. "Trying to win me over with favors? Aren't you a charmer?"

"I know better than to try that," Woodworks replied giving her a little push on the forehead. "I know you prefer mares. So, consider this a little thank you for helping me out with my tools every now and then."

"Well, I'm not about to turn down a helping hand! I'll go back to my shop and test out the new materials I selected. I'll send you a list of the other candidates by tomorrow morning." Doll Maker gave him a hug. "Don't pull allnighters, okay? You tend to do that whenever that little spark in your eyes starts to glow."

"You got it, boss," Woodworks replied while returning the gesture. "And you be careful on your way back."

Soon after, she left and he went back to work on his piece. 'She's ought to outdo herself again with these prototypes. If it wasn't for those stupid stallions trying to keep her works under wraps she would have a much bigger name for herself. I think she would do better away from this city. Away from these bastards.'

(Meanwhile, Wonderbolt's Academy)

Spitfire had just changed back into her regular clothes, training was over for the day and it was about time she returned the barracks. Just as she left the changing rooms she was called out by somepony.

"Mrs. Spitfire?"

"Yes?"

"That Rainbow Dash you asked me to look out for in your mail...she sent you a letter today." Spitfire's ears perked up and she turned towards the mailmare.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Let me see it." The pegasus gave her a letter and then flew away. "Finally! It has been a few months now since I asked for news on the blue weirdo." She said opening the letter.

Spitfire, Ma'am,

With all due respect. STOP SENDING ME LETTERS EVERY WEEK! I promised you that I would send news on the unicorn as soon as I saw him again. I never let anypony I made a promise to down. So, you don't need to worry about me bailing on you. When he comes by you'll be the first to know.

Now on to another topic. It's about that theory of yours of the Princess being interested in that weird unicorn. My friends seem to share the same idea. I, on the other hand, can't wrap my head around this! And the more I think about it, the more it doesn't add up! The Princess has been around for way longer than I've been around. And based on the stories I heard about her. On these past thousand years, she's only shown interest in ponies that were REALLY strong with either offensive magic, or brute force.

Arden lacks both these traits! According to my friend, he told her that he can only use defensive magic. Add that to his power points and you have a completely uninteresting stallion according to the Princess’ standards. So how in Tartarus would this male get any sort of interest from the Princess?

I think the reason she is so worried about him is either because he saw something in her she didn't want to get out. Or, she wants him to use those eyes of his on somepony very specific. And since she is so worried about him disappearing I think the second option is most likely to be the case.

But in any case. This is all.

Your fan Rainbow Dash.

P.S: Do you think you can help me audition for the Wonderbolts?

Spitfire scratched her chin after finishing to read the letter. 'She has a point...the guy doesn't meet any of the traits the Princess showed interest in before. And her worries might be related to the favor she asked of him. But now that I think about it...why was I even interested in the guy? I guess the idea of the Princess liking him just made me want to know more. That was actually...unnecessary. I should probably send an apology to Rainbow Dash regarding the letters I sent.'

With that, she went back to the dorms. Spitfire had a long day of training, writing in her current state probably would be counterproductive. The night came through without a problem, though she did spend some time awake during the night thinking about what she read in the letter.

'What did he see? Or...who is the target the Princess set him on? Why keep it a secret? The Princess could simply restart the Shadowbolts, their specialties were surveillance and reconnaissance while keeping themselves concealed. Why bother with a stallion like that? Unless...it is something only he could verify.'

After realizing she wasn't going to get any answers by simply thinking about it, Spitfire decided to go to sleep. On the following morning, she woke up a bit earlier and went to the common area where she could write her letter. That early there would be only one pony there, Soarin. The second best flyer in her group.

"Morning Spitfire," The pegasus said right before yawning.

"How did you know it was me?"

"Well, you're always the second pony to come by every morning."

"True enough."

"What's got you out of bed this early?"

"Need to write a letter."

"Huh, well, I think you should hurry then. If I'm not mistaken the courier will come by in a few minutes to check on the letters that are about to be sent out."

"Thanks for heads up but I got it covered," Spitfire replied before yawning. She grabbed a mug and filled it with coffee, then she sat down and looked at the empty piece of paper.

'Now...first things first. How should I approach this? I only asked her about him in the previous ones. I never bothered to think about anything I should ask or try to come up with conversation.'

"Stop frowning and just write whatever comes to your head," She heard from right in front of her. Soarin took a seat and was resting his head on his hand. "You don't usually think how you're going to fly out there. You simply adapt to how things work out. Which is why the higher-ups are considering you to be next head of the Wonderbolts. And besides, it's just a little letter. If you don't like how it turns out just discard it and try again until you're satisfied."

Spitfire tilted her head at him and smirked. "Are you always this good with advice? Or did I just get you on a good day?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm always awesome when it comes to giving advice."

"Like when you gave a tip to the rookie that ended up making him crash land into the instructor?"

"I mean with letters."

"Since when?" Soarin seemed to choke with his coffee when she asked that. "Who have you been writing to?" He started to sweat and his eyes darted around. "Come on! Who is the lucky gal?"

"I-I don't know what you're talking about!" He replied, Spitfire just kept staring at him with a smirk on her face. His response was him faceplanting on the table and started making snoring sounds.

"Are you serious?" The snoring got louder. "Very well then, I'll just go back to my letter then," Spitfire said before getting a quill, ink, and paper. 'Just let it flow, just write whatever comes to mind.'

Rainbow Dash,

I want to start this off by simply saying that I'm sorry for bothering you with the constant interrogation. After reading your letter I realized that I don't even know why I was so interested in that stallion. I think you might be on to something with those theories of yours. Actually, it makes me a bit worried as to why the Princess needs him. Why would she need a pony who can see the heart of another?

Well, in any case, you don't need to worry about sending me that warning, I don't think it will be necessary. Actually, scratch that. When he comes by do let me know, I'll try to see what the Princess asked him to do, and I'll see if he needs help from us, whatever he is up to it must be big.

Regarding your audition. I'm afraid that all I can do is give a recommendation. That is unless you have any relatives that worked with or were Wonderbolts. If that's the case please tell me, I might be able to help you out.

Thanks for calling me out on the interrogation. Best of luck!

Spitfire looked at the parchment, before letting out a sigh. 'You were on point, Soarin. I bet that the mare that got you into writing gets some very well written letters.' Spitfire finished preparing the envelope and went to place the letter with the others. Soaring stayed there making the snoring noises. 'Everypony is going along with their lives. There are so many stories all around us...all of them developing at their own paces.'

Author's Notes:

Well here is another one!

I had a few tests this week so I ran into some problems. But I believe I'm in the clear. So here it is! I hope you all enjoy it and please let me know what you thought of it!

Also, I'm moving the author's notes to end of the chapters. I think it's better to ask your opinions once you read the entire thing. This is my little way of talking to you guys and explaining how things are working out. So, I ask that you please don't dismiss these. Have a nice week!

Tought of the day:

Once again take the quill, these stories are lives expressed in words.
The paper is their flesh, the ink their blood, and your moving hand is their beating heart.
But what sets all of this into motion is you, the one who reads these tales.

However, to those who write and want to create:
Please care for these beings, they are all alive from the moment you imagine them to the moment you forget them.