"To understand the story well, I'll tell you where she began," Celestia speaks. "Moonlight was young, a newly-aged mare of seventeen years. She was soon to graduate from the Canterlot Academy of Magic. Her final assignment prior to her graduation was a research paper, and her topic of choice was the properties of reverse-enchantment magic. After many late nights and a broken sleeping schedule, she submitted the paper to her professor. Needless to say, it was nothing short of awe-inspiring. So many intricacies to spells previously thought simple, she had shone new light into the fundamental study of magic. Everypony was swept away by her dedication to knowledge and analysis. It was so well-crafted and carefully explained, the current Royal Research Team and I came to the decision that we wanted her as a researcher. Eager to relay the offer, I had informed her of this just before her graduation, which was... erroneous, on my part. While she could deliver an insightful speech about an informational topic to a crowd, she never was the socially confident kind, especially when there was a distraction present. She became so anxious and apprehensive after I offered her a position as a researcher, she couldn't give her acceptance speech for graduating with the highest honors in her class. The stress of deciding whether to take my offer or not placed a lot of weight on her shoulders during such a busy time in her life, and I still feel guilty to this day. Though her mind is sharp and bright, her aspirations were simple and humble. Moonlight wanted to become a teacher at Magic Kindergarten, the elementary she attended as a foal. Her joy for teaching was rivaled only by her love of caring for foals. As you can imagine, becoming a researcher for Equestria's most esteemed science team was a responsibility far beyond being an elementary school teacher. The sudden offer I proposed to her was a big decision, and I don't blame her for being overburdened. Thankfully, Moonlight's closest and dearest friend, Cherry Snow, took up the task of delivering the speech she wrote to her graduating class. Thankfully, it all turned out well, her classmates were nothing short of supportive with her indirectly delivered words of thanks and humility. Moonlight was never a popular student, but she was highly respected for her talent and devotion, and it truly showed on that day."

"Tail back a minute," Crimson waves his hand for a halt. "Moonlight's closest friend? She's never let me in on that, 'n I've never seen anyone visit her. Is this friend still around?"

"Indeed she is. As a matter of fact, she works here at the Castle library. I do not believe miss Snow is informed that Moonlight has returned. Which makes sense, I believe many are unaware she has arrived at Canterlot. It should be sooner or later that miss Snow should know. From what I remember, her relationship with Moonlight is still amicable."

"Cherry Snow's her name?" he asks, to which Celestia responds with a nod. "Hmn. Good to have a friendly face nearby. I'll keep that in mind."

"Agreed. She was the only true friend Moonlight ever made. I remember miss Snow being very comfortable around Moonlight and her parents."

"Hm. If it ain't too nosy for me to ask, where're Moonlight's parents? They here in Canterlot?"

"Yes they are. It was one of Moonlight's biggest motivations for joining the Royal Researchers. She was required to move into the Castle immediately after graduation to begin her work, but fortunately, it wasn’t very far from her original home in the Blueleaf housing district in upper Canterlot. All housing expenses paid, free meals, countless services, her parents were more excited for her than she was for herself. After some internal debate and the encouragement of her family, Moonlight took the position as a Scribe. It pleased me greatly to see her working in the labs alongside other brilliant minds. She was, and still is, an excellent addition to the team. She was the youngest researcher ever admitted, but she collaborated well with her colleagues. So well, in fact, it was the most sociable I had ever seen her be. There was always an equation or a comprehensive question to discuss, and they all bonded through their love of learning."

"All of this sounds too good to be true. I reckon it was."

"Soon you will understand. After about a year of being apart of the team, the thirst for complicated knowledge in Moonlight and her colleagues grew, and projects became very intricate and increasingly prodigious. The workplace in the laboratories became chaotic and muddled through their experiments. Rather than have the researchers cleaning the aftermath of their projects at the end of an exhausting day, I assigned a trusted Castle janitor to maintain their labs, with of course, guided instructions by the Head Researcher in what is allowed to be touched. Though Moonlight was never required to clean up after herself, she did so anyway, even going to the extent to help the janitor tidy up the litter left behind by the other researchers. I attribute her selflessness to the guilt she must have felt watching another pony cleaning the mess she had left behind. Nevertheless, their time spent together cleaning formed... an interesting bond. Though their social status, interests, and pools of acquaintances were vastly different, Moonlight looked past that and developed emotions for this janitor. I do not speak for myself, but most ponies I know would never find a romantic attraction to a lowly janitor."

"It don't surprise me Moonlight sees past concepts like socioeconomic status. 'N what's this guy's name?"

"His name is Crescent Cool. I am unsure of the gritty details to the formation of their interest in one another, but they eventually became a pair. Unbeknownst to everypony at the time, a Scribe in the Royal Research team who you already know, Magnifying Glass, secretly harbored feelings for Moonlight, but because of the current entanglement between her and Crescent, he never advocated his feelings until it was too late."

"Damn. So Glass has been tryin' to scratch his way up Moonlight's tree for nine years?"

Celestia nods firmly, "An unfortunate happening for Scribe Glass, but he has only himself to blame for harboring his emotions. Nevertheless, Crescent proposed a date with Moonlight which solidified their becoming as a couple. From what I was told, Crescent was quite the romantic. In addition to being rather handsome, there was no shortage of sweet words and heartfelt gifts. You could imagine Moonlight was very nervous at the start of the relationship, I don't believe she had ever had a romantic interest before this. As time went on, their relationship showed itself to be a boon for the entirety of the research team. Moonlight's morale grew exponentially, it was higher then than it had ever been. She took many research matters into her own hooves, and everyone followed her lead in countless projects. She became so distinguished in her ability to explain, direct, and compose, she was voted as the next Head Researcher as soon as previous Head Levelpen Clair stepped down to retire. It was a blessing. I've been watching Moonlight since she was a foal and I had never seen her so happy. In her own words, she was at the pinnacle of her life, with a perfect job and an amazing companion to share the experience with. Their relationship was a kiln that hosted a burning passion for life and wonder."

"Sounds like the closin' of a fantasy. ... Where did it all go wrong?"

"... Not long after. The first year was marvelous, but something sinister lingered behind the veil. The main concern Moonlight had about her relationship was her desire for chastity until marriage, which she would have planned as their anniversary for being together two years. She was too committed to her new position as the Head Researcher to have a family during this time. With many responsibilities to juggle, she wanted to find a good time to set aside for their marriage. It was clear Crescent did not want to wait, he always pressed the matter whenever he could."

Crimson's face contorts in mild vexation, riding back on a memory that involved his sister in a very similar scenario. But, he focuses back on Celestia and refrains from interrupting her.

"After his advances being denied numerous times, Crescent was becoming less... affectionate. Even though he verbally acknowledged Moonlight's wishes time after time, he never seemed to truly respect her desires. Keep in mind that Moonlight's position as Head Researcher meant a plethora of new responsibilities, which eventually led to her exhaustion and her inability to stay afterwards to clean the labs, just as she had done when she was a Scribe. We can only assume Crescent must have mistook this as some sort of passive-aggressive attack against him, as he began showing up to work late and would become absent more often, effectively breaking his perfect work record. As I had mentioned before, he was a very trusted custodian picked out of a group. Everypony in that group had done their work around the Castle exceptionally and without complaint, and Crescent in particular got along with many of the Castle staff. It was understandable that Moonlight showed much concern to his random disappearances... and, through her lack of speaking to anypony for an outside perspective, she always blamed herself for things that were going wrong. So, in an attempt to appease to him, Moonlight invited him to the annual Royal Ball, the very same party she had attended every year, the same that Crescent had never been to but to clean up afterwards. She figured it a perfect opportunity for some time to recollect each other's emotions. He gladly accepted, and they attended the Ball together."

"And I reckon it was disaster."

Celestia shakes her head, "To even my surprise, only contentment came from their attendance to the Ball. Though Moonlight did not participate in any festivities, they seemed happy sitting together, talking endlessly, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. Crescent even became the center of attention during one of the dancing circles through out the night. Include this with Moonlight's reluctance to speak ill of anypony, I believed nothing was out of the ordinary between them, that there were no signs of malcontent in their relationship. What happened after this Royal Ball is where the truth began to show its shadowed face. Crescent became rambunctious, his desire to copulate with Moonlight and establish a family was inflamed. His increasing turbulence led to... abusive tendencies," Celestia's expression hardens at the experiences she is recalling, finding present disconcert over memories she willingly files away. "It was too soon before his verbal threats became physical maltreatment of our little Moonlight."

Crimson's hands reflexively close into strained fists. The realization that this was a past event doesn't escape him, but it does little to ease his rising frustration.

"The worst part about the abuse she suffered was her submissive nature. Not only was she the receiving end of bruising treatment and harsh language, her socially fragile being made her truly believe his belittling words. She was always under the impression that she was doing something wrong, that she was at fault for the discontent found in Crescent. ... So then, one and a half years into their relationship, Moonlight herself was beginning to change. It was first noted by her fellow researchers before it reached my knowledge, but she severely waned in her productivity during her work hours. Her mental disconnection to her surroundings was troublesome. She would frequently be found star-gazing and motionless, letting time pass her idly by. She would clean her station and leave her lab earlier than before, then show up the next morning late. Nopony knew why Moonlight was acting this way, there were no evident clues to her dismay. Her relationship was the last thing in anypony's mind, as we were all under the impression that her relationship was still as grand as it was when it first began. She never spoke up about it, and to this day, I believe she would have never done so... which would have resulted in future abuse and a tragic marriage. Had it not been for a terrible mistake on Crescent's end, our little Moonlight would have been involved in a ghastly marriage."

"What'd he do," Crimson asks as a question, but the rigid inflection in his voice comes off as speaking a statement.

Celestia's eyes beam half-lidded into the void as her mind envisages the memory, "... It was one of the most heart-shattering plights I can remember. It was a typical day in the research labs. The team was working on a project, with Moonlight spear-heading the operation. Her growing tendency to arrive late by a few minutes was already worrisome to the researchers, but today, she was astoundingly tardy. She was an entire hour late. The team would have assumed she was sick and needed a day to rest, but as standard protocol dictates, Moonlight would have left a letter to the team if she was going to be absent. All were perplexed to find her not only arrive late, but appear in such a horribly torn state. Her face was reddened and she was wearing her old Scribe cloak, along with a change in mane-style, where sharp locks of her hair hid her beautiful face. Unlike the cloak and cape for the Head Researcher uniform, the Scribe cloak covers the entire body. The terrible truth hid behind her conservative appearance. Since she was a filly, Moonlight always kept her mane held in a tail with a band, and it gave her such an air of youth and innocent wonder. That day, her presence completely discarded the Moonlight we all knew, and no longer could she be left unchecked. Everything stopped, all projects came to a halt, and she was thoroughly questioned by her peers. She gave countless excuses; she was bedraggled from loss of sleep trying to figure out 'x' formula, her face was red and puffy from having bumped her nose on a door, and that she forgot to wash her Head Researcher uniform. They were the same deflections she has been giving since her emotional descent... it was always obvious that she was covering for something... or somepony. Even when the evidence was clearly present, it took copious amounts of coaxing by her peers to get her to come forth, and still, she was too emotionally distraught to speak to anypony except me. ... I still remember that day, when I was called away from a diplomatic meeting to have my presence made at her room in private. ... I recall removing my slipper to lift Moonlight's mane out of her face... and it showed to me a blood-shot eye and a bruised socket where a certain stallion's hoof had landed. Her cheek and temple was bruised and swollen... then, upon removing her cloak, her entire body followed the same soul-wrenching abuse that patterned over her face. Exposed and afraid, Moonlight finally revealed everything to me. The verbal assaults, the physical batterings, and to my shock, the stealing and spending of her money. She had entrusted him with the details to her depository for reasons even I do not know, and he abused that trust. The worst part of her revelation was that she spoke to me as if it was all her fault, as if none of this somehow fell burden to the stallion committing these atrocities. Every hit she took from him, she always believed she deserved it, even going out of her way to hide it for his sake. She truly loved him, but clearly it was misplaced."

"Clearly."

"Nevertheless, following her explanation, we discretely scoured the Castle in search of Crescent to bring his actions to light... and we found him. Yes, we found him in his assigned room. With a parade of guards at our backs, Moonlight and I caught him in the middle of having an affair with a mare he had met during the Royal Ball, which did well to explain why his absences and tardiness soared so dramatically."

"... Fucker."

"Indeed. As it had turned out, Moonlight inviting him to the Royal Ball was a blessing in disguise. His social status leaped through the roof when other elites made his acquaintance there. Combine his charming, seducing mannerisms with innumerable lies that told everypony he was a single, unmarried stallion in the human business, he found a home in the hearts of the high society. His frequent disappearances and disregard for his work as a janitor came from his new-found respect. He never needed any money to impress others, no, he found use of others spending their money for him... and as you can assume, he used Moonlight's bits when the occasion arose. During questioning, we found out directly from him that he grew impatient with Moonlight. Apparently he was sick of working as a janitor. If he had married and had children with Moonlight, he would have legally secured a position in the high society sooner, and other opportunities for high-profile flings could be acquired... which, indeed, was his goal all along. All he ever wanted was his name to be recognized and known. One big ploy to climb the social latter at Moonlight's expense. He would have succeeded, but fortunately for us, his violent tendencies knew no bounds, and it was the downfall of his masquerade. The high of riding his new-found status led him to become less frugal with abusing Moonlight, and it was his demise. Though, to his meager credit, he managed to keep one promise out of the countless many he broke... Moonlight was allowed to keep her chastity."

"Ch. Well that's just hunky-dory. All's forgiven." His sarcastic tone comes accompanied by his visible agitation. "... 'N where's this shithead now?"

Celestia shifts her gaze to look Crimson in the eyes. She can see the fire burning inside of him, the one that calls for vengeance. It's enough to make her smile in satisfaction to his unadulterated conviction for justice, but she shakes her head to him, "Worry not, my angel. After this incident was found and reported, he was swiftly imprisoned in the Canterlot Dungeon for six years. After he was released, a restraining order was placed, and he was promptly banned from staying and entering Canterlot. His current whereabouts are lost and forgotten, just as he is."

Celestia notes the displeasure on Crimson's face. He understands the futility of attempting to exact any form of revenge on Moonlight's perpetrator, but it doesn't stop him from sitting in contempt.

"... Crimson," Celestia hums to him, reattaining his attention.

"... Yeah. Sorry, princess. Just... Moonlight didn't deserve a second of what she got."

"It is upsetting. She is the last pony I would subject to tragedy, but there are many innocent lives that suffer from injustice. That is why we should always keep our chins raised and our arms open, for there are many who need comfort and strength, and they seek those who are comforting and strong."

"Hmn. Like you."

"... I had 'someone' else in mind, but I appreciate your kind words."

"They're not just kind words. I mean them."

"I know you do, and I do my best to provide leadership and counseling to my subjects... but as you have already know, I am not immune to the toils of life. I sometimes fail to decide rationally or diligently due to self-doubt or hesitation."

"Everyone screws up now 'n then. Doesn't mean you're no better at bein' a role-model, as long as what's in yer heart stays true. You only started wearin' your crown not too long ago right? Give yourself some slack."

"You must understand that minor errors aren't as minor when you are responsible for leading a country. My sister and I have only held our crowns for twenty years, and in that time, there has been much to attend to... and many opportunities for failure."

"Twenty? ... Twenty years?"

"Twenty years, yes."

"I thought you became princess recently. Twenty years ain't no 'recent' to me."

"It is to me."

"... No disrespect, princess, but just how old are you?"

"Oho," Celestia blinks lubriciously and chuckles, "What a thing to ask a mare~"

"Honest question."

"... I'll say only this: older than you might think."

Crimson smirks to her sly answer. "Fair game. I'll get a real answer outta you one day."

"I eagerly await for that day then."

"... You said you've been dealin' with a lot. I'm curious about the shit you gotta hassle through as the princess of Equestria. -- Oh, uh, right... my manners. Forgot to ask early 'cuz I was kinda upset, but... you don't mind swearin', do you?"

"I believe we're both grown adults."

"Right. Just checkin'."

"... Hmn, where to begin. I suppose my main priority has been increasing the quality of living conditions through out the land. You see, Equestria was... not in the greatest state before our coronation. Thirty-two years ago, a continental war across all of Equus drove death and famine into not only ponykind, but every other kingdom... for nearly a decade. Changelings, dragons, yaks, buffalo, camels, zebras, hippogryphs, seaponies, and a plethora of other races that were caught in the middle of the crossfire. ... It was a catastrophe that, I hope, never shall repeat itself again. Under the care of my sister and I, we have had great success in re-establishing the major cities and expanding past them, but the lack of mobility and security is my greatest concern. Many of my ponies are unprotected and subject to attacks. ... You witnessed the destruction of a village first-hoof."

"And I'd kill that bastard again if I could."

Celestia exhales through her nose, smiling in amusement. "I do hope your reassignment proves to quell future attacks. ... Crimson." He raises his eyebrows, reaffirming to her that she has his attention. "Your gift is something to treasure. With the might to slay a dragon, but the tenderness to comfort an aching heart, I couldn't be more thrilled to have you as one of my subjects. You are exactly what Equestria needed right now. I do not know what divine force bestowed this blessing upon us, but I am happy it did. ... Could I bother you with a difficult question?"

"'Course you can, princess."

"... I mean no offense, I am only curious. Why do you choose to stay in Equestria? Moonlight informed me that you would rather stay here and aid us in the face of our current threat, rather than find a way to return to your homeworld. Why is this?"

"... Just... feels like the right thing to do, I suppose. It ain't everyday that you get suddenly yanked away from one world to another, not including the fact that that's even possible. Whatever force reckoned I should be added to this place probably knew what it was doin'. Like you said, I'm just what y'all needed at this very specific point in time. Everyone I've met, all the directions I've turned, it's all led me to you right here, right now, havin' this conversation. If I'd choose to leave, it would be more than selfish, it would be down-right desertion. Everythin's lined up fer me this far, it's all the motivation I need to keep me here. ... Besides, the only important person in my life isn't too far from me anyway, there wasn't anythin' particularly important I left by being sent here."

Celestia's satisfaction to his earnest being is contained in the glee present in her face. Her pink irises glint with the lifting of her spirit, finding solace in watching him as he sits there, right in front of her on the carpet. She mindlessly gazes at his human figure, the scratches on his face and body, the dark circles under his eyes, the mild scraggling of his hair... they all stand as pillars to his unbreakable fortitude. With one more thing to ask him, Celestia speaks again, "... What was your life like before your arrival to Equestria?"

"Ah. It's a long story. None of it really bridges between here and there, but, uh... guess we can start with my pa--"

Without warning, the doors to the throne room come open, revealing two guard stallions in golden armor standing at its wake. One of them vocalizes, "Princess Celestia, your presence is requested at the Consortium Congregation."

Crimson and Celestia turn their glances from the interrupting stallions to each other, with Crimson chuckling, "Looks like it's a story fer another time."

"I apologize for asking the question at such a bad time, I should have realized my duties would call me away."

"Nah, nah, no trouble at all. Next time."

"Mm. Next time," Celestia repeats. "... I will hold you to your word."

Crimson rises to his feet from the ground as Celestia stands from her throne. They walk alongside each other down the stairs and out of the throne room, parting ways as Crimson makes his way towards the East Tower.

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"... Nope. Terrible. Let's fix that too. ... And that. ... What was I thinking setting those capacitors like that? That won't do at all..."

Moonlight murmurs to herself as she studies her original ANA blueprint. She scrutinizes her own scheme harshly, mentally scolding herself at every turn for menial imperfections in its design. Be it the needlessly bulky shape of the chassis or clunky setting of the internal parts, she now scribbles into a more modern gridded paper as she maps out a newer, fleshed out design that uses her old one as a base.

Her focus remains undisturbed until the sound of doors opening hijacks her attention. She comes to a sudden halt, her eyes dart to the front of the room like a deer caught in headlights. She catches Crimson peeking his head from the opened door, looking in inquisitively. Once the two make eye contact, he steps fully into view and smiles. Moonlight's tense shoulders loosen once she sees it's only him. She adjusts her glasses and smiles back, "How did it go with Celestia?"

"I'd say went well," he says as he approaches Moonlight and stands at her side. He scans the lab table she sits next to, seeing a plethora of papers, inkwells, and used plumes scattered about.

"She told you about your reassignment?"

"Yeah. Kinda bogus. I was hopin' we would be able to do more field ops together."

Moonlight averts her gaze and smiles slightly wider at his desire.

"But, like Celestia said, you'll be much safer here in Canterlot. Can't complain about that."

"I'll be safe, but that doesn't mean you will. The Elite Guard are not known for going on walks in the garden, there's always something trying to harm them. ... Crimson, promise me you'll be very careful while working with them."

"There ain't no reason to fret, Moonlight," he reaches his hand to adjust the lop-sided collar on her Scribe cloak, "I'll be just fine. Sure I might take a few hits here 'n there, but I'm pretty good at that."

"Good at almost dying? That's not something to be proud of..."

"Almost dyin' ain't actually dyin' though, so I'd say it is," he smirks.

Filled with melancholy, her eyes move with her head to look up at him. "... It's smiles and giggles now, but I'll never forgive you if I have to attend your funeral one of these days..."

Crimson's grin falls awry at the sight of her somber bearing, but only for a moment. He opens his arms to motion a hug... but to his offer, she doesn't immediately accept. His arms slowly fall back down to his sides as his brows furrow with fret.

"... Promise me," she firmly demands. "Promise me you'll keep yourself safe."

Though her expression is serious and her adorable voice coming out as stern as it can possibly be, Crimson can't help but smile again. "I promise you, Moonlight. I promise that I'll make it back from every rodeo, and the first thing I'll do is visit you. That sound good?"

Moonlight stays quiet for a moment, staring up at him with the same fixed expression... then, she reaches forward and latches onto him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Crimson steps closer and couples up next to her, embracing the hug they now share.

"... You better not break your promises."

"Never have. Never will."

They come apart after Moonlight softens her hold. She sits straight on her stool again and plants her eyes down at the papers on the lab table. She stares at all of the complicated schematics and numbers in the papers, but she doesn't focus on them. "Are you going to go see Storm soon?"

"Gotta. Gonna try my best to get that relic outta her hands and into ours. Or whatever respective appendage you hold."

"Hopefully her demands aren't too high, the last thing we need is for her to want something out of our reach. Which is very few things, but the simpler the request, the better."

"'N you? What'll keep you busy today?"

"I was going to finish developing my plans for the mark-two variation of the original ANA. I have most of the plans mapped out already... I think. Unfortunately, I'm lacking a few components I'll need to build it..."

"A few?"

"A lot..."

"Damn. Can't believe them royal labs'r whatever don't got the stuff you need."

"Oh... no... no, they... probably do. I, just, um... I was referring to the resources in my room..."

"Ah. No problem then. Just head on down to the labs fer the stuff you'll need."

"..."

"... Moonlight, you're gonna have to show up there eventually. You can't hide in yer room forever."

Moonlight releases a brooding sigh, nodding her head in understanding, "I know, it's just... t-they... they might be angry at me."

"Fer what?"

"... For being gone several years. We haven't been able to do many experiments or studies with me being so far away... I effectively halted our progress when I moved away."

"Not even close, Moonlight. Them researchers in the labs, they were pretty ripe with the idea of you bein' back. They weren't mad in the slightest... especially that Magnifying Glass fella."

Moonlight scrunches her muzzle and turns her gaze firmly away at the mentioning of his name.

"'N I heard he's been waitin' to bark up yer tree for years now."

"W-Who told you that?" She snaps her eyes back to him.

"Celestia, f'course."

"What else did she tell you?"

"Just that Magnifying Glass was one of the original team members before you became the Head Researcher. Seemed like a good guy. ... Are you a little scared to meet him again? Is that why yer beatin' around the bush so much?"

"N-No! W-Well... it's, um... it's..."

Crimson turns his head slightly to mire her with his right eye.

"... It's just that, it's been so long since I found out he liked me... and I told him that I liked him. I never told him up-front, all of our conversations happened through the letters we shared. Even after I stopped writing everypony letters, he still wrote to me. I'm bewildered that anypony would feel this way about me for so long. I'm not..." her voice quickly drops in volume, mumbling a whisper, "... really anything special."

"... Magnifying Glass 'n I would highly disagree with that, Moonlight. There's so many good qualities about you, I'd lose my voice tryin'a say 'em all. Yer house back in Baltimare? A work of art, all done by your love and care. These crazy contraptions? Built by you and only you. To top off your unrivaled intelligence, you're one of the sweetest people, or eh, ponies, I've ever met. They don't make 'em like you, Moonlight, not where I come from at least. Now c'mon, better to get things done now then later. Go meet back up with them researchers of yers. Try to kindle somethin' that should'a been a long time ago."

Crimson moves a thick lock of Moonlight's mane out of her face, shifting it to the side to reveal her left eye better. He stares at her beautifully clean form, her gleaming eyes, the silky coat that entails her pearly face with complete lack of blemish or imperfection.

...

Like if reality flashed a snapshot, Crimson's imagination unwillingly envisions this innocent mare beaten. Bruised. Bleeding. The left corner of her lip is swollen and her eye is a presentation of misery. Crimson's shoulders slowly raise, along with a fire of anguish and vengeance--

"I-Is there something on my face?" she breaks him out of his daydreaming with her sudden trepidation.

"... N... No. Nothin' on yer face, Moonlight. Clean and adorable, as it always is."

Moonlight's cheeks are quick to heat up with the tossed compliment.

"... I'll be back soon 'n visit you at the labs," Crimson makes his way towards the doors as he speaks, "hopefully with the relic." He opens the door he came through and steps out, glancing back at the silent mare before he closes it, if only to make sure she doesn't require anything before he steps out. She only gazes at him timidly without uttering a word. He takes this as his cue to march away.

...

"... Wait! Crimson!" Moonlight blurts suddenly. "Scribe Swirl wanted this!" Her horn is encased in her blue aura as she levitates her mini-ANA from the table into the air in front of her. "... I forgot to ask you to take this to the labs," she mumbles in vain, knowing she won't be heard. She doesn't receive any response and her door stays closed, remaining in the silence of her echoing room. Her ears flop to her head, realizing now that she not only has no excuse, but a reason to return to the labs. "... Hooh."

Next Chapter: Inquire the Wiser Estimated time remaining: 23 Hours, 44 Minutes