Continued from Part 3: https://pastebin.com/MkjgP4iS

> ...no, there's no point in trying to deny this.
> Bon Bon is not a fool; just trying to play her as one would only backfire on you.
> Who knew what she would do if you just kept denying it - what she might start in front of the others, instead of chasing you into a private bathroom?
> And if you punished her for this...
"You know, Bon Bon, if you didn't push on me so much you'd be perfect for the guard. Tough as nails, and nothing gets past you."
> Turning her head, she motions to one of the stalls.
> "I'd rather shove my head in that toilet than be one of your lapdogs."
> Delightful.
"Well. You're not entirely wrong, Bon Bon. I did lower the windows to scare them. And yes, I did take a little bit of pleasure at seeing you shaken up by it. That I admit, and... it was wrong."
> The admission seems to catch her by surprise.
> "You... no, you're not-"
"Yes, I am."
> You glance around, looking for somewhere to sit to lower yourself to something approaching her head height.
> Unfortunately, bathroom floors are not too promising - and you don't feel like addressing a serious moment seated on a toilet.
> Instead you squat in front of her and vigorously hope no one else decides to come in and see you making a fool of yourself.
"I am, because - because whatever else we argue about, we both know that taking pleasure in another's terror is very truly wrong. Or, I should have known when I did that. I..."
> What did you do?
> It's going to hurt to admit this, partly because of how much it will hit your ego - and how much it will inflate hers.
"...showing you what it's like here was always something I wanted to do. But, I saw you grinning when we got past the protesters, and... I guess I wanted to see you cringe too. Show you that you're not immune to it either."
> "So when I told you to put it back up-"
"I waited until you cracked, yes. And I truly am sorry for that. It wasn't - wasn't right of me. Anger..."
> Hissing softly, you shake your head.
"...it's always been when I'm at my worst. Not excusing what I did, but... I don't know. Hoping you understand."
> "You're a bastard."
> Despite your best efforts you snort in reaction.
> Yeah, hoping for more was probably too much.
"Yeah, I am sometimes. That's why I'm saying this to you. And when I'm done here, I'm going to go out there and give the other seven a real apology too, because it wasn't fair what I did. Especially to them, when I was really angry at you."
> "I..."
> Maybe, maybe just, you're finally getting through to Bon Bon.
> She seems more uncertain.
"And maybe you were right too - maybe I was a monster. Maybe I was as bad as some of the others out there, and you're right to hate me for things like how I let my guards abuse you, what I did to Corona, or how I humiliated Cadance. But you know what, there's something else I want to think about too."
> Leaning in as far as you dare, you pull as close to her as possible.
"I didn't make up anything you saw out there. I didn't crack those whips myself, or put that club there for Crescent Moon to spot. And you're going to see a lot more when we get back to the market too; none of that is my creation. This is the real world, Bon Bon - and I won't apologize for showing them that. You heard what Ocean Wave said? That's what I want you to see-"
> "You mean, you want us to despair at ever getting out and being free again."
> Despite her bitter words, Bon Bon's tone lacked the same bite she'd used before.
"If you want to see it that way. What would you prefer - I shove you all in a windowless truck? Use bridles with blinkers to keep you from seeing? I might've been a bastard in the past, but now I'm not 'pretending to be better than the next monster' - I am. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
> You stand again and go to wash your hands.
> When the water shuts off, Bon Bon finally speaks up:
> "It does matter. I haven't missed that. Lyra hasn't either. But you know what? You're still a slave owner. Whatever it's like out here, you're still holding us as your property. You turned ponies into things, no matter how 'kind' you are."
"I try not to. That's why I allowed you the museum. 'Things' don't have museums."
> "Sometimes I think that makes you the worst of kind of slaver. Because you can hide behind the mask of being 'better'."
> You're about to snipe right back at her, but Bon Bon suddenly looks aside and sighs.
> "...and then sometimes I remember that a cruel slaver wouldn't have let us stay together, after we planned an escape."
> Interrupting seems like a bad call right here.
> Right when she's finally - finally! - recognizing something you'd done.
> Eventually, though, you have to speak up:
"Alright, Bon Bon. Here's how it's going to happen: Like I said, I'm going to go out there and I'm going to apologize - honestly - for what I did. To all of them."
> Her eyes snap to you, searching for the catch in your generous response.
> Unfortunately this time there really is one.
"After that you're going to have about an hour before we get back to the market. And then maybe another fifteen to thirty minutes in that time. And in that time you're going to find it in you to apologize for striking me and ask to get in the truck going home, or you won't be getting in."
> "...you'd just - throw me out?"
"I wouldn't lose track of you. Like I said, Bon Bon - I'll give you that what I did was wrong. But that doesn't give you the right to come in and strike me!"
> You shove the door open and are promptly met by the terrified visages of Crescent Moon and Ocean Wave, both backing off at an angle that suggests moments earlier their ears had been pressed right to the door.
> Delicate things, pony ears.
> Evidently not delicate enough, judging by the frantic expressions they bare.
> Those hold until Bon Bon slips out of the bathroom after you unmarked by any punishment.
"Hey..."
> Patting both mares' heads, you motion back towards the front of the restaurant.
"Let's go sit down, I want to say something."
> That draws looks more curious than angry, but they do follow along - all climbing into their old seats.
> As you'd hoped, all the ponies you'd left there are still present.
> You're equally thankful that the nearest table to you had emptied out before you returned; doing this in front of a public audience wasn't something you were really ready for.
"Listen, all of you, I..."
> Hissing between your teeth, you hesitate.
> Not because you're trying to pick your words, but because the words simply aren't coming.
"...I want to apologize. Again."
> You nervously pass a hand through your hair.
> Why was this so difficult...?
"The truth is... when were coming in here, I did lower that window on purpose. To let all the - noise in. Partly because I wanted to scare you with the reality of what it is out here. More than just show it to you, I wanted to hit you with it as hard as possible. But also because - I wanted to 'beat' Bon Bon. To win - because she'd been smug about my discomfort, I wanted to break her too. You got caught in the crossfire of that, and it wasn't fair to any of you."
> All are listening intently, ears cocked forwards and fixed on you.
> For many of them, this might have been the most open you've ever been with them.
"I - terrified you just to make a point... that's not what a good Master does, and I hope you can forgive me but I will understand if you're angry."
> A long silence follows that.
> Some of them move their jaws as if trying to speak, but none actually dare.
> Until finally, Crescent Moon puts her forelegs up on the table and glares at you:
> "I believe you didn't want to hurt us. But this is what, the third time you've apologized to me - to us? The third time you've screwed up and some pony's gotten hurt in the process?"
> More than that, you knew, but she was probably only counting the things she'd seen.
> "You don't see us as - people. We're tools, ways for you to win things. Well guess what, we're not going to be tools!"
> One of the others tries to bring Crescent back down, hooking a leg around one of hers, but still she goes on:
> "Well if you're trying to be a "good Master" then you'd better start thinking about us as people, not things, and stop using us as - as tools to win your fights!"
> A touch of a frown flickers across your face before you can hide it.
> She just didn't get it, did she?
> You weren't treating them like they were your property; they actually are your property!
> At the same time, she also had a point:
> This wasn't the first time an innocent pony had been 'caught in the crossfire'.
> It was something you regretted... but would have to do better on.
"...I know. That's why I'm here saying this."
> "Yeah, but y'know what? Sooner or later, 'sorry' isn't enough."
> You simply nod.
> Now isn't the time to be pushing arguments.
> And to your surprise, Crescent Moon softens and reaches forward with a hoof to tap your hand.
> "You're trying, I get that. But what you do to us? It sticks around for a long time after sorry."
"...like with the leash."
> Shuddering, Crescent nods.
> "Exactly."
> Standing, you circle around to her side of the table and take her hoof again, squeezing lightly.
"That you're willing to listen to me - to calmly tell me what I need to fix - even after this all, is what I appreciate."
> Hopefully Bon Bon is listening too!
> Once you return to your seat, the others are again willing to somewhat open up to you.
> Soon enough the time is running out; it's time to go back.
> None of them look particularly happy when the leashes come out again, but dutifully line up as you snap them back onto the collars.
> Except, of course, for Crescent Moon - who stays well back from the hated things.
> They actually fare better on the walk back, though.
> If anything, it almost seems that your admission has convinced them to put on a stronger face - as if to prove you couldn't spook them.
> But that they had to do that tells you enough about what this place is doing to them, and the closer you get back to the market the more those masks crack - tails beginning to swish, wings rustle nervously, and ears swing low.
"...alright. I'm not going to lie now: What you see in there will be unpleasant. Upsetting. Angering. If you don't want to, let me know now. I'll have you brought around to the loading entrance so you can wait there."
> One by one, though, they shake their heads.
> Bon Bon the last of them.
"Alright. Here we go, then."
> After a brief talk at the front desk, you're directed back downstairs again.
> You wonder briefly if being allowed out on the sales floor again says more about the lack of impact the Cadance-induced riot had, or about the benefit your business had brought them.
> Either way, you're mercifully unrecognized this time.
> Just another owner, walking an unusually large crowd of ponies.
> The few heads that rise to call in your direction do not produce cries of recognition, but of pleading hope:
> Asking, begging, to join the herd walking at your heels.
> The members of that herd, by contrast, have again merged into a defensive huddle.
> Horror fills all their eyes at the ranks upon ranks of ponies lethargically waiting for someone to come buy their services.
> Or was it the specter of whatever unknown things had caused others to want so badly to come with you?
> Their relief when you pass through a door into a back room is palpable - at least until you realize this space was little more than a holding facility for ponies not on display.
> The only difference is the single pens for viewing were replaced with large group pens intended just to keep them in place.
> Everything else - the tough floors, lax appearances
> Bon Bon gives you a sharp look, and you passively shake your head in return.
> This was not something you had chosen to show them.
> At last you reach the back, where another suited assistant is waiting.
> No Stedler today, a fact for which you're somewhat grateful.
> Putting him and Bon Bon in the same room would probably end with one of them breaking a nose.
> At the very back, near the loading dock, are the pens holding your new purchases.
> Before shaking hands with the requisite pencil-pusher and signing the final papers, you set your ponies loose.
> First to nose up to the pens and greet them, and later - after the papers are signed and pen doors opened - to walk alongside them, leashes dragging on the concrete floor, voices at a soft murmur.
> Evidently the attending staff have either seen this before, or are well-trained enough to recognize what is happening and not interfere.
> You're betting on the latter.
> None have the look of the knuckle-dragging, crop-and-truncheon-wielding muscle you'd find at a lower auction house.
> Time to give the ponies an early taste of the independence you'd offer them:
"Alright, listen up! I think we can fit ten in my van - one from the ponies who came with me, and nine of the others. The rest of you will take the truck back. Figure out who's going to be going with me, okay? I'd prefer to let you do it, but I'll step in if you can't."
> "You're sure you want to do that?"
> The murmur at your ear comes from the attendant, and you respond with a firm nod.
"I don't know if you're familiar with my operations, but I let them make their calls as long as the job gets done. This is a good way to start with them."
> "No - letting them ride with you. Is it going to be okay?"
> You turn and raise one eyebrow questioningly.
"Have there been obedience problems? I didn't notice anything on their records-"
> "No, no! But, if one of them does while you're one the road-"
> You hum softly to yourself.
"You keep their collars chained during transport, right? And hobbled?"
> "Of course. For their safety, as much as anything else."
"I'll show you the anchor points in my van. Your delivery people can get the chains back at my facilities. That acceptable?"
> "Of course, sir!"
"Good."
> To your surprise, nine ponies had already evenly separated themselves from the rest of the crowd.
> Less of a surprise is Bon Bon joining them in the line for your van.
> She'd been watching the shackles and chains being applied with hard eyes, and now lays that same fierce gaze on you.
> When you beckon her over, however, those eyes fall.
> "I... I am... sorry. Master. For striking you. And yelling at you. I.. I was angry too. And it got out of control."
> Each word is spit out with almost physical force.
> "May I get in the van to go back? I - would like to."
> It is, you suppose, as much as could be hoped from her.
"Yes. And thank you, Bon Bon."
> "Yeah, well... thanks too. For letting me do this over here, and not next to them - do they have to be chained?"
"I understand. And yes, unfortunately. But as soon as we're back, it can all come off. Your collar too."
> "Right. Let's go home then. Please."
> ...
> The ride back is far more peaceful than the ride in.
> Maybe because these new arrivals are used to a more hard-edged life than you provide.
> Or maybe because Bon Bon has had enough arguments for one day, and settles for holding quiet discussions in the back with them.
> Little noise makes its way forward, only low words held in soft conversation and the occasional clink or rattle of chain as one of them moves a bit or you hit a bump in the road, 
> Bon Bon had not been pleased about that, but raised no fuss.
> Possibly because she'd seen the Foremost ELT staff locking them in place to the truck as well and understood it wasn't something you'd ordered.
> Either way, they only really start paying attention again when you're nearly home.
> With the foreknowledge of where the protesters had decided to camp out, this time you take a roundabout path to avoid running that gauntlet, and some of the ponies gasp in surprise as the camp rolls into view.
> They clearly hadn't been expecting it to be this large.
> Hooves and muzzles remain practically glued to the windows - or as close as the chains would allow, in some cases - as the gates are rolled open and you pull through.
> You park beside the manor and quickly set about freeing them from the van:
"Alright, huddle up here. The truck shouldn't be too far out, and when it comes they can get these collars off of you too."
> Despite the summer heat the ponies don't mind being outside at all.
> You’d be soaked in sweat were it not for being in the shadow of your manor, but the camp clearly has their rapt attention.
> Some are even drawn to stay closer for a better look, nearly disobeying your orders before the tug of their chain brought them back in line.
> Eventually the truck turns up, brakes squealing as it pulls to a stop.
> And as if she had been waiting for just that moment Cadance appears to sweep out from within the camp and make her way among the arrivals as the attendants move among them removing collars.
> By now it seems the ponies who'd ridden in the van with you are just about ready for their eyes to pop out of their head.
> Chuckling softly, you pat one on the back and point towards the milling crowd of other arrivals as they're herded down and off the truck.
"Alright, off you go then - line up with the rest of them, we'll get your chains off."
> They do, retreating in a hurried and lightly-clanking line towards the delivery handlers.
> That leaves you alone with-
> "So, do I get my collar off now too, or is this a permanent thing now?"
> You roll your eyes as you kneel down to take unbuckle the offending instrument.
"Would it kill you to be polite for once?"
> "Would it kill you to release us?"
> Instead of answering, you finish pulling the collar from her neck.
> Bon Bon rolls her head sharply, then lifts a rear hoof to scratch at the side of her neck.
"You know, Bon Bon, about that position in the guard-"
> "Forget about it."
> Turning to face you, she shakes her head fiercely.
"I'm not joking. You solve things with words that I don't know how to. You have strength, command respect - I could use that-"
> "And I said forget about it. You've convinced me that trying to just slip out again isn't going to work, but I won't ever lower myself to actually do your work keeping us here."
> From the way she says it, you rather suspect that she only thinks it wouldn't work because you'd proven that your eyes and ears were more extensive than she suspected.
"If you insist. The offer will remain open, though."
> You stand and dust off your pants.
"You can head back in. Report to your work station, see if they need you."
> With a gentle 'hmmph', Bon Bon turns and trots off - head held high and proud.

> Another day, another shift spent keeping watch on the fence line.
> Distant strains of music and chanting floated over from the distant encampment, which if anything only seemed to have spread out more.
"They really aren't going anywhere, are they?"
> "Doesn't look like it."
> Seismic Shift grunts, shaking his head.
> Pulling up a pair of binoculars hung from his neck, he carefully cradles them between his forehooves to peer down the length of the fence.
> In the distance a pair of pickup trucks sat just beyond the camp's boundary, workers clustered around posts installing cameras.
"At least they're staying back. I was worried they'd charge the fence."
> "Cowards. I heard they damn near jumped Anonymous' car when he was bringing the new ponies in a couple of days ago."
"Yeah, same."
> "So they go after trucks and yell at us from over on that road, but not actually do anything."
"You almost sound like you wish they'd come up to the fence."
> Seismic Shift growls, a deep bass noise that reminds you of an engine's rumble.
> "Yeah, I almost do. Then I could give them a piece of my mind."
"You really don't like them, huh?"
> Swinging the binoculars around, he pans them along the line of protesters.
> "We aren't the worst off here. There are much, much worse places I'd tell them to go bother. But they'd probably just stand a gallop away and yell at them too."
"Yeah, I can believe that."
> Rising, you stretch your wings wide and pop your back.
> Glancing down at the shadow of the building you sat atop, you grimace.
"I'd guess it's about two-thirty. We'd better go circle around again."
> "Suppose we should. Alright, let me-"
> "Thunderlane! Thunderlane, are you up there?"
> Scrambling to the building's far side, you peer over that edge in turn to find a sweat-lathered unicorn peering up in turn.
"Yeah, up here. Something wrong? What's up?"
> "It's Vapor Trail! You'd better come now!"
> Vapor-
> Your stomach falls out, wings instinctively popping in preparation for a leaping takeoff.
> No.
> You can't.
> Not when you and Seismic are on duty.
> But-
> A heavy hoof settles across your back, patting reassuringly.
> "Go. I can tell you're just about ready to go flying off anyway."
"But walking the fence-"
> "I can do it on my own."
> Cracking a grin, Seismic shakes his head eagerly.
> "They're not going to do anything."
> You don't need to be told twice.
> In fact, you're fairly certain that you set the camp's flight-speed record on the way over to the medical clinic.
> Not a moment too soon, either:
> Vapor Trail is already resting on the birthing when you arrive, albeit curled on her side and clutching her swollen belly as her legs will allow.
> The attendants take one look at you and move aside.
> "We need her to roll over onto her belly, or she won't be able to foal correctly. Can you help?"
> Does that need to be asked?
"Vapor? Vapor, listen to - urk!"
> You'd tentatively reached out with a hoof, and instantly she'd shot out one of her own to latch on to it.
> "Get this thing out of me."
> Vapor Trail had yelled maybe twice in your entire time knowing her.
> Hearing the vicious, pain-driven snarl come from her was like hearing another pony speak through her lips.
"I know, I know - we will, but you've got to roll onto your belly so you're on the table right-"
> With an angry, snake-like hiss she twists - belly finding its way into the gap in the center of the table and hooves instinctively going for the stirrups.
> All bit the one which locks firmly onto your pastern and refuses to let go.
> "Easy there, Miss Trail!"
> Instantly one of the nurses is at her side - shifting Vapor's legs and stabilizing her.
"How close is she, do you know-"
> "Rutting close, Thunderlane! Gah!"
> "Her water has already broken and contractions are coming fast. It shouldn't be long."
> "It could be faster!"
> You can't help but laugh at the change that's come over Vapor Trail.
> Any sign of her normal supportive, helpful nature is gone - yet you can't help but find her beautiful.
> Even if beauty is sweat-covered, heaving for breath, and alternating between pained whinnies and snarling harder than some of the Wonderbolts drill sergeants had.
> Leaning in, you spread a wing across her back and brush your nose through her mane.
"Easy, Vapor. Easy. You've been there for me often enough, now let me take care of you."
> "You need to push, Miss Trail - push, as hard as you can!"
> "What in Tartarus' dark halls do you think I have been doing?!"
> It's true, her sides are spasming with a force that goes beyond merely her heavy, labored breathing.
"Do you have something you can give her? A painkiller, or-"
> "Not this late, when the foal is already coming!"
> Hissing, you pull close to Vapor Trail and rest your head next to hers.
> Your hoof might be going slightly numb from the intensity of her hold on it, but that doesn't really seem to matter right now.
"Focus, Vapor. You remember - remember back when you were getting ready for the tryouts to for the Wonderbolts?"
> "What - agh! - what does that matter?!"
"Well, if it was anything like what I went through they pushed you - and just kept pushing, until everything from your tipfeathers to your tail-hair hurt. But, you kept on going, didn't you? You got through, just kept beating your wings and flying."
> Her attention now fixed on you, Vapor grits her teeth and nods.
"It was hard. We all-"
> Something splatters against the floor, a pungent odor rising from it.
> Your throat closes up, but the nurse shakes his head:
> "It's fine! Keep going, that's normal!"
"We kept wondering if it was worth it. Everypony in my group, and I bet everypony in yours."
> "I - I had -"
> Vapor Trail gasps sharply, her head rolling back.
> "-had somepony helping me through."

"Then let me be the one who helps me for this. You need to keep going, keep pushing just like you did there. Keep pushing, and it'll be over and you can rest with-"
> It hits you all at once.
> A foal.
> Vapor Trail is going to have a foal.
> Of course you'd come to terms with it - a long while back.
> But this is...
> Is this what being a parent feels like?
> You aren't the parent, of course - not literally.
> But it was close enough that you were feeling like -
> Like -
> "With my filly."
"Yeah. With your - filly?"
> "Mother's intuiti- ahhhh! Intuition!"
> Laughing, you wrap both your wings around Vapor and squeeze her tight as you can.
"Filly, then. Just - just keep going."
> "Yes, keep going! I can see the head - she's doing fine, I can see her moving."
"Hear that, Vapor? You're almost there!"
> An sharp, ear-aching whinny is your answer, shortly followed by a twitch of Vapor's hind legs.
> "There! The foal's just about out, just a few more-"
> Vapor Trail howls one final time, and the attendant whoops.
> "There we go! All done, let me just get this off-"
> Sinking back into the table, Vapor simply lays in place - side still heaving, wings spread limply, and staring into the distance with a little smile on her face.
> "Thunder? I - I can't get up to look. Can you-"
"Sure."
> You kiss her cheek, smiling warmly.
"I'd love to, Vapor. But you'll need to let go of my hoof first..."
> Flushing, she releases her demon-grip on your fetlock.
> You try to keep your weight off of it, just in case.
> Circling around behind her, you try and ignore the... mess that had been deposited in a pan carefully placed beneath the birthing bed.
> Focus on the squirming, howling bundle of fur that the nurse was finishing toweling off.
"Hey, Vapor? I - I guess you're a pretty good judge of foals."
> "It's a - a filly?"
"Uh-huh."
> She's darker-coated than Vapor, a blue-green like the rough-stirred sea but with the barest touch of light-yellow mane.
> You can't see her eyes yet - they're still squeezed tightly shut - but it's enough.
"She's beauti-"
> Vapor gives a laugh of joy and then a whimper as her body heaves one last time, expelling - something.
> You're trying not to think about what, but had strayed a little too close to look at the foal and oh sweet Celestia it splattered all over your legs why-
> Too late you feel your gorge rising, but at least the pan is there for your to lean over and add your vomit to.
> "Thunderlane? Thunder! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. You just, uh - I - I think - I need a shower."
> The nurse leans over to whisper in your ear:
> "Five doors down on the right. They'll let you in."
> "C-Can I see her?"
> Oh, right.
> Swallowing hard and forcing thoughts of wet stickiness clinging to your coat out of your mind, you take the now-bundled foal in mouth and carry him over to the bed.
> "Oh, Thunderlane, she's beautiful..."
[Choice]
> The shower is... deeply welcome.
> Following the nurse's orders you'd found the washroom and slipped in.
> The one other pony within had given you one look and pointed wordlessly to the shower stall.
> You surely weren't the first to stumble in covered in something indescribable.
> Despite all efforts to not think about exactly what is washing out of your coat, you nonetheless find yourself lathering up and rinsing off over and over again.
> Is it really just the disgust?
> Or something more?
> Are you - afraid?
> The thought draws a chuckle from your lips - Thunderlane the big tough guardspony, afraid of a foal!
> But there was much to be afraid about.
> This was effectively making you a father, even if you were not the sire.
> And what would Vapor do now...?
> Bearing the foal had tethered her to the camp - and would tether her, if you remembered anything of how your own parents had been stuck when Rumble had been born.
> Heh, Dad had even said he had the opposite temperament to you to complement his opposite colors.
> Always seeking attachment, looking for somepony to be with...
> No.
> Focus, Thunderlane.
> ...and quit scrubbing your legs for the fifteenth time, you'll scrub the coat right off of them!
> Were you actually scared of what was coming?
> Maybe.
> But if you're scared, then you can bet Vapor Trail is terrified.
> Which means she'll need you, and it's time to shut off the water and go be there for her.
> By the time you get back to the room they've already taken away the birthing table and transferred Vapor Trail to a proper bed.
> She still looks shaken and exhausted by her ordeal, but her face lights up when you enter nonetheless.
"Hey there. You feel better?"
> "Achy. Tired. I think I smell."
> You laugh softly and draw close to nuzzle her.
> Vapor does smell, the stale tinge of old sweat on top of hospital antiseptic and other more exotic scents.
> But who are you to tell her that?
"Can I see her...?"
> Lifting a forehoof and the sheet, Vapor reveals the filly clasped to her chest -
> A tiny little ball of barely-stirring fur and-
"...huh. I - don't remember Rumble's hooves looking like that when he was born."
> "Weird, right?"
> Vapor giggles.
> "You missed when I noticed and shrieked a little. The nurse says it's normal - they'll turn normal in a few hours."
> Lifting a hoof, you peer at the underside questioningly.
"...I really can't see it."
> "Neither can I, but-"
> Leaning in, she kisses her between the ears.
> "-here she is."
> In response the foal twitches, half-open eyes rolling and limbs stirring.
> Wings still looking more like combs of un-fletched pins stretch and limply beat before curling up again.
"She really is beautiful... have you chosen a name yet?"
> "Sunbreak. The light coming through after a storm."
> As if in response to hearing her name, little Sunbreak flutters her eyes and gives a tired, squeaky cry.
> Vapor Trail brushes her with a wing until she returns to lightly snoozing.
> "And I swear right now, Sunbreak will not live her life a slave. We will find some way to be free. You'll know what it's like to fly freely."
> Just the hormones talking, or a sign of something more serious?
> You don't know.
> But now isn't the time to be worrying of such things.
> Steadying yourself, you climb up onto the bed beside Vapor Trail.
> Fortunately it's quite a large bed compared to the cots in most of the slave quarters and plenty enough room for all three of you.
> Three.
> Are you - a family now?
> Of all the things you'd thought of finding in slavery, family wasn't one of them.
> "Thunderlane?"
"Uh?"
> Vapor Trail giggles softly.
> "You were kind of staring at the wall."
"I'm just... thinking. About all of this."
> "I kind of guessed."
> She looks back down at Sunbreak and then back to you, frowning.
> "I'll - understand if you don't want to stay anymore."
"...do I honestly give the impression of a stallion who'd just - leave you?"
> "No, but - she's going to cry. A lot."
"I wasn't that young when Rumble was born. And he was a loud little foal - I know what it's like."
> "Was he really?"
"Very. I used to tease him that he'd never really grown up like that."
> Vapor giggles softly but tiredly.
> Lifting your head over her barrel, you drop your muzzle to Sunbreak and blow a soft puff of breath through your nostrils.
> It stirs the little burst of mane she has, and Sunbreak lifts her head to peer around until her nose bumps yours.
> Her nostrils flare too, taking in your scent - and then she nickers gently before laying her head back down to rest.
> You respond with a soft nicker of your own and a wide smile.
"Yeah..."
> Laying your own head back down across Vapor, you kiss her gently on the cheek.
"...I'd say we're going to get along just fine."
> "Do you have to go soon?"
"No, I can stay for a while. Seismic said he can take this walk-around alone for once. Job or not, we're not in crisis and I'm not inclined to leave you - or Sunbreak - all alone."
> A gentle cough draws your attention to the doorway.
> The nurse had returned - and looked away with a mild flush at having intruded on your personal moment.
> "I'm sorry, I have to take her basic measurements and give a checkup."
"That's fine. Isn't it, Vapor."
> Her expression had turned hard, but eventually she lifts her leg that had curled defensively around Sunbreak.
> Approaching, the nurse lights his horn to lift her into a blanket.
> Sunbreak stirs in worry, then calms as she is swaddled in the soft fabric.
> "I heated it up before coming out here, so she'll be comfortable. Don't you worry."
> Despite his words Vapor keeps a fierce eye on the pair as he goes through the motions:
> Stretching a measuring tape out to find Sunbreak's length, height, and wingspan, weighing her, peering into her eyes and ears...
> Murmuring quietly to himself, the nurse scratches out his findings on a pad of paper.
> "...well, it looks like you've got one very healthy pegasus filly here. Does she have a name, yet?"
"Sunbreak."
> "Sunbreak..."
> His pen dances along the sheet, scratching away.
> "...is there any history of any sicknesses in your family we should know about?"
> "Not that I know of."
> Vapor Trail casts her eyes down, frowning.
> "I - don't know about her sire, though. I don't think so, though."
> "That's fine. Actually, can one of you come help hold her? I need to take some blood for testing and give her a couple of injections."
> Quickly putting a hoof across Vapor's withers, you shake your head:
"I'll deal with it. You rest."
> Standing, you stretch and amble to the nurse's side.
"What do I do?"
> "Just hold her carefully - but loosely. Let her squirm a bit."
"Got it."
> Sure enough, the moment the needle goes in Sunbreak begins to squirm and howl.
> As soon as the blood is drawn you lean in, nickering and brushing her mane back with your muzzle.
> It takes a few moments, but she quiets - at least until the next injection goes in.
> "Sorry. Might want to wait until we're just about done before doing that."
"I don't mind."
> Two shots are delivered before the nurse turns aside with a confident nod.
> "There you go. All done."
> You set Sunbreak back down on the table, while he looks down at the papers beside him and sighs:
> "Now for the part that hurts me..."
"What do you mean? What are those?"
> Registration forms. For Anonymous. To know he - has another pony."
> "What?!"
> Vapor Trail's ears were pinned back and despite her exhaustion and soreness she was struggling to rise from the bed.
> "No. No, don't you dare! My foal won't be a slave. I won't let you!"
"Vapor, don't-"
> "I'm sorry, it's - just something we have to do. I can't skip it, he'd find out!"
> "I don't care. You tear up those papers or I will. He isn't owning my filly."
> Now everypony's ears are pinned back and tails are beginning to lash worryingly.
> Despite her legs wobbling Vapor puts one hoof forward after another.
> She closes in with head lowered and wings spread aggressively.
> "Give Sunbreak back to me. Then give me the papers so I can tear them to rutting shreds!"
"Stop it, Vapor! Think! Think with your head-"
> With a wordless shriek she leaps for the nurse, but you're already moving, intercepting Vapor Trail in mid-air and wrapping your wings around her to catch her.
> In her weakened state the mare is no match for you and screams into your chest.
"Vapor! Vapor listen - it's paper. Just paper. That's it. No matter what he writes there, Sunbreak won't be any different. And if he doesn't, Anonymous will want to know why. He'll just get another pony to do it."
> Over your protestations comes another sound:
> The howling of a newborn foal unaware of what the raised and angry voices all around her meant.
> Slowly, Vapor breaks down and begins to softly cry.
"...come on. Let's get you back into bed, and then I'll bring Sunbreak back to you. Okay?"
> Though she doesn't speak or even nod, Vapor lets you guide her back onto the mattress.
> As soon as you bring the swaddled foal to her side she latches on to the bundle.
> Turning to the nurse - shaken, wide-eyed, but still standing - you sigh:
"Can you do me a favor? Don't mention this."
> "Yeah. Of course. I - you aren't the first pony to be upset at this. I understand, Miss Trail."
> Vapor still doesn't answer.
> Once the nurse is gone again, you curl back up - wrapping your wings around her in a warm shelter.
> That, in turn, lasts perhaps a few hours before there's another knock at your door.
> Not a nurse this time, but Seismic Shift.
> One look at him tells you enough:
> There's a problem.
> Pulling the covers over the now-sleeping Vapor, you slip out into the hallway with a sigh:
"How bad is it?"
> “I don't know. You'd better come see this, though. Then you can go back to her."
> Ultimately Seismic leads you back towards the building you'd been staked out on before.
> He seems - worried, but not terrified.
> Cantering, but not galloping.
"Celestia help me if this is..."
> "It's important, Thunderlane. Trust me on this."
> While you can simply climb to the rooftop with a few beats of your wings, Seismic has to climb the stairs - and for his sake you follow close behind.
> "I just hope she's still there..."
"What are you on about, Seismic? Who's out there?"
> "Not saying yet."
"Seismic-"
> "I don't want you to be biased. I might be mistaken, but you have to see for yourself."
> Out on the rooftop, he sits on his haunches at the edge nearest the fence and sweeps the binoculars you'd left with him across the crowd.
> "Come on, please still be there, please still be there..."
> Now you're actually starting to worry - what could have stirred him up like this?
> Seismic wasn't normally the most impressionable stallion...
> "Ah-hah!"
> All but shoving the binoculars into your muzzle, Seismic points out towards the crowd:
> "Look - find the banner that says 'no freedom = no backing down'."
"...uh, okay. I see it?"
> "Now, follow that a little bit further down and to the left. Look for any familiar faces."
> Familiar faces?
> What is that supposed to mean?
> You sweep the crowd again, a wall of human faces sweeping before your eyes.
"Not entirely sure what you're looking f-"
> Words choke off as your throat closest.
> No doubt, that was a face you wouldn't be forgetting.
> It's severe features - hard and angry - belonged to the woman who'd nearly driven you to the point of breaking as she'd hammered you with questions about Chrysocolla's death for hours on end.
> Lowering the binoculars, you find your hooves actually shaking.
> Your voice, when you speak, is a bitter hiss.
"Nightmare's black teats, that's her. Arlene Donovan."
> "I thought so. Didn't want to tell you. See if you agreed with it."
> The binoculars tumble to the ground in front of you.
[Choice]
"...alright. Seismic, stay here and keep an eye on her. I'm going to let Gene and Anonymous know."
> "You don't want to go out there? You've got your tag, you could-"
"Do what? She's a police officer - or something close to it. I can't order her to stop."
> She, after all, isn't a slave.
"Best case, I get an idea of why she's here... but maybe I rile up the crowd to do something stupid, and then that'd fall on me."
> "Yeah, I guess. I just really don't like that she's out there. She was looking for some way to pin a crime on Anonymous, right? What if she's the one who riles the crowd up until he does something."
"Then we deal with that then. But not now. Keep an eye out."
> He huffs softly, but scoops the binoculars back up.
> "Yeah. I will. Just can't help but wonder if she's part of the reason they're here instead of some worse place."
> That's a thought on your mind too, and one you pass on to Gene.
> For his part, he listens with an increasingly dark scowl before calling Anonymous and letting you repeat it all to him too.
> Anonymous replies with an equally frustrated-sounding huff - at least, that's what you presume it is.
> Over the phone it comes across as a staticky hiss.
> "Thanks, Thunderlane. I know you wouldn't have brought this to my attention unless you were certain it was her, so I'm pretty convinced. Alright, Thunderlane - head back to duty, I'll make what inquiries I can."
"Understood."
> "Gene, if you want to put a permanent guard team on that side keeping an eye on her - one pony, one employee maybe? I know we're a little short on staff right now, so I'll leave that up to you."
> "Going to have to say no. Not until the cameras are finished going up, anyway; we're spread thin enough trying to watch the other spots along the fence."
> "I get it. That's fine; I'll look into further acquisitions to cover this."
> Another staticky-hiss sigh.
> "It's going to be pricey, but we're already seeing revenues up so I guess that's the price we pay. Thanks Gene, Thunderlane."
"One other thing I thought you should know. Vapor Trail, uh, gave birth."
> "Did she? No problems?"
"I think she might've sprained my hoof from holding on so hard, but no. A filly - her name's Sunbreak."
> "Sunbreak, huh? She's been talking to Sunburst, has she?"
"...huh?"
> "Nevermind, poor joke. That's really excellent, Thunderlane. Great to hear - I know you must be overjoyed."
> And he really actually does sound thrilled to hear about it - not just pleased to add another pony to his holdings, but genuinely happy.
> "If you have a chance, pass on my congratulations as well."
"I will, yeah."
> ...you might skip that.
> Or at least hold on it until Vapor Trail's hormones have calmed down a bit.
> She was still sleeping when you returned, but climbing back into the bed caused her to stir and yawn.
> "Thunderlane?"
"Hey..."
> Whispering softly, you slip beneath the sheet to lay belly-to-belly with her - Sunbreak tucked between the two of you.
"Go back to sleep, Vapor."
> "What happened? Did you have to go?"
"Yes. Just to check in on something. It's no emergency."
> "Oh. Good."
> Vapor smiles and lets her eyes flutter shut again.

> "Your Highness!"
> Sunburst ducks into a bow the moment you step in, and you quickly motion for him to rise - horn flashing to shut the door behind you.
> Once again a rough stack of papers is hefted aside to give you room to seat yourself before his desk.
> "I wasn't expecting you. Has something come up?"
"In a manner of speaking. Sunburst, have you heard anything more of the resistance contact."
> "In a way."
> His horn lights, shuffling papers around on the desk.
> Not to search for something, but as a nervous tick.
> "We verified their legitimacy. Got a message out from them, and waited to see our message pop up. So, they're definitely who we thought they were."
> Unless the whole thing is a trap.
> Seeming to guess at your thoughts, Sunburst shakes his head.
> "I really doubt it's a trap. For an operation of this scale, somepony from somewhere else would have been caught. We would have heard."
"I hope you're right. But how did they take your order that we should hold back on any impending plans."
> "They took it..."
> He hesitates, and your heart plunges.
> "...there was a bit of back and forth messages between me and them. They're not happy. I don't think they were expecting to be staying long themselves, and now you might want them not to leave at all...?"
> You bite your tongue to avoid making a sour face - a habit you'd never quite been able to kick.
> No matter how many times your aunt had said it made you look like you'd bit into a particularly rotten fruit.
"I wish I had known they were going to do this. I would have told them not to - not for our sake..."
> "I know, Your Highness."
> Sunburst takes off his glasses and lifts a leg to rub at his eyes with the fetlock.
> "For what it is worth, they probably won't make any... risky moves. Not yet."
"Even with the crowd out there now."
> "Yes. Though, I'm not the best judge of intentions. But I think they understand you're in command here."
> You heave a quiet sigh of relief.
> One less thing to be concerned about.
> For the time being, anyway.
"Now, I have to ask another question, Sunburst. And I need you to tell me honestly: Is Vapor Trail involved in one of your cells?"
> "Vapor Trail?"
> His eyes flick away, and instantly your worries are back - settling over you like a net.
> "I... can't say-"
"I have to know, Sunburst. She gave birth recently, and -"
> Sighing, you seat yourself before his desk.
"- at the time, I convinced her to remain by telling her that there would be a time when her foal would be free. I'd hoped she would grow attached, which she has. But now, if she knows there is a potential route out of the camp..."
> "With the cells broken up as they are, I can't be certain if she is directly involved."
> Your frown deepens.
> That was a non-answer if you've ever heard one.
"Sunrburst-"
> "I can - guess. And my guess is - she is. You sent Derpy to speak to her, didn't you?"
"Yes. One mother to another."
> "Along with some other things I've heard... I have to think she is. But I honestly don't know what part of it she is!"
"And that'd determine how much she knows about the escape plan?"
> This time his nod is much, much more confident.
> "And I can't dig to far in without having to re-organize the whole thing."
> Only one real choice, then.
> You'd have to get the answer straight from the source.
> Hopefully Vapor Trail would still want to speak to you...
> "Your Highness? One other thing before you go."
"Of course, Sunburst?"
> "The new Crystal Pony, Lattice... have you found him... reluctant?"
"Reluctant?"
> "To speak with you, to be around you?"
"Yes."
> You nod, though more softly.
"I do not understand why. But he seems to be terribly fearful of me."
> Sunburst, to your surprise, seems almost relieved.
> "I'm just glad I'm not the only one."
"Wait, with you too?"
> "Yes. Tourmaline Twist was all too happy to see someone else from the Empire, but Lattice... avoids me."
> You frown sharply.
> Both of you, no...?
"Does he talk with Tourmaline Twist? They're supposed to be working together."
> "Yes. Often. I've... watched them at a distance."
> Just yourself and Sunburst, then...
> "There's something else, Your Highness. That scarf he's taken to wearing all the time? I think he has something hidden beneath it."
"Something, like what?"
> "I don't know."
> Frowning, Sunburst tugs at his scruff of beard - eyes somewhere far away.
> "I've considered trying to find a spell I could cast to scry an enchantment on it, but no luck so far. We could just... take it..."
"Don't. I'll seek a less - intrusive path. Unless we think he will be a problem, I can't agree to spying like that."
> "Understood, Your Highness."
> You'd entered the office hoping to have settled your worries, but instead you emerged back from its crowded confines with yet another thing on your mind. 
> Vapor Trail is still resting in her bed when you arrive.
> Her smile widens as you enter, and the beating of your nervous heart slows some.
> No hate, then.
> Thunderlane is there too, on the far side of the bed - and seems to be having a similar reaction to your presence.
> But you understand him taking a few moments off for this.
> One of your special reassuring smiles calms his feelings, bringing his ears right back up.
"Vapor Trail, Thunderlane - good evening."
> "Your Highness! Would you like to see her?"
"I'd love to, Vapor."
> The blanket is pulled back and she lifts a hind leg - Sunbreak had found a teat, and was busy sucking hungrily.
> You flush a touch, but Vapor doesn't seem to mind.
> Some ponies were more... communal about these things than Canterlot's esteemed halls, and it had been many long years since you'd actually lived among them.
"She's beautiful..."
> Coming to the bedside, you drop to your knees.
> Sunbreak feels your breath and raises her head to sniff curious, nickering in curiosity.
"Hello there, little one..."
> Both your nostrils flare, exchanging scents back and forth, and then she goes back to feeding.
"...my, she is hungry isn't she?"
> "Uh-huh."
> Vapor giggles softly.
> "Mom warned me about what giving birth would be like. But she didn't say anything about suckling - it feels super-weird."
"Well, that's one thing that is universal. Princess Celestia never mentioned it when I was learning about... all that at the time either."
> "Celestia taught you about - about -"
> The idea of the solar princess speaking of matters of mares and stallions seems to have put Vapor's whole mind on hold, while Thunderlane was merely trying to hide his blush.
"She did, in private and with much protest from me at the time. But still... maybe not mentioning suckling is a little private joke passed down mother-to-mother, generation after generation."
> "Maybe. And Thunderlane, that doesn't give you an excuse to tell either!"
> "My lips are sealed, 'Trail."
> "Good!"
> Lightly tapping him on the snout, Vapor turns back to you.
> "Your Highness, I - I hate to ask this of you now, but - will I have to go back to working?"
"Certainly not immediately. You need time to recover and for Sunbreak to settle. After that - well, we normally have nurses to help looking after your foal, but I understand you are working in a kitchen at the moment?"
> "Yes, but I was told that was only until the foal came..."
"Then we will see if you can keep her with you, at least until she is a little older and separation anxiety is passed."
> Immediately her expression noticeably brightens, as does Thunderlane's.
> That lifts your heart some too:
> It was rare for true love to be seen in these testing years, but that only made their bond stand out like a blazing torch in the night.
> Strength like that would carry them far, you thought.
> Your ear flicks around as the door clicks; just as quickly your heart sinks as you hear familiar shoes on the tile floor.
> "Cadance, I didn't expect to see you here. And Vapor Trail, hello!"
"...hello, Master."
> While you and Thunderlane answer quickly, Vapor's expression only tightens.
> Out of the corner you can see her leg fall back down, protectively covering her still-nursing foal.
> Unaware of the darker feel he had brought to the room, Anonymous wanders further in with a wide smile on his face.
> "I just wanted to say congratulations. I know you were... uncertain when you first arrived here, but I'm glad we were able to convince you otherwise."
> He motions to the foal still half-hidden beneath Vapor's leg and the blanket.
> Disturbed from her suckling, she'd instead taken to huddling close beside her mother's belly.
> "She's beautiful. I mean it - she is. Sunbreak, yes?"
> "Yes."
> Vapor's response is terse and flat, the single word spat out.
> Anonymous does not miss it either.
> "...Vapor. I'm not pulling anything, or trying to mock you. I'm just trying to be nice."
> No talent is needed to see the invisible tension is building between them.
> Thunderlane's hoof snakes over Vapor Trail's withers, as if to hold her back.
> But the mare isn't going to attack.
> Ruffled feathers settle back down on her sides, and Vapor's eyes tilt down to where Sunbreak peers up at her mother.
> "...yeah. Okay. Thank you, I guess."
> "I'd like to hold her, if I could."
> The words lie; there is no question in his tone.
> Instantly Vapor's ears snap back down.
> "No."
> "I'm not going to hurt her! I know how to deal with foals. You aren't the first mother here."
> "That has nothing to do with it!"
"It's nothing harmful, I promise. He handles Flurry Heart often, and she hasn't ever been hurt."
> "Not the point."
> Shrugging off a wing Thunderlane had tried to slip over her, Vapor Trail struggles upright and glares fiercely at him.
> "My filly is only a few hours old, and already you've just - decided she belongs to you!"
> "That is how it works, yes."
> "Vapor-"
> "No! Don't try and stop me, Thunder! You stopped me before but now I'm going to say my part."
> Turning back to Anonymous, she goes on:
> "You don't own my Sunbreak. You never will. I swore the day I got here no foal of mine would live their lives a slave. If - if you pick her up, make her yours -"
> Stepping between the two of them, you speak softly in a tone that you hope will calm both tempers.
"When they're just born, foals will... imprint, to those around them. If you take hold of Sunbreak, she will - be familiar with you."
> "I know. Like I said, she is not the first pony to have foaled here. I don't want to steal her from you. Vapor Trail. Just - make her familiar with me."
[Choice]
"No."
> Slamming a hoof to the floor, you fix Anonymous with a withering glare.
> The noise cuts through the room, giving everyone pause.
"Listen to yourself, Anonymous. And then look at her. She's terrified of what you mean to do. Whatever you think you're doing - to her, you are threatening to steal her child."
> "I am not-"
> He actually manages to catch himself, if not quite soon enough.
> Even so the danger signs are all too apparent:
> Hands curling into fists on his lap, teeth gritted against one another.
> The moment is still a powder keg, if one no longer with a lit fuse.
"...if you will allow it, I think I would like a few minutes to speak to Vapor Trail - alone."
> Just like how he had spoken before, the tone of your voice hammers home that there is no real question in that line.
> Anonymous regards you for several long moments before standing.
> "I will be waiting outside."
> Of course he would be.
> You keep your gaze on him right up until the door clicks shut.
> Only then do you leap to your hooves, walking in a tight circle with your tail lashing.
"That - that stuck-up, blind-as-a-rutting-mole, stubborn-as-a-mule's-own-- agh!"
> Slamming back down on your haunches, you snarl at the tiled floor - so fiercely you can almost imagine it bubbling and boiling under the assault.
> How much of that was a show-off for Vapor Trail and Thunderlane, to convince them you were on their side, and how much was real anger?
> You aren't sure, but there certainly was a real current of anger beneath there.
"How doesn't he understand - how can't he see!"
> "Because he's a slaver."
> Vapor Trail's voice drips condescension, and it's honestly the angriest you think you've ever heard her.
> From Thunderlane's expression, it's also the angriest he's ever heard her too - which means a lot more, considering how close they are.
> "He doesn't see us as real, thinking things. He's got a daughter, right? What would he be saying if that were her?"
> You freeze, thoughts whirling.
> Daughter.
> Megan.
> She had a mother - one Anonymous had once told you he was 'only technically' married to anymore.
> ...what would he think, indeed?
> Whirling about, you stalk towards the door.
> Anonymous is just outside, leaning against the wall with an expression that suggests he felt even the few seconds he had been kicked out were a few seconds too many.
> That dies when he notices your lashing tail and pinned-back ears.
"Why don't we find somewhere private for this?"
> "That... sounds like a good idea."
> The next room over is open.
> This time you don't even wait for the door to shut before laying in:
"Do you have any sense of tact? Any idea what subtlety means?"
> "You don't have to yell at me about that, Cadance."
"Don't I? It feels like this is all I do anymore - lecture you when you make one bungle after another. If it weren't for the fact that you own me, it would almost be funny."
> "It isn't funny, though. At all."
> That flat and soft voice sets off warning bells in your head, but Anonymous doesn't seem angry.
> Disappointed, from the way his head hangs.
> But not ready to blow his top.
"No, it isn't. Anonymous, this can't go on forever. One day I'm not going to be next to you to bail you out, and something is going to turn ugly."
> "...you're only the second pony to tell me something like that recently."
> You're not sure whether to be glad that somepony else was standing up to him or aghast that it was already happening out of your sight.
"You need to think about everything you do. Every little step you make, every thing you do - think about what it feels like from our perspective! Because in Vapor Trail's eyes, you just walked in and demanded that she hand over a foal she'd only just had to be 'normalized' to your presence!"
> "Yes, Cadance. That's exactly what I did."
> Snarling, you whirl about to face him with narrowed eyes - lifting a leg to jab up at his face.
"Then what in all of Tartarus' dark halls did you expect to happen?!"
> Before answering, Anonymous goes to slump down in a spare seat meant for a visitor should the room be occupied.
> It's meant for a pony, and so doesn't quite fit him right.
> He doesn't seem to notice, though.
> "The same thing that happened with ponies who've foaled here before, Cadance. That she'd give me the foal, I'd - touch it once or twice, the foal would get to know me a little. And ponies who saw would see me holding a foal and very definitely not hurting it."
"And what if 'the foal' doesn't want to be held? What if she cries?"
> "Then I gently try to quiet her, and if that doesn't work I give her back - without being angry. And they see again they've nothing to fear from me."
> Chuckling softly, he adds:
> "Maybe she'd even vomit on me. That happened once. The poor mare was mortified, but I just laughed. Had to throw away the shirt, though."
"That... is not the point."
> "Yes, it is."
> Leaning forward, he props his elbows on his knees.
> "You tell me to think about it from your point of view. Now think about it from mine. Vapor Trail is... not a friend of mine. I don't have many ways to show her I'm not something to be afraid of. But this is one of them: Taking a way that she is tremendously vulnerable in the deepest ways, and showing her I can be trusted with it."
> His argument... is not without logic.
> But he's still not quite getting it.
> Not comprehending why Vapor Trail wouldn't look favorably on him - quite possibly ever.
> You're going to have to fight dirty.
"What about your wife?"
> Anonymous' head snaps up again so hard you're almost afraid he'll hurt himself.
> "What?"
"Your wife. You told me once you are 'technically' married. Would you trust her with Megan?"
> "Now just one moment! That is not the same-"
"Isn't it? I don't need magic to tell that the rift between you is deep and hurting. If she came and - demanded Megan again, insisted you could just trust her, would you?"
> Anger begins to twist his features.
> "You have no idea what she was like. The kind of poison that came out of her mouth!"
"No. I don't."
> The sheer bitterness radiating from him is enough to make your heart twist, though.
> How could love turn to something so twisted and sad?
"I have no idea what it was like. But I can see that the thought of even having Megan with her is enough to make you feel vulnerable - and let me tell you, Anonymous: I know what it feels like to be vulnerable. Every day of my life is being vulnerable."
> Stepping up to him, you lift your muzzle until it reaches his head.
"Being a slave is being vulnerable. Knowing that at any moment someone could come in and just - demand her. And you just did."
> The slap is unexpected, jerking your head aside so hard your vision spins.
> How long had it been since he'd struck you like that?
> "I am - nothing like her. I wouldn't ask Vapor to give her daughter up to that!"
"You are her owner. And that is enough. You are the one keeping her vulnerable, and she doesn't see any reason why you shouldn't want her to be."
> This time, Anonymous doesn't answer.
> Just looks aside, as if taking that perspective for the first time.
> Your cheek stings, pins and needles or a small haze of heat seeming to rise from where he'd stuck it.
> Still, you dive ahead:
"...it's the problem with your argument, about wanting them to see you can be trusted. At some point, the threat that we'll be punished - whipped, sold off, privileges taken away - it's still there. That's why you can't erase that distrust. And I shouldn't have to tell you this."
> Nothing more is said.
> You don't have anything left to be said.
> At last Anonymous reaches up and strokes a hand back through your mane, then down to your still-prickling cheek.
> "I hit you."
"I knew what I was doing, using that against you."
> "Still. I shouldn't be beating you for speaking out, when I need your advice so badly. I don't think it'll bruise, though."
> He sighs, shifting in the chair.
> The aging upholstering seems to wheeze in sympathy.
> "...alright. I - don't understand why they can't see I'm not this monster keeping them in chains, but I believe what you're saying."
"What will you do, then?"
> "I'd still like to hold the foal. I still think there's some good in it, even if it won't do everything I thought it would. Do you think you can convince her?"
"I don't know."
> Grimacing, Anonymous shakes his head.
> "Try. Please. I'd even settle for just stroking her a little."
"...okay, I will attempt. But Anonymous - understand, please, if she refuses."
> After far too long a pause, he nods.
"Wait here. I'll go to speak with them. See what I can do."
> Slipping back over to Vapor Trail's room, you open it while still pondering what you are going to say - and promptly realize you'd stumbled into something else.
> Thunderlane has left the bed and is still posed facing it, his barrel held ramrod-straight and wings outstretched, while Vapor seems to be trying to mimic the position but hasn't quite made it off the mattress.
> Both have whirled around to look at you.
> Seems you and Anonymous weren't the only ones having... a spirited debate about things.
"Please. Sit down."
> Vapor does, curling back up around Sunbreak.
> A moment later Thunderlane joins her.
> It takes him a bit longer though.
"...may I ask what I interrupted?"
> "Nothing important."
> "S'nothing."
> Both squirm like guilty foals, and you can't help but smile.
> Even in this moment of high emotions they knew they shouldn't be arguing.
> Maybe because you were the princess of Love, after all.
> Striding forward, you extend both wings to lightly brush each of them.
> Striding forward, you extend both wings to lightly brush each of them.
"You shouldn't be afraid to admit you're disagreeing. But please, don't let those differences warp into anger."
> "Yes, Your Highness."
> "Okay, Your Highness."
> Vapor sounds rather more reluctant but still manages to echo Thunderlane.
> A moment later, though, she adds:
> "So he's gone now, right?"
"...he is not. Anonymous would still very much like to hold Sunbreak, but-"
> "No. I won't let him lay a finger one her, do you get it? Not a rutting finger!"
> You wait for her to finish her rant before speaking:
"Vapor, please listen to me. This is not a - a breeding facility."
> The mere mention of such a place is enough to send a very visible shudder down your spine and to the tips of your wings.
"He is not strapping you to a rack and whisking away your foal the moment she is born. He just wants to hold her - or even just touch her - under your supervision, and Thunderlane's too. He isn't forcing her to submit to him."
> "My Sunbreak won't be 'familiar' with a slaver!"
"But she won't know what he is. He's just a man - and even if this does end tomorrow or we all break free, she will have to be around humans all her life too. That will not change."
> "She's right, 'Trail."
> Thunderlane takes the moment to back you up, settling a wing around her shoulders again.
> "He's not teaching her to bow, to obey. Just - to see who he is. Is that so bad?"
> The mare's shoulders tremble, her forelegs closing more tightly around the tiny filly buried within them and eliciting a tiny nicker from her.
> "...I don't want him to touch her."
"Vapor - what are you so afraid of? He won't take her away. I will promise you that, one mother to another."
> "But if he - he -"
> She sucks in a breath and finally raises her eyes to look at you.
> Anger still rages in them.
> "I want you to promise me that. He can't ever take her away - now or ever. If he tries, you have to stop him. Can you promise me that?"
[Choice]
"I promise, Vapor."
> Leaning in, you brush noses with her and puff breath softly through your nostrils.
"I can't let him take your Sunburst any more than I could let him take my Flurry Heart. I promise you, with every ounce of strength I have I will always fight for her to stay with you."
> You try to ignore that it was the same unwillingness to be separated from Flurry again that had driven you to work with him in the first place.
> Vapor stirs, finally untensing and rolling her head forward to brush against your neck.
> "I... I can't..."
> Her resolve is faltering, though.
> Clearly she had not expected you to fall out that strongly on her side, and that is something you can work with.
"If I can't protect that most sacred bond between mother and foal, Vapor, what right do I have to ever call myself your leader? And if Anonymous tries, do I have any right but to stand between him and you?"
> You can feel Vapor Trail's coat ripple with a fresh shudder, a confused noise in her throat.
> Besides, you think:
> Anonymous wasn't in the business of selling slaves.
> The only one time he had sold a pony off, it had been punishment for Mocha Cream's mistreatment.
> Never before or since, even when ponies had fallen ill, passed away, or resisted his rule.
> Of all the risky bets you took, that he would not decide to suddenly sell in the future seemed like a safer one.
> "...okay. He - he can hold her. I'll let him. But you have to be here -"
"Where else would I be?"
> Both your wings wrap around her.
> A moment later you feel Thunderlane's settle over your own, enfolding the mare in a feathery cocoon from all sides.
> "I'll be here too, 'Trail. And remember, it's my duty to protect ponies too. I took my job because I could protect a pony, and I won't give that up."
"We'll both be looking out for you, but you are a strong pony yourself. You can do this."
> "Yes..."
> Slipping free of the huddle, you step out into the hallway once again.
> Again Anonymous is waiting expectantly just outside.
> He waits for you to step out and close the door before speaking - concealing his presence from the ponies you had just left behind.
"You can hold her. But be gentle, Anonymous, and be respectful. Remember what I said about thinking over every little step you take. If you stumble again and enrage her, I won't stand in her way."
> "I understand."
"I've told her you won't take her foal away."
> He just nods an affirmative - agreement?
> Concurrence?
> You aren't sure.
> But you are certain he understands the implications.
> Opening the door reveals that Thunderlane has backed off a touch - a wing and a foreleg still remaining wrapped around his mate.
> Vapor remains with Sunbreak tucked protectively between her legs as she sits on the bed.
> Her gaze seems to skewer Anonymous as he approaches.
> A few paces from the bed he drops to one knee, holding out a hand at a distance.
> "May I?"
> One leg is lifted to allow Sunbreak out; she emerges sniffing cautiously at the air.
> Anonymous scoots a touch closer, letting his fingers brush the foal's cheek.
> A few more sniffs - and a sneeze!
> The tension in the room is broken as all involved laugh, even little Sunbreak adding in a little confused whinny.
> Within seconds, however, she is sniffing again and no objection is made when Anonymous settles his hands over her sides and lifts.
> Vapor Trail tenses again, but Thunderlane is still holding her.
> Sunbreak squirms awkwardly in midair, but settles when Anonymous tucks her into his arms and quickly resumes exploring the strange new limbs she now nests in.
> After a few moments she seems to conclude the are safe - and warm, too! - and nests down in them - tiny wing-stubs buzzing fluttering against her sides.
> Seeing that he has been accepted, Anonymous rises to sit on the edge of the bed.
> His arms are held low so that Vapor Trail can watch and see that all he does is stroke Sunbreak's head - brushing back the first wisps of mane.
> Which Vapor does.
> Closely.
> Yet even she seems to have overcome the worst of her fear now that the moment has come.
> You, on the other hand...
> You wonder.
> How much did Anonymous actually care?
> When you told him off, he sulked like a teenage colt.
> Arguing had earned you a slap - admittedly you had been treading on bitter territory, but still.
> And even after apologizing for that, he had still wanted to go through with it.
> You wanted to believe Anonymous was not like Sombra - that he still had some part of a good heart buried within him.
> But how much could you rely on that coming through...?
 
> You stare down at the tiny ball of fur and prickly feathers curled in your arms, radiating warmth and eyes half-open as your fingers' touch lulled her ever closer to sleep.
> Sunbreak might not have known you yet, but she was acclimating well.
> Even the ever-watchful Vapor Trail seemed to understand that all you'd ever wanted to do was hold her - feel her weight in your arms and the softness of her coat against your skin.
> To see her stare up with those big, dark, liquid eyes in something that wasn't quite understanding but was more than just confused staring.
"I know you don't trust me. And to be honest, Vapor - I understand why. But please, believe me when I say I know what it feels like to be a parent. To - be scared of losing your child. Of seeing her become something else. Something sickening."
> Leaning down, you bring your nose close to the foal's muzzle and let her sniff - tasting the smell of your breath.
> Abruptly something wet and slimy covers your nose, and you laugh at her curious lick.
"Separating a child and parent is a cruel thing - and Sunbreak is far too beautiful. I'd tell you to treasure her, but I feel that'd be redundant."
> With great care you hold the half-asleep foal back out to Vapor Trail; she quickly pulls Sunbreak back into the safety of beneath her belly and the foal quickly nestles into his mother's coat.
> Her mouth opens, as if to issue a retort - and then shuts.
> You, too, ponder a reply to that unspoken statement.
> But you also likewise conclude that it was best to let this moment pass.
> The ritual was complete, and there wasn't any need to potentially undo what you had won.
> Not after so much struggle.
> Rising, you offer both Thunderlane and Vapor Trail and small nod and turn from the room.
> Not too long after that Cadance emerges again.
"Walk with me?"
> "Of course."
> Ponies smartly step aside where you encounter them in the hallways, sometimes with an accompanied greeting.
> Even so you don't stop until you are outside.
> You drop to a knee and hold out a hand to the alicorn following you.
"Can I see your cheek?"
> There is, perhaps, some flushing still in the cheek where you'd struck her.
> The tingling in your hand had long since gone away, but a phantom pain remained - as if your own skin wanted to remind you of your mistake.
"Does it still hurt?"
> "A bit."
> Sighing heavily, you take a seat next to her on the hard, hot pavement.
> At this time of day there were few ponies about.
> Though you wouldn't have minded them seeing you sitting with her.
"I'd say 'I'm sorry' again, but you're right. Hell, Bon Bon was right. At a certain point 'I'm sorry' doesn't cut it."
> "Anonymous - I do not fear that you will beat me."
> One hoof rises to settle on your leg - a comfortable, reassuring weight.
> "Maybe once you would have. But you stop yourself. And I see the regret when you do. I can - survive a blow now and again if-"
> And much weight is given by her voice to that 'if'.
> "-it means you realize what it is you're doing wrong that pushes me to argue with you like that!"
> Your forehead drops into one palm to rub soothingly.
"That doesn't make it right. I can't be hitting you when you're trying to give me good advice."
> "No. It doesn't. But right now, I am less concerned that you hit me and more that afterward you still insisted on holding to your plan... and even greater worries beyond that."
> You lift your head, turning to look at Cadance.
> Despite her face being half-hid by her mane you can still see the far-off expression it holds.
"Something I should know about?"
> "We are... not having luck with Crystal Ponies."
"With the gem-growing?"
> She nods, fractionally, as if hesitant to give more than the tiniest answer.
"Have you been afraid to admit this to me, Cadance?"
> "A touch. Not because you would hurt them for failing, but because it would mean taking them away from their talents."
"I know. But there's only so long I can keep funding this experiment. Especially with the costs of having to hire new guards."
> "Yes."
> That single word carried the weight of recognizing the inevitable in it... and something more.
"Something you're not telling me?"
> "You know me too well, it seems."
"What is it, then?"
> "Lattice is... scared of me. I can't fathom why; I've no memory of ever having to deal with him as a subject, and even if he doesn't trust my word he should have heard by now that I can be trusted not to harm him."
> You take the hoof that still rested on your leg in hand and give it a little squeeze.
> It was quite clearly something that was weighing on her.
> "I... don't know what I did to him. It must be something, and I'm worried it's affecting his ability to work."
> With her remaining forehoof, Cadance idly scratches meaningless designs on the pavement.
> "If he can't do what his mark is telling him to do because of some mistake I made..."
"I'll go have a talk with him."
> "What? No! He'll only-"
"Cadance. I'm not going to go interrogate him, or give him a rough time for making you worry. Just talk to him. Hell, I'll make it clear again that he doesn't need to be afraid of not being able to do everything we'd hoped for."
> She frowns, but nods.
> "...just don't - make it sound like I sent you over, okay?"
"Of course."
> In fact, both crystal ponies were quite busy when you arrived.
> Tourmaline Twist was hunched over a low table, a lamp pointing a glaring beam of light down at the workstation before her.
> In her mouth was a clamp that held the tiny, berry-sized gemstone she worked on, while one hoof had been fitted with a hammer-like shoe which she carefully tapped it with.
> Further back, Lattice stood amid a section of the building that had been opened to the ground below.
> He was stock-still, eyes squeezed tightly shut and horn alight; despite the apparent dearth of action, his flanks were shining with sweat.
> You think.
> It was kind of hard to tell, with how the Crystal Ponies held up to their namesake.
> Tourmaline Twist in particular was remarkable.
> Her obsidian-black body seemed to sparkle every time she moved in the light.
> He was definitely doing something, though - the evidence of several past excavations into the ground testified that this was where they'd been working on their 'gem forming'.
> Lattice was in fact the first to notice you, during a brief break in which he opens eyes just a crack.
> The shock of seeing you leaning against the doorframe into their workspace must have been great, because he whinnies sharply and rears up.
"Easy there!"
> "M-Master! I didn't - we weren't -"
"You were just working, I know."
> Pushing off the wall, you pad further in and grab a spare seat.
"And from the looks of things, you were both hard at work. So it's okay. You don't have to have to be worried."
> Lattice approaches a few steps but stops to fall into a deep bow - almost low enough his muzzle touches the ground - before rising again.
> Once she had removed the boot from her hoof, Tourmaline does likewise.
> "I'm afraid we've not been able to make too much headway, Master."
[Choice]
"Here - you've obviously been hard at work for a long time. You can take a while off; why don't we go for a bit of a drive."
> "Drive, Master?"
> Tourmaline seems wary.at best, but Lattice's face is inscrutable.
"Yeah. Just to go and see things, you know? Come on."
> Regardless of their feelings on the matter both follow obediently.
> The electric cart you'd parked outside the shop has more than enough room for both.
> To your interest, Lattice takes the passenger's seat beside you; unlike with Bon Bon, however, there's no challenge or dare implied in it.
> He just... slips in, looking away when he notices you watching.
> The cart's motor is far less than the rumble of an engine, but to the delicate ears of a pony they may as well have been the same.
> Certainly you weren't going to be sneaking up on any of them; all are quite busy as you pass by.
> "So many..."
> Tourmaline's soft voice flows from the back seat.
"Yes. Nearing two-thousand, with the latest batch of arrivals now."
> "You must be very wealthy, Master."
"I am, in fact, in debt at the moment. Loans, to fund this newest expansion."
> "To buy - us?"
"I suppose you could look at it that way. But the basic idea is holding - I build jobs around positions ponies are happier in, so I can do things with them no one else could. I should be able to pay them off in time."
> And next time, hopefully not have to deal with bowing to the whims of investors.
> Cadance would probably appreciate that too.
> "When - we're successful with the gems... will that mean there will be more ponies coming then?"
"If you are, yes."
> A turn at the next corner, and you lift a hand in greeting to Cadance and Mocha Cream as you pass them.
> The latter mare still limped and hung close to the alicorn's tail - as if ready to dive under it for protection at a moment's notice.
> But not quite as close as she once did.
> She's even managing a little smile as she trots along.
> That brings a smile to your face as well, but when you glance over to Lattice he couldn't be further from that.
> Stock-still, his jaw set hard and eyes fixed straight ahead with one hoof curled around the kerchief he wore tied around his neck.
"...what's wrong, Lattice?"
> Your voice seems to finally snap the stallion out of his moment; he shakes his head as if to clear it of old thoughts.
> "N-Nothing. Sorry."
> But it isn't nothing.
> Even with Cadance long left behind, he's anything but relaxed.
"Hey, Lattice..."
> A hand finds its way to his withers and the stallion starts, but quickly relaxes.
> "...I'm sorry."
"Don't be. Just - tell me if there's something wrong."
> "Yes."
"I mean, it half seems that you're more afraid of her than me! For most ponies it's the other way around - though I don't bite either, I promise."
> Your attempt at a joke falls totally flat, though.
> Lattice doesn't say more, and a fast glance in the rear-view mirror shows Tourmaline shooting frowning, nervous looks in his direction too.
> No sense in pushing this further right now, though.
> You have other alternatives.
> The first stop is out on the fields, where a dozen ponies move among hundreds of planters in neat rows.
> Each sprouts dozens of violet flowers; Tourmaline's expression and the beginnings of a smile appear on her face.
"You like the flowers?"
> "I like the colors, Master. Any kind of colors... flowers, stones... that's how I got my mark. I wanted to cut a stone just right to bring out the best colors in it, and..."
> She pauses and shakes her head.
> "What are they? The flowers, I mean."
"Saffron crocus. They harvest some threads from the middle of the flower - one of the ponies who came in with you had a real talent for producing the highest-grade material, so she's heading up the crew and keeping the rest."
> "Ahh."
"I need to stop here and check up on something."
> Strictly speaking, there's no need to have them come along - but why not?
"Buzzy!"
> Marching across the field, you call out to a yellow and green mare.
> She waves back, leans in to whisper something to the plant in front of her, and then trots over.
> "Yes, Master?"
"Did you deal with that hive in the living quarters over on third and 'C'? I don't want anypony else stung."
> "Of course, Master. But they were yellowjackets, so we couldn't do anything with the hive."
> You can hear the disappointment in her voice and so offer a light head-rub in consolation.
"I'm sorry, Buzzy. I know it always gets you when you have to do that."
> "It's okay. We got the honeybee hives moved over from the third and sixth fields, though! I'm just introducing them to the flowers over here now."
> As if to prove her point, a fat bumblebee lands right on the mare's nose and drives her cross-eyed.
> Rather than panic she grins and wrinkles her nose until it takes off for another flower.
"Yep! Looks like you've got them well under control."
> "Uh-huh. Who're these, though?"
> Both crystal ponies had indeed followed you into the fields, and now suffer the attention of Buzzy being firmly locked on them:
> While you introduce them, she walks in a slow circle around each of the crystals in turn.
"These are Lattice and Tourmaline Twist. I just wanted to bring them out and about with me while I looked over the camp."
> "Wow! You're both so - glittery! Like, um, iridescent! Like an insect's wings!"
> She's not wrong; Tourmaline in particular was something remarkable - her obsidian coat twinkling in the summer sun.
> "O-Oh. Um, thank you?"
> "Oh, I hope I'm not getting too close..."
> Buzzy rubs her neck apologetically.
> "Ponies always say I'm too exerb... exublant... ex-ub-er-ant!"
> This actually manages to pull a laugh from the stoic Lattice, who shakes his head with a grin.
> "No, no. You're fine."
"Indeed. It seems like everything is going good over here, so I'll let you back to your work."
> "Okay, Master! Bye Lattice, bye Tourmaline! Maybe I'll see you later."
> She trots off, and you head back to the cart.
> "She was... nice."
"She is. One of the first ponies I brought in; she's always been delighted to be here. Not many places would let her pursue a talent of working with insects."
> "I... can imagine, yeah."
"The two of you might be a little more interested in the next place. It's kind of the other end of what you're currently doing."
> That causes both of them to perk up, heads cocking curiously.
> "That would be... one of the enchanting shops, Master?"
"Exactly!"
> Turning to glance into the back seat, you shoot Tourmaline Twist a smile.
"You've been paying attention, huh?"
> She squirms a little, but nods.
> "S-Sometimes at dinner I talk with one of the ponies in there. She sets the gems in their settings once they're enchanted."
"Ah, good! Glad to hear you're making some friends. Then you should be pretty familiar with this."
> Unlike the fields - which seemed to exist at a placid, almost lazy pace - the enchanting workshops are anything but.
> Here there was a constant sense of movement, activity, action.
> Unicorns with any talent for magic, enchantment, or particular brands of magic that were valuable enough to sell sat at tables, carefully pouring their arcane flows into the gems before them.
> Elsewhere, those with artisanal or metalworking talents constructed the trinkets into which the gems would be inserted:
> Each a carefully-worked piece, not a factory-line reproduction.
> There were reasons they commanded such a high price.
> And there's a marked change in both of the crystal ponies too:
> Before, in the fields, they had been merely interested.
> Now they are excited.
> Both keep their heads on a swivel as you walk between the rows of working desks, occasionally peering over at a work in progress.
> Ears that had been lowered or even pinned back are now fixed-forwards, and even their resplendent coats seem to gleam a bit more brightly.
"Easy there, Tourmaline. Don't want to distract them too much."
> Reaching out you ruffle the mare's mane; the result is something like if you'd dumped a whole load of glitter in amid the hair.
> Briefly you wonder what Tourmaline would look like if she were to try dancing...
> That obsidian coat and green tail flicking about...
> No dress though, or at least not much of one.
> That'd cover her up and ruin the effect.
> Tearing your mind away from those thoughts, you look for Lattice and find him staring with distant eyes out across the room.
> One hoof has come up to clutch the kerchief around his neck and at first you wonder if he is going to need to dab his eyes with it.
> But no - he is a unicorn, after all.
> And how his hoof is curled around the fabric, holding it tightly...
> He's holding on to it - or something within it.
> Now what would that be about, you wonder.
"Come on, you two."
> With the two ponies following close behind you lead them into the back of the workshop.
> Here row upon row of boxes stand - trinkets waiting to be sent out with the next delivery.
> Though you have no magic of your own, you can almost feel the slight hum in the air - the buzz of all that latent magic contained within the enchanted gems.
> Once the door closes, Lattice finally finds his voice:
> "When we get our project to work right - when we make the gems - this is what they'll be going to? Will there be more ponies working on this?"
"If you do, some of them will. Right now we buy relatively low-grade gems - amethyst, quartz, citrine, and so on. They're not the best for enchanting - or so I'm told."
> "But if we can provide higher-grade crystals..."
> You nod in Tourmaline's direction.
"Exactly. If you don't, though - it's not the end of the world. You won't be put to work mindlessly hauling things around, or anything like that. There are other roles here for you."
> An unused stool makes a decent seat; you take it and beckon both closer.
"That's what I'm trying to show you. You were so worried when I walked in on your work - afraid I'd punish you?"
> You shake your head.
"This was always an experiment. I hoped, but if you can't do the gem-forming that's not something I'll discipline you for. I won't even take you away from your talent; it just won't be the exact same process."
> Tourmaline Twist looks away - first to one side, and then to the other, as if trying to gauge Lattice's reaction.
> After a few moments, she speaks softly:
> "I-If you want to end the 'experiment', Master, I think I could work in one of these shops. Doing the cutting and setting of the enchanted crystals."
"That would be fine. With your skill, I could even give you an overseer position."
> "But... Lattice..."
> For his part the stallion seems uncertain.
> As if there is something he wants to say, but can't.
> Again his hoof has come up to toy with the kerchief, curling and uncurling.
> Absentmindedly you note with a degree of mild surprise that even the frogs of their hooves had the same crystalline appearance.
> But if only you had a pony's sensitive hearing - you could hear if something was going on inside of there!
> As it is, though, you're forced to keep guessing.
> ...or you could just ask him.
> Though you'd only half-joked earlier, he almost did seem more comfortable with you than Cadance.
[Choice]
"Tourmaline? Why don't you go out and speak to the floor manager. You'll find her pretty easily. Talk to her - or, hell, talk to anyone - and find out what you'd like to be doing here, okay?"
> "Yes, Master."
> She can't keep the nervous little tremble out of her voice, though, nor stop her eyes from darting to Lattice.
> Still, Tourmaline obediently steps out of the storage room.
> Even shuts the door behind her.
> Lattice doesn't look scared, exactly, but certainly a bit nervous.
> Fortunately, you don't have any intention of doing anything but putting him at ease.
"Look, Lattice... I don't know what your issue with Cadance is. I don't know why you're struggling. And I don't know what you've got hidden under there."
> "I-"
> You hold up a hand to silence him.
"But I can tell you this much for starters: I don't forbid ponies from holding on to keepsakes."
> You lean back on your chair with a hefty sigh.
"And honestly... I don't think you should fear her. Cadance has done a lot for you all. Stood toe-to-toe with me - hoof-to-toe, I guess - when her conscience demanded it."
> "Can't..."
> Lattice's voice is a low murmur, and there's the hint of a damp shimmer around the edges of his eyes.
> "If she knows who I am - she'd know - I wouldn't have anything left."
"Is that what you've got there? Something that'd tell her who you are?"
> He nods.
"And she wouldn't trust you if she saw it?"
> "Nopony would, if they knew who I am."
"Should I not trust you?"
> A pause, then a firm shake.
> It still isn't adding up, though.
> He hadn't seemed to like the enchanting shop anymore than he'd liked the princess.
> For a moment you ponder if he'd stolen something from the workshop - but no.
> How would that identify him?
"Is what you've got there magical somehow, Lattice?"
> The way he freezes up tells you the question was spot-on.
> "I'd - really prefer not to talk about it. Please."
"...as long as it isn't a weapon or meant to stir up rebellion and you don't cause any other trouble, you're welcome to keep whatever it is. I swear. I don't forbid ponies from keeping keepsakes."
> "Thank you, Master..."
"And Lattice - if you can't do the crystal growth work, there's no shame in admitting it. No punishment either. Talk to Mayor Mare if not Cadance."
> You leave him be with that, stepping back outside to find Tourmaline.
> She's deep in conversation with the forepony, but detaches to come back over when you approach.
> "Yes, Master?"
"Walk with me a moment?"
> You wait until you're decently far from prying ears before squatting down to speak with her.
"Listen: Something's eating at Lattice. He won't tell me what, and I can't force him. But the two of you are close - co-workers, and the only two crystals."
> "I know, Master."
> She huffs softly, and her obsidian coat seems to subtly sparkle a fraction less.
> "I can see it a lot."
"I'd rather something be done about it before it crushes him. Do you know anything about it?"
> "Just... he mentioned something about his family once. That if we knew his family, nopony would trust him here."
> Lattice had just said something similar, hadn't he?
"Nothing else?"
> A hesitant shake of her head - and then a little voice, cautious and indecisive.
> "Well... I - I don't know for sure, but I think he wants to do good. He wants to be able to use his talent. I think he really, really wants to talk to Cadance some more too."
"But he won't, because he's too afraid."
> "Yeah."
> Tourmaline nibbles on her lip, tail flicking this way and that.
"If you think it's going to drive him into doing something bad, you let me - or someone - know, okay?"
> "Yes, Master. Certainly. I don't want him hurt either."
> Well, that didn't answer all your questions.
> But probing more right now, you sensed, would not end well.
> Instead you head back up towards your house.
> As you near the door another familiar face appears - Mayor Mare, moving at a relaxed trot in the heat.
"Mayor!"
> "Master!"
> Bowing gracefully, she shoots you a little smile.
> "I was just on my way to come pick up your daughter. I'm supposed to take her on a little tour around the camp today?"
"Ah, yeah! Enjoy; I imagine it'll be a nice change from your normal work?"
> Indeed, Mayor Mare smiles.
> The corners of her eyes crinkle up and greyed mane bobs as she gives a little laugh.
> "Plus, I've always been a touch fond of the little ones."
"Well, just be careful with her okay? Both of them - my daughter can be a little bit of a hellion, and she's rubbing off on Flurry Heart a bit."
> "I'll look after them like they were my very own, Master."
 
> By this hour of the afternoon, a drink of cold water is quite welcome - your dark coat seemed to absorb heat like a sponge, and the guard uniform did little to protect.
> The liquid was frigid enough to almost burn as it went down your throat, yet you can't stop until the bottle is empty.
> Letting it fall you give a hugely satisfied sigh followed by a rather more satisfied burp.
> "Enjoying yourself over there, Thunderlane?"
"Oh, shut up Seismic. You can't imagine how good disgusting I feel right now."
> "Hah! Wishing we were still watching the fence instead of patrolling by hoof?"
"All I'm saying, is someone's sitting in the air conditioning looking at all that video and we're out here in the blazing sun..."
> "You wanna sit around all day, you'll get fat. What would Vapor think of that, eh?"
"Yeah, yeah..."
> Picking up the bottle, you find a trash bin to dispose of it in.
> Something Seismic had said is still weighing on your mind, though.
> The fence - the protesters - her...
> What if something did happen?
> Some kind of - of accident, or breakout, or...
> Something thing that would give her an excuse to come in and interrogate you again.
> Celestia's sake, are you scared of her?
> ...yes.
> You are.
> And-
> "Thinking about Arlene again?"
"Yeah. How'd you guess?"
> Seismic grunts softly, rolling his shoulders and huffing.
> "You had a look. It was either Vapor Trail or Arlene. I guessed."
"Heh."
> "Thunderlane, there are people watching them. Ponies, too. She's not going to just - come barging in."
"Yeah. You're right, and -"
> The radio strapped to your side squawks angrily; both your ears perk to attention.
> "Thunderlane, Seismic, are you anywhere near C and Twenty-third?"
> Awkwardly twisting a leg around, you press the reply button:
"Yeah, pretty close."
> "Alarm box pulled, no contact, no violence. Check it out, see what happened."
"On it!"
> It doesn't take long to figure out the problem.
> A familiar face lingers around an alarm box, rubbing her hooves together with a downright terrified expression on her face.
"Mayor Mare! What's wrong?"
> "Thunderlane!"
> She actually jumps, not in shock but rather in delight at seeing that it is you.
> "Thunderlane, I don't know what to do! I lost them, and nopony saw-"
"Wait, who's 'them'?"
> "Megan and Flurry Heart. They just vanished!"
> It's as if harmony itself had heard your thoughts and decided to put you to the test.
> If there was ever something that could upset everything...
"Go back to the beginning. Tell me everything!"
> "I picked them up from his house when she got back from school. He wanted me to take Megan on a tour around the camp - show her more of it than she can see from the house, introduce her to a few ponies... only safe areas, of course. He was quite adamant about that."
> Of course.
> And now that you're thinking clearly, you remember hearing about this at briefing before you went on-shift.
> "I took them around - I was keeping to open areas, closer to the house. She's already seen the rec hall, but she wanted to see it all over again... and of course Flurry was following close behind her, they're so close-"
"Were there any problems? Anypony following you?"
> "No, no!"
> Mayor Mare frantically tugs on her wavy mane with such force you're scared she's going to start tearing clumps out.
> "You don't understand - she wasn't taken. She got away from me herself!"
"What?!"
> She snort-laughs sharply, tears beginning to gather at the corners of her eyes.
> "The old hey-look-what's-that trick. I wasn't paying attention and when I looked back they were both gone and oh Celestia, Anonymous is going to flay me alive!"
"Easy, now. Easy..."
> The fact that Mayor is easily old enough to be your mother does little to dissuade you from taking her head into her hooves.
"Listen. Do you have any idea where she went? Any places she wanted to see...?"
> "No! Well, um, except the Rec Hall, but we'd already been there and I checked already to see if anypony had seen where she went-"
> If it were any other situation, you'd be furious.
> With Mayor Mare, though, somehow you can't bring the anger up.
> Trying to solve this on her own before calling in the guard was entirely reasonable, considering what would happen when Anonymous caught wind of this.
> Especially if it caught wind before Megan was found.
> The question of what would happen if they were found hurt isn't even something you can think about.
> Neither, it seems, can Seismic Shift.
> Your partner snorts with nostrils flared, but without any anger.
> Turning to him you
"Luna guide us... okay, I'm going to have to report this in-"
> "Please, Thunderlane!"
> "Anonymous won't flay you, Mayor."
> Seismic's rumbled reassurance does little to actually help her, though.
> Indeed, Mayor Mare snorts angrily.
> "You know what he did to the two that hurt Mocha Cream. If I lost his daughter, I doubt he'll be merciful."
"She tricked you. If there's anyone I fear for, it's her if she's found unharmed."
> "If."
"She will be."
> An hour later, however, she hasn't.
> Despite all available guard staff being flushed out into the camp, no one has found any sign of the girl or filly.
> You'd taken Mayor Mare back to her office in the meantime; she'd promptly slumped down at her desk and stayed there, staring into oblivion.
> Never once had you seen her so despondent, and even you can't deny that you're becoming a bit nervous.
> Visions of having to turn the entire camp upside down again are floating in your head.
> When you'd done that last it'd uncovered the resistance cell and ended up with ponies getting whipped.
> Including Crescent Moon.
> What would it dig up this time?
> And-
> Hoof taps on the door draw your attention.
> Opening it reveals a unicorn stallion rubbing his legs together nervously.
"What? Unless it's important, we don't really have time-"
> "I now where the Master's daughter is."
> Relief rushes through you, an even more welcome sensation than the cold drink you'd downed earlier.
> Similarly, Mayor Mare perks up from her desk.
> "You do?! Please, tell me she's okay!"
> But something is tingling at the back of your skull.
> A sense that something isn't quite right.
"...where is she, then?"
> "She is okay. Perfectly safe and not hurt."
"That's not an answer."
> "We're just showing her around. She said she wanted to some more, so we're going to. She'll come back completely unharmed, I swear."
> There's something off about this, though.
> If she was fine, why couldn't he just bring you to her - or vice versa?
"I think we'll be cutting this tour short. Take us back to her, now."
> "Not just yet. We're-"
> Mayor Mare was not a young mare, and while she could put up a decent gallop you'd never actually seen her move that fast.
> All of which make the blur of movement from her desk all the more surprising;
> One moment she is sitting slumped at it; a second later there is a flash of metal and a fearful yelp followed by a heavy thud.
> She'd actually pinned the stallion against the wall with her barrel and forehoof
> "Answer his question, you gutless, worthless fleabag!"
> He doesn't seem to quite know what to make of it, and honestly neither do you.
> Never had you imagined that this pony lurked somewhere beneath her placid exterior.
> "W-We're not hurting her, I swear! She said she wanted to see the camp - all of the camp - so we're just showing her the parts you wouldn't!"
> The mayor's other hoof rises, and your stomach plummets in turn at the scissors clutched in it.
> "If you've been terrorizing her, I swear to Celestia I will geld you!"
> "No! Honest, we aren't-!"
> "Then where is she?!"
> Shock alone has kept you from acting.
> Mayor Mare seems to have transformed into a completely different pony, eyes narrowed and teeth bared like a feral animal.
> Not that you don't understand why.
> If anything did happen to Megan, Tartarus itself would come crashing down on everypony.
> And getting between the two of them right now could be... risky.
[Choice]
"Mayor, enough!"
> Pulling her off of the stallion isn't as simple as you'd hoped.
> Mayor Mare may be a few decades older than you, but she was still in earth pony - and still had their legendary resilience and strength to prove it.
> Her leg was locked in place like an iron vice, and it takes all but your full strength to dislodge her.
"You can't hurt him! Let go, Mayor!"
> Something in your words finally gets through to her.
> Falling away, she all but collapses into her seat and folds her head into her hooves - shoulder shuddering as she begins to cry.
> You want to go comfort her.
> Right now though, you have other priorities.
> Like this idiot of a stallion, who your take the recently-vacated position of dealing with him.
"Now. You."
> Just in case he missed how angry you are, you press him right back up against the wall.
"I want you to think about what you're doing for just one moment. This - this is foalnapping. I don't care what your intent is. I don't care if you think it's brave or right to play rebel. I don't-"
> "We're not - not trying to play rebel! She's fine-"
"Aren't you? I want you to consider what you're doing. You know why Mayor Mare is torn up like this? Because you are putting her fate at risk with this if she isn't found. So is Cadance. You're beyond at risk - you're not new here; you know what he did the last time someone he cared about was attacked."
> You don't add that Megan herself is at a fair bit of risk.
> Not just from whoever these ponies were - but from Anonymous too.
> "We're not doing anything to her I swear by Celestia's-"
"I don't care what you swear!"
> You drive your head against his and glare at him practically eye-to-eye.
> Risky, but it hasn't passed your attention that he hasn't lit his horn despite the position he finds himself in.
> This wasn't a hardened rebel - just a pony who hadn't thought things through.
"Listen to me: You get one chance. One. That's it. You take us there. And if you don't? I turn you over and Anonymous drags the answer out of you. Trust me, I've seen the things he has in there. But Mayor Mare's safety is at stake here, as is Cadance's. If you won't think about Megan, think about Flurry Heart-"
> "I'll take you! I'll show you where she is, okay?!"
> He's cracked.
> Terrified, even.
> Trembling with his forelegs clutched defensively to his chest, eyes wide and rolling.
> "Please, we didn't want to cause any trouble - I swear! I'll take you to her!"
"I'll call some guards. Mayor Mare, you're coming too."
> "Just - not Anonymous. She won't be hurt. Neither of them will. I swear!"
> You don't know how much you trust his word, but at the very least you are pretty certain he thinks they will be okay.
> Rather than directing you to some cellar or rat-hole hideaway, he leads you straight to one of the newly-built residential blocks on the new side of camp.
> Heads turn at the passing of your group - yourself, Thunderlane, two other guards, Mayor Mare, and of course the stallion guiding you.
> "There. It's just inside that building. They might've gone to one of the ponies' rooms, but she'll be in there."
"Alright. You're coming with us."
> You pause by the door, laying an ear to it.
> There are clearly voice just inside, in the common area between the individual ponies' rooms.
> It's impossible to know for certain what you'll find in there, but you brace yourself anyhow before throwing the door open to reveal -
> Megan stretched out on the floor, legs kicked up, a game board laid out before her.
> Beside her, Flurry Heart - also the image of relaxation, all legs tucked comfortably beneath her with a wing stretched out of her mistress' back.
> Looking up in surprise, Megan's face splits into nervous smile.
> "H-Hey, Thunderlane. I'm in trouble?"
> You don't even have words to answer her.
> Instead you march up, peering down at the game board.
> A crudely colored map of Equestria meets you.
> While some cities have been more or less faithfully reproduced, paths that you're reasonably sure never existed litter the continent.
> A few game pieces - crudely carved depictions of ponies, walls, and other things you aren't sure of are spread around it, as are a set of dice in a bowl.
"...you've been - playing games?"
> "Uh-huh."
> Megan bobs her head nervously, an arm reaching out to protectively slip around Flurry Heart's neck.
> "Well, we are now. They took us to see some of their bedrooms before this. And, um, the places where they work. And... the, uh... where ponies are buried.
> The little graveyard, up on the top of its little hill.
"...right. Well, I'm very glad you're safe, but they-"
> "Thunderlane?!"
> You know that voice; spinning around you find Crescent Moon descending down the stairs from the second floor.
> "I didn't know they'd send you! When I sent him to go to the town hall and find..."
> She'd finally laid eyes on the guards accompanying you, and finally realized something was terribly wrong.
> "...oh. Oh, no. No, nonono!"
> Marching up, Crescent Moon jabs a hoof at Megan.
> "You told us you were allowed out into the camp!"
> "I am!"
> "Then why are they all here!"
> The girl squirms fiercely.
> "Um..."
"Wait - you didn't take her?"
> Crescent Moon shakes her head.
> "We found her wandering. Took her in because - y'know, she could be hurt. Then brought her here and sent a message back to the town hall, but she asked us to see a couple of places, so we took her before..."
> Taking a deep breath, Crescent looks you straight in the eye.
> "Thunderlane, we weren't doing anything to her. I promise, to you!"
"Then why did he-"
> Everyone jumps as the front door slams open.
> Anonymous stalks in, practically seeming to bring a miasma of red-hot fury with him.
> A path is cleared for him as he stomps up to his daughter.
> "You..."
> So too is his voice laden with anger, a low growl:
> "What is this?"
"Board game, Master!"
> You regret the words the second they come out of your mouth, as even speaking draws his eyes up to you - and Crescent Moon.
> Yet he doesn't seem angry anymore.
> More...
> Tired.
> Confused, maybe.
> "A board game..."
"Yes. And they weren't forcing her to stay here either. They found her, and took her here to be safe."
> "We thought she was allowed out! She told us she was!"
> The volcano-like explosion of rage that you feared doesn't seem to be coming, but even so Crescent Moon's tone retains an element of terror.
> "You - protected her?"
> "Uh-huh. Because she's just a girl, and she wanted to get out and see more of our lives!"
> Seconds tick by, and you wonder if that rumbling in your ears is your own blood rushing or the volcano coming back to life.
> Finally, Anonymous spins on his heel to look at Megan.
> To take her measure.
> It only takes a moment:
> Megan looks down, nervously playing with the edge of her dress.
> "S'true. I just - wanted to walk around. They didn't do anything to me. I woulda come back before dinner, I promise!"
> Nodding, Anonymous draws himself up.
> "You are both beyond grounded. Go back to the house, and go to your room. Because I am far too angry to deal with either of you right now."
> "But Dad-"
> "NOW!"
> She does, scurrying out alongside Flurry Heart.
> It's one of the only times you can remember seeing him raise his voice to his daughter, though admittedly you haven't seen much of them together.
> What's all the more amazing, though, is that he stops.
> Well, not immediately.
> First he turns and stomps over to where she had been sitting.
> Everypony backs off in preparation of fresh punishment being handed out.
> But it never comes.
> Instead he squats down at the edge of the game board.
> "What is this?"
> Crescent Moon cringes back, wincing.
> Nopony else feels like explaining either, and you have a feeling he's going to-
> "Thunderlane?"
"It's... called Gather The Elements. You - have to go through Equestria, gathering tools and friends to find the Elements of Harmony before the game ends. Get around the obstacles. Each, um, city can hold different things that might be valuable to you."
> "I... I see. And this is a game you all made up?"
"Not - really. The idea is from back in Equestria. This one, um. It was made here."
> As if that wasn't obvious.
> The map is sketched by hoof or horn, albeit with incredible detail.
> Far more obviously hoof-written are the playing cards for each space on the map.
> "...right. And where else did you take my daughter, Crescent Moon?"
> She jumps in place, having nestled into your side in an attempt that seems half to hide herself against his attention.
> "T-To see some of our rooms. In here. And the, um, the graveyard."
> That is almost squeaked out in terror, but when nothing happens she goes on with increasing confidence.
> "One of the workshops, after our work hours ended. Not letting her into it, just to see."
> "And is that it?"
> "Yes. Somepony suggested the rec hall, but she said she'd already been there."
> "...I see."
> Anonymous looks down at the game board again, then turns to go.
> "I see. That will be all, then."
> In the second that ticks by for Crescent Moon to realize neither she nor anypony else here is going to be punished, Anonymous almost reaches the door.
> Almost.
> "Wait!"
> Leaping from your side, Crescent Moon calls out:
> "Wait. You can't punish her either!"
> You wince as Anonymous looks back again, some of the smoldering anger re-lighting in his eyes.
> "Are you telling me what I can or can't do with my own family?"
> "No. Yes! Because it's us too!"
"Crescent, stop. This is beyond us now-"
> "No, it isn't."
> Taking a deep breath, she looks straight at Anonymous:
> "Why are you angry with her?"
> "Why? Because she ran away. She tricked the one adult that was supposed to be looking after her."
> "But why was that bad?"
> "Because -"
> Anonymous throws his hands up.
> "Because she could've been - been -"
> "Hurt? Attacked? Yes, she could have. And that's why we looked after her. Because she isn't you, and whatever issues I have with you - they aren't her fault. She's - nice. Even if she tricked us."
> Taking a cautious few more steps forward, Crescent Moon looks up to him - daring him to reject her.
> "We're not all like the ponies who hurt Mocha Cream. If you heap punishment on her for this, you're saying you don't trust us either."
"Crescent-"
> "Why are you afraid of us?"
> The question hangs in the air - a challenge.
> A threat.
> And Anonymous doesn't have a response - not one he can easily give.
> That's all the opening Crescent Moon needs.
> "What is it? That she'd be hurt? I told you - we aren't going to let that happen. We helped you find the ponies who did that, and we knew you would do to them. And now we know that there are ponies who will do that, we know to watch out for the ones who need protecting. And we'd fight anypony who tries to kick her just for being your daughter."
> This actually draws some low mutters of approval and agreement from around the room, and Crescent pushes another step closer to him.
> "Megan was safe the whole time. Or is is something else you're afraid of? Afraid she'll understand what you do to us? If you're afraid of that, maybe it's time to think about her growing up-"
"...Crescent, that's enough. I understand what you're saying. But this isn't the time for it. Megan is his family."
> And in a way, Flurry Heart is too.
> You can't deny she has a point, but is now really the time to push it?
> Moving to her side, you extend a wing over her back.
"We can't tell him what to do-"
> She shrugs off your wing, taking a step closer to Anonymous.
> "I want to know. Even if it costs me. Why are you afraid of Megan being with us in the camp? Don't you trust us?"
[Choice]
> "You know what, Crescent Moon? I trust you. I really, honestly do."
> He turns around now to fully face her, and actually kneels down - holding out a hand to her, which she cautiously raises a hoof to touch.
> "And I think I owe you an enormous thank-you for this. You took it upon yourselves to do much, much better than some others would have and kept my daughter safe. Hell, you even showed her around, took her into your home, and then stayed to play games with her. It's... a lot more than I might've expected."
> "It's what was right."
> "Whatever the reason, I owe you deeply for that. If there's some reward I can give-"
> "No. Not to me, anyway."
> Crescent shakes her head sharply.
> "Because that - that'd make it a thing about earning rewards from you. But that's not why we did it. We did it because we don't rip innocent children away from their parents. We're better than that."
> You aren't sure if that's supposed to be a jab at Anonymous or slavery in general, but either way he doesn't react to it.
> "And that's exactly why I know I can trust you. But you're one pony out of two thousand. Everyone in this room - a dozen, out of two thousand. A lot of that two-thousand only arrived a few weeks ago. So yes, I trust you - but I don't trust everyone."
> You nod, again moving to stand at Crescent's side.
"He's right. That's part of why we're here. The guards, I mean - because not everypony is as honestly good as you. You found her first - but what if somepony else had?"
> "Then we would have gone to save her-"
"And if you weren't fast enough? It's not a strike against you, but wandering off alone like that could still have been a very dangerous thing for Megan."
> "I..."
> Crescent looks down, her hoof drawing small circles on the floor.
> Again, you put a wing across her back in comfort.
"You said yourself - you stepped in because you saw her wandering about alone. You aren't dangerous, and this isn't about you. It's about what she did, and he's entirely in the right to be angry about that with her."
> "Exactly, yes. You know, when it was originally proposed Megan start visiting the camp without me, I decided it would be fine as long as she was with a pony I trusted. I think I would be okay with introducing her to you all... slowly."
> "I... understand. But if you punish her for wanting to see the camp, will she ever come again?"
> Both you and Anonymous laugh simultaneously.
> "...oh yes. My daughter has a bit of an independent streak. She'll be back, eventually."
> This, at last, seems to placate Crescent Moon.
> She actually manages a small smile, and looks up at him.
> "I'll hope to see her again soon, then."
> "...well, I don't know how soon. She's going to be grounded for a long, long time."
> He stands, turning to the one critical pony in the room who hadn't been addressed.
> Mayor Mare still cringes back when he comes near, but Anonymous short-circuits that with a shake of his head.
> "None of this reflects on you. You did everything right, and once I've had words with my daughter I'll make sure she gives you your due apology as well."
> After the door closes after him, a long and heavy silence holds in the room.
> Nopony can quite seem to believe that just happened - that anypony had escaped without serious punishment.
> Crescent Moon falls to her haunches, still staring at the door.
> "Did... he really just thank me for that...?"
"In the end, he is a parent. Megan is one of the few things I think he truly, really loves. All he wants to know is that she'll be safe. It's -"
> You tap a hoof on the floor, thinking.
"When Sunbreak was born - Vapor's foal - Anonymous wanted to hold her. Vapor was... not happy. Scared Sunbreak would be taken away. In truth, I was a little scared too. Because when you're a parent, your child means everything to you."
> "...this is one of those things I'm only going to understand when I become a parent, isn't it?"
> The tension breaks as everypony breaks out laughing at her sarcasm-laden tone - perhaps even harder because of the weight suddenly lifted from your back.
"Yeah, I suppose it is. Just... trust me when I say that I'm not surprised he came charging in here ready to breath fire down all our necks."
> "Heh, I got it."
> Turning for the door, you pause before reaching it.
> One last thing to do.
> The stallion who'd delivered the message had thoughtfully hidden himself off in a corner, but that only makes it easier for you to keep him from running.
"Listen to me: The next time you get told to run a message, you give us the whole damn story. Got it? No bluster, no ego. Just tell it straight. Because I was all of about two seconds away from reporting you to Anonymous, and then this whole thing could have ended a lot worse for you than it did."
> You don't wait for his reply.
 
> Close.
> He had been so close to her.
> His - his daughter, that he had thought lost so long ago.
> Ripped away from him by them.
> And now close enough to know she was still lost:
> Close enough to hear her laughter alongside the human girl's, close enough to catch a glimpse of her tail in the distance through a cracked door.
> To see the collar around her neck.
> And yet he couldn't show himself.
> Was it fear, of what she would say?
> Or confusion at everything he had seen?
> This place was not like what Corona had told him about, but that didn't mean there wasn't something to be afraid of.
> After all, it clearly enough had once been - and how much a mask it was, how long before the whips came out again, was something he wasn't sure of.
> The latter was easier to admit to himself, because there was no shame in admitting confusion.
> But the way she was with the girl...
> ...at least she had that much; he could believe 'Megan' was good to Flurry.
> Even so, some corner of his heart gnawed at him.
> Telling him he was a coward, a broken stallion, for not daring to approach her.
> All he needed was a little bit of time alone - enough to truly speak to her and find out what was true and what was not...
> At least the disguise enchantment was still holding.
> There would be another chance to reach out to her.
> To get her back.
> Hopefully before it was too late.
 
"She did what?!"
> "Yeah, that was about my reaction too."
> Anonymous slumps in his chair, rubbing his forehead.
> If he hadn't warned you before explaining that they were both fine, you'd be out of your mind with panic.
> As it was, your heart was still pounding.
> "I've got them both in one of the spare bedrooms right now. I wanted to cool my head a bit and confer doing anything rash. Threw her in there, took a long shower to cool my head, and then sat down to think. Because honestly, I was just about ready to give the both of them a badly-smarting backside right then and there."
> You wince at the thought of your daughter being beaten, yet you can't deny the impulse to lash out somehow is strong.
> What had she been thinking, going along with this?
"Do you have any sense of which of them was leading it...?"
> "If you're hoping I can say Megan pulled her into this, no. I can't say I do."
> Your head falls; that had been you hope.
> "No, from what I could tell it was both of them. At the very least, neither was willing to blame the other. Which, for kids who know they're in for it, says things."
"Yes, it does."
> "Once they're done, I'm going to invite Mayor Mare into the house so that she can get a proper apology from Megan. From both of them. And so she can know I'm not out for her head on a pole or anything."
> Looking up sharply, you scowl at Anonymous.
"Wasn't she told-"
> "Of course I told her. But it's going to take a while until she's not going to be looking over her shoulder again. Apparently she was downright terrified."
"...at least there was no reason."
> "At least."
> Anonymous groans, and you rise to approach him.
> Seeing this he reaches out to gently brush your mane back.
"It could have been much, much worse. With those protesters out there, and the police woman-"
> "I know, Cadance, Trust me, I know."
"...I didn't mean to seem nagging-"
> "You didn't. I'm just not sure what we're going to do about this. Your daughter's situation, at least, I'll leave up to you."
> Cocking your head, you raise your eyebrows questioningly - yielding a shrug from Anonymous.
> "She's your daughter, and I get the feeling you're just as appalled by this as I am. I don't think I need to worry about you being unfair. Did you want to go see her?"
"Very much so, if I could."
> "Yeah, we'd better. I'll go in first."
> It seems to take Anonymous considerable physical effort to drag himself from the chair, but he leads you to the spare bedroom they'd been locked in.
> You wait just outside the doorway while he steps through.
> "Alright, you two. I'll only ask one more time: Do you have anything to say for yourselves?"
> No answer comes, and he huffs softly.
> "Megan? Nothing? Not a word about how you ran away from the pony who was responsible for both of you and scared her half to death?"
> Still, silence.
> "Okay then, Megan. How about you tell Cadance why you put her daughter in danger like that."
> Your cue to step in, obviously.
> The room is practically untouched; homework sits neatly stacked on the floor where it must have been left while both girl and filly rest atop the bed.
> A brief thought is given to how nice it was that they were obviously still taking comfort in each other... right before your anger at both their reckless behavior comes flooding right back.
"And maybe, Flurry Heart, you can tell me why you were so thoughtless with Megan's safety as well. This is not something you should be encouraging her to do!"
> Your entrance has a marked effect on both of them.
> Megan twists her golden curls nervously about a finger, eyes flickering about here and there.
> Flurry gives a gentle 'eep' and buries her head beneath one expansive wing.
> Slipping past Anonymous you approach the edge of the bed, head held high and domineering.
"Flurry Heart. I am... unimaginably disappointed in you. There are certain rules we have in life - certain things we do - for our own good and safety. What were you thinking?! I know you have friends in the camp, but that doesn't mean it was safe to just - run along like that!"
> No doubt they've already heard this from Anonymous.
> Possibly repeatedly.
> Even so your lecture causes Flurry to tuck her head even more firmly beneath her wing, until there's little more than a bit of mane and the tips of her pinned ears remaining sticking out.
> Megan puts a protective arm around her and fixes you with a hard look.
> "You're scaring her!"
"I was scared! So was your father, when he heard!"
> "We - just wanted to see more. Mayor Mare was like... it was like being on a field trip at school. Walk this way, see this stuff, go on now... We wanted to just - see! Miss Mocha has been telling us about the things she sees in there, and we wanted to see too!"
> Wrapping both arms around the filly in a hug prompts a muffled nicker from the muzzle still hidden away.
> "And it's not like we were ever really in danger. We woulda screamed! And Flurry could have defended me. She's been taking lessons from Sunburst!"
"And what if she could have not? What if nopony had heard? I know this time, the walk-around wasn't really what you were expecting - but that doesn't mean you can just run away!"
> You drop your head to rest on the edge of the bed in an effort to appear less threatening.
> A moment later, Flurry twists - eyes glittering as they cautiously peer out at you.
> The bed creaks as Anonymous seats himself on the far side.
> "And besides, you still scared the daylights out of Mayor Mare. Both of you. And I know I raised you better than that, Megan!"
"Yes! She thought she was going to be punished terribly for losing the two of you. Like it was all her fault. Is that right?"
> You lean in closer, softening your voice:
"Imagine if you had been hurt, and Mocha Cream heard. How do you think she would feel then?"
> It isn't a pretty thought, and both shift uneasily.
> "...w'could say sorry t'miss Mayor..."
> Flurry's cracked voice suggests she's been crying, but at least she is talking now.
"You will say sorry to her. That is the least you can do."
[Choice]
> You sigh heavily.
"I am so very, very deeply disappointed - in both of you. After how Flurry was neglected, I took a great deal of comfort that my daughter would be with someone who would care for her and look after her."
> She shudders at those memories, the feather-tips of her spread wings trembling.
"And, in turn, I knew she would do her absolute best for you as well, Megan. This... you put both yourselves at such terrible, terrible risk. And you did it together, neither of you leading the other on. Or ordering."
> Anonymous nods, putting a hand on his daughter's shoulder.
> "And the same for me, sweetheart. You were supposed to be a model for Flurry as to how a leader should act. And Flurry, you were supposed to moderate my daughter when she was doing something foolish as well."
> Letting your eyes slip shut, you sigh.
> This is going to be painful to do, because you have a reasonably good idea of what Anonymous is going to suggest will be done with them.
> Lifting your head from the bed, you open your eyes just in time to catch both their heads swivel around to focus on Anonymous - wondering what punishment will be handed down.
> It takes a moment longer to realize you were doing the same as well.
> Some desperate hope still driving you to hope that he wouldn't-
> "Okay, then. Here's what's going to happen: First, Megan, I'm going to give you a spanking for this-"
> You think your flinch is worse than what the two of them do.
> But you can't deny that if it were going to be done for anything, it would be for this...
> "-and then two of you are grounded for at least two weeks... at least half of that, separately from each other. Megan, you will do your chores and your homework without Flurry's help. I hope it gives you some time to think about what you have done and, more importantly, why I am so angry about it."
> "No!"
> Almost reflexively the two curl even more tightly around each other, Megan tightening her hug and Flurry shifting over a wing to shelter her mistress.
> When Anonymous remains utterly unmoved, they both transfer their pleading expressions to you.
> As if they could make you undo your earlier ruling.
> ...as if you could.
> In the end, you can't overrule Anonymous' choices for Megan.
> And besides, he'd said he held certain - expectations for what you would do.
> ...just like when he had laid the fate of the escape's ringleaders at your hooves, there was really no choice at all.
"No matter what your place in life is, the fact remains that your actions have impacts. Consequences. Flurry, you had an equal part in this and so you will share the punishment as well. Equally and evenly. There will be no exceptions."
> "Momma!"
> Ignoring her tearful cry, you go on:
"Chores will be found for you in the meantime. Perhaps something to do with the management here, so that you can understand why we have to make these decisions that we do and cannot just go off and do what we wish."
> Anonymous nods in confirmation.
> "That sounds like a good idea, yes. You put yourselves on a pedestal above all the rules here - even rules of common sense. In addition to that, you are going to go apologize - heavily - to both Mayor Mare and Mocha Cream."
> When they look confused at the addition of the latter pony, he adds:
> "For not learning better from her experiences too. You cannot squander lessons like that!"
> "After we get - um - get..."
"Yes. After that."
> You try and keep the nervousness over that out of your voice.
> There were going to have to be - words with Anonymous first.
> "And you'll be apart starting tonight. Flurry, we'll put you in a spare bed in Mocha Cream's room."
> Ouch.
 You had a sneaking suspicion that Mocha Cream would be giving a stiff lecture of her own; she might be nervous and stuttering around Anonymous, but she had a strong, determined heart to see the best for other ponies.
> "I'll take Megan to her room for-"
"Master. May I have a word with you for - a moment?"
> "Of course. Megan, Flurry - go wait outside. And don't even think about running; the staff knows you're not supposed to be going anywhere."
> When the door shuts he turns to you, head cocked questioningly.
"I..."
> Your cheeks are flushing, and you can't raise your eyes to him.
> "Cadance? What's wrong?"
> Seating himself again on your edge of the bed, Anonymous reaches out.
> "You don't have to do this, you know. If it's too hard for you-"
"No, I - I..."
> You wince.
"...I don't know how to spank her."
> A long silence follows, then-
> "What?"
"I never had to! It's - not something a lot of ponies do, okay?! Celestia - disciplined me once or twice, but she never really showed me how. And I wasn't exactly paying attention to her technique right then!"
> "Well, it's not - too tricky."
> Putting his knees together, Anonymous pats them and shoots you a suggestive grin.
> "Here! Just lay down across and I'll show you exactly how."
> Your outraged squeal draws a long, loud laugh from him.
> If your cheeks weren't red before, they certainly are now!
> Celestia was one thing, but the thought of being an adult over his knees while he even pretended to beat your-
> No.
> Just, no.
> It'd be almost as humiliating as when he'd paraded you around in that disgusting tack-and-chains outfit!
"It's not funny!"
> "Sorry, sorry - just trying to lighten the moment."
"It's... just not funny. Flurry was never a deliberate terror as a foal - accidental, yes, but never deliberate - and there wasn't ever a reason to. Barely any time for her to be one before I... lost her."
> Throughout that your voice had steadily fallen from an angry high to a passive low.
> By the end, Anonymous reaches out to place a hand on your back.
> No apology is spoken, and none is needed.
> Your head shifting to rest against his arm is a sign enough that his thought is accepted.
"...I suppose having to deal with your child doing something so utterly foalish is almost a rite of parenthood."
> "Yeah. Children aren't that different, no matter the species."
> That actually manages to bring a little smile to your lips.
"At least I have her back now. Even if I have to do this, I'm almost glad I can do it at all."
> "Yeah..."
> Something in his voice makes you look up questioningly to Anonymous.
"Is something wrong?"
> "I'm... worried. About what got into Megan to do this; both of them were so torn up over what happened to Mocha, so why this?"
> His head falls a bit,
> "...it's her mother's influence in her. The whole 'put on a pedestal above others'... that's her. I don't want to let Megan grow up like that."
> You can feel his hand tightening into a fist, and the truth is that you don't have an answer.
> He feared losing his daughter to becoming something else - her being broken by this legacy.
> Flurry Heart had already been lost once.
> Possibly broken as well.
"There is still a good heart in her. Moments like these are the exception. Remember, I wasn't lying when I said I truly do believe Flurry Heart is safe with her."
> "Yeah. True."
> Un-bunching from its fist, his hand slips up to rub your neck.
> "Cadance, if you really don't want to do this..."
"I can. Will. Because she is my daughter, and because I think she needs to know I will not shelter her from some things."
> "Alright. In that case, I, uh..."
> Anonymous grimaces.
> "..I don't honestly know if I can give you any advice, except - you'll figure out how hard pretty quickly. It sounds cruel to say, but if it feels like you're overdoing it, you probably are. And use a brush or something; your hoof might be too hard."
"...that makes sense. I... suppose I should go deal with it now. I'll go get one of her brushes."
> When you return, Flurry Heart is alone in the spare bedroom:
> Crouched on the bed in a nervous ball, awaiting her fate.
> Even so she tries one last time, peering up at you with wide and shimmering eyes.
> "M-Momma? Do you really have to-"
"Yes, Flurry. I do have to - and keep you apart from Megan. What you did was... incredibly bad. Some things, Flurry, have real consequences that cannot be avoided."
> You glance aside at the coat-brush floating in your magical grasp.
"When I heard, I wasn't just angry. If Anonymous hadn't told me ahead of time you were safe, I would have been out of my mind with fear. Even knowing that."
> A sharp breath is drawn and forced back out again.
"I lost you once, Flurry Heart. I made terrible, terrible mistakes and you were hurt... if you hadn't been so lucky now, I could have lost you again."
> And to the hooves of your own species, too.
"Do you understand? I can't just dismiss this."
> Stretching out one expansive wing, she touches your cheek.
> "Okay, momma..."
> Stretching out on the floor, you lay your forelegs out in front of you.
> Despite your conscience being clear - this was not an act of slavery, but an act of parenting - it still feels awkward to do.
"Here. Come lay across them. Careful now - yes, just like that. Now, tail out of the way and-"
> ...
> It was not pleasant, hearing your daughter squeal, cry, and whimper in pain.
> But not the worst you had ever done either.
> Not by far.
> Now, back in your office, you sit staring at the picture of Shining Armor you kept on the table.
> If there had been more time - if this all hadn't happened, and Flurry Heart had grown up with you - what would he have thought...?
> Would your husband have been the one to take a brush to her haunches?
> Despite his years of military discipline, or perhaps specifically because of the self-control they had brought, Shiny had never so much as lost his temper with his daughter.
> But for something like this...
> Would he have hated you for doing this?
> You can't know, and now wouldn't ever.
> The thoughts keep slipping in your head, though.
> Eventually you pull yourself into bed and somehow manage to find sleep.
> Next morning comes soon enough:
> The camp's wake-up alarm sounding over the PA to pull everypony from their beds; you are no exception.
> With blurry eyes and a wide yawn you drag yourself from the bed and in to the bathroom, pausing only to kick at an itching ear with one hindleg.
> One of the few luxuries you had - a private place to wash, rather than the communal showers everypony else made do with.
> Actual baths were an even greater luxury, but standing with your muzzle under the lukewarm spray and imagining yourself underwater was a close-enough approximation.
> Plus it was a fast way to get the shampoo all the way out of your mane quickly enough.
> And-
> That's odd.
> Pulling your head from beneath the showerhead, you cock an ear.
> The wake-up alarm had already sounded, and the next - a warning that time was passing and everypony had to hurry on to report for work on time - couldn't possibly be sounding yet.
> It takes you another moment to realize the atonal, buzzing siren is neither of those.
> The lockdown alarm!
> What now?!
> Why now?!
> Was a moment of peace too much to ask?
> You barely bother to shut off the water before leaping from the bathtub and charging for the front door.
> Drying off is skipped altogether, and you leave a liberally-scattered trail of droplets in the early-summer-morning cool while galloping for the security post.
> A leaping launch and you're in the air.
> Instantly you angle yourself - redirecting towards the edge of the camp where the small convoy of the guards' cars are already traveling.
> And where, in the dawn's growing light, you can see the cause of the alarm:
> Whereas before the protesters had held a reasonable distance in the past, now they had formed ranks practically at the very edge of the fence.
> Even from this distance you could hear their chanting and clapping; a rising tide of raucous of voices.
> They must have been intending to catch ponies' attention as they scattered out to their morning jobs.
> From the corner of a building near the boundary you catch Gene waving sharply at you.
> Touching down in front of him draws a relieved sigh.
> "Thank God, I caught you."
"What do you mean?"
> "They've all fucking lost their minds. What do you think would happen if you'd shown up right in front of them?"
> A point.
"Did something set them off? Or-"
> "No, no. The motion sensors went off, we came out. The police are on their way."
> It suddenly occurs to you that he was not in his regular uniform but a wrinkled, more informal appearance outfit.
> Must be what he had slept in too.
> There's something new in his voice that you only recognize now too:
> Fear.
> He was afraid of this running out of control.
"Gene, if I go out there I could tell them to back off-"
> "No! I know Anonymous trusts you, but I am security! Let the police come!"
> You don't like the idea of letting the situation fester, but he has a point.
> Instead you remain seated, ears pricked and listening to the repeated chants issuing from the crowd:
> "Freedom for all, no surrender!"
> "Emancipate, no more hate!"
> "Two legs good, four legs still good!"
> "Laws for us all, not for the money!"
> Some part of you so dearly wants to believe their message is wholeheartedly true.
> That they really do want nothing more than to live in peace and equality with ponies.
> But from this distance, you can feel something more:
> Sheer anger, fury, indignation rolling off of them is palpable, an almost physical force pressing against you.
> How much of that is your talent for sensing emotion and how much is just interpreting their screaming and chanting you aren't sure.
> Though a good part of it seems to be the latter, considering how nervous the guards look.
> At last a siren splits the air in the distance.
> Everyone's attention is drawn by it, and in a surprisingly orderly fashion the protesters begin to break from the fence and retreat back towards the road.
> They must have planned this:
> Avoiding a confrontation with police by departing as soon as they arrived.
> Watching the last of the departing crowd warily, Gene grunts.
> "That's that. Done. Cadance, do you want to go?"
"Yes. I - should go make an announcement while everypony is still having breakfast."
> "Go. But, maybe brush your mane first?"
> ...oh.
> Right.
> You did still look like you'd just had a minor tornado manifest over your head.
"Yes. Let me - get right on that."
> In the end, there's little trouble that follows the lockdown or your announcement over breakfast.
> Well, less announcement and more update-turned-warning not to egg on the protesters in turn.
> Whatever it was, most ponies took it in stride.
> No, your problems begin after that - when Sunburst stumbles into your office, wild-eyed and flanks lathered with sweat from the gallop he had made.
> "Your - your highness!"
> Ah.
> So this was it, then?
> You'd known Sunburst would find out what you'd done sooner or later, and you would have to address it.
"I understand it may have seemed rash, Sunburst, but the truth is I simply could not let what Flurry Heart had done go unpunished. What she did I had to deal with - not as a slave, but as a parent."
> The stupefied expression Sunburst gives you suggests a terrible miscalculation on why he was here.
"Or - is it something else?"
> Sunburst kicks the door shut and pulls a book from his saddlebags, then a note from within that.
> "What were you talking about?"
> He listens while you speak, ears steadily drooping and a hoof rising to nervously twist at the scruff of bear on his chin.
> When you are done, he is all but shaking.
> "I - I understand. You could have lost her, and - I don't think you could have taken that."
> More softly:
> "I know I couldn't have."
"I know she means so much to you."
> "The both of you mean everything to me, Your Highness. If I lost either you or Flurry... it'd be the end of me."
> It occurs to you that it might perhaps be a good idea to find Sunburst a marefriend, but you don't know if he was emotionally past the loss of Starlight.
"And don't think I do not know that. But, what did you come to tell me?"
> "Oh!"
> The note he'd withdrawn earlier was passed to you.
> "There - was a radio broadcast this morning. You know, how we get messages in from our... outside associates."
"Yes."
> Unfolding the note, you read it once - and then again, just to be sure.
"An apology?"
> "For the lockdown this morning, yes. Apparently the message was relayed from someone in the crowd out there; they didn't realize we would be locked down harder than normal if they did that."
> You snort gently.
> Of course they wouldn't understand how much relative freedom you had in this camp.
> They were probably used to dealing with far, far more tightly-restricted labor camps.
> "But... that was just the first message."
"There was a second?"
> Another note is passed to you, and this one raises your eyebrows considerably.
> 'To: Cadance,
> I have not given up up my goal, but I need your help. I can protect you and your daughter if you help us, maybe even give freedom. Need evidence of Anonymous' mistreatment. Send your reply through the normal route.
> ~A'
> There's no doubt in your mind who the one who sent this is.
> Only one could have been so fantastically bold as to announce her intentions...
"Has anypony else seen this?"
> "Only whoever recorded the message and decoded it. After that - me."
"Good."
> "What do you intend to do about it, Your Highness?"
"If I tell Anonymous, I will have to explain how we have been receiving messages from the outside. Sending, too. That would be catastrophic. I will deal with her myself."
> "Are you - really going to tell her-"
"Nothing yet. First, I want to see what she wants. The impression I got when she was interrogating Thunderlane was not pleasant. And besides..."
> You lift a hoof to hold it out to Sunburst.
"I could never trade for my freedom and leave you all here."
> That much reduces the agitation he shows, and Sunburst even manages a little smile.
> "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Now, go on. I'll be about."
> You hear nothing more of that for the rest of the day, thankfully.
> In fact, compared to the preceding days things are... downright peaceful.
> At about dinner, Lattice approaches you with a soft murmur:
> "Y-Your Highness, may we have a talk?"
"Of course, Lattice. What can I do for you?"
> "I..."
> His eyes search the crowd nervously, as if trying to pick out somepony in particular.
> "It's - about my work. I haven't been doing well enough, and I'm sorry. I think it's time for me to - to give up. Transfer me to one of the other workshops."
"Is there something else going on, Lattice?"
> "N-No! Your Highness, it is my fault. I just - cannot do enough. You shouldn't waste time on my mistakes."
> Head hanging, he adds:
> "I don't deserve so much heaped on me."
> When had deserving anything come into this conversation?
> An inkling begins to form in the back of your mind that perhaps there was a touch more to this conversation than Lattice was telling you for starters.
"...come, sit down. I think we can make room here for another pony?"
> "Your Highness, I couldn't!"
> Even as he protests, a few ponies around you scoot aside at the tables - allowing room for him to set his meal tray beside you.
"Lattice. I insist. Please."
> Rather than the gesture comforting, his nervousness only seems to redouble.
> He does sit, though.
"Now... tell me, what's brought on this sudden request?"
> Instead of answering, Lattice again looks around the table.
> "I... Ponies... ponies are saying we are getting better treatment. Because of who we are. Tourmaline Twist and I, I mean - because we're Crystal Ponies."
"Lattice..."
> "They're saying that we're stringing everypony and Anonymous along by telling you we can grow the crystals. That it's just a fantasy, and we aren't going to be able to do anything. We're just using you to get out of real work."
"You know that is wrong though."
> "But it isn't!"
> The outburst is followed by a moment of silence, during which Lattice's cheeks color considerably.
> More softly, he continues:
> "We are wasting time, Your Highness. I'm not going to be able to do this. And you already spared me twice..."
"What do you mean?"
> Lattice swallows hard.
> "Bringing us here, of course. Anywhere else we could have been sent... and before that, from Sombra. It's been a mercy. "
> How had you 'spared' him, though?
> Rescued the Crystal Empire and its ponies from Sombra's grasp, but why 'spared'...?
“Well, at the very least I will have to have a talk with the ponies who have been telling you these things-”
> Clear panic fills Lattice’s face.
> “No! Your Highness, please - that would only prove them right. It would make me - special. I… don’t want to be special again.”
[Choice]
"Well. If you really insist, then I'll see about transferring you."
> Lattice slumps in relief.
> "Thank you, Your Highness."
"There is no need. We will have to find a proper place for you to work, though."
> "Anonymous took us into one of the enchanting shops. Even if I cannot grow the crystals from nothing, I think I can still form them - mend them, make them better for enchanting."
"That would be good. Do you know what Tourmaline's preference is?"
> "No, Your Highness. You would have to ask her yourself."
> From the way he said that, you have to suspect he would much prefer not to be the one asking her.
"Very well. Anonymous will have to give his approval for shutting down this experiment, but-"
> "Oh, that won't be a problem! He took me aside and explained that I should feel free to speak up if I didn't think the project was going to work."
> Somehow you're actually delighted to hear that.
> Anonymous taking a direct, sympathetic role in managing the ponies?
> Perhaps your efforts had been getting through to him after all.
"Excellent."
> Unfolding a wing, you lay it across his back.
"There's no shame in this, Lattice. We may be slaves, but all I ask is that you do all you the most you can."
> His head falls, shoulders actually shaking a bit.
> As if your wing was a far heavier weight.
> "I don't deserve your kindness"
> Channeling your best impression of your Aunt Celestia's ever-calming tones, you use your wing to draw him in against your side.
"Everypony deserves kindness, Lattice."
> "Not me. I don't want to be special. I don't want to be a leader or anything like that."
"Well, no one is telling you that you have to be."
> "G-Good. I'll just - just take a quiet job in one of the shops. And that - that will be enough. No more. Thank you, Your Highness."
> His breathy expression of relief is almost euphoric in nature.
> What did he fear - standing out?
> Being recognized by Anonymous?
> But he said it was Anonymous who talked him into saying this...
"Lattice, I've said before there's no need to thank me."
> "Yes. There is. You're too kind. I don't deserve any of this... recognition, and somewhere else... I never told any of my previous owners about my magic."
"Were you afraid you wouldn't be able to use it?"
> "I was afraid I would be."
> He does not elaborate further, but instead just opts to eat the rest of his meal in silence.
 
> In the exact center of your study, the two miscreants stand facing a different form of judgement.
> On the one side, Flurry Heart sits with wings hanging limply at her sides and eyes locked on the floor.
> From the way her haunches are held just off the floor despite how it must be making her legs ache, you can guess that Cadance hadn't been easy on her.
> Next to her Megan stands similarly bowed.
> You know you hadn't gone soft on her.
> Sandwiching the two opposite your own stern gaze was Mayor Mare.
> If anything, she seemed even angrier than you:
> Jaw fixed hard and eyes alight with anger.
> "The two of you have no idea what you even started here. Look-"
> A hoof is pointed out the window, towards the camp in the distance.
> "Look at that. All of it. And then believe me when I say that every day we struggle to make it work, because your father has given us something great. He has given us somewhere we can be comfortable. Where we don't have to fear cruelty."
> She marches forward and to draw herself up, and while Mayor Mare might not objectively be as tall as Megan her presence is far more overwhelming.
> "Do you know what would happen to us, if you got hurt? Everything out there would burn to the ground. That would be it. The end. The police would get involved, Anonymous would be shamed, and he would never be able to give you what he wants."
> Megan turns back to shoot you a pleading look, but you only offer a shake of your head.
"Don't look at me. You knew this would happen."
> Again her head falls down, but a moment later Megan manages to speak:
> "I'm sorry, Mayor Mare. I - shouldn't have run off like that. You are right. I didn't know."
> "Uh-huh. I... I'm sorry, Mayor Mare. Please don't be angry?"
> Both apologies barely seem to phase her.
> Instead she eyes each with a fierce expression:
> "I almost throttled the stallion when he came in to tell me you were running off with random ponies. That's how scared I was. That's how angry I was. Do you think that is enough?"
> Megan hangs her head again, golden curls falling to either side of her face.
> "M'sorry..."
> The furious look holds for a moment longer, and then Mayor Mare huffs angrily.
> "I want to forgive you. I really do. But you can't understand how terrified I was. I might follow your father's orders, but I look out for everypony here."
> Sniffling gently, Megan nods.
"Mayor, come to my side."
> "Do we go back to our rooms now, Daddy?"
"Not yet. There's one other pony you need to apologize to first. Mocha?"
> Both girl and filly jerk upright as your maid enters the room - but she seems just as nervous as those she is going to lecture.
> While Mocha seemed ready when you left her waiting just outside, now she stared with glassy, distant eyes.
> Finally she speaks:
> "Didn't you all learn... anything from me?"
> Lifting a foreleg - the one that had been broken - she turns it over to stare at the underside.
> "I... you are my Master's own daughter, Miss Megan. You know what this cost me. You know there are ponies who would be willing to show you what you were hoping to see if you really asked."
> When neither of them give any response Mocha turns more resolute:
> "I'm - I'm crippled! I'm broken! Master Anonymous paid so much to have me healed back up and even now, I'm still-"
> Her horn sparks to life - fitfully, erratically, as it often still did when she was worked up.
> Mocha takes a few moments to calm her breathing, and the burst-popping of her horn slowly fades back to silence.
> "...did you know, when I was hurt he came down to my hospital room and held me? Told me it was his fault. His. Fault. He was hurting so badly and I could tell even though I was the one who'd been beaten. Hurting. For me. And that hurt even more. I'm nopony. You're - you're his daughter and Miss Cadance's daughter."
> Another hard swallow while she catches her breath.
> "Don't you dare make my Master feel like that again. Don't you dare. Especially you, Miss Megan."
> Cautiously, Megan reaches out with a hand:
> Palm up, open almost as if in a peace offering.
> "No!"
> Mocha backs up, warding the hand off with a raised hoof.
> "I'm - I'm not going to give up. I know what could have happened too, and that - that really scares me. I don't want to see you hurt. I don't want to see you hurt Master."
> Instead, Flurry Heart stands fully up and mumbles something.
> You can't hear what, but Mocha's ears rotate forward.
> Evidently it was enough said, however, as when it is done she ventures forwards to nuzzle Flurry Heart's cheek.
> You're not surprised she'd cracked early.
> Mocha Cream might have been distraught, but she was still soft at heart.
> Still, as you watched Megan nervously step forward to join in the hug you can't help feeling a little glad as well.
"Mocha, why don't you take the both of them back down to their rooms?"
> Extracting herself from the hug, she dips into a bow before rubbing her eyes clear.
> "Y-Yes, Master. Come on, both of you."
> After the door shuts, you turn to eye Mayor Mare with one raised eyebrow.
"So. You almost throttled a pony?"
> "I... yes, Master. I actually did - he was so surprised I don't think he even tried to stop me. It's a little bit of a blur."
"You know, if you need some time off... Cadance needed it badly, and if you're lashing out now-"
> "No, I think I'll be okay."
> She wrinkles her nose, and somehow the wrinkles spread to meet with those reaching down from her eyes.
> "When he came in and said she was off running with Celestia-knows-who I saw the whole thing crashing down. I was thinking it would be the end of this place, we would all be sold off..."
"That thought really scared you, huh?"
> "Master Anonymous - like I told you before, for an older mare like me there aren't many options. I don't have many decades left to work, I'm not the strongest pony, and my talents... not many people would have a good use of them."
"You do have talents, though. That's why I gave you this role."
> "You did. But before I came here..."
> She sighs, moving to sit facing you.
> The glasses come off her muzzle to be held in one hoof and rubbed nervously.
> "When I was first taken, they needed to keep everypony in line. I pretty quickly figured out that I would be going nowhere good unless I showed myself useful, so - I kept ponies in line. I quieted them, I browbeat them, I applied my talent to make sure they were passive even when they were being pulled from each other and sold off."
> Every word is spoken with a kind of heavy weight only memories can bring.
> "It would have broken me eventually, I think. One day I wouldn't have been able to do it anymore, and I'd have been sold off to a hard-labor camp. That'd have been the end of an old mare like me. Then you brought me here. I saw somewhere I could do this - and instead of ponies just being treated like things, we had homes. We had each other."
"I wasn't exactly the kindest Master back then, though."
> Despite the protest you reach out to brush your hand through her mane.
> Mayor Mare hesitates a moment, then tilts her head into the touch.
> "It was enough. You were... hard sometimes, but not a monster. I felt we had a future again. So I gave you all I could."
"And that's just fine."
> You hold the pose a moment longer, sending a few strokes through the mare's thinning mane before leaning back in your seat.
"Unfortunately, I might have another challenge for you and Cadance to handle."
> "Do tell."
"Actually, you tell me first - has anypony located their family through the computers I gave you? The ones connected to the markets?"
> Mayor Mare's face brightens noticeably, ears perking up.
> "Yes, Master. A few. Would you like me to send them to you?"
"Immediately. I'd like to bring them in at the same time as I bring in new security... which, especially after the incident this morning, I'm going to have to. Some will be hired, but - do you remember how I was talking about bringing in a few griffons to act as security?"
> "...yes, Master."
"You sound uncertain."
> Mayor Mare shuffles her hooves nervously.
> "I've only met a griffon once in my life, Master. She was... not pleasant."
"Well, I'll hold them to the same standards I expect out of you. So, about those reports?"
> "Of course. I'll go right and get them."
> What lands on your desk, however...
> Many of these ponies are not what your first choice would be.
> Some have behavioral flags on their records; others have no particular skills you can integrate at this late stage of the expansion.
> Others are just...
> Old.
> Very close to the age when they'd be assigned fewer hours or light duty.
> That would be a weight on your profits, even if it would improve morale altogether.
> There was a very good reason the ponies' little graveyard didn't take up much space.
[Choice]
[Choice]
> No.
> You'll keep your word, even if your balance books metaphorically wince at the thought.
> This was more than just a question of your bottom line; this was a matter of building trust with your ponies.
> One thing that you'd always tried to keep straight with them was honesty; they could always rely on you being truthful.
> If they realized you were lying to them about something as important as the chance to rescue their families, there'd be all kinds of hell to pay.
> First and foremost from Cadance.
> And you could hardly afford to play dice with their trust when the protesters were literally at the walls.
> Acquiring the older ponies could even be thought of as a sort of investment-in-propaganda, both for the benefit of those within the camp and those outside.
> Reaffirm Cadance's loyalty to you.
> Hell, even confirm to Mayor Mare that she'd made the right choice, putting her trust in you.
> You would make her proud to have given you her dedication.
"Mayor?"
> "Yes, Master?"
"Arrange room for eight new arrivals, selected by lottery. I'll set up the purchase arrangements through Foremost ELT."
> Her expression broadens into a wide smile, eyes coming alight, and you suspect she had been silently judging you on how this decision would pan out.
> If so, you're glad to see the mare happy.
> "Immediately, Master!"
> ...
> Like the last time you'd taken ponies into the city, you select a handful by lottery and a few for more direct reasons.
> Namely, the ponies who'd been lucky enough to have their choices - their families - selected for purchase.
> At least this time it wasn't so hard to choose; while over a hundred ponies had been acquired on the last trip, this time it was only eight.
> Few enough that you didn't bother arranging delivery, instead just having one of your employees drive another van.
> Unlike the last trip, however, there was no parading around the city with windows rolled down to spook them.
> What they saw was plenty enough.
> The same uncaring society.
> The barrage of ponies being used for every purpose imaginable.
> Just about the only new thing is the circus posters plastered all around town:
> 'The Celestial Circus: An all-equine show to dazzle all ages!'
> Briefly you entertain the bizarre idea that they had somehow managed to find the namesake alicorn, but that would be quite impossible:
> Not even any of your business contacts could turn up hide or hair of that princess.
> Later you pass the tent as well - a garish, colorful, distinctly pony-like thing.
> If you ever decided to give your ponies fifty thousand dollars of paints and decorating supplies, the camp would probably turn up looking something like this the next day.
> Neither did you repeat the 'mistaken early arrival' trick you'd pulled on Bon Bon.
> Ponies did talk, after all.
> It'd be obvious if you kept trying the same thing over and over again.
> This time you were quite clear that you'd brought them in early to share a meal together, and this time that aspect of it went rather more smoothly as well.
> By the time you'd gathered them on the loading docks of Foremost Equine Labor Traders, they were relaxed enough to (mostly) not show too much stress.
> When the new acquisitions come marching out onto the dock, however...
> It's something amazing to see.
> Both groups stop stock-still, ears rotated forward and eyes intent - nostrils flaring as they sniffed the air.
> Finally, one of yours speaks up:
> "F-Father?"
> An older stallion, his muzzle touched with grey and legs turning thin with age, staggers forward against his chain:
> "Maple? Stars above, Maple?! It can't be you; you were darker - your coat, it was so much darker back then-"
> "I... kind of lightened out. When I stopped being a filly."
> "That's im - impossible. Ponies don't - don't just -"
> Approaching nose-to-nose, they touch muzzles and draw breath - eyes half closed.
> And then, as tears begin to flow, they hug:
> Necks wrapping around each other in a uniquely equine embrace, nuzzle each others backs as soft nickers and half-words are mumbled through lips that barely work.
> As if a dam had been broken the rest of your ponies flow forward in a singleminded tide, surging forward to find and meet their long-lost kin.
> The staff don't seem to quite know what to do, but you wave them off trying to interfere.
> Let the ponies have this moment.
> It's enough to move even your hardened heart.
> Besides, you have other matters to attend to as alongside the ponies had come something decidedly different:
> The griffons were only marginally taller or longer than the ponies, but you could see bunches of muscle and tendon beneath their slim coats.
> Each also wore a head-covering hood that left only the beak exposed, plus a harness that straddled their entire body to hobble both wings and legs.
> Despite these measures, the four griffons showed no signs of any rebelliousness:
> Standing near stock-still in a line, chained collar-to-collar, they reminded you of nothing so much as a row of birds on a power line.
> "Anonymous, good to see you again, good to see you!"
> You heard Stedler long before you saw him - his larger-than-life (in more ways than one) persona still quite unchanged.
> Parting the crowd like a runaway boulder, he strides up to shake your hand with considerable enthusiasm.
> "Very sorry I couldn't see you the last time you came in to pick up an order. I hope that wasn't a problem?"
"Not at all. Both your service and your ponies were exemplary; I've had no trouble integrating them."
> "Good, good! Just taking a more modest approach to purchases from now on, then?"
> Mentally you chuckle.
> Of course that was his angle:
> Wondering why there were no more monumental orders coming through.
"For the time being. I'll certainly hope to keep growing my holdings. Speaking of integration, though-"
> You nod to the griffons and their unusual accoutrements.
"-what's with them?"
> "Oh, the binders? They're just for transport. Keeps 'em passive."
"Passive? They wouldn't be otherwise?"
> Stedler shrugs his massive shoulders.
"Griffons can get... a little testy, when being moved into a new environment. Have to keep reminding them where they stand, hence the restraints. Crack a few heads if you need to. Once you do, though - well, they're even more pliable than ponies."
> That explained it.
> There certainly hadn't been anything in these particular griffons' records about... obedience issues.
> If it was something they all went through...
"So, once I... 'crack a few heads', as you put it, I won't have rebellion problems."
> "From them? Hah! No. They're all about pride and dominance; show them who's in charge and you won't find a more loyal bunch."
> Heh.
> Anything part-cat, being prideful.
> What a coincidence.
"I'll keep that in mind."
> Kneeling down in front of the line, you study them carefully.
> Despite being blindfolded, all the griffons quite clearly know you're there - heads rotating to focus on you.
> This close, you can see the little nervous ticks in them as well:
> Some are very much like pegasi - wings shifting beneath the harnesses or tails twitching cat-like.
> Others are more subtle:
> Claw shift and grasp on the concrete floor, leaving little lines of rubbed-off talon in their place.
"Relax, all of you."
> Your hand comes down hard on one's shoulders - out of range of that fearsomely hooked beak.
> Just in case.
"You're going to a good place. You follow the rules, and this'll be alright."
> From the way the griffon shifts, you get the sense he is all too aware of your presence.
> Stedler, however, just laughs - a great, rolling barrel laugh that echoes in the loading dock.
> "You'll have to do a bit more than that, I'm afraid."
"If necessary, I won't be so kind. But I'm not about to just start beating them here just because."
> "Fair, fair."
"Alright!"
> Turning to the ponies, you gesture at the still-waiting vans.
"All of you, pair off with your families and figure out who's riding in which car. I'll need four more spots in mine -"
> You gesture back to the griffons.
"- but other than that, pick as you please."
> "You really do let them do a lot on their own."
"Even the little things, yes. It helps. Trust me."
> "Eh, a bit harder in a place like this... but your point is taken."
> Stedler pauses, apparently having not seen something to his liking, and goes off roaring thunderously in an attempt to correct it.
> You watch him go with a shake of your head - at least until a soft voice behind you speaks up:
> "Mr. Anonymous, sir?"
> Turning, you find a familiar equine face peering up at you.
"Scriptorial, was it?"
> "Yes, Sir. May I ask, is Miss Cadance here this time?"
"I'm afraid not. Were you hoping to see her?"
> Ears sink a touch, but Scriptorial nods firmly.
> "May I have a word with you then, sir?"
"Of course? What is it?"
> "A message to pass on to her. And - for you as well."
"Go ahead."
> "Thank you. For - taking them. The older ponies, I mean. There aren't that many good jobs for them, and I'm always happy to see them go to a good place."
> A wry smile makes it way to your lips.
"You're sure what I have is a good place?"
> "Absolutely. Cadance and I had - a talk the last time she was here."
"Ah. Well, I will pass it on... believe me, the choice was not an easy one. But ultimately, I think this..."
> You turn to look at the groups of ponies climbing into the vans.
"...I think this is right. I really do."
> "Are you going to be taking in more?"
"Potentially. More family members - it's being done by random lotto."
> "I will still look forward to it. Perhaps seeing Cadance again as well."
"Perhaps. Can I ask you something else, Scriptorial? Do you know how accurate what Stedler was telling me about how to deal with the griffons is?"
> "Mostly. He was just very..."
"Blunt?"
> "Blunt. Bombastic. Yes. You don't have to be hard with them all the time, but it is a dominance game."
"Fair enough. Thank you for that."
> When you get back to the camp, Thunderlane and Cadance both were out and about to greet the new arrivals.
> While the other ponies are sent into the camp to settle in, however, when they approach the griffons something fascinating happens:
> A brief look passes between pegasus and alicorn before both stand up as tall as they can, fluffing out their plumage and laying ears back.
> The griffons, freshly freed of their harnesses and hoods, do something similar - hunching down with beaks half open and all eyes focused at the new interlopers.
> Both begin to - there's no real word for it but growl.
> Low, rough, like animals in a fight.
> What follows is an elaborate dance, both groups circling each other warily.
> Half of you is cursing yourself for not bringing a taser, terrified a fight is about to break out.
> The other whispers a little reminder that Cadance had not yet lit her horn - something she had abundantly demonstrated using to restrain a foe before.
> Slowly it becomes clear what the two ponies are doing:
> Ironically, they are 'herding' the griffons like sheepdogs - breaking up their little group to figure out which of the four is most aggressive.
> That one was now singled out and alone; Cadance and Thunderlane circle him with wings outstretched and legs tensed for a leap.
> Until, in an instant, he drops to the ground and rolls his head back to expose his throat.
> Cadance steps forward to touch his neck with her nose, then retreats.
> In an instant the confrontation is over, pony and griffon alike relaxing
> "Mi Amore Cadenza, yes? I did not think any of the alicorns were anywhere but cells."
> "I've been deeply lucky. And, Cadance is fine."
> Retreating to your side, she extends a wing up to you and bows her head.
> "My Master, Anonymous."
> Now you have something of an idea of what was going on here:
> A dominance display, as Stedler had said.
> Cadance had claimed hers, and passed it on to you.
> Even so you keep up your best imperious stance:
"Welcome to my facilities - my town."
> Gesturing to Thunderlane, you add:
"This is Thunderlane, the head of my pony - and now Griffon - security. He'll be your immediate superior; from him, my chief of security Gene and then up to me."
> All the griffons bob their heads simultaneously, in a gesture you assume to be roughly akin to a pony nod or small bow.
"I saw you were already starting to talk with the others on the drive back. That's fine; we operate with a rather more... open environment here than you might be used to. I expect you to be able to work things out on your own. If there are problems, however, I will intervene to deal with problems and set things back in line."
> There.
> If the dominance chain wasn't abundantly clear before, now it should be.
> "And what of M- Cadance, Master?"
> You're about to answer, but pause at the last second:
> He had asked you, not Cadance.
> That reflected their respect for you... but had also bypassed the alicorn's authority.
> Fortunately she is still at your side, and a light tap on her withers spurs her into speaking:
> "I manage the camp in general. Anonymous coordinate on major choices, but many day to day matters - including punishment over less serious mattes - I have primary authority in."
> "...I see. Forgive me."
> Cadance waves a wing dismissively.
"Thunderlane, go get them settled in. Cadance, remain a moment."
> She does, watching as Thunderlane leads them off into the camp.
> There's no sense of tension or expectation of trouble in him; already he speaks easily with the four new arrivals.
"So. What was that back there? Just a dominance show? Prelude to a real fight?"
> "The former. Griffon negotiations are carried out very similarly to griffon squabbles. I... prefer not to do that, but it was something Celestia's staff mentored me in. Just in case, so I could seize control of a situation."
"Well, you did fine seizing control of this. But I can tell something's upsetting you; what is it?"
> "I cannot approve of this, Anonymous."
"...what, don't think predators can get along with ponies?"
> "No. In fact, I think once they settle in they will be fine there... but buying anyp - anyone to be a guard?"
> Rounding on you, Cadance scowls.
> "I asked Thunderlane to start the pony guard team because I knew he cared. I knew he would never abuse his power. But bringing someone in just specifically to give them that authority..."
"If you're worried about abuse, I won't hesitate to put them in their place."
> She shudders sharply.
> "Neither will I, but I'm afraid you've made something like that inevitable by doing this. Or worse, will grow resentment from ponies who see you bringing outsiders to guard them."
[Choice]
"Why didn't you say something before?! I asked you, Cadance! You know you're my expert on Equestria's inhabitants; if there was going to be a problem, you should have told me about it back when I started asking about this in the first place!"
> She huffs softly, shaking her head.
> "Because you never did ask! You told me you were considering my advice on bringing in griffons at all, and I gave you my best advice then. But I'm talking about bringing in anyone to be guards. And you never did ask about that, and if they were ponies I would still be objecting. "
> There, you have to admit, she has a point.
> The griffons were never meant to be an inward-looking threat.
> Rather, their eyes were supposed to be pointed outward.
> You'd never consulted her on the impact of doing that.
"...okay, look. In the end, you're still my advisor. You still have control over the ponies - and griffons - here. If you want them off the guard, put them on the watch to start with until they're better integrated, I can arrange that."
> "No."
> Cadance grimaces, pawing at the ground with a hoof.
> "The watch would be, if possible, even worse. They need the trust just as much, but are supposed to listen to ponies too - help them work things out before they get to the level of guards and punishments. Outsiders wouldn't be trusted."
"Then what do you want me to do, Cadance? I have an army of madmen camping out in front of my house threatening some madness that would endanger my property, my employees, and my daughter. I needed more guards; hiring would have cost a lot more and meant less ponies coming here."
> No answer comes; instead her head hangs - bangs of mane hanging to either side.
"I will do whatever is necessary to protect everything that's mine. And I think everypony here should know by now that the only ones who should fear my anger are the ones who know they are doing something wrong."
> "It's what it looks like, though."
> Fluttering her wings nervously, she gives another shake of her head to clear the strands of mane from her face.
> "When it came to slaves guarding slaves... that was a delicate balance, and you've just tipped it."
"Do you have any better options? I offered Bon Bon a spot in the guard, since they're supposed to be protecting you all as much as watching. She refused; are there ponies who are ready and willing to sign up?"
> "No."
> A heavy sigh heralds her admission of your point.
> "I don't have alternatives. Unless what you see as a threat suddenly vanishes, I don't."
> You drop to one knee, holding out a hand to touch her cheek.
"I understand your concern, Cadance. You're afraid they won't ever be able to bridge that divide between guard and slave that the entire pony-guard thing was set up to connect."
> "Yes. Exactly that."
"But - I still think it's something we have to do. Back when you were a ruler, you surely had some guards who weren't always natives from exactly where you ruled, yes?"
> "I did, yes. Some Equestrians came north to the Crystal Empire. And - there were some issues integrating at first. The Crystals were... broken, in many ways. But they were not slaves anymore, either. We freed them from that."
> Hopefully she wasn't thinking of pulling any similar attempts this time.
"The point is, though, it can be done. They'll still be taking orders from ponies, and from my employees - same as any of the others Thunderlane manages."

> Sunburst looks up the second you arrive in his office, snapping a book shut and setting aside.
> "Your Highness. Can I guess - you want to know if we've heard anything more from our... contacts outside?"
"A good guess."
> "I'd believe it's on your mind. I heard Anonymous brought in griffons to help with the guards."
"He did. I lectured him over it, but he seems set on the course."
> "The good news is, we have heard back. First, your message to... 'A', was it? Seems to have been received and understood. We got solid answers to the questions you instructed me to send."
"And?"
> Sunburst's horn lights, opening an elaborate secret compartment in his desk that would be difficult verging on impossible to find without a sense of magic.
> From it come several papers, crude notes scribbled on them:
> "For starters: She says she's seeking information that could lead to a criminal conviction against Anonymous. Any signs of pony abuse, financial misdeeds, or other crimes."
> Of course that's what this about.
> The bitch is still seeking a feather in her cap.
> "She's-"
> Here Sunburst swallows slightly.
> "She's looking for information regarding both Corona, Autumn Frost, and Comet Tail."
"She has their names already? Then why hasn't she-"
> You hiss softly, eyes narrowing.
"Go on, Sunburst."
> He dithers a moment, looking at you with worried eyes, before looking back to the papers.
> "If information leading to a conviction could be provided, you would be freed under the Special Circumstances conditions - as a pony whose actions lead to a criminal's fall."
> Two further sheets are extracted from the pile, turned around, and passed to you.
> "Examples of ponies who were freed for playing critical roles in investigations. She sent the names, we looked them up to confirm."
"I see."
> At least you weren't being totally strung along then; it was very possible this could actually happen.
> "She also adds that she understands how difficult it will be to acquire evidence, and... is willing to offer help in reviewing what we can produce to see if it would be of value. Apparently, even if ponies' words can't be taken as evidence in court, it can be taken as evidence to begin an investigation."
"And the other things I asked for?"
> "She has sent... some of the information. On your Husband."
> Despite knowing that it could not end well, your heart quickens.
> Sunburst's expression, however, turns that flutter into a nervous quiver.
> "He was captured, Your Highness. They have traced him though processing and a taming facility... one of the harsher ones."
> Any remaining hope vanishes, your heart taking an icy plunge.
"I... see."
> "His Highness Shining Armor was apparently sold from there at some point, but there is no record after that."
> It was as you'd feared, then.
> Perhaps some part of you had dared to hope that Shining had met his end proudly in some Equestrian redoubt, shepherding other ponies to safety and freedom.
> Another part of you had always known that was foolish.
> Shining Armor had either died in suffering beneath the lash of a slaver trying to break him, or had every drop of the pride, nobility, and protectiveness crushed from him until there was nothing of the stallion you had loved.
> And you rather doubt he would have lasted long like that.
> "I-I'm sorry, Your Highness. I didn't-"
"No. You did exactly as I asked. I knew what I asked for."
> Rather than accept your answer, Sunburst rises from his desk and circles around it.
> "I didn't want to think about it either..."
> You gasp softly as he nuzzles into your neck.
> "He was everything I couldn't be. Strong. Handsome. Powerful."
> Under other circumstances the touch would have been highly inappropriate, but there was no titles here - not princess and adviser or slave and overseer.
> Merely two ponies mutually mourning the loss of one they'd known so well.
"He was a good pony. But so are you, Sunburst."
> Eventually you mutually pull away.
"As much as it hurts me to ask, has she given any information on Twilight?"
> "No. She says that more resources could be assigned to that search if it was related to an ongoing investigation, though."
> In other words, she'll feed you more as a further reward for betraying Anonymous.
"Very well, Sunburst. Again, your taking all of this on is more than I have any right to ask of you."
> "Your Highness, it is more reward than I deserve."
> He doesn't look rewarded, though.
> If anything Sunburst seems even more distracted than before.
"Is... something else bothering you, Sunburst?"
> "I..."
> His come off to rest folded on his desk - a sign you've come to recognize of the bookish pony being about to reveal something he finds difficult - as Sunburst returns to his seat on its far side.
> "What happened with Flurry heart has me... nervous, Your Highness. I'm sorry. I shouldn't bother you with it."
> Your expression falls and he looks away.
"No - please. Tell me."
> "Just... this whole thing. The messages from - her. The police woman. And the protesters too. And then I heard what she did..."
> He rubs nervously at the book he'd been reading.
> "So many ways for her to be lost... and she's really everything I have left. She's the light in my life now. Things have... meaning again."
"I know exactly what you mean."
> Your own voice drops down a few notes, but Sunburst slaps a hoof to his desk angrily.
> "And that's exactly why it's not fair for me to lay this on you too! You're already worrying plenty about her."
"Sunburst. There is more than enough room in my heart to carry the worries of such a good friend."
> "I'm just - just so afraid. There's so many ways I could lose Flurry Heart. The protesters could try and take her. We would have to put the plan into effect and flee. She could get hurt running around the camp again. I don't know..."
> Slumping forward, he comes to rest his head on the desk.
> "I know what you had to do was hard. But I'm so scared, Your Highness. I'm so scared."
"So am I, Sunburst. You are not alone."
> "Do you know how to make it - stop? Is there any way-"
"I'm afraid I don't know. That is exactly why I spanked her."
> "Yeah. Neither you or Shining ever did that before, did you?"
> Your ears fall at the mention of your husband again, and Sunburst's pupils shrink in belated recognition of what he'd done.
> "Oh! Your Highness, I'm sorry-"
"No. It's fine. And you are correct; we hadn't, but I was so afraid of losing her and that made me so angry that I - I was willing."
> Lifting a hoof, you turn it over to peer at the underside.
"And I wish I hadn't, but... it is what things are. And I don't want to lose her either. With what you just told me, Flurry Heart is what I have left of him too. Flurry Heart, and my memories."
> "It's strange. Every step we take forward here, things get better. What we have would have been fantasy a year ago. But I feel more scared than ever."
"Than ever?"
> His head bobs sharply.
> "Yes. Even when we had been caught escaping, when I knew I would be punished, probably whipped at the least... that was a different kind of fear. It was real. Immediate."
> His glasses unfold, finding their way back up his nose.
> "This feels looming now. Every day I'm afraid something is going to go wrong and we'll lose all of this. I'll lose her."
[Choice]
"We will overcome this together, Sunburst. All of us, together. That truth was not left behind in Equestria - it's true now. We face great challenges, but as long as we stay together no evil can defeat us. We never give up, we never let them take out hope, and we will be free again. Together."
> It's not like you haven't spoken the words before.
> But even so you can see the energy welling up in him:
> Ears pricking, legs a little bit straighter, eyes a little bit brighter.
"Right now, I have no reason to trust what she says. Anonymous already admitted what he had done to Corona to all of us, and if she wants to look for murder there are far darker places to be searching than here. What Autumn Frost and Comet Tail suffered was no worse than could have been done with them elsewhere."
> You're up on all four hooves yourself now, pacing in circles.
"If I give her more, there is no guarantee she will be honest with us. And even if she was, what does she think, I would leave my daughter behind? Accept my own freedom while she is still here? While all of you are still languishing here?"
> "Yes, Your Highness!"
> Well.
> Sunburst is certainly reassured.
"I would require some assurance that the camp would not be... divided up and all of you sent off to who-knows where. I will not abandon you like that, even if I were free."
> "That's why the plan is for all of us to try and be carried out to the same destination?"
"Exactly. I made a costly mistake in sending ponies away on their own; I will not repeat it."
> "So, are you going to send back a message? To her too?"
"I will not just talk now. If Anonymous regresses to the point we need to consider fleeing... that is a different matter. Until then, this fascination with him is... worrying. Send back a message. Tell her, I want to speak to her directly. No more of this... bouncing around messages."
> "Understood, Your Highness! Do I have our contact send all of that? Including about us?"
"Absolutely."
> Notes are quickly scratched down and carefully folded into the hiding spot in his desk.
> "I'll make sure that gets through."
> Your sleep that night is troubled.
> Nightmares plague you:
> Swirling visions of claws and beaks, shackles and screaming.
> Over and over again you found yourself in that room with Sunburst.
> Knowing what would happen, but unable to act as the windows shattered and guards burst in.
> Sometimes they were human.
> Others, Griffons.
> At times they wore Autumn and Comet's faces - accusing and mocking all at once.
> Always, though, it ends the same way:
> The guards drop you to the floor with tasers, current surging through you body with a pain you'd only felt under the severest punishment.
> Pinned by their bodies, you can only look on as Anonymous enters.
> His expression is one of total fury - a finger rising to pointedly accuse you as muzzles, shackles, and horn restrictors are fitted to you..
> Words you don't quite remember are screamed.
> But you remember exactly what happens next:
> Anonymous steps forward, lifting a trembling Flurry Heart - had she always been there? - from beside you.
> All you could do is scream and writhe as he folds her up in his arms and turns away.
> Here, too, his words were blurry.
> The point, however, was abundantly clear:
> You would never see your daughter again.
> Five times you woke with a pounding heart and reeking of the sweat drenching you.
> Four times you tried to go back to sleep.
> After the last you gave up.
> It was nearly dawn, and you'd be rising soon anyhow.
> An extra couple hours early on would not ruin you.
> Nonetheless, you cannot shake the memory of the dreams throughout the day.
> Of being so utterly helpless to keep Flurry Heart from being taken.
> More than once find yourself glancing to your daughter while she worked - still on separation from Megan for one more day.
> In the time Flurry would normally have spent with Megan, you'd set her to work doing simple examinations and sorting of camp documents:
> Enough that she would begin to understand the mechanics of running this place.
> Maybe enough to begin teaching her why governing it was so hard.
> It was good for you that she was here too.
> You'd had to restrain yourself from running up to the manor when you rose just to prove she was still there.
> "Momma? What's wrong?"
> And now you'd been staring.
> Gently rising from your seat, you move to her side and drop to your belly beside her.
> "...Momma?"
"I want you to promise me something, Flurry Heart."
> Now she realizes something is bothering you - looking up with eyes wide and attentive.
> Any residual bitterness over being taken from her Mistress or the spanking you'd given her long since drained away.
"Promise me - that if anyone ever tries to take you from me, you don't let them. Understand me? You don't let us be broken up again."
> "What's wrong, Momma? Am I going to be going somewhere?"
"No! Celestia, no - not as far as I know. I'm just... scared. I..."
> You stretch a wing out, curling it over her and pulling your daughter to your side.
"...I'm scared, Flurry Heart. Of losing you again. Being away from you again."
> Idly you wonder if you'd really taken Sunburst's concerns to heart, or were just passing them on.
"Just promise me, please, that you won't let us be separated..."
> Seeming to realize that you needed her as much as the other way around, Flurry Nuzzles into your side.
"Anyone tries to take you away from me, you fight - understand me? You don't let them. I can't ever be away from you again."
> "But, Momma... what if..."
> Her eyes turn worryingly towards the manor.
> "What if he..."
"Then I will need to talk to him. He will listen, eventually."

> At breakfast a few days later, you spot the stallion Copper Dust sitting at the end of a table with a deep and troubled scowl.
> You drop your tray next to him with an audible thunk, but he barely glances up as you take a seat.
"Mind if I join you?"
> "Sure..."
> Your own expression falters a touch.
> Copper Dust had been... distant from so much of the rest of the camp, you were a touch worried to see him like this.
"Something bugging you? You're looking pretty out of it."
> "No. Or, nothing I feel like talking about anyway."
"Ah. Sorry. Wasn't trying to bug you."
> At first no answer comes.
> After a moment, though, Copper Dust hisses an angry sigh and drops his muzzle to the table.
> "Can I trust you not to report me or anything?"
> You tilt your head questioningly.
"Not unless you're planning on breaking any of the rules."
> "I'm not even sure what the rules are anymore."
"Well, hit me."
> "Thunderlane, you're a guard. But - I get it. You're looking out for us."
"Yeah. For my little brother, too."
> "What do you think about those new guards? The griffons?"
"I - haven't had any trouble with them yet. Nopony else has, either. Why, bad experience with griffons?"
> Copper Dust shakes his head firmly, shaggy mane flip-flopping wildly.
> "It's not that they're griffons. It's - bringing in anypony - anyone - just to be guards over us! I just can't believe she'd do this. Cadance, I mean."
"I don't think it was really her decision."
> "I wanted to think that. I really did. But now I'm wondering: Doesn't she trust us?"
> Now that he is speaking, emotion is steadily filling Copper Dust's voice.
> "That - isn't what guards should be. They should be part of us, not bought to control us!"
"This is really getting to you, isn't it?"
> Lighting his horn, Copper Dust idly lifts a piece of toast and uses it to stir around the oatmeal on his tray.
> "...when I first got here, I - couldn't believe it was her. A princess. And she seemed to have Anonymous' ear too!"
"Tell me about it. I was here before she came, so I could hardly believe it when she was brought in. Thought I'd eaten something bad."
> The barest touch of a little smile passes over Copper's face.
> "Yeah. But... I was also afraid. What if it was too good to be true? What if-"
> Toast sinks into the oatmeal with a little plop.
> "What if she was just collaborating with them for her own good? What if she'd become - cruel?"
"She isn't. She never was."
> Copper Dust nods.
> "I wanted to think that too. And even when I heard about 'things' that had happened before, I saw she was so kind now. But..."
"I promise nothing about Cadance has changed just because Anonymous decided we needed more guards, and he wasn't willing to wait for recruits to volunteer from among us."
> He doesn't look reassured, though, still staring into the toast-and-oatmeal mix.
"And yes. Some - things happened before. I would know; I still have the scars from the whipping. But so does she."
> Still no response.
"There's something else to this, isn't there?"
> "I..."
> Seeming to curl in on himself, Copper fidgets uncomfortably.
> "I heard that - she beat her daughter. Because Flurry Heart snuck out to see us."
> Your stomach drops out.
> Word of that had gotten out?!
> "I couldn't believe that either. She wouldn't do that. It wouldn't be right. But then I was watching her with her daughter, and - Flurry Heart couldn't sit down. She was sore. Just like she'd been-"
> He can't finish saying it, only swallowing hard.
> "Please. I want to know I'm wrong."
"...it wasn't because she came to see us. She ran away from the pony she was supposed to be following. Megan did too."
> "Megan..."
> Copper Dust utters the name in a confused fashion.
> "I... don't know what to think of her."
"What do you mean?"
> "Children... can be the kindest among them. Humans, I mean. But she's also training Flurry Heart to be her slave too. And I just can't be comfortable with that."
> He grumbles, jabbing the toast into the oatmeal as if it were a knife.
> "Besides. That also means she's up all day in that house with Anonymous too. I definitely do not trust him."
"That's... understandable. Though, if you want to look back into the past for mistakes - he's really improved."
> A fierce snort gives Copper Dust's opinion on that.
> "In the end, he's still using us for his own benefit. And now those griffons being brought in to watch over us..."
"You heard the announcements. They're in case the ones out there-"
> You gesture towards the fence with a wing.
> "-get rowdy enough to cause a problem. Not for us."
"Yes, that's what's being said."
> You pop the last of your breakfast in your mouth and 
"...listen, if you want to actually get some breakfast in you before first work-bell, you need to eat."
> "Yeah, true."
> Finally the toast comes out of his oatmeal and floats up to have a bite taken from it.
> "But I can't shake the feeling... the dream is over. This place isn't better. And what does that mean, if Cadance is at the top of all of it?"
“What do you mean?”
> “Collaborator.”
“Huh?”
> “I didn’t want to believe - a princess could be a collaborator. Working with them, just to keep herself…”
“If she’s a collaborator, then so am I. We all have reasons for what we do, Copper Dust.”
> “No.”
> Jabbing a hoof at you, the stallion swallows the last of his breakfast.
> “You’ve done nothing to make me think you’re collaborating with them. You were whipped. Not the one doing the whipping.”
"No, I'm not. I haven't been yet. But you know, Copper, you shouldn't be so fast to condemn her."
> The sharp look he gives you suggests that was not the right thing to say.
"...I mean - try to keep an open mind about these things. Don't let yourself get tunnel-vision about who's right and wrong. Remember that she has a lot of hard choices she has to make too."
> He looks away, eyes hooded.
> "Some things, there just isn't a choice about. Like whether to collaborate with them."
"We'd all be starving if we didn't work. Or worse."
> "Not that. There's a difference between just working and - Collaborating, with a capital C. Not just - doing what they say, but helping them order other ponies around so you can put yourself above them."
> There's a particular bite in his voice - one that speaks of a personal element to his view.
> No doubt he would be ready to tear you limb from limb if he knew you'd been collaborating with Anonymous long before openly becoming a guard.
"You sound like you've had an encounter with a 'Collaborator with a capital C'."
> "More than once. Sometimes with me, sometimes seeing what others did. Once at a slave sale house, somepony recognized one of them. Begged her for help. You know what she did? She kicked him aside and never looked back. It wasn't the only time. I swore then, I wouldn't be like that."
> You grimace.
> Seeing that, over and over again...
"But you're working now."
> "Working, yes. I found something to live for. Not collaborating. Never collaborating."
> You sigh.
> Shifting his mind on this would not be easy.
"Just... try to keep an open mind. She never does anything she doesn't have to. She's not cruel. I promise you that."
> ...
> You're on hoof-patrol with one of the griffons - a tawny-feathered hen by the name of Gretchen - when you first hear it:
> A kind of low, ache-inducing whine like a gigantic fly buzzing nearer and nearer your ear.
> Ears swiveling in place, you perk up:
"Hear that?"
> "Yes. But I cannot tell where it is..."
"Nevermind where; I'd like to know what!"
> "A drone, I think? Big, maybe."
> Her head, lacking your poseable ears, swivels through a startling range of motion.
"A drone? What, like a changeling? They don't sound like that at all. Trust me on that."
> "No, a -"
> Something - vaguely hexagonal, its periphery lined with blurred disks, erupts from a nearby building's roof.
> After it comes another guard pegasus already in fierce pursuit; he barely glances aside but yells out:
> "Stop them! They're coming in from the protest camp!"
> You barely have time to question the 'them' part of it before two more drones appear, whining as they surf low over rooftops.
"Go! Bring them down!"
> You've only half a grasp of what is going on, but that order is enough:
> In the air with two wingbeats, and catching up on the 'drones' with by your fifth.
> Whatever they were thinking of doing, they clearly hadn't bet on a racing pegasus being there to catch-
> Gyrating midair, the drone performs a swooping turn that was nothing like any machine you'd ever seen!
> You swear silently and follow closely:
> It's rapidly becoming clear that whoever is controlling this thing, they're easily close to your skill in the air.
> The drone might not be as fast in a straightaway, but is deft at making subtle, twitching maneuvers and narrowly dodging obstacles your larger wingspan forces you to swing wide about.
> You can't just grab it; this is going to require some inventiveness.
> If it came from the protesters' camp, it would probably be heading back in that direction...
> Backing off, you peel away to gently curve towards the edge of the camp.
> Not a few seconds pass before the guess pays off and the drone emerges from an alleyway!
"Gotcha!"
> Now you're in the lead; too late the drone tries to turn but slams straight into your barrel as your hooves close around it.
> Where was the last one, though?
> Spinning in a hover, you lay eyes on it racing for the perimeter fence.
> Before it can reach, though, a yellow-brown blur slams down like a lightning bolt pinning it to the ground.
> Bits and pieces tumble through the street as Gretchen emerges with the mangled body clutched in her beak
> Spitting the plastic-and-metal carcass out, she waves proudly.
> "I got it!"
> The third one had been caught too, a unicorn on the ground reaching up with their magic to unbalance it just enough for a pursuing pegasus to slam-pin the machine to the ground.
> Now all three - or rather, two and the fragments of the third - sat on the floor of a storage room, Anonymous staring at them with folded arms.
> "Right, first of all: I don't need to tell you how bad this is. Thunderlane, Milestone - Gretchen, yes? Good job taking them. Good news, now the police will definitely do something about those fucks. Free speech doesn't mean shit about actually breaking into my property here. Bad news, the drones weren't the real problem."
> Reaching underneath, he pulls a paper-wrapped package from beneath one drone.
> Stripping the wrapping away reveals a radio much like the one you carry to talk with the guards, spare batteries taped to its side.
> "This is."
"So, there's two more in the camp."
> "Three more. Each drone looks like it could carry two; we found two and another has already been turned in. They probably figure at least one will be hidden away from us, though.."
> You grimace, already seeing the direction things are sliding.
"And if even one is, we're going to have to turn the whole camp upside-down."
> "Exactly. Cadance and I have already put word out that there won't be any punishment for having a radio to turn it in, but if anyone is caught hiding one we'll be treating it as rebellion. You do the same."
> Please, Celestia, don't let them do that.
> There hasn't been a real whipping in weeks.
> To have one now...
"If the radios don't get turned in?"
> "Twenty-four hours, and you start a systematic search."
"Understood."
> The first second you have free, you're off to see Cadance.
> No sooner do you enter her office then she stands - her expression and tone both brooking no argument:
> "Come with me. There’s somepony we need to go see together."
> You can guess who 'somepony' is, that you're let into Sunburst's office without question still raises your eyebrows.
> The stallion takes one look at you and nods:
> "It's that serious, then?"
"Anonymous is on the warpath."
> "Sunburst, if this was our contact's method of getting some better method to communicate into the camp then you can send a message right out that we will not be working with her. I will not be risking my ponies' lives with someone whose idea of helping is utter foolishness-"
> "It wasn't, Your Highness!"
> Shaking his head furiously, he opens a compartment in his desk and withdraws a sheet of paper.
> "We already heard from her, in fact. 'Attempt this morning was not related to me. New idiot crew arrived with the drones. Again, I had no part in this. I will remain in the area if the police remove them, and the offer remains open'."
> While Cadance goes silent to ponder that, you step in:
"I think we're missing the point here. Anonymous has given everypony twenty-four hours for the missing radios to be turned in. If they aren't, we're going to be sweeping through the camp like we did before. If one of your cells is hiding one..."
> "I understand. Your Highness?"
> "Yes, I... send out word through the cells, Sunburst. This was no plan of mine and I want the radios turned in. This is not the time to aggravate Anonymous. Pass this opportunity, and keep our more discrete lines of communication open in case we truly do need them."
"Besides. As I understand it, this plan was solely in case Anonymous turned back into being a monster again. If your contact is telling the truth, then the other end of those radios are in that mob's hands. If their impatience bleeds into the camp..."
> Sunburst blanches.
> "The cells I am in contact with wouldn't accept that. They are committed to Her Highness' plan. But some of the others..."
"You'd best hope they'll all listen. I don't want to pull another sweep or be throwing ponies in chains again. I know Cadance doesn't want to carry out another whipping."
> To this Cadance nods sharply.
"I didn't turn this all in when you admitted it to me months back, because Cadance swore to me the plan could be controlled. That it'd be held back until it was - needed. But if you can't-"
> "We know, Thunderlane."
> Sunburst sounds very tired.
> Look it, too, as he takes his glasses off to rub at his eyes.
> "We know. All our necks are on the line. You'd lose your brother, Cadance would lose her daughter, I would lose Flurry too."
"Sorry."
> You sigh mightily, shuffling your wings to try and loosen the tension which has built in them.
"I'm just... worried."
> A look passes between the two others.
> "Hardly the only one, Thunderlane. Hardly the only one."
> ...
> In twenty-four hours, however, only one more radio turned up.
> With a heavy heart you strap on your uniform and join the other guards in sweeping through the camp.
> This time, at least, there is little in the way of protest at the entries begins.
> Everypony seems to either understand why this was being done... or are keeping their mouths pointedly shut to avoid suspicion falling on them.
> Within an hour, however, you own radio squawks a confirmation:
> Both radios had been found, and not willingly handed over.
> Shamefully, you feel some actual relief that it had not been you who found them again.
> Being involved in the circumstances surrounding Crescent Moon's arrest had left you with a distaste for every being involved in something like that again.
> Your stomach is already sinking as you return back to the security post, but when you see the line of three ponies hobbled and collared in place you can't avoid showing your surprise:
> The middle of a three is that new crystal unicorn - what had his name been?
> Lattice?
> He'd practically been attached to Cadance's side; what had he been doing with a radio when Cadance's orders went against it?
"They're going in the cells?"
> "Yeah. Until Cadance or Anonymous decides what to do with them."
"I'll take one."
> Lattice walks with a slight limp in one leg.
> "Thunderlane?"
"Yeah. Lattice, right?"
> "Yeah. Does this mean Her Highness is really going to whip me?"
> Your tongue feels almost too heavy to answer.
"Probably. She can't go back on her word. And it seems Anonymous is really pushing for it too."
> "Oh..."
> The look of utter betrayal on his face shakes you.
"You know, if you show some remorse she'll diminish it is as much as she can."
> "It's just... I thought - I don't know. I thought they wouldn't look in my room. Because I'm... y'know. Special. One of hers. A crystal."
"What would make you think that? We don’t play favorites here.”
> “Yeah, you do. Did they search your quarters.”
> He had a point.
> Guards’ quarters were, if by de facto practice and not by de jure rule, skipped over during searches.
> Seeing your look, Lattice sighs:
> “It’s always like that. Every ruler has their favorites… but I don’t want to be one.”
“Why didn’t you follow her orders to turn them in?”
> “Because that was just what she was saying for Anonymous’ sake… or that’s what they said, anyway.”
> Slipping into the cell you lead him to even without an order, Lattice settles onto its bed.
> “They said I’d be just like everypony else if I helped hide them… that if I was helping, using that I was special, it wouldn’t be like I was holding myself better than them.”
“Why?”
> Rather than answer, Lattice just closes his eyes and lifts a shackled hoof as far as he can to clutch the threadbear kerchief on his neck.
> “If I really am not her favorite, she won’t hesitate to put me through the same punishment.”
“...fine. Cadance will probably be around soon to talk to you anyhow.”
> “Does she do that for everypony?”
“Yes.”
> “Good.”
> Later, you sit in Anonymous' office; Cadance rests equally quietly beside you, as does Gene on your other side.
> Across sits your owner himself; Mocha Cream putters between the seats, arranging cups of coffee before each.
> She's becoming more deft with using hooves in place of her faltering magic.
> Enough that only a few drops are spilled, and those quickly wiped up.
> "Thank you, Mocha. Alright, everyone. Let's go over what just happened. Gene, tell me the police are doing something about those fuckers out there."
> "They are. They're gone for now, and there will be police car on station if they return. The police are also looking to get an order from the county judge to keep the protesters off the road in the future."
> "Good. Cadance, any other signs of problems in the camp?"
> "Not right now, anyhow."
> Shifting in her seat, she glances out the window towards the road the protest-encampment had once inhabited.
> "The protesters are... outsiders. Most ponies don't know what to make of them yet."
> Cadance’s analysis seems to placate Anonymous; now his eyes fall on you.
> "Excellent. Thunderlane, you talked to all three of the ponies brought in. What do you make of them?"
> You, in turn, shoot a quick look at Cadance.
> It was no secret Lattice's arrest had shaken her.
> She hid it - perhaps the talk of him being her 'favorite' had gotten to her - but it was there.
"Lattice had both the radios, Master. He was apparently told that he was Cadance's favored on account of a crystal pony, and browbeaten into hiding them in the belief that she would keep his quarters from being searched."
> Rubbing his forehead, Anonymous snorts.
> "What idiots told him we show favor like that...? And what about the other two ponies?"
"They would be the idiots in question. They seem to think Cadance's orders to turn over the radios were just to appease you, not what she really wanted."
> "Delightful. Any cooperation?"
> You wince - this had been the part you'd been hoping to avoid.
"Not from me. The other two are clammed up hard, and Lattice... it's strange. He told Cadance all about how he hid the radios, but is insisting he doesn't want special treatment. Honestly, I don't think any of them know anything more."
> It's a strange feeling, outright lying to Anonymous.
> While you didn't have any evidence pointing towards it, you had a sneaking suspicion they might have been one of Sunburst's cells who simply didn't receive word in time.
> Not that they would tell you.
> Your lack of certainty could be dismissed as a function of nervousness over the scale of this event, though, so onward you plunge.
"All three are new to the camp, with no history of positive or negative behavior. Their quarters have been thoroughly checked, and there's nothing else to be found."
> "Right... and you haven't seen any other further signs of rebellion either."
"No."
> "Good."
> Anonymous slumps back in his seat; you guess he really was that scared of this being a sign of something larger.
> If only he knew...
> "Now, I guess, what we have to decide to do is what to do with them."
> Head sinking, Cadance speaks up:
> "It will have to be for all three of them."
"Even Lattice? He did talk."
> "But gave us nothing. And while I think he is apologetic, this is a direct violation of my order. He will join the others on the whipping pos-"
> All of you jump as a crashing racket fills the room.
> Mocha Cream stands stock-still, eyes wide with horror; the coffee pot she had been carefully balancing across her back now lays at her side, a dark stain steadily spreading on the carpet.
> "You c-can't! Master, please! Y-You can't do that to him!"
> Sighing, Anonymous kneels down beside her and rights the coffee pot.
> "Please! He was scared, he thought he was going to be hurt because he was your favorite, it wouldn't be fair to him-"
> Oh.
> Of course.
> After what she'd gone through on account of being accused of being a favorite, to see another pony whipped because of that...
> Your heart aches, and from the Cadance's expression she feels similarly.
> Even Anonymous looks pained as he gathers Mocha Cream in against his chest.
> "Shhh, shh - you're okay, Mocha? Not hurt, didn't get burned?"
> "N-No, Master. But-"
> "Listen, Mocha. I understand."
> His hand strokes through her mane as he talks, and you're reminded again of just how much he seemed to care for her in particular.
> Ironic; if being his favorite had been all she'd ever been accused of, there might have been some truth to it.
> "I understand, it hurts to see you a pony suffer that because of the same thing you went through. You feel like it's not his fault. That he was bullied into this, and he shouldn't be punished for it."
> "Yes, Master!"
> Mocha Cream pulls her head from his chest to nod enthusiastically.
> "You can- it wouldn't be fair to whip him. He was hurt-"
"Mocha. I know it doesn't seem right, but think: If he ignores an outright order from Cadance and Anonymous both, and then isn't punished... wouldn't that make him 'special', just like they say?"
> Her head twists back and forth, looking between you and Anonymous.
> The uncertainty laying siege to her convictions.
> Beside you, Cadance joins in.
> "This is not something I take on lightly, Mocha. I will not be harsh with him, for exactly the reasons you lay out. But I cannot be soft, either. If I were to, this might spread. More ponies could be hurt."
> Whimpering softly, Mocha curls back into his chest.
"Mocha... if you disobeyed a direct order from myself or Anonymous, would you not be punished? If it was this serious, do you think he would be soft on you?"
> "...no..."
"If Lattice had come to Cadance, Mayor Mare, or any of the guards, we could have stopped this. But he made his choice on his own."
> Giving her mane one last stroke, Anonymous lifts Mocha into his arms.
> "Thunderlane, Cadance - if there's nothing else to cover, I think I'd like to go?"
> "Yes, Master - I think no other punishment will be required in this particular circumstance?"
> Pondering a moment, he nods.
> "I think that would be acceptable. As long as no evidence of anything else turns up."
> "Of course, Master."
> Gene departs after Anonymous, begging some work to be done in over the intrusion over the fence.
> That leaves you alone with Cadance in the office.
> Now without her drive, you can see how deeply shaken she really is.
"Your Highness?"
> "Forgive me. I'm just... not looking forward to this."
"I know. Neither am I... but, we could face it together?"
> Her head snaps up, eyes wide.
> "I could not ask you to do that, Thunderlane! I remember when you told me why you joined the guard. Carrying out a whipping yourself-"
"Then don't ask me. I'm volunteering."
> "Vapor Trail will be furious. Rumble will hate you."
"Vapor Trail will understand. She knows what my job means. And it wouldn't be fair to make you stand up on that stage and do it yourself alone."
> Bowing, Cadance lets her eyes slip shut.
> "Thank you, Thunderlane. Truly."
> Despite your assurances, you sleep little that night.
> The prospect of what you were doing weighing heavily on your mind.
> You did not tell Vapor Trail, and the mare slept soundly - taking over quieting Sunbreak when she fussed or cried was something you were happy to take up this time.
> Did she know anyhow?
> If so, nothing is said about it at breakfast - or about any other topic.
> You march over to the security building near evening, after the dinner bell had rung, and join the vehicles taking the three ponies out to what amounts to the camp center.
> There the whipping posts waited.
> Three in a line on the stages, almost innocuous in their simplicity.
> Nothing was said as the three were lead up onto the stage and their forehooves secured to the posts, tails secured out of the way.
> Cadance is speaking to the gathered crowd of ponies, reminding them of what happened and why this punishment must be carried out - but it's no more than a buzz in your ears.
> The whip is handed to you and its corded wrist-strap repeatedly wound around your leg to hold the handle in place.
> Its weight feels heavier than it should.
> Alien.
> Hostile.
> Its limp length resembling a snake that might rear back and bite you at any moment.
> But when Cadance takes her position behind Lattice and calls out the first blow, you raise it and strike anyhow:
> A sort of almost-pirouette propelled by your wings spinning you about and lifting the whip to lash out at the pony on the pole.
> What you hadn't expected was the way the shock travels back up the whip's length to jolt the handle bound to your arm.
> It's hard to ignore, though, never growing easier as Cadance counts out and you both deliver the following lashes of the sentence.
> Whimpers turn to screams and red welts begin to criss-cross their coats.
> Your leg grows almost numb - and you insist to yourself it is the repeated jolts of the whip doing this, and not a reaction to what you are doing with it.
> Finally the last blow cracks down across the pony's back and you drop down onto all fours.
> One last scream of agony echoes through the square.
> Not yours.
> Despite what Cadance was inflicting on him, Lattice had refused to do more than whimper.
> You look out over the crowd as guards move in to remove the punished from the whipping posts; most in the crowd either have a look of grim understanding or hide their expressions entirely.
> But one stands out to you:
> Copper Dust peers from beneath his long, shaggy mane with a look of such undisguised and visceral hatred that you physically recoil.
> When you leap down from the platform, however, he has vanished.

> "It isn't your fault, Cadance."
> You sigh, nodding softly in agreement.
"I know, Anonymous."
> He considers for a moment before reaching into his cabinet to extract a liquor bottle.
> A glass is poured for you, and after a moment's consideration a smaller one for him as well.
"A bit late for this, no?"
> "It'll still take the edge off. Help you sleep. Which you should, soon - it's pretty late."
> That was true.
> The clock near his desk suggested it was nearly ten o'clock; all the other house staff had long since turned in for bed.
> Anonymous moves back to his study window to look out at the camp.
> Except for a brief departure to put Megan and Flurry Heart to bed, since they were no longer grounded apart from each other, he'd occupied that spot often as the ‘brief talk’ he’d wanted to have with you had somehow turned into hours of rambling discussion.
> You had not joined him in putting them to bed.
> No doubt word of the lashing had gotten around, and you’d not felt ready to face them so soon after.
> “You know, Cadance, when I’m wondering if it’s really worth it I often take a little while to stand here and just… look. At everything - I tell myself it's worth it. To preserve a place unlike anything else."
> You take your glass in a magical grip and join him.
> The camp was indeed all peaceful again, quiet and placid except for the streetlamps and a guard patrol.
“It is beautiful. But it’s not the buildings that do it for me; it’s the ponies. When I can look around and see them happy- or, happier than they might be. That’s when I’m comforted. But when I can’t…”
> After a moment, Anonymous lifts both his hands and sets them on your neck.
> It's a strange sensation, feeling his hand rub through your fur and mane.
> One you could never quite get used to despite how often he did it.
> “If you want to stay up here for the night, Cadance, I won’t refuse you. I understand. What you did can’t be easy.”
“I… no, Anonymous.”
> “Then at least tell me what you wanted to talk about. You mentioned there would be something earlier, but did we ever get to it?”
“I’m not sure it’s really important enough.”
> “Oh, not everything needs to be critical right-this-very-moment material. Come on, at least tell me about it.”
"It's... Mocha Cream. I'm glad that you've been having her come out into the camp and work with ponies a bit more; even just in these few weeks, she's become so much more confident and comfortable helping ponies."
> "Good to hear. I'm hearing a 'but' in there, though..."
> You nod, tearing your eyes from the window and turning around to face him.
"There's another half of what you have to do with her, Anonymous."
> "Have to, Cadance?"
"If you want her safe and sound, yes. On some level she is still attached to you - still believes she loves you."
> Anonymous looks down into his own glass, swirling around the liquid in it.
> "You sound awfully certain about this."
"I was the Princess of Love, Anonymous. I have a sense for these things. She still pines for you, and these massages are not convincing her otherwise. As painful as it might be you will have to face it at some point."
> “Maybe we just need to give her some more time-”
“In the meeting, when she heard what was going to happen, she practically leaped into your arms when she had the chance.”
> “She was scared, Cadance.”
“And affection was still her first recourse with you. I don’t want you to be cruel to her, but you have to tell her: You aren’t right for her.
> Anonymous sighs, swirling the liquor in his glass, silent.
“If - that is what you still intend to do.
> "I'd hoped she would mature on her own - especially now that she's seeing Rumble more often. The truth is… I’m not sure how to let her down gently. As you correctly pointed out, ‘princess of love’, her affection is not normal. So, what do I say to her?”
[Choice]
"You need to be as upfront as possible, I think. Tell her what you want. Not what she should want."
> "Afraid she'll just push her own feelings down if I start telling how to think again?"
"No. I'm afraid that if you tell her that she should want somepony better - somepony more her age, somepony who can give her a foal - she will decide those things don't matter, because she thinks she knows who she loves."
> "Hmm."
> Anonymous rubs his chin.
"...forgive me if this is too probing a question, Anonymous - but may I assume you are looking for someone who will be with you for a long time? Forever, possibly?"
> "Forgiven, because it's a fair question. I think you're mostly right, though."
> A gentle smile touches your lips.
"I... suspected as much. After what you have said of Megan's mother."
> He seems to curl in on himself, and you lift a hoof to touch his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Master, I shouldn't have-"
> "It's fine."
> The clipped tone of his voice seems to suggest otherwise, though, and your head falls:
"Just... I thought that after all you'd been through, you'd be wary of relationships with someone who is-"
> You actually flinch as his hand comes to rest on the back of your neck again.
> "Really, Cadance. I said it was fine. If anyone has the right to talk to me about losing a spouse, it's you. Besides, you're right. I'm not looking to be embarking on any... wild romps with lovers."
> Ears perking somewhat back up again, you cock your head.
"Then that's what you need to tell her. Because she is not just attached, she is devoted to you. She'll be frantic to hold on to what she has - to Mocha Cream, it's going to feel like she is truly losing something without anything gained."
> "I remember what it felt like. How hollow you are when you realize the love... not working."
> You swallow, but nod.
"You'll need to be firm. She may ask you why, or think she can change herself to fit you better. I've seen it before - but love never works out when half of it is trying to change themselves to make it fit."
> "I'll agree with that. I don't want to force her to be someone she's not."
> Of course.
> After his experiences, you probably didn't need to tell him that.
"If I had to give one other bit of advice... make it clear you will still be here as a-"
> A what?
> Owner?
> Mentor?
> Father-figure?
> You don't have a good word for this.
"-will still be here to love her as a daughter, almost. Comfort her as much as is needed, but also be keeping in mind that you want to keep some distance until the lesson has sunk in."
> "I think I understand, yes."
"Good."
> Lifting a hoof, you wrap it around the arm still reaching out for your neck.
"It's good that you're doing this, Anonymous."
> "I know. Much as I... enjoy her affections at times, it isn't right. Sooner or later we'd end up breaking apart, so better to rip off the band-aid before it gets too bad, huh?"
"I would say so, yes. A poisoned love will spread and infect more."
> "So. Will you be staying up here tonight, then?"
"Can I use your shower to wash up?"
> "Of course. I don't have to wash you again, do I?"
> An ugly look is shot at Anonymous; he responds with a pat on your neck before extricating his hand from your mane.
> "Go wash up, Cadance. I'll be out here."
> Once inside, you crank the water all the way up to hot despite the already-muggy summer night.
> The near-scorching torrent beat on your neck, withers, and back before cascading down your flanks.
> It felt... soothing.
> Absolving.
> As if you could let what you had done today flow out and down the drain as well.
> Was that why you were choosing to stay up here tonight?
> Or was it what you had told Anonymous:
> Being closer to Flurry Heart - the pony you did all of this for - would help settle your mind.
> Maybe both.
> Maybe neither.
> You switch the water to cold, wincing as the flow saps the heat building inside of you.
> Soon you step out entirely.
> Most of the water is squeezed from your mane with magic, but you are still damp as you stride back into the room.
"Your turn, if you want it."
> "I will, thank you."
> While Anonymous takes his turn, you settle onto the bed. 
> Amazing how little trepidation you feel at sharing it with him now!
> ...okay, admittedly the benefit of sleeping in a house with air conditioning - as opposed to just the window or ceiling fans in the slaves' quarters - was a downright luxury.
> Chills run down your sides as the lingering water in your coat evaporates out.
> And-
> A flicker of movement from the window draws your attention.
> It's there for barely a second, but in that time you swear a pony-shaped shadow darts from the edge of the camp towards the house.
> In an instant you're up and at the window:
> Head craning, twisting and turning, to find the mysterious intruder.
> None reveals themselves; even so you remain in place at the window like a guard at her post until Anonymous emerges from the bathroom.
> "Cadance? Everything okay?"
"Yes, fine. I thought I saw something."
> Your eyebrows again rise at the sight of him:
> Of course he'd opt to wear just a loose shirt and shorts in the warm summer nights!
> You should have been expecting this!
> Shifting over in bed, you extend a wing to pat the spot beside you.
> Anonymous simply grins and slides over to settle down into it - drawing the loose covers up over himself and flicking off the light.
"I don't think I thanked you for offering this."
> "It's fine, Cadance."
> His arm reaches out lightly scratch around your ears again, and you drop your head to the pillow with a gentle hum.
> "I'm not exactly upset about having here, and I'd much rather it be like this than how it was last time."
> Ah, yes.
> The previous time you had rested in this bed, you had been wearing shackles and a bridle.
> Avoiding letting it get to that point probably was a much, much better idea.
"That part of it was not so terrible. As long as I don't insist you beat me again or anything so foolish as that."
> "Oh, so you wouldn't mind if I got out the cuffs again?"
> The indignant look you skewer Anonymous with is mostly wasted in the dark.
> At least he can feel you pull away from his touch!
"Please, Anonymous, do not joke about that. It was profoundly foolish of me."
> "Oh, fine, fine."
> Though you hadn't slept any worse then.
> What did that say about you, you wonder?
> Lifting a leg into the air, you stare at its outline in the light creeping in - wiggling your hoof around.
> Imagining the heavy weight of a shackle resting on it.
> If you were being honest, there was still some part of you who yearned for that easier time in the past.
> When you strained in chains against an owner's touch
> Not offered to share a bed or give relationship advice.
> But...
> This was good too.
> Dropping the leg back down, you roll to your side and produce a small smile.
"Goodnight, Anonymous. Sleep well."
> Even in the summer, it seemed, Anonymous could not go the night without finding his way closer to you.
> Admittedly the air conditioning made that rather less unpleasant than otherwise.
> Perhaps even a bit... enjoyable?
> The word leaves you feeling like a betrayer, but ponies weren't meant to be lonely.
> Apart.
> They were supposed to have somepony to cuddle and curl against, hold or be held by.
> With careful movements you unfold a wing and lay it across his side.
> Anonymous was... a difficult person.
> A slaver still, and unrepentant.
> But somewhere in there, there was a loving heart.
> You knew there was.
> You could feel there was.
> Leaning in, you brush your muzzle across his cheek - a puff of breath stirring his hair.
"Anonymous. It's morning. You need to get up."
> "S'not... no 'larm yet."
> Eyes flick to the alarm clock.
> Six-fifty-six.
"You can have four minutes more. Then you have to."
> "Yes, mo-"
> One eye cracks open, blinking until it settles on you.
> Oh.
> Your flush softly - the color deepening when you realize how close your faces were.
> Then his eyes travel down to the wing you still held over him, and it's just too much.
> Pulling back, you turn away to hide your eyes.
"I'm sorry. Forgive me, Master. I don't know what I was-ack!"
> You keel over as Anonymous wraps his arms around you and pulls you back in close.
> "It's fine, Cadance. I don't mind."
> That was not the point!
> Still, you remain sitting there a while longer before he releases you.
> At least, until the alarm you'd noticed decides to add its shrill call to the air conditioner's chugging.
"...I suppose that's the end of that."
> "We can spare a few minutes more."
> A hand is scratching at your back, right at the sensitive spot directly between your wings where all the nerves and muscles come together, and you really can't be bothered to protest.
> "Are you feeling better from last night?"
"A touch. It still feels... wrong, but merely not being alone helped me rest."
> A flicker of guilt runs through you at that.
> The ponies who'd felt the lash wouldn't be resting so easily.
> "Will you want to wash up again? Get my scent off of you?"
> Aaaand you're flushing again.
> When he puts it like that, it makes it sound like something lewd was happening between the two of you!
"If... you don't mind."
> "Not at all. But you're staying for breakfast too."
> Breakfast turns out to be well worth staying for:
> Both daughters join you for it.
> Megan waves enthusiastically as she bounces into the room, her hair still a wild mess of stray blond curls.
> In comparison Flurry Heart seems downright formal - her mane already smooth and clean.
> "Hey Cadance! Good morning!"
"And good morning to you, Miss Megan. Are you off to school today?"
> The question draws an equally enthusiastic nod.
> "Uh-huh! The bus'll be here soon. We have a history test today about the Equestria Contact, but it'll be okay 'cause Miss Mackle always gives easy tests-"
> Across the table, Anonymous moans softly.
> "Sweetheart, not until I've had my coffee please?"
> Megan giggles and commences inhaling a bowl of cereal.
> "Sorry, daddy."
> "And why haven't you brushed your hair yet? Flurry?"
> "Mistress Megan got up a little bit late, Master. I'll make sure she does it before she goes."
> As the two of them begin to babble between each other, Anonymous turns to you with a grin.
> "Ah, for the energies of youth..."
"I, for one, have come to enjoy a more sedate pace of rising."
> A function, you think, of spending your formative years as the adopted family of Celestia.
> She always rose before the dawn after all.
> Eventually the two young ones are shooed back to the bathroom to finish Megan's preparations.
> Anonymous watches them go, sipping his coffee.
> "You know, I've been thinking of sending them back into the camp again. With proper oversight this time."
"Did you have somepony in mind?"
> "One of the guards for sure this time."
> He scratches his chin.
> "A griffon, maybe? They need something to do now that those hippie fucks outside have been shut down."
> You turn that idea over in your head; from what you remembered of griffon social hierarchies, immature children were usually considered part of their parents' dominance position.
> Meaning, your already securing your dominance over the griffons would keep Flurry Heart safe from any challenges.
> And it would potentially give them a chance to integrate further.
> But...
"I'm not sure I feel comfortable with turning them into some kind of... personal guard for my daughter."
> "The concerns about bringing them in just as guards again?"
"Yes."
> "It'd only be one, but fair enough. Do you have another suggestion?"
[Choice]
"What about Rumble?"
> "Rumble?"
> Anonymous frowns deeply, swirling the coffee in his cup.
> "Are you sure? He was one of the ones who ran your plan right up until the end, after all."
"Do you really think he would let anything happen to her? After what was done to Mocha Cream?"
> "No. But that's not what I'm really concerned about. It's..."
> He hesitates, too late recognizing the trap he was talking in to.
> Admit Rumble's resistance to being an obedient slave still bothered him, and that he based 'trust' on obedience.
> Or give, and be willing to risk his daughter being exposed to those thoughts.
> His answer would tell you just how much of his anger over Megan running off to encounter Crescent Moon was real fear for her safety, and how much was fear of what dark truths she might find in the camp.
> To your surprise, however, he gives:
> "...okay, we'll send those two out together. I think Rumble will be happy to spare a bit of time; he's been investing more in the camp lately."
"I'm glad you agree. This is more than just about giving them someone safe to walk around with, after all... but if it will settle your mind, I think one of the griffons could go with him."
> "Does your whole family-as-hierarchy thing extend from Thunderlane to Rumble as well?"
"It may not; he's near fully grown. But they will have their orders, and Rumble's role in them will be made clear. Megan and Flurry, however, are both young and our children. They will be safe."
> Privately, you're curious how the griffons might react to Thunderlane's brother.
> How much will they push their hierarchy on someone they haven't directly tested yet?
> You highly doubted they would hurt Rumble - but how much would they press him?
"Does this sound acceptable to you?"
> "I think so, yes. Those griffons have sharp eyes. They won't be running off again with one of them around."
> Mollified, Anonymous shoots you a smile.
> "And Rumble... well, having him there should settle Mocha Cream's worries. She's still been worrying herself over those two, you know?"
"I had guessed when she continued bringing it up when she accompanied me, yes."
> Chuckling, Anonymous shakes his head.
> "She's such a sweetheart..."
> He trails off and you can hear the pain halting his words.
"...Anonymous, would you like me to be there when you - talk to her?"
> "No. I - I don't think that would be good. She might see it as you pushing me."
> In fairness, you kind of were.
> "...okay, if you want to wait in the next room and step in if things are getting out of hand. But not more. Understand?"
"Yes, Master."
> "We'll use my bedroom. You can stay in the study - keep an ear to the door connecting the two."

> Mocha Cream pads into the room, her eyes lighting up as she spots you.
> "Master! What did you need me for?"
"I'm sorry to pull you off your work. I know you have a lot to do before you head out into the camp-"
> "It's alright, Master. I'm... glad to help you with whatever you need."
> It's all you can do to hide a wince.
> God, this is going to be hard.
"Mocha, listen. I... there's something really important we need to talk about."
> "M-Master?"
> Drawing close to the chair, she looks up with wide, warm, liquid-brown eyes.
> "What is it, M-Master?"
> Your hand flexes, balling into a fist and releasing.
"Can I... Mocha, I know that you look at me with - affection. That you want to... be with me."
> Color invades her cheeks, advancing up to tinge the creamy coat of her muzzle.
> "Master, I-I d-don't know-"
"Just... please, Mocha. Tell me, am I right? You know you can always be open with me. Honest."
> Her eyes fall down, the blush now rising up to even her ears.
> "Y-Yes, M-Master. I d-do want you. I know w-what I said in the h-hopsital, and I do l-love y-"
> Snapping out, your hand settles - no, more like seizes her cheek.
> A sharp gasp prompts you to let your grip relax, but even so you know you had to interrupt her.
> You couldn't let her finish those words.
"Listen, Mocha, I..."
> Be as upfront as possible, Cadance had said.
> Tell her that you didn't think it would work.
> But Cadance wasn't the one here saying it!
"Listen. I wanted to tell you. I don't think... I don't think it would work."
> Was that too blunt?
> You're not given any time to second-guess what had been said, as slow comprehension of your words settles over Mocha.
> It begins with a dipping of her ears.
> Then the her cheeks falling as the smile fades, eyes losing their sparkle and luster...
> "M-M-Master, p-please, I don't unders-stand-"
"Listen to me, Mocha Cream: I know you love me. I don't mean to - disparage that. But between us..."
> You shake your head, hand coming to cup her cheek more softly.
"I don't believe it could ever work between us. Not now, not soon. We're... for starters, I'm your master. There'd always be that difference between us."
> "It's n-not a d-difference, M-Master, please-"
> Still you're plowing on, unwilling to stop now that you've started.
> Even as Mocha's eyes quickly fill with tears that spill down her cheeks.
"For another thing... I'm so much older than you. Two decades, you know? You're just coming into adulthood while I have all of this work to do, plus my family too. I can't give you what you deserve-"
> Shit, Cadance had told you to avoid that line of thought.
"-and we're both looking for very, very different things. At this point... I'm 
> "I d-don't 'deserve'! I lo-"
"Stop, Mocha Cream. Just, stop."
> She does, breathing hard and starting to tremble but still obeying your orders without thought.
> Even now, you still have that hold on her.
"You... want me because I gave you what you always deserved. I gave you a home. Saw you, when others didn't. I understand. That's not all I am, though, Mocha. You're infatuated with me, but stable relationships, good relationships, real love? They aren't built on that."
> Mocha whinnies fearfully, her eyes tossing back and forth as if to seek out some solution to the nightmare she found herself in.
> "I'll d-do better. I'm sorry, M-Master, I d-didn't m-mean to! I can do better f-for you, I-"
"Stop again. Listen. Do you understand what you just told me? 'I'm sorry, Master. I can do better.' You're blaming yourself, Mocha. But that's not right. It's not your fault. It's not something wrong with you. We're just... not for each other."
> Still, though, all she does is whimper and drive her muzzle into your palm - nuzzling it with a touch of desperation.
> "Please, don't send me away, Master. I - you're - you're all I have now. I'm nothing!"
"Don't ever say that, Mocha Cream. You still have-"
> "No, I don't! My magic is broken, I am a slave, my family is gone, I don't have anyone else to be close with-"
"Don't you? None of the ponies here, you see as your friends? Not one other pony you could imagine yourself loving?"
> Now it is your turn to stroke your hand around her cheek, up the side of her head to take an ear between finger and thumb.
> All it provokes from her, however, is another gentle sniffle.
"You aren't alone. Not now, not ever. I know at least one colt who would be happy to catch your eye. And a talent, too - a way to make use of your special talent. I dommmmmph!"
> Your brain goes utterly blank on account of the lips pressed to yours.
> They're soft, pressing to your own with a tentative uncertainty that suggested the bearer wasn't quite sure how much to push.
> Mocha had - had kissed you!
> It's almost enough to ignore the slight tickle of fuzzy coat around the corners of the lips, or bulging nose just above them.
> But not indefinitely.
> But not indefinitely.
> And when your mind abruptly shifts back in gear, you pull back with a loud cry:
"Mocha Cream! Just what the hell do you think you're doing?!"
> "I'm s-sorry! I'm sorry, M-Master! Please, I didn't mean to-"
> Crumpling, she collapses at your feet into a shaking ball heedless of the damage it is surely doing to her uniform.
> The door creaks - Cadance's muzzle and a worried eye peering through - but you wave her off and she retreats with a nod.
> You could still handle this on your own.
> Laying a hand on Mocha's withers, you feel her stiffen beneath your touch.
> "I-I'm so s-sorry, Master. P-Please forgive me, I d-don't know what I was - I'll go now-"
"No. Stay."
> Tentatively, as if fearing a blow, she lifts her head.
> Tears have matted her cheeks and reddened her eyes, while carefully-coiffed curls of mane are now jagged and pressing.
> Arms encircle Mocha Cream's barrel to lift her to your lap, settling her across the seat.
> When her head tries to rise, though, you bring it back down with a firm hand pressed between her ears.
> Comforting, but still in control.
> Then, you start to stroke - letting fingers brush along her cheeks to wick tears away and run up and down her back.
> She is the first to speak:
> "You're - safe. I know you wouldn't hurt me. I know you'd be there for me-"
"Who says you would be hurt?"
> Rather than pushing back up again, Mocha buries herself further into your lap.
> "I w-wanted it to be you. I know w-what a - a s-stallion does with a m-mare; I know it's scary and hard your first time and - and I wanted that to be you."
> You... aren't sure how to feel about that.
> A little flattered, of course - and in the back of your head, a little interested.
> But also very aware that this is exactly why you are keeping her from pushing it further:
> Normal relationships don't go like that.
> Especially not between slave and master.
> Unhealthy infatuations did.
"Now Mocha, I want you to listen to me."
> Her sniffle-sobs have slowed, allowing you to lift her head up and bring it gently to your chest.
"You - you mean a lot to me. And when you do actually find someone to love - really love, which I can tell you feels a lot different - I'm sure you'll be able to feel just as safe with them."
> "But I d-do l-love you, M-Master! And I want to be with-"
> Raising a finger to her lips silences Mocha again.
"No. There are different kinds of love, and I still do care for you - as family. As one I will be thrilled to see you blossom into a fine young mare, and find someone of your own to love. But not as a lover. Do you understand?"
> She does.
> That is, you presume, why her head buries itself against your stomach again as sobs resume shaking her body.
> You neither move her nor try to stop her.
> Instead simply stroking her back:
"I will still be here for you. To protect you. To listen to you. To offer advice, or comfort as needed. But not as a lover. In time, you'll find someone you can feel safe with too. And you'll give them the gift of your love. Feel real warmth in your heart, showing them your vulnerability."
> Another muffled whimper.
"I can't be your lover. And I can't ever really replace your parents. But, if I could be something like that to you - I would love that, Mocha Cream."
> Despite what you'd hoped to be calming words, no answer comes.
> Mocha remains still except for the little tremors wracking her body and tiny noises of despair issuing from her throat.
> Yet neither does she flee.
> That gives you hope that at the least she would not hate you for breaking her heart.
> You really don't think you could take that.
> At last her head rises again - eyes rimmed with crimson and coat around her face matted with dampness.
> "M-Master... A-Am I g-going to be p-punished f-for what I d-did?"
> It was far beyond what you would ever allow.
> In any other circumstance, a slave that tried that on you would be facing something quite severe indeed.
> Hell, even a human would.
> Especially right after you had told her in no unclear terms that it was not wanted!
> And keeping a firm line of discipline here would complete the lesson that you were not going to give her special treatment.
> At the same time, you aren't sure what level of reprimand would be best for Mocha right now.
> Or what level might absolutely crush her.
[Choice]
"No. No, Mocha. You were upset, you were scared, and your emotions just flared up a bit. I'm not going to punish you for that. But if you ever try something like that again, I will not hesitate to put you over my knee and light your button fire. It is never acceptable to do that to someone who doesn't want it, understand?"
> Her expression - which had been turning to something approximating relief - now slides straight back into one of pure shock; the blush reestablishes itself all across her cheeks and one of her hind legs twitches.
> Hrm - maybe that was the wrong thing to say.
> You'd meant it to be a final reinforcement that you were letting her go out of sympathy, but felt no attachment and would treat her as any of the other ponies that were your property if she tried something.
"Now, c'mere-"
> Rectifying the situation, you slip your hands beneath her forelegs and lift Mocha Cream up to rest against you - her head tucked over your shoulder and in against your neck.
> The pony needs no encouragement, one hoof folding beneath her while the other wraps around your side to pull her in close to you.
"-and listen to me. I know it hurts. I know it feels like something's just been ripped out of you, that there's lead ball where your stomach ought to be. I know it feels like nothing will ever be right again. I lost someone I loved very much once too, so believe me - I know."
> No petting now.
> Just your hand on her back, feeling the rise and fall of her sides beneath the now-wrinkled and battered uniform.
> Letting her sense the presence of its weight, and know that even after breaking her heart you would still be there to be her bulwark.
"I can't be what you want me to be. But I will always be there to support you. Understand?"
> "Yes, Master."
> It sounds odd, hearing her voice coming from just behind your head.
> Even despite having heard it before when she was giving a massage.
> ...probably would be best to hold off on those for a little while, until her emotions settled.
"You're a beautiful pony with a good heart and a sweet soul. Some day, there will be some other pony who sees that very much and loves you for it. And you'll give yourself to them."
> She can hear you - the turn of her ear, brushing against your head, proves that.
"When you're nervous, when you're scared, when you need advice or have to tell a secret to get it off your back, I'll still be there for you. Some things, though, we only give to certain people. Or ponies."
> Now a gentle, comforted whicker comes from just behind your ear accompanied by a soft swish of her tail.
> That comforts you.
> Even if just a touch.
"Now, are you going to be okay, Mocha Cream?"
> "I-I d-don't know, M-Master."
"Well. Why don't you go take the rest of the day off from your duties if you feel that would be better. Maybe go talk to Cadance, Rumble, or anypony else you know who could help you?"
> "If it's okay w-with you, M-Master... I think I-I'd like t-to work. Maybe - maybe take my mind off of - of..."
> You aren't sure whether you should be glad she's not dwelling on her sorrows, or worried that she's merely postponing them until later.
"Go ahead. But if you need to stop - if it's too much for you - you have my permission to just go rest."
> "Y-Yes, Master."
> That isn't what you'd hoped to hear.
> Her tone is still far too laden with despair and heartbreak for your liking, but what can you do?
> Maybe it's still too early to be judging; you'd only just told her, after all.
> Once Mocha Cream's hoofsteps have faded - heavy with sadness and easy to hear - Cadance once again nudges the door to your room open and peers through.
> "Anonymous?"
"...it's fine, Cadance. Just - shut the door to the hallway, would you?"
> She does, but then slips over to your chair unbidden to peer up with worried eyes.
"I feel like I lied to her Cadance?"
> "What?"
"There's a part of me that did want that, you know? Especially since I don't know that I'm going to have someone soon, being appreciated like that..."
> "It was the right thing to do, Anonymous. It might have felt desirable, but it wouldn't have been right."
"I know. But I think it hit my heart almost as much as it hurt hers."
> You look away, tapping the arm of your chair thoughtfully.
> And so are completely unprepared when Cadance puts a hoof up onto the chair, rears up, and uses it as leverage to lean in and rest her head on your shoulder - a broad feathered wing coming to rest over your chest.
> Even though she was the second pony to be doing something like this so recently, this feels...
> Different.
> Especially from her - the one who had once lead an escape to flee your very presence because she hated you so much.
> "I can tell how much your heart is aching."
"Contrary to what some might think, I don't causing pain like that... even to ponies."
> "That's why I do this. I've said it before, I think there is good in your heart."
> Your arm slips up to rub her side - the ridges formed by her ribs running beneath your fingers.
"Yeah... I probably did need this, Cadance."
> "I will speak to Mocha Cream later. Help her settle herself. This field is my talent, remember."
"I do."
> You lean your head to the side, feeling her mane softly press back and an ear flick against your temple.
"Speaking of which... you had better get moving. Ponies are going to start wondering where you are, and Mocha may very well go looking for you on her own."
> "I understand, Master."
> After Cadance goes, though, you decide to make one final check of your own:
> Marching down the stairs and on to the kitchen, already beginning to make preparations for lunch.
> Canele is the closest thing to a head of your house staff there is - certainly one of your most-trusted servants.
> He wouldn't be cooking for you if he wasn't.
"Canele? Can I talk to you a moment?"
> The unicorn sets down the eggbeater he'd been whirling about, coming to stand at the kitchen
> "Of course, Master. What is it?"
"I just had a... conversation with Mocha Cream. Addressed something with her, that I think maybe I should have addressed long ago."
> Hooves shuffling and tail lashing, Canele bows his head slightly.
> "We had, ah... we had suspected, Master. Your yell was heard, and she came down the stairs nearly in tears..."
> Damn.
> Nothing moves faster than gossip, you guess.
> Well, it wasn't like you were hiding it from him anyhow was it?
"Listen, just - please, have someone look after her. I know she's got somepony else in her quarters, but just have an eye kept on her please? I'm afraid she might do something - rash."
> "Rash, Master?"
"I don't know... find a rope and a tall beam in the basement or something..."
> Your face must have shown your fear, because Canele takes a no-questions, no-jokes look on his own.
> "Absolutely. We will; all of us."
> Good.
> You had already lost one pony to a despair so deep it drove them to end their life.
> Losing another was not something you could deal with either.

> Going back to Vapor Trail the night after the whipping had been...
> Awkward.
> There'd been an undeniable distance between you, and even though you could tell she had been trying not to snap - undoubtedly recognizing the reasons you did what you had to - any conversation between the two of you was brusque and stilted.
> When it did come time to sleep, even though you shared a bed there was barely any contact between the two of you.
> Except for when Sunbreak had cried:
> When that thin, wailing noise hit your ears, both of you were united in a desire to care for her.
> You did not push the matter; Vapor was not your first marefriend and you knew not to try interrogating her before she was ready to speak.
> In any case, come morning Vapor was the slightest bit less frosty and reserved.
> She would get over it in time, and that's all you needed to know.
> Once out in the camp you got a few cold looks, but they were few and far between.
> More normal was the generally subdued tone about the camp - something that held sway after every major punishment.
> It lingers all day - a malaise stemming from the reminder of just how much power Anonymous held over you.
> Copper Dust, when you saw him, kept a distance and never approached.
> Somewhere around mid-day, however, a new message comes down:
> Megan and Flurry Heart would again be making another trip into the camp - this time under more direct guard.
> That of one of the griffons and, to your surprise, your brother.
> Why him?
> Was Anonymous trying to give Flurry a deeper view of the camp, but still from a relatively trusted source?
> You don't know, but a talk beforehand with your little brother was in order:
> Finding him paused for lunch break amid a crowd of his other co-workers, you wave him over with a wing.
"Rumble. Can I talk for a moment?"
> "Sure, bro. What's up?"
"Listen. This evening, you're going to be asked to walk Flurry Heart and Megan around the camp a bit."
> Rumble's eyes widen, his little wings fluttering in surprise.
> "He's letting her out again? After what happened last time?"
"Yeah. One of the griffons will be there with you, but don't let him walk all over you. If there is any problem-"
> "I can take care of myself, bro."
> Eyes rolling sharply, your little brother makes an expressions that suggests it should have been obvious for anypony and everypony.
> That turns into a startled look a moment later as you trap him under one strong head and muss his already-scattered hair.
"Yeah, yeah. Okay, if that's how you're going to be - "
> The grin you wore is well-communicated even if he could not actually see it.
"-then the other thing I'm going to tell you is - be wary of what you tell her, okay?"
> "What do y'mean?"
"Like - Anonymous is putting a lot of trust into us by doing this, okay? Letting Megan wander around freely after the last time. And if you drop Megan into the deep end, try to convince her what her daddy's doing to us-"
> "I get it, I get it."
> Rumble brusquely pulls from beneath your wing, shaking his mane out.
> "Don't go pushing her too hard."
"Either of them. Besides, Mocha Cream would be really upset to hear that this had been called off. She knows you're supposed to be escorting them around, and I think she's rather happy about it."
> "Really?"
> Heh.
> That got Rumble's attention alright.
"Yes, really. So go easy on her, and we can do this again."
> " 'kay."
> Unexpectedly, he nuzzles back up against your chest.
> "Sorry if I was being a bit of a pain in the flank, bro."
"It's fine. I know things are - chaotic right now. If it makes you feel better, there'll be another guard - maybe me, maybe somepony else - hanging back to watch at a distance."
> "Anonymous order that too?"
"No, but it'll happen. If nothing goes wrong, he doesn't need to know. If it does, we stop it before they could be hurt."
> You ruffle his mane again, undoing the progress it had made in settling back down.
"I promise, I'm not trying to stifle you. We'll keep our distance."
> When the time comes, one of the other house slaves leads Megan and Flurry Heart down into the camp.
> You're rather surprised that duty didn't fall to Mocha Cream.
> Maybe she wasn't prepared to; you'd heard she was rather distraught by the news that Megan had slipped off the first time...
> Whatever the reason, you keep yourself at a reasonable distance as the handoff occurs.
> The griffon accompanying them is Gretchen - one you'd worked with before.
> She seemed to be a reasonable, if quiet figure.
> Didn't speak much on your patrols so far, but worked quietly and without needing your eye on her back.
> A good choice for this.
> Even now she stands to the side, fierce avian eyes swinging around as Rumble nervously rubs the back of his head.
> "So, uh, Miss Megan, Flurry - where would you like to go first?"
> "Back to the rec-re-a-tion-al place! It was fun there last time!"
> "Uh-huh!"
> "Well, we can - do that, I guess? It might be pretty busy after dinner. Gretchen, right? No problems with you?"
> You cannot hear the griffon hen's answer, but it is apparently in the affirmative as Rumble turns to trot off.
> "Alright. C'mon, I'll tell you the way."
> He is, you are gratified to see, walking alongside the two rather than letting them fall behind - one eye always on them.
> Not giving them a chance to run off.
> Good for him.
> You follow at a respectable distance, keeping to the sides of the streets on muted hooves.
> This late, there were few ponies out - most having retired for what little free time they had before lights-out and sleep.
> Even so a small crew were hard at work carefully repairing the front of one shop; you hold back as the small convoy stops to let Megan and Flurry talk to them.
> This, too, is too far to be really heard - but evidently proceeds smoothly, as they allow Megan to take a paintbrush in hand and add a few strokes.
> ...you hope she isn't getting her clothing dirty...
> So focused on watching her are you that you do not hear the hooves approaching behind you.
> "Thunderlane!"
> The hissed voice is from just behind you, and you nearly bowl over Sunburst when you spin around.
> He's all but covered in a cloak, the tip of his muzzle and horn being the only things emerging from beneath the shapeless brown fabric.
"Sweet Celestia, Sunburst! Be careful!"
> "I'm sorry, I'm a little bit - look, I'm just glad I found you!"
> He's paled, you realize.
> The already-normally-messy mane even further caked down on his head with sweat.
"Hit me; what is it?"
> "You know about - the plan, right?"
> The plan, meaning the escape plan?
> It'd explain why he's talking in a whispered hiss - and sneaking around this late at night in a cloak.
"Vaguely."
> "I just - somepony just - jumped me in an alleyway. Put a knife to my neck - but they weren't angry, just keeping me from seeing them.They said they were trying to warn me!"
> Wait.
> You remember something vaguely like that...
"Another unicorn? Kept their voice low and kind of growly, so you weren't sure if it was a mare or stallion?"
> "Exactly! Wait, how do you-?"
"I've met them before once. They gave me information that helped us pin down who had beaten Mocha Cream."
> Not exactly pleasing that they were still running around the camp holding blades to ponies' throats, but it was what it was.
> At least nopony had been hurt.
"Great. What did they tell you?
> "You know we had somepony from - the outside, right? In the camp, giving us messages?"
"Yeeeeees?"
> "They said the contact is getting ready to leave. They're going to use our escape tactic to get out - soon!"
"Wait; how do they even know?"
> "I don't know! Maybe - maybe they're part of the plan too? Maybe they saw something being done?"
> Shifting from hoof to hoof, Sunburst does a nervous little dance as he mumbles softly.
> Even with the cloak covering him you can tell his ears are pinned.
> Poor guy really is terrified...
> "Oh, Celestia help us - I tried to find you or Cadance; I don't know what to do! If Anonymous finds out about this-"
> It would be the whipping post again - or worse - for the both of you.
> And however awful that agony had been, it was undoubtedly worse for the soft, bookish unicorn.
"Okay, look. First thing you're going to do is tell everypony else involved in this that under no circumstances does this go off early. Got it?"
> "Y-Yeah. I already did. But if they don't listen-"
"I'll pass it on to Cadance as well if I see her first. I have to look after Megan and Flurry Heart tonight, and I can't bring them back early without raising questions why. So you just keep giving orders, and I'll let her know as soon as possible."
> "O-Okay, Thunderlane. I - I've got it."
"Good. Go on, then."
> You do - and then freeze with barely a hoof forward.
> They're gone!
> Megan and Flurry and Rumble and-
> Cursing beneath your breath, you promptly leap to the air and take off with wings beating.
> They were going to the rec hall, right?
> If you turn close and follow them there-
> Yes!
> Swinging wide around the next intersection, you dive into another alleyway - hoping the sound you made touching down wasn't too obvious.
> Fortunately you thought you were far enough away, and even more fortunately they were still on-track towards the rec hall.
> Letting them out of sight again feels wrong, but even so you give the group a few minutes after entering before pushing in yourself.
> Pushing almost literally, as just as you'd predicted the hall is quite busy at this hour.
> Ponies showing up to spend a few minutes in quiet chatter, a few minutes for themselves rather than the man who held them in bondage.
> Even if it was only just a few minutes.
> Spotting the group is easier than you'd feared; a small circle has opened up around Megan.
> Or around the fierce-looking griffonness guarding her; you aren't sure.
> You grab a mug - only water, unfortunately - and take up a position at a nearby table.
> Close enough to hear, but still far enough to blend in with the crowd.
> "-don't think you're to blame for that, Miss Megan."
> "I know, but I wish he hadn't kept it."
> "Tourmaline Twist knew what he was doing."
> "Yeah, but-"
> Megan sighs heavily, folding her arms and pouting a bit.
> At her one side sits Rumble, who seems to be mostly content scanning the crowd; on her other, Flurry Heart is nuzzled against her arm.
> "Nevermind. Can I ask you all a question? There were other alicorns, right? Did any of them have a kids too?"
> A dozen cheeks around her flush at the thought of Celestia or Luna with a foal at their side - or, perhaps, at the thought of being the one responsible for it.
> Rumble finally takes the hit and answers:
> "N-Not that we know of, Miss Megan."
> "I... remember Momma always did say I was special. Her little gem, unique like each crystal."
> "Yay!"
> Wrapping both her arms around the alicorn filly in a tight hug, Megan squeals with happiness.
> "That means we're both special, Flurry! I'm the only girl with a pony like you!"
> Releasing her grip, Megan promptly throws herself back down in front of the crowd and grins.
> "Lemme ask another one! Where'd you all come from?"
> "Village near Trottingham."
> "Fillydelphia."
> "Canterlot. One of the lower levels."
> "Hock island. On the south side."
> Megan gives Flurry Heart a nudge.
> "Can you write these down? I want to put them on the map Miss Mackle gave me!"
> "Of course, Mistress!"
> The pencil scribbles furiously in her magical grip, and more and more names come in.
> Some ponies are eager to not just mention the places they've come from, but talk about them in wistful tones.
> Ponies are all too happy to talk to someone willing to listen - even a human.
> After all, Megan was not judging; she was honestly enthralled in what they had to say.
> Eventually Rumble steps in, organizing it in a rough pattern around the circle facing the two.
> Each pony takes their turn, including Rumble's own fond memories of Ponyville, until only one is left.
> All heads turn to Gretchen, who shuffles nervously - leaving scratches on the floor from her talons.
> "Forgive me - I do not wish to say."
> In an instant Megan goes into a pout.
> "Oh, c'mon! Everyone else did!"
> Gretchen looks to the others, her head swiveling in jerking, bird-like motions and tail starting to lash in a distinctly feline gesture of displeasure.
> You prepare to stand, recognizing a problem when you see one-
> And then she looks to Rumble.
> Something passes between them, and he reaches out with a wing towards the girl.
> "...s'okay, Miss Megan. If she doesn't want to, I don't think it's really fair to make her."
> "Awwww...."
> Megan does sit back down however, and the griffoness relaxes in turn.
> As you also return to your seat, though, from the corner of your eye a flash of reddish-brown mane catches your attention.
> Copper Dust!
> He's close, too - much like you, nursing a mug of something and sitting just close enough to listen in on the conversation.
> And as someone doing so yourself, you recognize a pony listening in.
> The ear cocked towards the little circle kind of gives it away.
> But what is he up to?
> No doubt he'd been furious at you for taking part in the whipping, but was he thinking of going after Anonymous' daughter...?
> ...you can't go leaping to conclusions like that.
> So he'd avoided you; that didn't mean Copper Dust was ready to go assault a child.
> Meanwhile, Megan's curiosity could no longer wait.
> "What did you do there?"
> "What were your homes like?"
> "If the sun was brought up by a princess, what about seasons?"
> All are answered enthusiastically, and sometimes even questions sent in the opposite direction too.
> Eventually, however, one of those questions tossed back lands with unintended consequences.
> "Miss Megan? If humans don't have cutie marks, how do you know what you're going to do when you grow up?"
> The girl gives a simple shrug.
> "We don't... we gotta figure it out. Though, daddy says someday I'm going to be running this place too. With Flurry, like Daddy and Cadance do now."
> Cocking her head, the pony who'd asked swishes his tail curiously.
> "Really? Like, here, or what?"
> "Iunno. But Daddy says I'm learning how to be a 'proper manager' with Flurry, so I can learn how to take care of you when I'm grown up."
> Here Flurry Heart jumps in:
> "S'true. After she does her homework, he'll give us little lessons too. Sometimes play a little game where we have to answer questions about what to do in certain situations."
> A long silence follows that; the same pony who'd asked the original question about cutie marks speaks up at last:
> "...but is that what you want, Miss Megan?"
> Another shrug.
> "Dunno. But Daddy does good business, and says it would be sad if someone else owned you when he was gone. So I'll just take over and treat you all real good, just like Daddy and Cadance do."
> In an even more cautious voice, he asks:
> “And - Flurry Heart? Do you-?”
> A long moment of silence passes, in which the filly fidgets nervously.
> “I dunno… But, Mistress Megan says we will, so I guess so?”
> Wait.
> Copper Dust had just stood up; was he-
> No.
> He was heading for the exit.
> Head drooping and hooves heavy, but leaving all the same.
> Not until you see him out of the Rec Hall do you actually relax, though.
> That, at least, was one less thing to worry about.
> In the meantime, the tide of questions had reversed itself:
> Now they were flowing back in at Megan, who was also happy to answer.
> With the most immediate 'danger' now gone and the evening carrying on, you find sleep tugging at your eyes.
> With the most immediate 'danger' now gone and the evening carrying on, you find sleep tugging at your eyes.
> The mug you sip from helps stave that off, but soon comes another reminder of the late hour:
> The all-encompassing wail of the camp's buzzers signal the final knell for the conversation:
> Signalling only a few minutes left to lights-out.
> By that point very few ponies were left, and you can clearly hear Gretchen as she rises from the comfortable sprawl she'd sunken into.
> "Miss Megan, my orders are to take you back before lights-out. We should be going now."
> Rumble shoots her a sharp look, but doesn't intercede.
> By now the late hour has begun to weigh on both girl and filly, and the former rubs her eyes as she rises.
> "Aaaaalright. But we gotta come back tomorrow."
> "That will be according to the decision of your father."
> "Awww. But we didn't even get to see more of the camp!"
> Flurry Heart giggles.
> "That's 'cause you sat here the whole time, Mistress Megan. Daddy's always telling you to get out and exercise more!"
> A tongue is stuck out in answer, only provoking more giggles from the filly and a very confused look from Gretchen.
> That sort of casual banter did not fit into their understanding of power hierarchies.
> Nonetheless, she dutifully falls in place behind Megan as the two exit - but abruptly holds one clawed foreleg out in front of Rumble.
> "Wait. If you come with us, you will be late returning to your quarters. I can keep her safe for just one walk."
> "No way. I was told I had to-"
> "Guide her while she is out. She is now returning. You job is done. Go. Rest."
> By now the discussion has caught the attention of Megan, who looks back with a curious expression.
> "Nah. It's fine if Rumble comes with us."
> Gretchen looks between the two, seeming uncertain of what to do, claws nervously raking the floor.
> At last she gives a click of her beak and relents:
> "...fine."
> "Cool! C'mon, Rumble!"
> Megan happily skips out the door into the warm summer night beyond; you wait a minute or so after her entourage leaves before heading out yourself with a wide yawn.
> Rather than follow close behind, this time you immediately take to the air and circle wide around the little convoy.
> Cadance is already waiting just inside the manor when you nudge the door open.
> "They're coming?"
"Should be here any minute now."
> "Excellent. No problems?"
"None at all, Your Highness. She was very well behaved."
> "Flurry Heart, or Megan?"
"Yes."
> Cracking a grin, Cadance straightens up as the sounds of hoof, feet, and claws grow nearer.
> The reunion is a brief one; Anonymous soon appears and both girl and filly vanish inside to make ready for bed.
> He, however, has another request:
> "Wait. Rumble, before you go - can you come inside a moment?"
> "...sure?"
> Your brother gives a questioning look; Anonymous' tone was not one of danger.
> Cadance, meanwhile, jumps in at the opportunity:
> "Master, may I go see Flurry Heart and Megan to bed?"
> "Sure. Let me know when they're actually there; I'll go down and say goodnight too. Thunderlane, you're welcome to come in as well. Gretchen, you are dismissed for the night."
> The group scatters; Anonymous leads both you and your brother up to his study.
> There he sinks deeply into a chair, and you're suddenly aware of how heavy and tired he seems.
> Not merely exhausted like you are, but - deeper.
> "...Rumble, I need to ask a favor of you. This morning I - did something I should have done long ago, and I'm afraid it's hurt Mocha Cream deeply."
> "Mocha?!"
> Rumble bristles, but to his credit waits for Anonymous to explain:
> "Yes. I... rejected her. You know she was - interested in me, I'm sure. In a way that wasn't really right."
> He sinks back into his seat, and you wonder - no, hope - Rumble can see how much this has gotten to Anonymous.
> "I finally told her that, and it cut her deeply. She's insisting on going back to work, and since the two of you handle the camp's mail and suggestions together-"
> "Yeah, I will."
> Not even waiting for Anonymous to finish, Rumble sits perfectly upright:
> His wings fluffed out proudly.
> "I'll make sure of it. Because she - I - she'll-"
> Grinning a touch, Anonymous waves dismissively.
> "Go ahead, Rumble. Say what you want."
> "She deserves somepony better than you. Much, much better."
> "I know."
> The reply brings Rumble up short, having clearly not expected that Anonymous would agree with him.
> "Mocha Cream needed someone who could give her real love - a life together, maybe even children. That's not me. So look out for her, Rumble, and if you want to be that pony? You're welcome to try. But-"
> Standing again, Anonymous steps forward to loom over the colt.
> "-don't you dare break her heart. Understand? I won't see her crushed like that twice."
> "Y-Yes. I get it."
> "Good!"
> Just as quickly his face softens as he squats down and offers Rumble and open hand.
> "I trust you'll be good to her. Now, go get some sleep. If anyone gives you trouble for being out after curfew, tell them I authorized it and they're welcome to come ask me about it."
> Soon after your brother leaves Cadance comes up to tell Anonymous that Megan is ready for bed.
> He steps out with a promise to be right back, leaving you alone with the princess.
> "You look tired, Thunderlane. Is everything alright?"
> Not wasting any time, you draw close to her and whisper in a whispered hiss:
"Your Highness - Sunburst found me while I was out shadowing Flurry. There is a problem."
> "Tell me."
> Her voice is just as low, sensing your trouble.
"Sunburst was contacted by somepony who's fed me tips in the past. Gave me information leading to the ponies who attacked Mocha. Now they're telling him part of your resistance-ring - the one who's been our contact to the outside - might try to jump the cloud early and leave the camp using Sunburst's plan."
> "It'd take a unicorn of considerable strength and skill to manage that spell. Sunburst assured me he could trust them all!"
"Not anymore. He's terrified."
> "He'll need to make it clear this is not my order-"
"Already is. But if they're going anyway, that might be enough."
> Pacing in a nervous circle, Cadance's eyes focus far away and she mumbles to herself.
> "I could break the rule keeping each of the cells separate, talk to them all together… or…”
"You - you could leak the information to Anonymous yourself. Or I could-"
> She didn't need to know the other reason Anonymous would trust your word.
> It'd only be the second time you had blown an escape attempt.
"-not the exact plan. But that something might be coming in or going out, and packages are going to be inspected. It might warn them off."
> "Maybe. But..."
> You both grow silent at the sound of footsteps coming back up the stairs.
> Anonymous slips back into the study and promptly sinks into his chair.
> "There we go. Two children, tucked away."
> A questioning look is shot at Cadance while he is looking away - would she tell, should you? - but only garners a negative shake of her head.
"Did the talk with Mocha really go that badly, Master?"
> He snorts.
> "Like you would not believe..."
> Unfortunately, being lost in his own memories of that matter means Anonymous does not notice how tired you are for some time - long after when any rational pony would be in bed.
> Eventually you simply raise a hoof in request:
"Master, I think I need to be heading to bed. If I can go...?"
> "Oh! Of course, Thunderlane. I'll talk to you tomorrow; g'night, Thunderlane."
"G'night."
> Stumbling out of the study, you carefully re-shut the door behind you and start down the stairs.
> With the entire staff bedded down for the night, the manor was more still than you'd ever seen it.
> All except one, whose tail you just barely catch vanishing through a doorway.
"G'nigh-"
> Wait.
> Through the mental cloud of fatigue you belatedly remember two very clear facts:
> That you knew exactly what all the house-ponies looked like - and that reddened tail hadn't belonged to any of them.
> And that doorway was Megan's room.
> Whirling about, you charge it without a thought - slamming the door open like a battering ram.
"Stop where you are! I see you, and-!"
> Your mid-air leap, hooves outstretched to grapple him, suddenly turns into an inelegant tumble that ends with you slamming into the wall.
> As your vision clears you see Copper Dust - his horn alight and face twisted into an expression of raw fury.
> In their bed, Megan and Flurry Heart are sitting up and clutching each other.
"Don't try it. Don't you fucking dare try it. They are innocent of anything you might think-"
> His horn lights, and again you leap.
> This time, however, a torrent of magic slams you to the wall - driving breath from your lungs, leaving you pinned and wheezing.
> Sweet Celestia - what was this?!
> His magic is incredibly strong!
> You can only watch helplessly as Copper Dust turns to approach the bed.
> There's another obstacle in his way, however:
> Flurry Heart has climbed to stand between the intruder and Megan, her wings spread and eyes narrowed.
> "Get away from my mistress!"
> Copper Dust recoils as if struck, his jaw working soundlessly.
> After a moment, though, he reaches a hoof out:
> "F-Flurry... it's - I'm - she's not your mistress anymore, little gem! I'm not going to hurt her; I'm just going to take you away. Somewhere safe, where you won't be taught to -"
> "No. I'm not going anywhere!"
> "They're teaching you to be a - a tyrant, Flurry! To rule over other ponies and whip them if they want to be free! And I won't see you-"
> Horn flaring, Copper Dust splits his magical grip - the other half manifesting around Flurry's leg.
> And two things happen simultaneously:
> One; you stand up, muscles straining against his remaining grip.
> And two, Flurry Heart screams.
> Not a filly scream.
> Not even a mare's scream.
> But an alicorn's scream, a Royal Canterlot Scream - a physical blow that sends you tumbling head-over-hooves for the second time that night.
> You're vaguely aware of coming too covered in glass - had the window exploded? - and upside down.
> Somewhere nearby, you can hear Copper Dust groaning as he stirs.
> And that's right when the door is ripped clean off its hinges.
 
> "So, Cadance. What did you want to speak about?"
“Master, I…”
> You have to tell him.
> Pass on the warning Sunburst had been given.
> He wasn’t like he was all those months ago.
> He would let you handle it.
> He wouldn’t send ponies to be tortured - if you admitted it before it could happen.
> So why was this so hard to admit?
> “Cadance? What is it?”
> Your pacing had brought you to a stop in front of his chair, and you shiver gently as he reaches down to lift your head into his hands.
> “Is it something to do with Mocha, Cadance? You know you can speak freely.”
“No, I…”
> Damn it!
> “Cadance…”
> Leaning forward, he brings his head level with your muzzle.
> “I’ve held you in chains. I’ve seen you at your weakest. Please, trust me - whatever this is, you can tell me.”
> He’s close - so close.
> Close enough for you to see the honestly.
> He really does believe that.
“Master, it’s something that I-”
> Two pair of ears prick as a shout echoes up from the floor below, followed shortly by a heavy thud.
"What was...?"
> Another angry shout, and Anonymous starts to rise from his chair.
> "Who the hell is fighting at this Godforsaken hour of the night?"
"I don't know, but let me go with you. It could be bad, and-"
> The scream tears through the house, a physically powerful noise that leaves your head pounding.
> Despite the pain, both of you are rising to your feet and hooves in a second.
> You knew that scream.
> It had been years since you had heard it, but it cut straight to your heart in the way only a child's cry could touch a parent.
> Throwing open the study door, you charge to the stairs and leap from the top - landing on the first floor with a heavy-hoofed thud.
> The door to Megan's room is shut, and you forego opening in favor of simply tearing it off to clear the way.
> Inside, you take in the scene in a moment:
> Thunderlane, pinned to a wall by a field of magic.
> Flurry Heart, winded and panting on the bed but still standing before Megan.
> And another stallion, one you didn't know, crawling to his hooves.
> Horn igniting, you seize him in a magical grip.
"YOU WILL NOT HURT MY DAUGHTER!"
> The roared challenge seems to shock him into action:
> His horn ignites, a gleaming lavender bubble encapsulating the stallion to shield him from your touch.
> It's strong magic - a more powerful field than you have felt in years.
> But you are an alicorn.
> And faced with the threat to your filly - with the specter of losing her again, having to bury her before you pass - there is nothing you will not do.
> Reaching within yourself, you tap the roiling nexus of magic at your core and pull it into your horn.
> Energies raw and primal flow through you, rippling our mane and effusing your eyes with glow.
> The shield is squeezed until it cracks, shattering like the glass that litters the room, and you seize the stallion in a crushing grip.
"Who are you?! How dare you threaten a child?!"
> He's trying to say something, but no part of you cares.
> There's - something else about him.
> Something magically resonating in your grip - a fragment of something, woven into his long, bushy mane.
> An enchantment?
> You rip it free, a few strands of mane coming with the wooden shard, and watch as the charm's disguising effect bleeds from him:
> Russet color running from his mane like blood, coat and eyes shifting too, revealing-
> Your magic fails.
> Not releases, but fails entirely.
> Overtaken by the lump in your throat, the stillness of your heart's beating.
> Half of you wants to rip the rest of his mane off, searching for another disguise enchantment in its tangled depths.
> But more of you knows that it is impossible; there was no more magic affecting him.
> No way to deny what you saw.
> No hope of making reality any less impossible.
> A great rushing fills your ears, lungs seeming to clamp up still and stomach turning entirely inside out.
> You are only dimly aware of Anonymous entering the room, or of Thunderlane rising to help him tackle the stallion and pin him down.
> No.
> Not 'the stallion'.
> Not a no-pony, an unknown.
> But your husband.
> Flurry Heart's father.
> Shining Armor.
[Choice]
"S-Shin-ing?"
> You can barely get the name past your lips.
> Much of your brain is still blindly repeating what it knew to be truth, desperately scrambling to repeat the mantra that Shining Armor was dead so that you would not have to face this reality.
> But the rest is recognizing what your eyes were clearly seeing:
> Shining Armor was alive.
> Warm, breathing, thinking alive.
> All thoughts of what he had just done - of what would drive him to try and break into the house, to go after Megan and Flurry -
> The same part of you that wants to give him a good slap across the jaw for this.
> All of that is washed away in a moment.
> The only things that matter was that Shining was alive.
"Shining!"
> You leap for him - not in attack, but in to tackle him into an embrace that actually spins the two of you over and over in a tumbling tangle of hooves, wings, and horns.
"You were d-dead, I was sure of it! I c-couldn't believe you were still a-alive, and I thought for sure you were dead-"
> It's the little things that you always remembered about him:
> The way his coat had a little swirl just between the pectorals, not true fluff but something you could stick your nose into and tickle him by swirling it about.
> The scent that you'd always come to associate as slightly iron-ey, even when he was wearing no armor.
> The two-toned blue mane with an omnipresent case of helmet-hair, now grown out into a long and shaggy mess.
> The slight crinkle of his eyes, just below the brow.
> All of that - yes, all of that still here.
> Even if you could see many more unwelcome additions to his appearance:
> You're all too aware of the hard ridges bands of scars criss-crossing his body meant.
> He must have suffered terribly.
> But no more.
> He was here now, and you were never letting go again.
"Oh, Celestia - Celestia, Luna, thank them all - I was all alone and I thought you were never coming back, and I don't know..."
> "C-Cady?"
> That voice.
> The voice you'd yearned to hear just one more time for so, so long.
"Shining... oh, Shining"
> You pull back, staring at him - drinking in that familiar face held between in your hooves.
> The impossibility of it all mounts one final assault on the shores of relief.
> An assault that utterly fails against the now-overwhelming tide of reality.
> Then another voice broke in:
> "Cadance...? Is this who I think it is?"
> Anonymous!
> Of course!
> You'd have to deal with him too.
> Never even letting go from Shining, you turn to bob your head in an affirmative nod.
> Four pairs of confused eyes - two pony, two human - look back.
"Y-Yes. This - this is my husband. This is Shining Armor."
> The more you look, the more you realize just how bad things seem:
> Broken glass litters the floor; nearby the now-empty door, flakes of plaster drift from where the hinges had been anchored.
> Hoofsteps - many, rapid, a number of ponies traveling together - are coming closer.
> Those in the room still barely see; Flurry Heart is still crouched over Megan.
> You barely care.
> Turning back to Shining, you lay your forehead to his - eyes sliding shut and relishing the feel of his horn brushing yours.
"Oh, Shining! What were you thinking?! Why didn't you - you say something?! I would have - have - I don't know-"
> "C-Cady... Cady, I didn't-"
> At last Shining relaxes too, breath puffing from his nostrils.
> "Cadance?"
> Anonymous again, once more intruding on the moment.
> "Are you going to - is he... safe?"
"Y-Yes. What happened, I don't know what happened. But he's safe, Master-"
> The second you speak that world, you feel Shining tense.
> Too late your eyes open.
> Not soon enough to catch the snarl on his lips.
> "Get your hooves off me, you traitor whore!"
> Every word is like a whip across your back.
> You can't even form words - not even when he tries to shove you off.
> Not that he can; the grip of an alicorn is much too great for even a well-built unicorn for him to throw off.
> Anonymous, however, is not content to merely let you hang on:
> Rising with a growl, he advances on Shining Armor; Thunderlane and - by now awoken by the clamor - two other house-ponies at his sides.
"No! Don't hurt him!"
> You're frantic, almost panicked.
> Despite what Shining had said you can't bear the thought of him being harmed.
> Not when he was only just come back.
> Still clinging to him, you swing your head around to ward them off with the point of your horn.
> When they advance still, you light your horn to hold them back.
> It's the barest touch of telekinesis; enough to make halt their advances.
"You have to promise, you won't hurt him! Please-"
> "Cadance..."
> At a distance Anonymous stops, frowning with a confused look in his eyes.
> "...I don't know if we can-"
"Please. If anything of what I've done for you matters at all, Master-"
> Shining's body spasms in another enraged attempt to flee.
"-then don't hurt him. He wasn't going to hurt them, I swear it. My Shining Armor could never hurt a child."
> Unconvinced, Anonymous hesitates still.
"...please... I can't lose him again. I can't."
> Your whispered plea finally seems to break through to him.
> "...alright, Cadance. We'll just get him to a cell. Nothing more."
> Yes!
> That was little enough.
> You could work with that.
> "Someone go get one of the guards. Have them bring shackles, a horn restrictor, and something to carry him on. And maybe an injection for sedation."
> You allow them to seize Shining, but stay clinging to him still - even if you cannot bear to see the look in his eyes.
> The expression of utter betrayal.
> Of all-consuming rage at your - cooperation.
> Even so, you stay at his side whispering a blabbered stream of thoughts until the guards come with chains, a horn-ring, and a needle to take him away.
"...Shining? Please, trust me Shining. It's going to be okay. I'll be there. You're going to be fine. We're going to be fine, Shining - oh, sweet Celestia what got into you?! - but you're going to be fine and please trust me. I'll be there for you, Shining. I'll be there...."
> You're following close behind him when Anonymous' hand falls on your back.
> "Wait."
> Forcing your hooves to stop may very well be the second-hardest thing you have ever done, after sending Flurry away as a foal.
> Once the guards are out of earshot, you look around again.
> Oh.
> Right.
> The room was still a mess, Flurry and Mega were still huddled amid the now-ruined bed...
> And no doubt Anonymous would want an explanation.
> Once more your horn lights, lifting filly and girl from the bed.
> The former is set on your back; the latter into her father's arms.
"U-Upstairs. We should go upstairs."
> "Right. I... someone get some duct tape and a tarp, cover over that window."
> "Yes, Master."
> Though the house ponies quickly go to work, all their eyes are on you.
> You can feel them, pressing on you like a saddle on your back.
> Upstairs, Anonymous sets Megan on the bed; you put Flurry next to her and they quickly scramble together.
> "Right. Cadance, Thunderlane... what just happened?"
"I... I don't know. I came through the door first and saw him, but he had something-"
> Damn, you'd forgotten it downstairs!
"-there was something. He had it woven into his mane; it must've been enchanted to conceal his appearance."
> Anonymous, who had started pacing in a frantic circle, halts in place and jerks up in shock.
> "That can be done?!"
"With the right resources. I think I'd even maybe seen him once or twice before, but... Thunderlane?"
> The stallion looks to you, and you nod.
> "As I was going downstairs, I saw his tail go around a corner. I knew it wasn't one of the house ponies, so I pursued him. Then you came down..."
> "Do you know about the disguise at all?"
> "Actually, yes. He came in with first wave of the big expansion - was going by the name Copper Dust. We talked a few times; I never thought to look for a disguise either."
"You talked to him?!"
> "Several times. He..."
> Thunderlane pauses, brows knitting.
> "...actually, this explains a lot. A whole lot."
> His eyes flick to you, and you know what he is thinking.
> The message Sunburst had been given...
> Was Shining planning to flee with Flurry Heart?
> The thought of that - the thought of Shining actually doing something, because he was alive and you still weren't quite sure how to handle that idea! - is almost too much to consider.
> Anonymous finally stops pacing entirely and sinks onto his bed.
> Instantly Flurry Heart and Megan are occupying his lap, and you feel a sense of shame bubbling up within you.
> How could you have forgotten about your daughter?
> She must have been terrified - a strange stallion bursting into her room, attacking her...
> Climbing up onto the bed yourself, you drop onto your side and rest your head next to Flurry; after a moment, her wing extends out over your neck and yours up to shelter her back.
"Thunderlane... what was he like?"
> From how the stallion's eyes fall, you can tell the answer will not be a welcome one.
> "Angry. Really, really angry at times. He talked a lot about how you were a collaborator. When he heard you were had - hit Flurry Heart?"
"I spanked her. It was just a spanking..."
> The whispered protest is meaningless to Thunderlane, of course.
> He simply shrugs and goes on:
> "It wasn't always like that. He talked with me sometimes. Not angrily, just pony-to-pony. It was only when something happened that the anger came back up?"
> Running his fingers through Megan's hair, Anonymous grunts.
> "So, it's a fair guess that something provoked this - incident."
> "Yes. Or a lot of somethings, building up over time like a storm grows until it breaks."
> "He said he was going to take me away."
> Everyone jumps as Flurry Heart speaks at last.
> "He said you were teaching me to be a - a tie-rant? And he was going to take me somewhere safe."
> Megan nods soundlessly, pulling your filly ever-closer to her; Flurry turns her head to look at you.
> "M-Momma? Is dad... Is he really...?"
"I... I don't know, little gem."
> "Okay, Thunderlane. Go downstairs, tell the guards I want a guard on the house. If there's more trouble, let me know. Otherwise... there's no sense facing this now. He'll still be here in the morning. Go get some sleep."
> "Yes, Master."
> After he leaves, you become aware of a gentle whimpering at your side.
> Megan.
> Despite her father's arms around her and Flurry now nuzzling into her side, she still trembles and sniffles.
> For entirely different reasons, you can't help but be fearful as well.
> What would Anonymous do to Shining...?
> Phantom fears of the fate that had befallen Autumn Frost and Comet Tail flicker through your head.
> As much for yourself as for her, you lean over to brush your cheek against Megan's chest - both yourself and Flurry nickering softly.
"Shhh, little one. Everything will be okay. Understand? No harm will come to you. I swear it."
> How much it helps either of you isn't clear, but at least Megan quiets.
> Anonymous squeezes her shoulder:
> "Both of you, climb in to bed. You'll stay here tonight. Cadance, come with me a moment?"
> Your stomach drops.
"Yes, Master."
> As soon as the bathroom door closes, he turns on the water to run with a low hiss.
> Instead of washing, however, he turns to look at you.
> "...you once told me that if Shining was free, you'd have heard. If he was captured, he'd be dead or broken. But now he's here and neither free, dead, or broken from the sound of things."
> Instantly you are down in a deep bow, nose touching the floor in spite of where you are in an abject gesture of submission.
"Master - if anything I have ever done for you matters to you, anything at all, please don't-"
> Hiccups break the flow of your words.
"-don't hurt him. I can't - I can't lose him again."
> "I know. I saw how you leaped at him. Tackled him. I thought you were going to tear his head off, honestly, but... yeah. I get it. Honestly, I'm mostly concerned about you."
> You dare to raise your head just enough to meet your eyes to his.
"You - you won't-"
> "Half the reason I'm waiting until morning is because I think I might be calm enough to act rationally then. Right now, I'm still trying to get over the fact that someone broken into my house and threatened my daughter. I shouldn't deal with him now."
> The relief that cuts through you is almost enough to make your hind-legs collapse and drop you to the floor entirely.
> "Come on. I can see that you aren't good, so you're going to be staying here tonight again. Tomorrow morning... we'll see what happens."
> This time, however, you shift aside, letting Megan and Flurry sleep between yourself and Anonymous.
> Sheltering them in an encircling wall of protective warmth.
> ... and it quiets all your old fears over sleeping alongside your master, which have now come back at full-strength.
> It was one thing when you'd believed Shining dead, but now...
> Even with this measure, sleep evades you.
> A violent cocktail of emotions and hormones keep you well away from any real rest.
> By five in the morning, you've had enough of tossing, turning, and stewing in fear.
> Orders and exhaustion be damned, you could not abandon your husband.
> Rising from the bed, you slip down to the first floor - past the ruined doorway - and out to the security post.
> The guard on duty doesn't even ask why you are there, just rises and starts down toward the cells.
> You note with a touch of irony that Shining had been placed in the same cell you had after being caught escaping.
> And just like you had been, he was shackled in a torturous upright position:
> Hooves above his head, shoulders bearing much of his weight in a permanently reared-back position.
> His mane - long, unkempt, and now gleaming with a sheen of oil - falling to frame his head.
> A thick and heavy restrictor mounted on his horn.
> Was this what you had looked like?
> Certainly the hateful glare he gave you as you entered must be every bit the equal of the one you gave Anonymous once upon a time.
> Shining is the first to speak, but his words are nothing of what you had expected:
> "Changeling. Take off my wife's face. I won't speak to you like this."
"W-What?!"
> "You fooled me once - enslaved me once - with your tricks. I won't be fooled again. So don't pretend to be her!"
> Like a knife twisted in your ribs, the words send you recoiling back in agony.
> Was that how he saw you?
> As that wretched creature who called herself queen?
"I - I'm not -"
> Tears begin to form in the corners of your eyes, around the puckered bags beneath them.
> The only tactic you can think to take is refuge in the absurd:
"How - how do I don't know you aren't the changeling?! You're the one who a-attacked Flurry-"
> "Attacked?!"
> His chains rattle as Shining writhes in them.
> "I'm trying to free her! You - you -"
> Abruptly he sags again, drips falling from his blazing eyes.
> "-I dared to believe it was her again. For just a second, when you hugged me. I wanted it to be her so badly. But your nature shines through. All you want is to be in power, and the second HE spoke you were right back to assuring you were-"
"I spoke up because I didn't want him to kill-"
> "Shut up!"
> His roared order sends you backpedaling again.
> This time, however, you rally forward again:
"...when they were coming for us, in the Crystal Empire, I wanted to send Flurry Heart away to you. I thought you could protect her, even if I couldn't. It was your talent. But you were already away, and there wasn't time... do you remember the last letter I sent?"
> "Don't even try to-"
"My dearest Shining, I wished to wait for you forever. But time waits for nopony, and we must leave before the passes - or the net which seeks to ensnare us - closes in. I am taking Flurry and fleeing. Come back to me, Shining - we are two souls but one heart, and every day without you is another day that part of me is missing..."
> "...and without you I fear that I am growing cold as the snows we now flee into. Come back to me, my love, for we stood against the black wraith Sombra together..."
"...and together we may stand against this calamity until love and justice rules the land again..."
> "...Your one and true love forever, Mi Amore Cadenza."
> You nod as Shining finishes the message, whispering only half to him:
"I couldn't stand alone. I couldn't protect them. I couldn't protect Flurry Heart. I lost them all, Shining... oh, Celestia help me I lost them all."
> For a long time the cell is silent, but for the occasional creaking of his chains.
> Finally it occurs to you that you should do something about that.
> A quick burst from your horn opens the latch suspending him and lowers Shining to the floor.
> Yet when his head finally rises, if at all possible he seems even more enraged.
> "Then you're not a changeling. You're even worse. You're a traitor. A collaborator. Living up in that fancy house at the cost of everypony else here."
"I am doing nothing of the sort!"
> "How can I believe you! I know everything you've done. You beat Flurry-"
"It was a spanking, Shiny! A spanking for running into danger!"
> "-you're helping them turn her into a tyrant that will rule over ponies with you-"
"If she is Megan's friend, then Megan will see why slavery is wrong!"
> "-you have ponies whipped when you could be using your magic to free them all-"
"He disobeyed a direct order, and Anonymous would have done worse!"
> "-and you had Corona tortured damn near to death!"
> This at last you have no easy answer for; the scales have tipped.
> With monumental effort Shining Armor heaves himself upright to advance on you, shuffling on still-shackled hooves.
> "You walked down those beds, between rows and rows of ponies weak and tired and exhausted and already hurting from the whips and cattle prods of the slavers who'd dragged them back. You chose her. And when she was done you had the hubris to visit her room and try to apologize to her-"
> Now it is your turn to collapse, ears fallen and whinnying fearfully.
"How - how can you possibly know that?"
> Nopony else had been in the room with you when that had happened.
> Looming over you, Shining Armor snarls:
> "Because Corona told me. She told me everything you did. How they looked up to you. Called you 'Your Highness". Put their hopes in you. And you - you fed her to him! A defenseless pony, to that!"
> The room begins to spin.
> Corona told him.
> Corona had told him what you did.
> "It's never left her, you know that? She's like - like one of the Crystals, remembering what Sombra did to them. It plagues her. When I came here, first I dared to hope she was wrong. That she had lied. Then I thought, it couldn’t by Cadance."
> Somehow you'd always thought she had either died or vanished.
> But now - was this Harmony itself punishing you for not being stronger?
> You begin to weep softly.
> "It had to be a changeling, because my Cady would never do that. She was love, not cruelty. But you… We were supposed to shelter and guide them, Cadance. Not sell them out to save ourselves. That was our duty!"
"I - I tried?"
> "You tried? Tried?! How lucky. I never even got the chance to fight. They took me while I slept. I guess they didn't need to do that to you."
> Shining pauses a moment, then leans in to deliver the coup de grace:
> "And I know you've been sleeping with him. I saw you, up in that room at night. Was I that easy to replace, Cadance? Does he make you call him "master" when he mounts you? Is that just another 'price to pay' for having ponies look up to you?"
> That...
> That is just too much.
> He could accuse you of many, many things - of failing to save Flurry, of whipping ponies, of what had befallen Corona.
> But your love, your heart, was another matter entirely.
> Your heart was his.
> Some hidden reserve of strength bursts forth in you, flooding your body and filling you with righteous indignation.
> Shining falls back as you rise, wings spreading and eyes narrowed.
"No. I have never, never let him touch me like that. I have never broken our vows. Even when I thought you were dead, I never did."
> Your voice is ringing, strong, filling the cell.
"And now you will listen to me too: I did try to protect them. I did guide them to escape, and when that failed I suffered under the lash too. He - he found Flurry, Shining. After I lost her, he found her and she was sick and had fleas and was so thin you could see her bones-"
> A deep breath is sucked down to let you continue.
"-and he told me she would have to be sold off to who-knows-where if I kept fighting, and more ponies would follow, and - and what was I supposed to do, Shining?! There are no good options here. I fought the battles I could, saved everypony from what I could, and mourn the ones I lost every day."
> Now everything is reversed:
> You are advancing, while Shining shimmies backwards in retreat.
"I have given everypony here a place where they don't have to fear the whip for not bowing low enough. Where they can remember Equestria openly, not whisper of our traditions in corners and under blankets. Where they can dare have a princess to look up to!"
> At last he reaches the cell wall and can go no further.
"I have done many, many terrible things, Shining. Things I will never be forgiven for, even by myself - not even if I lived forever like Aunt Celestia or Luna. But I have never been a traitor."
> And then you sit, the strength that had sustained you that far fading away.
> Both of you breathing hard.
> Tentatively, you dare to lean in and rest your forehead against his.
> He huffs softly, then nickers.
"...oh, Shiny. What have we become?"
[Choice]
> You stay like that for who-knows-how-long, just standing against him.
> Eventually you back up, however.
"Wait here."
> Moving a second cot into the cell is easy enough for your magic, and no one questions what you are doing.
> When Shining Armor tries to leap up onto the bed, however, he nearly tumbles over and you are forced to catch him in your magic.
> The look he shoots you is one of protest over the emasculating assistance, but you are not in the mood for questions.
> He must have hung by his forelegs there for hours - while you were resting comfortably in bed, no less! - and you know from personal experience how weak and shaky he would be.
> Shining does not hesitate to take advantage of the cot, however, promptly falling over onto his side with a very audible sigh of relief.
> You settle on the second cot, facing him with sad eyes.
> So many questions whirl through your head.
> What had happened to him?
> How had he survived - both fleeing slavery, and in the misery that his scars hinted at following capture?
> What had happened to Corona, and how did they end up meeting?
> How was she faring now?
> Was she safe?
> Was he safe?
> So many questions - but Shining is not talking, only looking at you with inscrutable eyes.
> Instead, you begin to talk:
> Starting from the very beginning.
> What happened after your capture.
> Being traded from owner to owner, a fancy but useless trophy, until finally Anonymous found you.
"When I first came here, I - I thought a lot the same way. He wasn't thinking of anything but his profit, and we didn't have any option but to resist and escape. He couldn't think of everything so I hatched a plan to get as many ponies as possible out."
> Settling down on your belly, you let your eyes drift - mind wandering back to those days so many months ago.
"We must have been betrayed. We were caught in the escape, and he told me that he'd found Flurry Heart. Showed me what shape she was in. You can't know how I felt right then, Shining - my daughter, the filly I would have given my life for, so sick and thin..."
> "So you turned."
> Despite the words, there's none of the anger his voice had once held.
"Yes. I 'turned'. And I hated myself for it, so very much. Especially when they started bringing back the ponies that had escaped. I talked him out of torturing them all, but - but he wouldn't - he said an example had to be made. I would pick one, or he would pick them all. And I - I-"
> It's too much.
> You sink down onto the mattress, nose touching the rough fabric and flanks heaving with tears.
"N-Nothing has ever made me more sick. Not even when I was forced to take a whip to the ponies who'd helped me plan the escape. At least then I could force him to whip me too, so I could suffer alongside them. But that... it was too much."
> He waits patiently for the tears to end, for you to be able to speak again.
> Neither comforting, nor accusing.
"What - what is she like now?"
> "...she's... persevered. Not healed. Nightmares and panic attacks, like I sometimes saw in veteran guardsponies who'd seen battle. And her cutie mark, of course."
"Her - cutie mark?"
> You're almost - no, you are afraid to ask; but there's no turning back now.
> Shining eyes you levelly as he answers.
> "She had it cut off. So she couldn't be identified and brought back."
> Immediately you're leaned over the edge of the bed, retching as gorge rises in your throat.
> Her mark - the sign of her talent, her destiny - cut off.
> Truly, desperation born of unfortunately rational madness.
> "I think she would have been worse. But she escaped far enough away that she couldn't be traced back to him, and then our owner..."
> Wait.
" 'Our' owner?"
> "Corona and I... we have the same owner."
> So there was another owner.
"What is he like?"
> "He's... we don't agree all the time. But to him, I'm not just property. Neither is Corona. We work for him, sure, but that's 'for', not 'under', and he works with us. And that's all the world's difference."
> A pause, and then he adds:
> "...it's a better place for Corona than this could ever be."
"And you would have taken Flurry out of here to go - where? Back to him? Running off in the night, like the ponies I sent away? Some of them died, Shining!"
> "She wouldn't have died! I would have been looking after her. Can you imagine what that would mean for ponies, Cadance? A free alicorn, a free princess?! It would have made all the difference!"
"Is that all she is to you? A - A figurehead for a revolution?"
> Shining snarls, and you know you'd gone too far.
> "That is the last thing on my mind, Cady! What matters to me is that she is safe and being molded into something for a slaver's use!"
"Then why didn't you tell me you were here?! She doesn't stay in the house all the time; I - I could have-"
> The answer, of course, is already on your lips.
> He hadn't told you because he thought you had betrayed everything you once stood for.
> Even your love for him.
> "There are... places to go, Cadance. Safehouses. I used some of them to get in here, I could get out again."
"Right. Just turn yourself into a picture and mail yourself out. And you'd be doing that magic yourself too?"
> "I - what - the plan, you know about the plan-"
"Because I told him to build it, Shining Armor!"
> This, at last, gets him to visibly recoil.
> Still you go on, tears flowing from your eyes.
"Sunburst set it all up, found the contacts outside, because I would never, ever abandon my ponies. Because if the day ever came that life here was totally intolerable, they would have a way out."
> "Then - why not?!"
"Because after Corona... I think he started to turn too. But more importantly than that, even, because I met his daughter for the first time. I'd never seen Anonymous with something he actually loved before, but the two of them... he became a completely different person. He gave Flurry Heart to Megan, and she - she actually treated Flurry almost like a friend."
> A gift from Harmony itself, that had been.
> Not having to fear for her anymore.
"You said your owner doesn't treat you like property? She doesn't treat Flurry like that either. She's - she's innocent, Shining."
> His eyes flick away, and you know you've found a weakness in his defenses.
> "Right. Innocent. Megan said it herself; she was going to be training Flurry Heart to be like... you. That Megan was going to treat everypony 'kindly', just like you do. Is that what you call using a whip?"
> The muttered comment lacks the anger of his earlier ones, though.
"Yes, innocent. She's kind. Megan plays with her as a - a friend; 'masters' don't do that. She protects Flurry too, not just uses her. She doesn't know to see ponies as just things to be used yet."
> "I..."
> Shining shifts uncomfortably, and with a start you come to understand why he finds this so hard to argue.
"You've seen it too, haven't you? Or something like it."
> "It's... not the same with her."
"What's her name, Shining?"
> "Gracie... when I'm around her, I'm like taffy. I can't resist her, no matter what she asks me to do. It's all so innocent."
> His voice is low, as if he is afraid to admit this.
> "But, she isn't an owner. She's just a friend."
> Now you feel comfortable enough to reach out with a hoof to touch his side.
"It's easier when there's just good and bad, isn't it? When you can figure out who's right and wrong. Who to defend, and who to defend others from. Did you know, Shining, that I once snapped and all but begged Anonymous to beat me? Because it's so much easier if he could be an enemy."
> "He did, from the look of your back."
"And it seems you suffered far, far worse than I ever did."
> "They didn't like a slave who wouldn't bow deep enough. Especially one who was a prince."
> The bitterness in his voice tells you exactly how that displeasure had been expressed.
> "And the worst of them were the ponies who just went along with it. Tartarus' black teats - some of them even enjoyed it!"
> Now you cannot resist the urge any longer.
> Reaching across the cots, you slip into a tender and gentle embrace.
"Oh, forgive me Shining..."
> "Until I met him, I'd never seen one who I - I could..."
> Shining begins to crack, his flanks heaving.
> "I couldn't believe he wasn't just going to beat me too."
> And so he'd expected you to be the same way.
"If you truly have seen the innocence of a child, Shining, then you understand what I am trying to do here. Megan may be his daughter, but she is not our enemy. Enemies don't come down into our camp to help us. You saw how Flurry Heart went to shelter her, back there?"
> He flinches sharply, and you know he did.
> It's a dirty blow, reminding him that his own daughter had seen him as something to be feared, but necessary.
"You can't force that kind of loyalty. You can't beat it into somepony with a whip. That's love, Shining. Love that can save us. Just like love saved the Crystal Empire before, it can save us now. She will grow up seeing us as ponies, not things. You want to fight back, to have a revolution? Megan is the revolution."
> "He'll never let you do that to his daughter."
"He can't stop me. Without me, this place falls apart. If he wants Megan to take this place over, he can't even send her away."
> This time he doesn't have a comeback, a retort to challenge you with.
> Just looks down at the bed, twists his still-shackled hooves, and grimaces.
"We each have our own strengths, Shining. You had the will to keep yourself strong in the face of cruelty I could never face. But I fight differently. My talent is love, and I will spread it wherever I can."
> Slowly you reach over, daring this time to rest your neck across his.
> His mane is greasy with oil and reeks of dried sweat.
> It is the most beautiful thing you have ever smelled.
> And Shining does not fight back nor pull away.
"But most of all, Shining, I promise you this: Whatever happens, my love for you will never fade."
> "I... I shouldn't have said all that. About you."
> You can feel him shift, trying to get comfortable on the mattress with his still-shackled hooves.
> "But I still - I can't understand this. My owner - he's a partner. He doesn't keep me beaten down. And Gracie is..."
"Innocent."
> "Yes. I'm still figuring out how I feel about them, but I can make my peace with working for them. Even defending them, against somepony trying to hurt them. But helping a slaver subjugate ponies, it just feels so - so - wrong!"
> One wing extends, draping itself across his back.
"I imagine your owner is very different, if he let you pull this off-"
> "He didn't."
> Your heart skips a beat.
"What?"
> Shining winces.
> "He doesn't know. After I found out Corona knew where you were, I..."
"You ran off! You ran off on some hoof-brained quest to find me and now he doesn't have any idea where you are either - and oh, Celestia, if he comes looking for you and brings Corona-"
> "How badly will he react?"
> You honestly have no idea.
"I'll keep working on this. You rest now, Shining, and I'll set this right. In the meantime... tell me what happened to you, from the beginning."
> He is still talking when the door to the cell opens and a guard sticks her head through:
> "Cadance? Anonymous wants to see you."
"...I'll be right there."
> Rising, you kiss Shining Armor on the forehead.
"Rest now."
> As you walk from the cell upstairs, however, you are still very much uncertain.
> So many unknown factors at play here:
> Would he insist on further punishing Shining Armor?
> Would he punish you, for that matter, for running off without waiting for him to wake?
> What about Shining's owner?
> You were no expert of human law, but that would mean Shining had to be returned to his actual owner - right?
> And - most of all - what do you do with the information about Corona?
> How would Anonymous react to knowing she still lived and had even escaped?
> Demand he recover his property?
> Try to make amends?
> Dare you hope - just let her go?
> And how do you approach the topic, if at all with him?
[Choice]
> ...you can't hide this from Anonymous indefinitely.
> Sooner or later, it'd end up coming out - and it was time to stand behind what you had told Shining and trust that your Master truly had changed after realizing what he'd done.
> Still, you cannot hide some trepidation as you head back to the manor.
> A quiet suggestion from one of the servants sends you upstairs to Anonymous' study again.
> He was there, slumped in a chair and staring at the far wall.
"Master? You wanted me?"
> "Is it really him, Cadance?”
> You close the door behind you and step to his side.
> At least he didn't smell of alcohol this time.
"Yes. It is definitely my Shining Armor."
> "Hmm."
> Thus follows a period of silence, broken only when he adds:
> "I called in Megan late to school. She needed some time to recover. Didn't sleep well, especially after you left."
> The accusation hits home, but you have more important concerns.
"Anonymous - please believe me on this. I truly, truly trust he did not mean harm to Megan."
> This draws a snort from him and a continued protest from you.
"Please, Master! Listen to me. I know - I know he is angry. I know you just had your child's room broken into; I remember how I felt when I realized Flurry Heart had been taken. But I am begging you: Do not torture him. He believed I was - was helping you subjugate ponies, and meant to flee with Flurry Heart. Not to harm Megan."
> "Delightful. Another pony causing trouble because all they can see in me is the worst possible thing. And why wouldn't that transition to Megan?"
"Because he found a little girl of her own. He says her name is Gracie, and... I wish you had heard him. Shining understands that Gracie is innocent, and I do not think he aimed to hurt Megan either."
> It is, perhaps, something of a stretch.
> Shining had never explicitly said that, after all.
> But neither had he expressed toward Megan any of the visceral disgust he reserved for yourself or Anonymous.
> "So, he only wants to tear out my own guts."
"I - would not put it so violently..."
> Another hefty snort.
> Circling around to the front of the seat, you drop to your haunches in front of it and give him your best pleading expression.
"He is angry, yes. But he is not blind. And he has good reason to be angry, too-"
> "Oh, what the hell could that be?"
"Corona told him."
> From your position directly in front of the seat, you can see the exact moment when those words make their way into Anonymous' ears.
> He stiffens, jerks forward, eyes wide-
> "She's alive?"
"Alive... but not well. She is scarred, in mind and body. So desperate to flee that she had her cutie marks... removed by a doctor. Just so you couldn't find her. Couldn't claim her. Shining said she is still plagued by nightmare-visions of what you did to her."
 
> You feel as if the world has fallen away around you.
> Blood rushing up into your ears.
> She was - alive.
> Really, truly alive.
> "Can you imagine, Anonymous, what kind of fear and horror drives a pony to do that?"
> You can't.
> Not really.
> It was more than just cutting, it was killing a very part of their identity.
> The mechanics or logic behind cutie marks might not be something you understood, but you were well aware of the weight they carried for ponies.
> After all, your business was based on leveraging those identities.
"Alive... how?"
> A million things could be meant by that.
> How had she managed to leave the camp?
> How had she survived outside, in her weakened state?
> How had she and Shining Armor have come to cross paths?
> Or perhaps even how could you have been so angry to want a pony utterly crushed the way you had tried to crush her?
> Leaning forward, you press both your palms into your face and draw a shaky breath.
"She cut her fucking marks off... And then Shining Armor found her, God, of course he did."
> "Yes. She did. And then you had him hung in chains too; more torment has not improved his opinion."
> You're too shaken to respond to the accusation.
"How did they cross paths, do you know?"
> The last thing you needed to find out is that Shining had somehow been involved in however she'd gotten out.
> "Apparently they are both owned by the same person. She carried the secret for a long time, but eventually told him everything."
> That is befuddling enough to get you to lift your head from your hands.
"Shining Armor, resister-supreme, who broke into my house to get his daughter out, has an owner?"
> "It would seem so. He was tortured nearly to the end, Anonymous - the sort of thing you did to Corona. They wanted to see him break too."
> You can only imagine what he had gone through.
> If one unremarkable mare had resisted you so fiercely, what had they done to try and break him?
> "I don't know how close together their owner found them, but he did. And they bonded, perhaps as two ponies who had suffered through so much. Bonded with their owner, too."
"Now you're just shitting me."
> "Not everyone, Anonymous, sees us as... things to be acquired. Used for profit."
"I don't see you as things!"
> Cadance's flat look tells you exactly what she thinks of that claim.
> "Yes. That is why Shining Armor was nursed back to health from being nearly dead. That is why they work together, not with his owner merely directing ponies to carry out jobs. Anonymous, you may not be the worst owner out there; I acknowledge that. But you are not the kindest either."
"...let's just move on."
> "Hmph. Well, there is not much more to tell. Eventually Corona could not carry her secret any more."
"And she told him."
> Flopping back in the chair, you let your head roll back to face the ceiling.
"I'll be honest with you, Cadance. My daughter's room was just broken into. Regardless of what you say his intentions were, someone just got into my house, into my child's room, and I can't say nothing would have happened to her. This isn't about slavery, this is about feeling so helpless that your kid was almost attacked. I want to go down there and beat him senseless. Or worse. Get the prod, the irons, hoof crusher..."
> Your fingers arch into claws, grasping at air for something - someone - to throttle.
> Drawing a sucking breath, you try to stem the flow of words.
> Cadance shifts, and even without speaking, even without looking at her, you can still hear her silent accusation:
> 'Now you know how we feel.'
> Even more than that, though, you are angered by the realization that your realization that your anger could not be blown off.
"But... I can't do that, because it'd be Corona all over again. Just stuck in an endless fucking loop, me venting my rage on one of you. Going apeshit and then realizing just what the hell I'd done but it'd be too late again... Fuck!"
> You slam your fist down on the chair's arm - just in time for one of the house ponies peering in through the door to catch it.
> He flinches back.
> "Ah - Master, forgive me if this is not a good moment, but you asked to be told when Randall would arrive..."
"It's - it's fine. Thank you."
> Still, though, you don't get up and moving until Cadance takes your hand and gently leads you down to the conference room.
> Randall is already waiting there, Posey resting at his side.
> "Good morning, Anonymous."
"...'morning."
> Your mumbled reply gains a questioning look from Randall, who folds his arms on the table.
> "Now, I don't need working eyes to know that something is rather wrong here today. If I can ask what it is..."
> Rather than answer, you sink into one of the seats and rub your eyes again.
"Cadance, would you...?"
> She does - catching Randall up on what has happened since the prior night.
> To your immense and utter relief, no mention is made of Corona or what you had done to her.
> Still, Randall continues to watch with an ever-more surprised look as the story is told.
> When Cadance reaches the end he shakes his head.
> "That is quite the conundrum you have yourself in now."
"Tell me about it. I know this probably isn't your area of law specialty, but is there any advice you can give?"
> "Well, you're going to have to send him back to the owner or the police so they can handle it, but you've got grounds for a civil suit against his owner at the very least. Possibly a more serious criminal offense, if he knowingly brought Shining Armor here for-"
> "There's no criminal case."
> One of your eyebrows rises questioningly.
"And since when are you an expert on our law, Cadance?"
> Unlike when you usually challenge her, she does not back down but meets your eye evenly.
> "No expert, Master. But Randall just said, if he knowingly brought Shining Armor here... without that, there is no case, correct?"
> It takes a second for the meaning of what she says to click.
"Oh, for fucks' sake - I'm sheltering a runaway now too?!"
> "He couldn't simply stand by when he heard what I was doing!"
> Politely clearing his throat, Randall looks about.
> "If I can ask - it seems there is something more going on here, some other point of this that I am missing...?"
> It's a leading question if you've ever seen one.
> And despite there being every reason not to want to answer, you've come to respect and even trust him.
"There was... a pony. Before the dinner where we first met. Corona. She was part of the escape that took place..."
> Randall listens calmly as you lay out the story.
> Posey was listening too, you notice, her ears laid flat but eyes locked on you.
> When you reach the end, Randall reaches down to find her head and rub between her ears.
> "I am the last one who can criticize you on letting things get out of hand. After all, I let Haute Glamour rampage among my ponies for a lot longer than one incident. And I doubt Cadance would continue to serve you if you were still doing things like this."
"Spot on with that."
> "Still. I can't help but think that this stallion has understandable reasons to do what he did too."
> Your hand drifts up to start rubbing your forehead again.
"In the abstract, so do I. In the moment... I'm still settling my feelings about having my fucking home broken into. In any case, we're still left with the same issue in the end: I've got someone else's stallion in that cell, and I don't know what to do with him yet. I send him back, how do I know he won't come back again? But I can't really keep him, for like five different reasons."
> Randall taps the table thoughtfully.
> "Well, I imagine there's another voice to be heard with respect to that."
> Both of you look to Cadance, who has suddenly gone wide-eyed when put on the spot.
> "I... I mean, I..."
> Shifting from hoof to hoof, her tail flicks and wing shuffles as she finds her words.
> When the come, however, they're in a small voice.
> "I don't know. I can't lose him again, I just can't. We're a family. I haven't seen him for years, and if we I let go I might never see him again..."
> A deep breath, and Cadance tries to squeeze it down.
> "...I'm sorry, Master. That was not the answer you were looking for. And I know he cannot stay; not really."
"Well, there's the whole bit about how he doesn't belong to me, for starters. But I assume you meant for some other reason - because he would be too resistant?"
> Her head bobs in a sharp, jerking motion.
> "He may come to accept what I do, eventually. But you..."
"So, we're looking at another Bon Bon. Huh."
> "Possibly worse. She is merely upset. It is in his nature to want to protect, Master."
> Mane falling in a curtain that obscures her eyes, Cadance sinks towards the floor.
> "...but I can't bear the thought of sending him away, either. I can't."
> Unbidden you reach down, stroking the back of her head.
> Despite herself, Cadance leans into the comforting touch.
> Across the table, Randall stirs in his seat.
> "I am in no position to tell you how to manage your property, Anonymous. But if I can make a suggestion?"
"Please do."
> "Allowing this issue to linger may lead to a resolution, but it will be hard for all involved. I should have focused on what Haute Glamour was doing to my ponies, rather than letting her handle things."
> Posey shifts unhappily at those memories, rearing up a bit to press her head into Randall's hand.
> "Shining doesn't like you because he has only heard one side of the story. Show him another."
> It's an idea.
> You... well, you had told Cadance you would be restraining yourself with regard to him.
> Not that it would be easy.
> But maybe that was exactly what he needed to see?
> That you weren't the kind of asshole who had tormented Shining Armor - or Corona - so much?
> If he'd be willing to see it.
> Then again, he had apparently been talking to Cadance and that was apparently a step up from the vitriol he'd been spewing at her the past night?
[Choice]
"Not right now, I don't think. I'm... it's still too raw. From all of this. By the end of the day, though."
> You pull a breath in through your nose, tapping on the arm of one chair.
"I get one good shot at this. I don't think Shining will give me another. So we take it carefully. In the meantime, there's a lot of other work we have to do still. Finding out who the hell owns him, for one. And I'm going to make an announcement, word of this will have gotten out soon enough."
> "Not to mention our meeting before any of this came up."
> Grimacing, you nod.
"I'm not trying to blow you off, Randall. Sorry if it seemed that way. Can you at least hold until I get the announcement out? I'd prefer not to leave speculation running rampant for too long."
> "Of course! Please, go deal with what you have to."
> In the end, you leave any mention of Shining Armor out of the announcement.
> Or, his name anyhow.
> Just that there had been a break-in to your house, into Megan and Flurry's room.
> And that there was only one pony, and so there would be no need to fear further... issues.
> Even so, you could still feel the issue looming on your mind throughout the morning.
> That returns full-throttle when you rise go to take Megan to school.
> More accurately, when Flurry tearfully begs you to go with her mistress.
> Sighing, you drop to one knee and put a hand to her cheek.
"Flurry, you know I can't really let you do that. It'd be too much of a distraction for the other little girls in the classroom."
> "But I can't... I don't wan't Mistress Megan to go 'way!"
> Oh, God damn it.
> She's actually crying.
> Megan is giving you The Eyes Of Requesting too, but that you can resist.
> A sobbing little filly, though...
"I tell you what. If I let you come in the car with us, will that be enough?"
> "Yes, Master! Please!"
> "Yes, daddy!"
"But you have to let her go in when we get there. And Megan, you have to go in. Understand?"
> "Uh-huh!"
> "Yes, Master!"
> Sighing gently, you wrap an arm around each and bring them into a hug.
"I know it's scary. I'm scared too. It's nothing to be ashamed of, I promise. But you are safe now. Tonight, Megan will come back just fine and you two can spend all the time together you need."
> Squeezing each in turn, you lean in to let each rest their head on a shoulder - mane and hair tickling your jaw on both sides.
"You need to be strong. Sometimes, in life, there'll be hard things that come along. You won't even see them coming, and then - bam. Out of nowhere. That's it. You just have to be strong and keep going, both of you."
> Despite your words, they are both still muted and nervous on the ride to school.
> More than once, you glance in the rear-view mirror and find them curled-up next to each other:
> Megan's arms around Flurry's midsection, the latter with a wing extended over her mistress' shoulders.
> The filly gives a little whimper when you pull up at school and let Megan out, but true to her word remains calm.
> It's such a pathetic sight however, that you even consider allowing her to come up to the front seat.
> ...no, safety first and all tha-
> "Master?"
> Flurry Heart's voice is soft and tremulous.
"Yes, Flurry?"
> "Was th-that really m-m-my daddy last night?"
> Oh, no.
> She's starting to cry again.
> The hell with it!
> Pulling over to the side of the road, you turn around in your seat and beckon her up into the front.
> "C'mere, Flurry."
> She does come, burying her head into your chest again as the tears begin to come.
> You stay there holding her until she's started to calm.
"Now, strap yourself in up front here and we'll go home, okay?"
> You'll just... drive slowly or something.
> Flurry does buckle up, awkwardly perching in a seat not meant for a filly, but shakes her head.
> "Master, please. I want to know. Was that my d-daddy?"
> No way to avoid this, you suppose.
> Reaching out, you place a hand on her withers and start to rub.
"It seems like it was, yes. Your daddy... I don't know why. He's... very angry right now."
> "At me?"
> Oh, God.
> That face.
> That pleading tone.
> That need, need to understand - to comprehend why her father would do that.
"No. Not at you."
> "At Mistress Megan?"
"No. Mostly... mostly at me, I think."
> And Cadance.
> Maybe.
"But, I'm going to have to have a talk with him this evening. Find out exactly what's going on."
> "C-Can I-"
"No. I don't want you or Megan going to talk to him yet, understand? That's a direct order."
> "Yes, Master!"
> It is said just a little bit too fast.
> Reaching across the car, you slip your arm more fully around her to give a little squeeze.
"I'm sorry, Flurry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just don't want you doing anything foolish, understand?"
> "Yes, Master."
"Good girl. Now, c'mon. Let's go home."
> Even so, you keep your arm stretched out for her through most of the trip.
> The police are thankfully busy elsewhere.
> That evening, Thunderlane joins you at the front of the security building.
> "You're sure you want to do this?"
"Absolutely."
> "I mean, after the last time with Comet Tail..."
"That's why you're here. I can't keep hiding from my emotions forever; I have to see this through. Besides, this time I really do just want to talk to him. Not interrogate or anything, just talk."
> The stallion huffs softly, shifting nervously.
> "...fine."
"You okay?"
> "Vapor Trail and I had... a long talk after I came back. We're good now, I think. But she's... she's a little worried about everything too."
"Hmm."
> Heading back through the building towards the cells, you ask:
"I can understand, with all the madness that's been cropping up here lately. Protesters, drones, now this... she worried about Sunbreak, though, or you?"
> "Yes."
> Thunderlane grins wryly.
> "But for different reasons."
"Heh."
> Despite his grin, though, you're still seeing more and more little signs in his body language.
> A wing-twitch here, a flick of the tail there-
"Hey. You going to be okay?"
> "Yeah, I..."
> Eyes flick back and forth, nostrils flared wide.
> Wings half-spread - wasn't that what he'd done with the griffons too?
> An aggression display?
> Why-?
"Thunderlane... are you scared of him?"
> "It's... fuck, yeah. I kind of am."
> Huffing softly, he looks away from you.
> "Being tossed around like that last night. I dunno. I'm used to be able to... keep ponies safe. But if Cadance hadn't come down in time, I wouldn't have been enough-"
"No. Don't let me hear 'what-ifs'. You can drown yourself with those. You put my daughter's safety before your own, and that's all I can ask. Understand?"
> Shuffling his wings again, Thunderlane finally manages to get them settled back down.
> "I guess."
"You should know. This has got us all shaken up; you, me, everyone. But I trust you're still up to the task at hand, and that you'd tell me if you weren't. Am I right, Thunderlane?"
> "Yeah."
> Twisting his head back and forth dog-like, Thunderlane nods.
> "Yeah, I'm good. I can deal with it."
"And with me, I hope."
> He doesn't answer, which you take as an affirmative.
> The cell door opens smoothly on its hinges, letting you get the first real look at the stallion since the frantic chaos in the bedroom.
> Shining Armor is a well-built specimen, even despite all he'd been through.
> His white coat was dirtied in a few places, and that mane was so shaggy it fell far enough to nearly conceal his shoulders.
> Which, you suppose, had been something of the point.
> Shining Armor was also asleep at this particular moment, curled on a cot with his legs as close up to his chest as the shackles they bear will allow.
> Not that his rest lasts long; barely have you stepped into the room before his eyes snap open and he rolls from the bed onto his hooves.
> He winces when he lands, limbs failing him a moment and requiring a few awkward steps before he is stable.
> Despite the restrictor mounted on it, his horn falls to point low at you in a wary, guarding stance.
> Piercing blue eyes - alert and ablaze - lock onto you.
> ...they were almost the same color as Flurry's.
> Your hands rise, showing them empty but for a sheaf of papers and pencil.
"Relax. I'm not here for a fight. I just want to talk."
> His nostrils flare in a snort, and his hooves shift uncertainly on the hard cell floor.
"Easy - I'm just going to sit do- actually, I'm going to grab a chair.
> A stool, in fact, sitting out in the hallways.
> When you return with it, Shining Armor and Thunderlane are staring each other down.
> You pointedly pass between them on your way to take a seat.
"Shining. Why don't you have a seat too?"
> He doesn't, though, opting to remain standing as you settle on the stool.
"I'm sure you know who I am, but I think this is the first time we're really talking face to face. So, if I can re-introduce myself - I'm Anonymous. I, uh - I own this place."
> "You own them."
"...yes, I do."
> "You own her."
> Which 'her' it is - his daughter or his former wife - isn't really clear.
> Asking seems like a bad idea.
"Yes, I do. Shining... I'm not here for an argument. I know you're angry at me. I know why you're angry at me - hell, why you're here in the first place."
> "Corona."
> The name is spat out - an accusation, or a challenge.
"Yes."
> Dropping forward with your elbows on your knees, you squeeze your hands together.
"Shining... let's jump straight to the point. You heard that I did terrible things. Truly evil things to her. And I did; I'm not going to beat around the bush or try to justify it. I tortured her because I was angry. Cadance says you've been through something similar-"
> You nod towards his back.
> At this close distance, you can clearly see the numerous scars covering it, a spiderweb testimony to what had been done to him.
"- and so really, I can understand your rage."
> "Then what is there to talk about? You admit it all."
"Flurry Heart. For starters."
> His face tightens again.
"I... I can understand that, too. You don't know this, but my wife and I... aren't close anymore. She wasn't a good person, and I almost lost my daughter to her. I wouldn't have ever gotten her back the same. So, I can understand that too - not wanting your daughter to be... well, you'd see it as turned into another servant of someone who did something so cruel."
> "Is that why you came here? To brag to me?"
> You can practically hear his teeth grinding.
"No. I came here, because I want you to - just for a second - think about this from my perspective. Not as a slaveowner. Not as a your enemy. I want to talk to you, father-to-father, as someone who is also very worried about his daughter."
> "I don't think-"
"You broke into my house, Shining Armor. You went into my daughter's room. Cadance says you didn't mean to hurt her, but for me..."
> A hand rises to run through your hair.
"...the reason I'm only just getting around to talking to you now, is that I wanted to let my anger cool off a little bit more. So I wouldn't do anything really bad to you."
> For the first time, he actually seems surprised.
> Just for the briefest moment, you see his eyes shift in confusion.
> They're quickly back to a narrowed questioning, searching to try and figure out your angle.
> You grin a touch.
"I told you, Shining. I want to talk. Not torture you, not argue. Talk. For my daughter, I'd do anything. If Thunderlane or Cadance hadn't been there, I'd have thrown myself between you to protect her."
> "And what about my Flurry Heart?"
"I'd have put myself between her and someone threatening too."
> It hadn't been what he meant, clearly, but Shining is also obviously taken aback by this.
> "I..."
"Flurry isn't my daughter. But she's damn close. So yes, I would have saved both of them if you had been... anyone else, really."
> "What is your point?"
"I want you to understand two things. The first is simple: What I did to Corona... it was wrong. What I did to her there is no excuse for; I knew that the second I realized what I'd done, and part of me thinks the best thing for her would be for her to just never to come back."
> "You've already followed her out there. In her memories."
> Shining Armor's tail is swishing angrily.
> "You know who else I've seen with those kinds of nightmares? Guardsponies, who came back from battle. That's what you did to her. It haunts her."
"Yes. I believe it, Shining. I know it. And that's why I'm not chasing after her. Why I - can't. I - I know it's too late for her. But I swear to you, I have - changed. Become better. You can believe me - or not. Hell, just take a good look around."
> Sitting in one place suddenly feels too constricting; you rise and begin pacing back and forth as far as the cell allows.
"You might have only just "gotten here", but Copper Dust has been here a while. Long enough for you to see that this place isn't like the hell-holes you've been through."
> This produces a heavy snort from him.
> You pause in place, one eyebrow raised.
"Do you really think you could do that to me, if I was like any of them?"
> Rather than admit defeat, he just stares at you impassively.
> You shrug, and move on.
"...look. You don't like that I'm a slaveowner. But - Shining, that's the second thing I want you to understand. I want you to look at what I'm building here, really look at it, and tell me - is it honestly the same as what you went through?"
> Before he can intercede, you add:
"I know, I know. A pony was whipped here - but not because he didn't swear he loves serving me or something. Do you think for a second, for a single second, Cadance would stand by if I did that?"
> "She did when you tortured Corona."
"Yes... she did. Because I forced her hoof, exactly once. And it almost broke what we had built. If I did again? No way. She tears herself up over doing just this much."
> If this was a game of chicken, Shining Armor just flinched.
> His eyes fall from you, expression turning distraught at that idea.
> You seize on the opportunity, leaning in again.
"What I'm building here is better - infinitely better than any of the places where you were. Yes, ponies here work. But is that so bad? Cadance tells me you've found someone you can trust-"
> "You are nothing like him!"
> It's the first time you'd heard Shining really yell, and sends you jerking back on the stool.
> "He - he took care of me! Even when I was too weak to work, too sick to be of help, he was right there by my side all the time. The same with Corona: He helped her through all the time she was blind with fear because of some nightmare."
> Snarling, he raises a hoof to jab it in your direction.
> "You don't care. You've just found a cheaper way to keep ponies feeding your wallet. So you can live in that big fancy house while they work day in and out."
"I know we're not the same, Shining. But I do care. I'm sure you've heard what happened to Mocha Cream. Is that what you'd expect of an owner who just wanted workers?"
> A touch of bitterness had entered into your voice, and in the corner of your eye you see Thunderlane inching forward.
> Shining sees it to, shaking his head.
> "That's - that's not the point. What about all the ponies out there, in the camp? Can you say the same for all of them?"
"It's damn near two-thousand ponies out there. I can't know all of them face-to-face. But you know what else it is? Two thousand ponies who don't fear, don't tremble in terror or hide when I pass. Doesn't that mean anything to you? Wouldn't you prefer your daughter be helping lead that?"
> "No, I wouldn't. I'd prefer she be free!"
"That's not a choice here!"
> "Why not? Because you decided it isn't?!"
"Because I need something to give Megan!"
> You're standing, leaning over Shining.
> Who is also stood as tall as he can be, glaring right back.
"You're right: I do want Flurry to help Megan run this place, because everything about it I’ve built for her. To give her something she can be proud of, when it's time."
> "Built on our backs!"
> "Enough! Both of you, enough."
> Thunderlane finally straps in, wings rising to push both of you back.
> Grimacing, you fall back onto the stool.
"...right. Yeah. Sorry."
> "Do you need some time off, Master?"
"No, I..."
> Your fist clenches, unclenches, clenches again, and finally falls limp at your side.
"...I'm good."
> He looks to Shining Armor, who says nothing but settles back on his haunches.
"Look at me, Shining. I... if I'm really a tyrant, could Thunderlane do that to me?"
> "What do you want from me?"
> His growled question draws a sigh from you.
"For right now... I need to figure out who owns you. So I can start getting you back home. Otherwise, the police are going to come crawling up my ass for dealing with you."
> "You'll come looking for Corona."
"I'm not interested in chasing her. She's... nothing I can do would undo the damage. I don't want to drag her back here kicking and screaming."
> "Swear it."
"You'll take the word of a slaver?"
> "Swear it on your daughter's life. You won't try to take Corona. Actually, you won't come looking for her at all. Give her up."
[Choice]
> You don't answer that.
> You can't, not just yet.
> Instead you look away.
"...Cadance told me - that you said she's happier now."
> It takes him a moment to realize what you mean, but Shining nods.
> "Yes. Corona is. Away from you, away from anyone who sees her as just a slave."
"I'm... glad for her."
> They had given her what you were fairly sure you couldn't have.
> Comfort.
> It would have taken years before Corona would view you with anything but unmitigated terror, and even then her feelings would likely only have been reduced to a simmering hatred.
> What must his owner be like to disarm her so?
"Can I ask you a question first, Shining Armor? Cadance once told me she thought you were dead, because if you were alive you'd still be fighting or broken so badly you wouldn't be yourself anymore."
> You pause a moment, then add:
"...well, I guess we both underestimated their ability to hide you. But now here you are, a slave to another... and you're defending him. Shining... what made you change? Why give up? Was she wrong, or was it something else?"
> Shining doesn't answer, instead just turning away, huffing softly and shifting on the cot with the soft clink of chains.
> Being entirely honest with yourself you didn't really expect him to.
"I'm just... trying to understand."
> "So you can turn this place into an even bigger farm filled with complacent ponies, ready to do your bidding? It won't work."
"Maybe not. But if I can just understand, then maybe that's another layer of control I don't need to use anymore-"
> Another powerful, dismissive snort.
"But... fine. In answer to your earlier question, I can't swear on my daughter's life. I can't give you that oath any more than you could swear on Flurry Heart's life."
> The stallion lays his head down on crossed legs.
"I don't know a lot about your journey. I'd like to know, but we tried looking before and couldn't find much. And I'm pretty sure the files on 'Copper Dust'-"
> Raising the sheaf of papers you'd brought down, you waggling them in his direction.
"-are a pile of bullshit too. But in the end, I don't need your cooperation to find out where you came from."
> "Right. You'll just try to beat it out of me instead."
> Shining's comment drives you to throw up your hands, scattering papers in the air as anger floods through you again.
"Oh, for fuck's sake! Will you stop assuming I am going to have you tortured at the drop of a hat?!"
> Struggling back upright, Shining jabs a hoof in your direction.
> "Assume? I look at you having ponies whipped for 'supporting rebellion', look at what you did to Corona, look at that you had me hung up by my rutting hooves and would have left me there to rot until morning if Cadance hadn't come to see me! I know what the score is; I'm a rebel, a threat to your perfect order. I broke in with a disguise and you need to find out who gave it to me. So just start in already-"
> "Shut up!"
> Very unexpectedly, Thunderlane had leaped up and now interposed himself directly in front of Shining - forehooves on the bed to bring himself practically nose-to-nose with the other pony.
> "I've seen Anonymous do a lot of really, really harsh things. But he's always been clear about it. Listen to him. He's not threatening you. Okay? Listen!"
> Once he is certain Shining isn't going to snap again, Thunderlane backs off and looks to you.
> You, however, are not in a particular state to continue.
> Hung up by his hooves.
> Right.
> That had happened.
> Teetering your way back to the stool, you slump back down on it.
"...yeah. Okay. Y'know what, you've actually got a little bit of a point. But Thunderlane's right too. I'm not threatening you; if I wanted to find your owner I'd just have a fresh medical done and do a bit more searching around based on that."
> Lifting your head you jab a finger at him.
"But you know what? I'm not trying to hunt you or whatever you did to get in here. I'm trying to give your master Corona."
> Shining shakes his head.
> "She's not yours to give. I know what the laws are, why she came the way out to us. You can't chase her now; she doesn't have any identification. You don't have any proof-"
"I have money, which when you get down to it means I have the law."
> "What the hell does that mean?"
"You broke into my home. I've spoken to a lawyer and he says I have a pretty good case. If I wanted to, I could drag a case out - and I'd bet your owner will run out of funds before I do. Or hell, I find another way to prove Corona's ownership."
> Okay, that's an exaggeration.
> A severe one; you have no idea if you could get your hands on Corona again.
> "So we're down to threats now. I knew you weren't-"
"No. No threats. Just making a point of what I could do... and what I'm not going to. Whether I have to have a full medical check done on you or you just tell me, I will find out who you came from - and I will hand over the full ownership documentation for Corona. So that she knows I have no interest in ever pursuing her again. I will swear to that."
> "That would mean you couldn't come after her? Ever?
"Ever. And she would know it, too. She'd be able to rest at night without ever worrying about me finding her."
> His jaw working soundlessly, Shining drops back his haunches on the bed - tail swishing thoughtfully.
"That's all I want. To just - let her go. Let her be happy. Nothing good would come of chasing her again, and I-"
> Your jaw clamps hard, taking a second until you're ready to speak again.
"- I want to let this go. Let her go. I'd actually even like to send a letter with you, when you go back. You can read it first, or your owner can, just to make sure I'm not hiding anything."
> "That won't help her. Won't fix her. It's not so easy to undo what you did."
"I don't expect it to. But maybe knowing she will never need to worry about me again will help her heal faster. That's all. I'll let you think about it a bit, okay?"
> With that, you gather up the scattered papers and fold them back into a stack.
> When you leave, the cell door slips shut just as soundlessly as when you had come.
 
> You wait until Anonymous' footsteps are out of earshot before speaking up.
"He's not as bad as he used to be."
> A grunt and the jangling of chains is Shining's response as he drops back to rest on his belly - forehooves crossed beneath his chin.
> You sigh softly as well.
> You hadn't lied to Anonymous; this stallion, in some ways, did scare you.
> If Megan had been hurt... if Flurry had been hurt...
> Everything you had - Rumble, Vapor Trail, Sunbreak - everything would be gone.
> But at the same time, you don't see a better way to disarm the danger he represented than this.
> And that would mean facing him.
"Shining. I get why you're angry. We - we shouldn't have to do this. I shouldn't have to put this uniform, carry out his orders, just to keep my brother safe."
> "But you do. You whipped that pony too."
"Yeah. I did. I..."
> You hold up a hoof, watching to see if it will tremble.
> It doesn't, and you aren't sure what to make of that.
"...what are we supposed to do, Shining Armor? Like he said, there's two thousand ponies here. One pony starts getting ideas about rebellion, it spreads, and we all lose. I lose my brother, my marefriend, she loses her foal - and Anonymous' idea crashes."
> "Do you actually like what he's doing?"
"No. I don't like being a slave. I don't like-"
> Your voices trembles.
"I don't like any of this. But if there was a rebellion, we'd all be off to the worst kind of camp. The kind of place you were. I couldn't put Rumble through that, or Vapor Trail. Or Sunbreak."
> Putting a hoof on the edge of the cot in an almost supplicating gesture, you add:
"Is that wrong of me, Shining Armor? To want to protect them? You were in the Royal Guard. Tell me, please - is it wrong?"
> "Why are you arguing with me?"
> You sigh.
> So much for making a connection.
"Because I don't want you to get stuck on yourself. You scared the shit out of me, what you did... but I also thought Copper Dust was a good stallion. Maybe a bit too jumpy, a bit too driving... but ultimately a good pony. A pony who cared. Was that just part of your disguise?"
> No response comes, not even a movement.
> He just lays there, ears down and even tail still.
> You sigh, rising to turn and leave.
> Abruptly Shining raises his voice from behind you:
> "Wait."
> You turn your head back, looking at him questioningly.
> He is half-propped up on the cot and giving you an uncertain look.
> "You... I... I don't know. Maybe Cady is right. Maybe I did die back there. Or enough of me died inside I'm not the same pony anymore."
> Now you turn fully around, head cocked.
"What do you mean?"
> "When - when my master found me... I was pretty close to the end. They couldn't beat me into groveling, so the last one had just stopped feeding me, washing me, cleaning my waste... anything. I don't think I would have lasted more than another couple weeks, or even a few days."
> With slow, cautious steps you come back to the cot's side.
> Shining Armor's eyes are distant, his voice soft.
> "Maybe I was already gone. The hunger was... everything. I slept in my own filth, when I could sleep at all. The nightmares kept me from getting much. Nothing seemed to matter anymore."
"Then he came and took you. Your master."
> A bob of his head sends Shining's unkempt mane swinging.
> "He chose me. Out of all the ponies there, he chose me."
"Do you know why?"
> "Not really. To work, he told me later... but that can't be it. There were better ponies there for just working. And he took me home, he said he didn't even want to talk about that. Just gave me something to eat and washed all of the filth off me himself and gave me his own bed to sleep in and-"
> Just the memories alone are enough to draw Shining Armor to tears, his sides heaving in little sobs.
> Not that you looked down on him for that.
> Nothing you or Rumble had ever experienced compared; you held no illusions that you hadn't been fantastically lucky in your experience.
> "You can't understand how that feels. To be completely, totally, helpless. A step away from giving up and just laying down to die. Even when he fed me, I thought it was just so he could work me... to be like that, and then have someone show you that kind of kindness."
> Another long pause while Shining gathers himself.
> "It was the same thing with Corona. He didn't have to take her. He didn't have to help her when he found out how hurt she was. When she finally opened her heart up to him, he didn't have to-"
> Biting his tongue, Shining shakes his head.
> "Your owner, here - he doesn't see you as anything but tools. Something he can give to his daughter. Two thousand ponies, but in his mind you're all just something he can get rich with."
"That is not true."
> Shining just rolls his eyes.
> "He wanted to know why I'm okay with my master? He cares. He shows us he does. Maybe I did change back there, but I wouldn't have if he didn't show that kind of kindness. Can you name one time your Master did something only out of honest, real kindness and not because it makes the ponies here more placid and obedient, Thunderlane?"
[Choice]
"Honestly? Yes. Yes I can."
> Extending a wing, you reach out to tap one of your primaries with each point you make:
"One. You know the community center with the museum? He didn't want to build that. He was afraid it would encourage rebellion. But he did it anyway, because we voted on it using money freed up when he fired the guards who were mistreating us and let us watch ourselves instead. He gave us the money, when there was absolutely no call for him to do that."
> Another feather is tapped.
"But maybe that's not really kind enough. Have you seen Mocha Cream? Young unicorn mare, kind of flighty, walks with a limp? When she was attacked - attacked for just carrying out her duties - a 'business' decision would have been to just get rid of her. He didn't, though. He paid for her treatment, even when she came back disabled. Isn't that what you were praising your master for doing?"
> Shining looks ready to interject, but you just keep going:
"Is that too close to him, though? What about how he's buying up ponies' family members where they're found, even if they're older and not able to work that well? It's not very businesslike, is it? Or how he pulls ponies off of their normal jobs when it's time to bring new ones in, so the new ones don't have to be afraid they're being shipped to a death camp?"
> On and on you go, point after point.
> His very real anger when he'd discovered guards were abusing ponies, more than just at the sabotage of his business.
> How he had gotten Windy Winters to a better buyer, for coming to his senses.
> The way he'd rejected Haute Glamour and everything she had stood for - exactly the kind of behavior Shining feared.
> Letting real Equestrian history be shown in the rec hall's 'museum', against his own intuition.
"...now, maybe it's possible to just see all of this as - as any kindness making us more likely to follow him. And - don't mistake me, I know what he really is. But he's been better to us than he had to be."
> This is clearly percolating through Shining Armor's head; his eyes have again taken on that far-away look.
"Even more important, though? He wasn't always this way. There was a time where we had to fight tooth-and-hoof for every crumb he gave us. But your wife, Shining - she's been changing him, she really has."
> "Flurry too?"
"Flurry too. You should have seen him when he found out she couldn't fly... he gave Cadance the time she needed to help Flurry learn again."
> Grunting in a noncommittal sort of manner, Shining Slumps over onto his side.
"I... I know this isn't the easiest for you. There are still some days when I get sick with myself for what I'm doing, but still."
> "I want to see my daughter."
> You pause, considering.
> Shining wasn't in much of a position to negotiate, but...
"I'll pass on word. If I can make a suggestion, though? Give Anonymous the information he wants. It costs you nothing, but he won't miss what it means."
> Another wordless grunt gives you a sense of exactly how Shining Armor feels about that.
"And - I meant what I said about Copper Dust. He was - and you are - a good pony. Doing this won't change that."
> "But... if I tell him, he'll just send me back."
> The sheer pain in Shining's voice gives you pause.
> There was a depth there, even more than he'd shown you already.
> "I've come so far. All this way, just to find them. Just for Flurry and Cadance. And he'll just send me right back because I'm a runaway and he can't keep me-"
> You do sympathize.
> This stallion had been through so much, finally found his family, thought he'd lost his wife only to discover she was not the tyrant he'd thought.
> And now he'd have to give them all up.
"I... I'll talk to Anonymous. Maybe he can figure something out."
> "What, fly them that far just to see me? Even if he's as generous as you say, I doubt that. Besides, I'm a rebel. A runaway. I might put some ideas about fighting back into Flurry's head. He couldn't have that."
> Rolling the rest of the way over onto his back, Shining holds his shackled hooves up above himself.
> "I still half-expect him to come in and try and whip the location of everyone who helped out of me. All the places I stopped on the way here, the ones who gave me the disguise enchantment. Hang me up by my hooves again until I begged-"
"He won't. I wouldn't let him. Cadance wouldn't let him."
> "The police won't be very happy if he knowingly lets a rebel go."
"Then I'd suggest you don't mention it around him."
> Now the look Shining Armor gives you is a completely new one:
> Relieved surprise.
> You just lift your wings in a shrug.
"I'm here to keep everypony here safe, Shining. Not be a slaver's attack dog. If he can send you home without any of that, it's no trouble for us. If it spares you... even better."
> "...that's good of you."
> This time it is you who gives a little grunt.
> Shining doesn't seem to have more to say, just laying on his back and still staring at the shackles on his legs.
> Turning, you walk for the door.
> Locking the cell is the only thing you pause for before you all but flee from the security building.
> The rest of your day is spent in almost a trance.
> Back at the manor, things are only just settling down.
> Megan's room's window, now replaced with plywood for the moment, still stood out like an open sore.
> After dutifully reporting to Anonymous what Shining had said, you couldn't resist taking a peek in through the now-permanently-open doorway when you passed by.
> Pausing to stare for a moment at the spot where you'd tumbled into the wall, landed in a daze.
> Looking at the holes in the walls where Cadance had ripped hinges from frame.
> Sometimes you did really forget how powerful she could be.
> The room has already been thoroughly cleaned by the industrious house-ponies.
> Plaster, glass, and paint chips swept up.
> Megan herself would be moved into a temporary bed in one of the other rooms, of course.
> And-
> A soft gasp behind you sends you spinning around, wings open in a ready-stance.
> Mocha Cream, however, is just as surprised and stumbles back on unsteady legs until she falls onto her haunches.
"Oh - oh, Mocha. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to surprise you."
> "It's okay. I know you didn't mean to."
> You hold out a hoof, though, to help her up.
"Is Megan home yet?"
> "Yes. She went straight to Flurry when she arrived. They're upstairs now."
"I imagine they're pretty shaken up too."
> "This morning, they didn't even want to be separated when Miss Megan went to school."
> Mocha sighs heavily, shaking her head.
> "I don't know which of them was more scared... Flurry Heart has more to think about, of course."
"How is she taking it?"
> "Poorly."
> Settling back on her haunches again, Mocha grimaces.
> "She's been somber, even after Miss Megan came back. I think she's afraid this is all somehow her fault."
"Poor filly's been through a lot. First no one to care about her, and now everyone pulling her in different directions..."
> "And it will depend on what becomes of her father."
"Well, that at least we're making headway on. You can tell her that - I think it will be okay in the end.”
> “Celestia and Luna help her, she will need the good news.”
> You glance back towards Megan’s room, muttering under your breath:
“At least she has news to be happier about… some way to clear the clouds from her mind.”
> Mocha cocks her head questioningly.
“...sorry. I shouldn’t saddle you with it. I’m just… this whole thing came so close to destroying everything here, and I couldn’t stop him. I felt - feel - helpless.”
> “Yes… that is a hard place to be.”
> Holding up a hoof - a trembling hoof, one of her weak ones - Mocha shakes her head.
> “Talk, Thunderlane. That’s what they told me at the hospital Master sent me to, and it did help with the fear. At least talk about it with someone.”
> Even if you did not know her circumstances, Mocha’s tone alone is enough to know this is coming straight from her heart.
“I’m telling you.”
> “Not because you chose to. Because we happened to meet. Choose to. You have somepony close, don’t you?”
“Yes, Vapor Trail.”
> “Then tell her.”
> Mocha Cream smiles sadly, tears brimming in the corners of her eyes.
> “At least you have that much.”
> Oh.
> Quickly you pull the little mare into a tight hug with both forehooves and wings.
> “You have us too, Mocha Cream. Myself, and I’m sure Rumble would be happy to listen to you too.”
> ...
> Your thoughts are still distant and wandering when you return to your quarters.
> Vapor Trail is there, of course.
> Still being a nursing mother, she was on much-reduced working hours with many breaks.
> In fact, Sunbreak was tucked between her hindlegs even now - suckling away happily, her little wings twitching as she drank greedily.
"Still hungry, huh?"
> "You bet it. She's going to be a strong filly, I can tell."
> Shrugging off the uniform, you walk over and briefly nuzzle the foal before turning to nuzzle her mother in turn.
> "A tough day?"
"After what happened last night... you bet it."
> "Thunderlane?"
> Tilting her head away, Vapor fixes her eyes on the bed's pillow instead.
> "Ponies are saying it was Shining Armor. Princess Cadance's husband."
"...are they?"
"Yes. Some ponies are also saying he tried to escape with her, but I don't believe that. She wouldn't be walking around now if it were true."
> "That's probably accurate."
> You clamber up on the bed, settling down beside her and draping your head over Vapor Trail's side.
> She lifts her wing accommodatingly, letting you slip your muzzle beneath it.
> A quick twist of your head let you press an ear to her side and find her heartbeat.
> "Is it true, Thunderlane? The rest of it?"
> Exactly how word of this got out, you aren't sure.
> You can guess, though; even if the house-ponies knew about what they were or weren't supposed to talk about, gossip would spread about something like this.
> And at this point, you're tired of being Anonymous' representative.
"It's true; some of it, at least. I don't want you telling everypony, but Shining Armor was there, and..."
> Vapor increasingly curls in on herself as you tell the story.
> When it is done she twists around to look down at Sunbreak, who had finished her meal and promptly gone to sleep against her mother’s belly.
> "He only wanted to see his child..."
"Yeah. And honestly, with all that he'd heard... I can't say I entirely blame him."
> Vapor kisses Sunbreak softly on the forehead, causing the foal to squirm lightly in her sleep.
> You watch, her wing still forming something of a blanket over your head, and wonder.
> She'd been part of the plan to carry out Cadance's new secret escape plan, you knew that much.
> But just how far into it she was?
> How dedicated?
> That was beyond you.
> Was she still planning on fleeing the camp, when Sunbreak was old enough to travel?
> Helping others do the same?
> You draw in a deep breath, taking her scent.
> Her softness.
> "Something on your mind, Thunderlane?"
"Huh?"
> "You're staring."
"Just... thinking. About all of this."
> Rolling off of her, you fall onto your back and hold your hooves up in the air just above you, just like Shining had done.
"I... I was scared, Vapor. Scared of him. He was strong - so much stronger than me; I couldn't stop him even if I wanted to and if he did hurt anyone in that house, anyone at all, that would be it; everything here would close down and I'd lose you and Sunbreak-"
> Vapor's wing settles over you again, breaking the stream of words flowing from your mouth.
"Sorry. I'm rambling."
> A soft kiss is placed on your cheek.
> "You're allowed to. You don't have to be some stoic rock for me to lean on. It's okay for you to tell me."
"Losing you... Celestia above, I don't know what I would have done."
> Vapor listens patiently as you tell her everything.
> Exactly as Mocha had suggested.
> When you’re done, you twist your head and place a kiss on her lips.
“Thank you.”
> She smiles before nuzzling into your neck, but you can tell she is worried too.
> About what, though?
> Again the little nagging voices make their way into your head.
> Was it that she sympathized with you, or was she afraid her own chances of escape were going to be crushed?
> You could just - ask her.
> Be direct about it.
> Ask her what her plans are.
> ...at least then you wouldn't be blindsided, heartbroken, when it happens.
> No!
> You shouldn't be mistrusting her like this.
> Vapor's been nothing but kind to you.
> But...
> Then why do you feel so scared?
[Choice]
> ...well.
> Just straight up asking her would only make Vapor Trail defensive - entirely understandably!
> No, you need to go about this more softly.
> She's your marefriend, not your therapist!
> Nuzzling back into her side, you sigh softly.
"I can tell I'm not the only one with something on my mind. You know you can always speak to me, too."
> "Yeah."
> Vapor slips Sunbreak beneath a leg and rolls over to face you, carefully tucking the foal in between the two of you.
> For Sunbreak's part, she yawns, stretches her little wings with a tiny flutter, and then goes back to sleep.
> You wait a moment before giggling helplessly at the gesture; Vapor Trail soon joins in.
> "You're right. There is a lot on my mind. This... this is going to change a lot, and I'm still not sure where I stand."
"With your... friends?"
> "With ponies who want to be free, yes."
> She shuffles her wings a bit.
> "Ponies are talking already, and - Thunderlane? Is Anonymous going to hurt Shining Armor?"
> A suspicion is already growing at the back of your head as to what she is asking about, and so you decide to gamble and answer honestly:
"No. He's - very much holding himself back like that. He's a father too, you know, and I think he really understands what drove Shining to do that."
> Vapor releases her breath in a soft hiss.
> "Truly?"
"Absolutely."
> "There was a rumor going around that somepony was going to escape. Now, with what Shining did..."
> You nod.
"Yeah. Do you think somepony else is going to try it?"
> "No... but some ponies are scared. Scared that Anonymous will find them, and they'll be punished."
"I think - I'll talk to him. Anonymous shouldn't have been so short on details when he admitted something had happened this morning. I'll tell him that he needs to show Shining isn't being tortured. That should calm some fears."
> "...thank you. I think it would calm a lot of ponies’ fears."
> Including hers, no doubt.
> You place a soft kiss on Vapor's nose, drawing a gentle smile.
"Vapor, can I ask something? If Shining Armor had managed to escape with Flurry Heart... do you think other ponies would have run too?"
> "Yes."
> There's not a second of hesitation before she answers.
> "We all know what it would mean if that had happened. If Flurry had been taken, he'd have torn this place apart finding out how. We'd all have felt his rage. Anypony who wanted any chance to go, would have known to before he could figure it out, because there'd never be another chance to be free."
"...oh."
> You don't know what to say.
> Every angle you consider approaching this from feels like it would be too risky.
> Too close to an interrogation.
> You'd long ago resolved not to go down that route with Vapor Trail.
> Sometimes living like this left you feeling like a traitor.
> Riven in half by the competing paths.
> Serving Anonymous on the one hoof, perpetuating his dominion over you all.
> And then caring for this mare who so obviously could not simply ignore the injustice, the wrongness being perpetrated here.
> Comforting her.
> Sometimes you even felt like you were just playing the role.
> Instead of pursuing the question further you just lean your head down and lightly brush your nose through the fringes of Sunbreak's mane.
> "I know what you're thinking, Thunderlane."
> Vapor Trail's voice is tinged with sadness.
> "You're wondering if I would have gone. If I'd have run away with Sunbreak."
"I... I didn't want to push you."
> When this fails to produce an answer, you add:
"You don't have to say. I'm not going to force you to-"
> "I don't know myself. Even if Sunbreak was old enough to travel, I-"
> Oh, shit.
> Are her sides shaking?
> Is she-?
> Reaching out, you pull Vapor in against your chest.
"Shhh... hey, it's okay. I didn't mean to push you-"
> "No, I - I'll be okay."
> It takes her a few moments, but she does calm.
> "I'm sorry. This... this is really eating at me."
"You know I said you can talk to me-"
> "Uh-huh."
> Still she doesn't begin telling you immediately.
> "I... I wanted to think this wouldn't ever be a home to me. It wasn't some place I could ever be comfortable in. It'd always be something that was using me."
> She shifts on the bed, lips brushing your chest.
> "But now there's you. And Sunbreak too. And everypony else here, and I... I'm not sure I would go. I'm not sure I could make myself leave you."
> At least, you think, she understands that you would not be convinced into running off with her on some feather-brained scheme so easily.
"Hey, hey. You don't have to worry about it right now."
> You are so, so out of ideas.
> And Vapor's shaking her head at the attempted dismissal.
> "I do have to think about it. It's my future and Sunbreak's too. And... I don't want to leave you, either."
> To Tartarus with it.
> You're done dodging around this issue.
"I don't want you to go either, Vapor."
> "I know. I... I don't think I can go, now. Not with everything how it is. I... am I broken, Thunderlane?"
"Broken?"
> Cupping her head between your forehooves, you lift it up to force her to look at you.
"Nothing of the sort. Vapor, this is what makes us pony still. Loving. Caring. If you were cold enough to not think about anything like that, then I'd be worried."
> She frowns, but you cut that right off with a kiss.
> When it is broken some innumerable seconds later a smile has returned to her face.
"I mean it. I love you because you're always so supportive and caring. If you turned into somepony else, then would you even be free anymore?"
> "I.. I don't know, I guess. Which... is why I'm going to say..."
> Swallowing hard, Vapor gathers herself up and spits it out:
> "...I wouldn't leave. Not - not now. Not while you're still here."
"Hey. Vapor-"
> You move to kiss her again, but she turns her head away.
> "Don't Please. Don't do that, don't say anything. I'm disgusted by myself. I stayed because of what Derpy said to me before: Sunbreak deserved a chance to live and be free. But now she won't ever have it. She'll wake up every morning, knowing she is still that - that thing's property."
> Then she goes quiet.
> For a moment you ponder embracing her again, but she'd asked not.
> This time, you would respect her wishes.
> "...look at this, Thunderlane. Look around us."
> A hoof is waved around the room - spare, simple at best, with only a few basic amenities beyond the bed and table.
> "We're property. Oh, yes, he's better than most. I see that. I do. But is this still any way to raise a foal?"
> You open your mouth to answer, but Vapor gets there first:
> "No. But it's what we have. And everypony else here would have it that much harder if I did ran. So, I won't."
"I promise you this, Vapor. The day we are free? I'll burn my uniform and go with you. Wherever you want. I don't think I could stand another day here either."
> This actually manages to draw a grin out of the mare.
> "You shouldn't make silly promises just to impress me, Thunderlane."
"I'm not being silly-"
> "Yes, you are."
> As if to make her point, she taps your snout with a hoof - even as her eyes shimmer with the threat of renewed tears.
> "When we're free, your brother will still need you."
> Opening your mouth to argue, you decide against it
> This wasn't the time for that.
> Instead, you take the opportunity to embrace both mare and (with some careful maneuvering) foal between you.
> ...
> Next morning comes with a new announcement.
> You, in fact, miss it - having come to lunch a little bit late, and so only catching the nervous chatter in the aftermath.
"Hey, what happened here? What's everypony so stirred up about?"
> "You didn't hear?"
> "Anonymous was on the PA again!"
> "He said that the pony who broke into his home-"
> "It was Prince Shining Armor!"
> "Her Highness' husband!"
> "Well he didn't say the prince bit-"
> "-that doesn't matter. It's him! He's here, and Anonymous says-"
> "-actually broke into his house to try and get his daughter-"
> "-going to let some ponies in to see His Highness, because Master said he wasn't going to be punished!"
> So.
> Anonymous had given up the 'nothing is wrong, go about your business' line, had he?
> Smart, in your opinion.
> Rumors were already flying around like a growing storm before you’d admitted anything to Vapor.
> But letting some ponies in to see him...
> No doubt he had extracted some promise from Shining Armor not to try and set off a rebellion, and allowing select ponies access had worked when it came to quieting growing rumors about Chrysocolla's death.
> But a part of you wonders if it was wise to do this so early.
> Perhaps he was test-running whether it would be good to let Shining see Flurry Heart as well?
> You eat your lunch in almost-silence, mostly keeping your ears pricked to the hum of conversation surrounding you.
> Trying to sense the flow of sentiments.
> That changes, however, when a familiar face sits down next to you.
"Lattice."
> You give the crystal pony a wary nod.
> His back still bore healing welts from the lashes Cadance had delivered.
> "Thunderlane. Can we talk a moment?"
"I'm listening."
> "I - I would like to see Shining Armor. If Master Anonymous is willing to let some ponies go, I want - I need! - to be one of them."
> At first you think to remind him just how far-fetched a request like that is.
> Especially from a pony who'd so recently been punished for a fairly serious disobedience.
"I'll pass it on to him for consideration. But remember, Lattice - you won't be the only pony who wants to talk to him."
> "I know. But there's something only he can really answer for me."
> You turn that answer over in your head a bit before leaning in to posit a theory:
"It's because he was your prince, isn't it? Back in the Crystal Empire."
> "Yes. Some of it. Did you ever travel there, Thunderlane?"
"Only as part of the Equestria games... and there wasn't much time to really explore then."
> Slumping over, Lattice almost seems to sink in onto himself.
> As if he had been hoping you'd visited.
> "I see."
"I... know there weren't a lot of crystal unicorns, though. Is that what this about?"
> "It... It is. And is not. That's a part of it."
"Is that why you can't tell anyone else? Some - unicorn thing?"
> He shakes his head again, though.
> "No; it’s simply who he is to me. Anonymous was my master, but Shining Armor will always be my prince."
"You couldn't have spoken to Princess Cadance about it, then? Before, she, y'know..."
> "Not about this. This... Her Highness is good to us, and I don't blame her for what she had to do. But I can't ask her this."
"If you're hiding something, I don't know if Anonymous will be keen to have you talking to Shining."
> Lattice's hooves curl in.
> One around the kerchief on his neck, the other on the table.
> "Yes. But...Maybe you can tell me, Thunderlane: If I knew something, if I had this secret that could cause so much trouble... should I tell everyone?"
"...is this a secret, Lattice, that could hurt somepony here?"
> "Only myself. And Her Highness, if she made me reveal it. And Anonymous, perhaps. You work for him; do you think he would want trouble, even if it might mean getting rid of me?"
"Secrets don't stay this way forever. All it takes is one other pony finding something out-"
> "No!"
> Emphatically shaking his head - a glittering spectacle of light reflecting off his coat and mane - Lattice taps a hoof on the table.
> "You don't understand. These is no evidence. Nopony has to know. It doesn't hurt anyone to not let it be known."
"Except you, if this is tearing you up so badly."
> "I can stand it."
> You sigh, rubbing and itching wing with one forehoof.
"Then tell me, if you think Princess Cadance can't properly answer."
> Still, though, Lattice shakes his head.
> "I'm sorry. You wouldn't understand; you weren't there. And Her Highness would only open her heart to me without question; it's who she is. His Highness Shining Armor could tell me the truth."
[Choice]
> You tap a hoof on the table in thought.
"Honestly, Lattice... I understand you being scared of telling. But if you want an answer on this, you're going to have to give me a reasonable idea of what this is first. I'm not a delivery service; I report things that I know might be problematic."
> "There's no way you'll understand-"
"Maybe I won't. I understand you want to talk to Shining Armor specifically - but Lattice, I need you to tell me first. Then I can get you in, if it really is that important."
> The stallion frowns, his hoof drawing slow circles on the table.
> "I..."
"Either that, or I go ask Shining Armor if he knows what it is first. If he agrees, I'll take that as confirmation... but if he doesn't, then we're back to square one and I have nothing. Do you think he'd really know?"
> "Look - I... I'll tell you, okay? But only you, and then you decide."
> This stallion is really sweating.
> If not for the fact that his coat already gleamed and glimmered with muted crystalline reflections, you'd say he was absolutely soaked with sweat.
> "And not here. Somewhere private."
"I can unlock a room for us. If you'll tell?"
> His head hangs, locks falling low to the table.
> "...you promise to give me a chance to talk to him?"
"If it's that serious? I'll do all I can."
> "Fine."
> Rising to his hooves, Lattice looks around.
> "Where are we going?"
> You decide to use one of the storerooms, currently unused on account of the lunch shift.
> Jokes about two stallions vanishing into a locked room aside, you also make sure the door is secured before turning to him.
> After all you had a bad history with mysterious tip-offs.
> As soon as he starts to talk you realize this has almost nothing to do with the current camp situation.
> Or at least, very little to do with it.
> Enough for him to be reasonable in his concern.
> He makes his way through his reasons, and by the end you're sitting on your haunches.
"...sweet Celestia, Lattice. If half of what you're saying is true, this isn't your fault at all. Nobody will blame you-"
> "Yes, they will! If they knew all of that-"
> He sighs, tugging at the kerchief.
> "-I kind of figured you'd say something like that. Her Highness would too. She'd tell me it wasn't something I chose."
"It wasn't, though!"
> "But this can be! This, I can choose what I do about it even if I am a slave!"
"And you want to talk to Shining Armor to see if you should."
> "You have no idea what he was like. Shining Armor faced him down, and he'll give me an honest answer. Not just one meant to make me feel good."
"...right. Well, I do understand why you were hesitant, at least. Okay, I'll talk to Anonymous."
> "Don't tell him. Please. I don't want him to know until - I'm ready."
> Shuffling your wings, you grimace but nod.
"He - will probably agree to it."
 
"You want do what?!"
> Thunderlane looks rather put-upon, as if he expected that response.
> "I know it's unusual-"
"Unusual? It's completely out of the norm to just let someone in on the promise of a maybe-secret."
> "Master, please trust me - this is a serious thing. It's... something you might not understand. Business between him and Shining Armor."
"Try me. I'm not dumb when it comes to Equestrian history; I know the two of them were prince and subject once."
> You hold up a hand and wave it to halt Thunderlane.
"Actually, don't - because it's not even about that."
> Leaning forward in your seat, you check that the room's door is closed and motion the stallion forward.
"Look, I know you're good on your word. You've spared me enough now for me to trust that when you say it won't start anything, it really won't."
> "But...?"
"But, it's the same thing as always - I can't do favors for you without raising the question of why."
> "He's a crystal pony. Isn't that enough? Letting Lattice reunite with the one who was a his prince? You've been pretty clear about Cadance's past being a defining part of why she's here; why not Shining Armor?
"You know very well why. Shining Armor is... cooperative for now; he's given me the information I asked for, not in the least because of your urging him. But he's only just, and I can't know what will happen between them."
> "Master. If Shining Armor were going to encourage Lattice into rebellion, wouldn't he have done it before?"
> Thunderlane raises a wing, pointing it out towards the camp.
> "If you're concerned about what Lattice might do just from a quick talk, you should be concerned about what might have already passed between them."
"That's because-"
> Grimacing you rub your forehead, a touch of a grin gracing your lips.
"Damn, you're starting to get good at this. You got me complete off track."
> His look suggests that he isn't entirely sure whether that is a good thing or not.
> You tap a finger on the chair's arm, lost in deep thought.
"I'm... really not sure about starting it like this, Thunderlane. We'll have to put someone in the room with him, just in case - no, not you. You volunteer for enough already."
> "I'm the logical choice, Master. He's already told me."
> Which, in truth, was one of the reasons you wanted it to be someone else.
> Thunderlane was a good pony and a good servant.
> But you didn't want all of this resting on one pony.
> No single point of failure.
> "And, Master, Shining Armor trusts me. I don't know how he'll react if you put someone he doesn't know in there."
> Unfortunately, you had no control over that single point.
> Shining Armor had only just listened to Thunderlane in giving you the information on how to find his old Master; treating him as if you expected him to just be obedient might undo that progress.
> Despite the fact that - from what you'd gathered - he was reasonably obedient with his owner.
"Urgh, fine. I'm not happy about this, but... fine."
> Thunderlane nods, then looks away.
> "If I can also ask, Master... if Shining gave you the information, have you contacted his owner yet?"
"No. I'm... considering how. If I just call up, and Corona happens to pick up the phone..."
> Thunderlane winces, and you nod.
"Yeah. Exactly I could try to change my voice-"
> You push it up an octave or two, putting on a false accent that sounds like something out of a bad movie from forty years ago.
"-an' jus' talk t'her like this, but I think then she'd jus' 'ang up on me."
> "If I can make a request, sir... don't ever do that again."
> Actually laughing in spite of the topic, you nod.
> Perhaps there was a touch of bitterness in that laugh too.
"So, yeah. You see my problem. I've got half a mind to just do the dialing and then put Shining on the line and let him talk."
> "You think he would say something - upsetting?"
"He's passive for now, but I really do wonder what he'll do when I start taking steps to send him home. When I try and pull him away from his little filly."
> At this Thunderlane looks away.
> "That is true."
"Hell, with how close you've become with Vapor Trail, I imagine you understand his position. Feeling a little sympathetic?"
> Rather than fall for the trick question, Thunderlane looks you dead in the eye and nods.
> "Yes, I do. I absolutely do, because I know what I'd go through if someone tried to take Vapor from me. I'm not going to help him, though."
> Your smile widens, then fades back to a very slight scowl.
"Good. Truth be told, I don't want to keep him in that cell until it's time to go. As a father, I'm not unsympathetic either... and I'd much rather have him leave with some measure of understanding between us."
> "That may not be possible, sir."
"I know. I don't expect to have him happily sitting at my knee, but right now I'm faced with some pretty fundamental questions. Like, can I even let him see Flurry?"
> "You said he's passive for now, didn't you?"
"Dangling his daughter in front of him is one of those things that makes me wonder whether he'll stay that way."
> Rubbing the bridge of your nose, you shake your head.
"Nevermind. Go talk to him about... whatever this is, and we'll think about that later. Understand?"
> "Yes, Master."
> In the end, Thunderlane waited for the rest of the ponies to have their chance to see Shining Armor first, before letting Lattice in.
> Even then you didn't have much of an idea it had actually happened until your telephone rang.
> "Master?"
"Yes, Thunderlane?"
> "Can you come down to the cells? Lattice wants to talk to you. And Shining Armor, too."
> That sounds... bizarre, but your schedule isn't impossibly tight now.
> Enough that you can spare some time.
> You aren't the only one arriving either; when you reach the cell, Cadance is also on her way in.
> She shoots you a questioning look, as if she almost hadn't expected you to be there.
> Shrugging, you follow her in.
> Within Lattice sat in one far corner of the cell; in the other, Shining Armor.
> He was still in chains, but a much greater length allowed him greater leeway within the confines of his prison.
"I'm getting the feeling this is a little bit more than a quick explanation."
> "It is."
> That was from Thunderlane.
> "Lattice... we talked a bit. He explained his position. Shining Armor-"
> He nods to the stallion, who had been sharing an inscrutable look with Cadance.
> The alicorn in turn did not seem particularly happy with him.
> Had this all happened without her knowledge?
> "-Shining Armor gave his thoughts. And Lattice is willing to explain. But, he needs something from you as well."
> "If I do reveal all of this, I - I don't want you treating me any differently. I don't want to be somepony important. No - no shops of my own, no ponies working for me. And - what I do, it has to go back into the camp."
"What, like the profits?"
> Lattice nods sharply.
> "Exactly. I-I know you do that sometimes, Master. Like with Thunderlane. You gave the guards' pay to the camp instead. That's how it has to be."
> Does he expect to be making you money, though?
> Clearly, otherwise he wouldn't be bothering.
> Is this something to do with the talent for shaping crystals he and Tourmaline Twist supposedly had?
> Whatever it is, you're not comfortable with this situation at all.
> From the second Thunderlane called you down this has been spinning out of your control.
"Right. First of all, I don't enjoy being ambushed with these demands. I came down here because you told me Lattice wanted to talk, Thunderlane."
> Your arms fold across your chest.
"Instead I'm hit with these demands right off the bat - demands I'm willing to be Cadance didn't even know about, which makes me only more certain this was a deliberate attempt to hit me with this. And I'm pretty sure I know why-"
> "I did, Master."
> Lattice's daring interruption is shocking enough on its own.
> What he is saying is even moreso.
> "I had to. I had to prove - prove I wasn't-"
> Frowning, you turn to him and drop to one knee.
"Lattice... when have I ever forced you into something? When have I ever demanded you do something? When you said that crystal shaping was something you couldn't do, I accepted that."
> He looks away, mumbling at the floor.
> "You didn't give He- Cadance a choice."
> Your frown deepens.
"You're not a princess. Prince? Am I dealing with a second prince in disguise here? Are you a - a leader of some kind, Lattice?"
> "No!"
> It's just that much too quick of a denial.
> He knows it too.
"Lattice..."
> The stallion whinnies sharply.
> In the corner of your eye, you see Shining Armor watching you intently.
> Whatever Lattice might have said, you're quite certain this was Shining's doing as well.
"...look. You want not to be... important? Not a leader? I can accept that, I suppose. But ultimately, Lattice, I can't always assure you that the money you specifically make will always go back into the camp like that. Being able to give the guards' salaries was a luxury; I can't always be assured of it."
> "So then you're just going to take it for yourself?
> You hold a hand out to the stallion.
"No, that doesn't mean I will ignore what you're asking for. I'd be happy to divert something back into the camp. After all, that's what I do here."
> Lattice shifts nervously, turning this over in his head.
> You can guess why.
"There are two ponies here who will be very, very happy to hold me to account if I don't honor that promise, Lattice. And they can, too."
> "T-Thank you, Master."
> There.
> Maybe now, Shining Armor would see.
[Choice]
"...now."
> You take a seat on the bed, and the ponies form a sort of semicircle in front of you.
> Despite the fact that you won't be the one telling the story, this feels like nothing so much as an interrogation.
> Cadance takes up a place next to Shining Armor; within moments, her wing is out and over his withers.
> On her far side, Thunderlane; Lattice sits alone.
> At least, until you reach out and rub his shoulder in what you hope is a reassuring gesture.
"What, exactly is going on here that I can't even be told?"
> "A-Are you familiar, Master, with why there are so few crystal unicorns?"
> Your brows knit.
"I am not."
> Lattice sags despite the touch on his shoulder.
> "There used to be. Until S-Sombra. Until the long winter."
> It takes you a moment to comprehend what he means.
> Thunderlane looks equally confused; Cadance and Shining Armor, however-
> When it does hit you, however, it settles over your back like an icy, leaden weight.
"But - fucking hell! I heard it was just - just mind control. Not - genocide!"
> "Magic could undo magic. From what I have gathered, Sombra saw threats in every shadow near the end. Any unicorn was a spark to rebellion."
> That in a soft voice from Cadance, echoed by a nod from Lattice.
> "So he removed the threat. Those who would not serve him willingly were - culled first. Those who turned on their neighbors to spare each other were next; for if they would betray once, they would betray again."
"Then how-"
> Too late you realize that might not be the best question to drop.
> But then, that must be the key to what Lattice was finding so hard to tell.
"How are you here?"
> "I don't know. Blind luck, perhaps, that he did not label us traitors too."
> He sinks the rest of the way to the floor, legs folding as they can no longer hold his weight.
> "Us - my family. They served him loyally. We don't remember much from that time; no crystal pony does. Too many shadows in our minds. But enough can be found out..."
> Swallowing hard, he flicks his eyes up to the Cadance and her husband.
> "When the tyrant king was destroyed and our eyes were opened, not everypony was willing to forget who worked for him. Some remembered what we'd done."
> Lattice lights his horn and carefully unfurls the kerchief about his neck.
> There, nested carefully within, hangs a glittering stone - pure and clear, but for a three-pronged flame of midnight blue and sickly green spearing it through the middle.
> "The symbol of my house. The last memory I have of them. I hate what they did, but we were family too."
> "Forgive us, Lattice... we did not protect you."
> He shakes his head sharply, but she perseveres.
> "It wasn't your fault. Sombra was - everywhere. I only faced him for such a short time, but even so it was all I could do. You don't have to-"
> "And that is why I could not ask you, Your Highness. I knew you would say that. I had to ask His Highness Shining Armor."
> Immediately Cadance's head snaps around, glaring at Shining Armor.
> You, however, preempt her:
"And I assume that your question was whether you should keep this information to yourself?"
> "Yes, Master. If ponies found out who I was - if I started drawing attention to myself..."
> He shifts nervously, tail flicking and a hoof dragging on the hard cell floor.
> "...it'd only be trouble. They might come after me. I heard what happened to Mocha Cream; everything they said about her would be true about me."
"But not now. Hell, I can attest to that."
> "Would the kind of pony who'd attack me listen to what you say, Master?"
> He does have a point there.
"Does Tourmaline Twist know?"
> "I don't know. Maybe. I haven't told her much."
"Is she going to come after you?"
> Shining Armor snorts softly.
> "She had better not. Another crystal pony, she should know what it was like with Sombra."
> Lattice nods, adding in:
> "I think she will be more sympathetic. Other ponies..."
"Is that why you hid the radio? To - prove somehow, that you weren't my lackey?"
> "Yes, Master."
> That is mumbled more softly; your hand rises from his shoulder to squeeze the bridge of your nose.
"God damn it, Lattice, why didn’t you tell me? I could have - have arranged something from the start!"
> He doesn't answer, but the reason comes to you again.
"...you thought I'd insist you work with me again."
> "Yes, Master."
> By now his voice is barely a whisper.
"And this is why you want money you make issued back to the camp. Because you're terrified they'll think you're just enriching yourself...
> "Yes, Master."
> It's starting to sound like the chorus to a song by now.
> "And why I had to ask Shining Armor. He - he's been through a lot, because he wouldn't give up who he was or hide to fit in. He suffered, and I hid."
"Okay."
> You scoot back on the cell's cot a bit further and rub your eyes a bit more.
"I still wish you had told me all of this to begin with, Lattice. Especially after I let you off the hook for running the crystal growth project, I thought you understood me well enough."
> "I should have, Master."
> Grunting at that, you turn back to Shining Armor - who is also still getting something of a glare from his wife.
"And you, I suppose, told him to demand that he should demand his profits go back to the camp instead."
> "I told him that he shouldn't be afraid of what happened in the past if he isn't doing it now. I have always hated ponies who collaborated just to get ahead-"
> Here Lattice winces, but Shining still goes on.
> "-but that Lattice didn't have to be that, as long as he kept looking out for other ponies. Doing it right here was not my idea."
"Right."
> You shoot a look back at Thunderlane and Lattice each.
"I'm almost a little sorry I already told you I wasn't going to give a punishment for this, because it's really out of hand. Now, there's one last thing I am wondering: Lattice, you're insisting that I pay back some of your extra profits into the camp. But, what extra profits?"
> Instead of answering directly he forces himself upright to his hooves.
> Laying the crystal totem on the ground atop the kerchief, he stares it at a moment and pulls a few shaky breaths before lighting his horn with a blazing aurora.
> "Wait, Lattice don't-"
> It's too late.
> Despite Cadance's cry, Lattice's horn is glaringly bright - sending coruscating rainbows gleaming from his obsidian coat.
> You are too shocked to do anything at all.
> If this had been an assassination attempt, it'd be all over.
> It isn't, though.
> Instead, when you blink your vision clear Lattice is swaying over the remnants of his totem.
> Or, not the same totem.
> For now a fourth spur of crystal has been added, growing branch-like from the three-lobed center of it.
> Despite his eyes staring vaguely into the distance a wide grin splits Lattice's face.
> "It worked, didn't it? Hard - hard to do. But I've still got i-"
> You're off the bed just in time to catch Lattice as he tumbles over, his head landing full in your lap with eyes rolling up.
"Stunts aren't needed to prove stuff, Lattice! Thunderlane, go get some water for him!"
> "I'll... I'll be fine, Master."
> Running your fingers along his neck finds his pulse regular, if weak.
> You brush his mane back and shake your head in disbelief.
"Looks like you're lucky enough that you actually will. Don't ever do that again, Lattice!"
> "S-Sorry, Master."
> Swallowing hard, the stallion finally lets his eyes flutter shut - sides now dripping with sweat from his exertion and nostrils flared to pant heavily.
> "I h-had to know. If it could work still. If it really was just my fear stopping me."
"Is it always going to be like this?"
> "No. I c-can do it slower. Less tiring."
> Rising hoofbeats announce Thunderlane's return with a water bottle gripped in his teeth.
> You twist and open it, but as soon as the first drops hit his tongue Lattice lights his horn and finishes draining it himself.
"Feeling better?"
> "Much."
> He struggles to his hooves, and with some shakiness manages to look at you.
> "Thank you, Master. I'll - I'll be sure to do everything I can."
> You heave yourself to your feet and dust off your hands.
"Good. Now -"
> Tapping him on the side, you wiggle a winger in a mid-air circle.
"-turn around?"
> Cautiously, Lattice does.
> And is still looking away when your hand comes down with a hard swat on his croup, eliciting a slight yelp from him.
> It is joined by pair of rather more muffled whimpers as you deliver a couple more quick slaps to both sides of his haunches.
> Thankfully Lattice is intelligent enough not to try and kick, though you had preemptively stepped to the side just in case.
"Thunderlane."
> The look he gives you suggests he is seriously wondering whether this is necessary.
> But he does turn around, and barely gives so much as a squeak when you deliver a few solid slaps to his rear.
> Though his tail does firmly pin itself
"Don't ever jump me with a demand in front of a crowd like that, either of you. That was completely out of line. Next time, it'll be something more than my hand. Understood?"
> "Yes, master."
> "Yes, Master."
"Good. Thunderlane, go see him home; Lattice, rest up. We can talk more about how to implement this later, but I'm still glad you told me in the end.."
> After both of them head out, you take a seat back on the bed - looking at the two remaining ponies in the cell.
> Despite their earlier apparent differences, Cadance and Shining had huddled back up together again.
> Surprisingly, the latter pony doesn't look too upset at your impromptu discipline.
> Rather, he seems more surprised you agreed in the first place.
> "We should have looked after him better, back in the Empire..."
"Sometimes, Shining Armor, even leaders make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes can have very real consequences; but even so you can't spend hours agonizing over the mistakes. Just keep moving, and do what you can to rectify the damage."
> "...yeah."
> You look to Cadance, who gives you a flat look.
> "Should I turn around as well?"
"No, you didn't have any part in this. I saw you were as surprised as I was. Though, you should know I won't ever hesitate to give you a few good swats if you ever try anything like that either."
> That at last manages to draw an angered snort from Shining Armor, while Cadance's cheeks merely color.
"Now - as long as I'm down here, Shining, I wanted to have a talk with you as well."
> "I'm listening."
"The fact is, I don't want to keep you down here in chains forever. For a whole number of reasons."
> "You want me to believe that you are 'better'."
> Wincing, you rub the back of your head awkwardly.
"Well, that's part of it. I won't deny that. But there's another part that really doesn't want to keep you chained up in a cell just because, and another part that wants to let you out just because - hell, I want you to have a chance to really talk with your wife and daughter."
> That finally gets through to him; Shining's eyes brighten at the perspective.
"I won't deny I'm no bleeding-heart ponies'-rights advocate. But, like I said - I'm a father too. I'd go through hell for Megan, and I get that."
> "So, what do I have to do?"
> Ah, progress!
"Not much. Just stay under Cadance's watch, don't go wandering off or try to set off any rebellions. And, don't try to get inside Flurry's head."
> He huffs, ears laid flat and tail swishing.
> But Cadance leans back against him and nickers softly.
> Shining Armor relaxes, even starting to lean back against her.
> "I don't have much to lose, do I?"
"No, you don't. I'm not going to ask for groveling or anything like that. Your pride will be intact."
> "What about the horn suppressor?"
"It stays. We can fit you with a controllable model if you're going back to work. It'll shut off when you're plugged in at your workbench."
> "...I see."
> “Please, love. Don’t you want to be out of here? Don’t you - you want to live like a sane pony again, wash up-?”
> Shining pulls from Cadance's side and walks up to you.
> Despite barely reaching your chest, despite the chains he drags on the floor, you can feel the force of will in his eyes.
> "I can't know how much of what you have told me about this place is true. But I can't find out in here, either."
"So, is that an agreement from you, then? Stay with your minder, no wandering off, no trying to turn ponies on me."
> "I want to take another look at this camp. If what you've said about it being - 'better' - if that's true, then I - I agree. And..."
> His eyes fall, tail droops again, and voice softens.
> For the first time you hear real, real desire in his tone.
> "Please. Let me see my daughter. I will beg for that, if that is what it takes."
[Choice]
"Alright. Then, Cadance - he's yours to look after. A guard will come to take your chains off."
> "Thank you, Master."
> Shining merely huffs at hearing her call you that.
"I'll go see to Flurry, coax her out. Megan will probably want to come along, initially anyway. Oh, and Shining-"
> You stand, dusting off your pants again.
"I just want to be clear about this. You will be going back to your owner eventually; I'll be making that phone call pretty soon, and you should probably be a part of it."
> "Do... do I..."
"You have to, yes. Even if this was somewhere you wanted to stay, I can't legally keep you around. In fact, since I found out who you are I could be charged with receiving a stolen pony if I drag my heels."
> This produces another soft huff from the stallion.
> But also a nod of understanding.
> Turning for the door, you wave a hand in a goodbye.
"Good. Honestly... you two enjoy your time.together, okay? Cadance, tell me if you need a little bit of time off."
> Back in the manor, you have another issue to tend to.
> Megan had claimed one of the house-ponies' quarters as her own room while repairs were being done.
> Aside from giving her and Flurry a proper room, it kept them well within the house - where they would be safer.
> The displaced ponies were merely bunking in one of the other rooms.
> Marching downstairs, you tap the door to their 'room' and call through the door:
"Megan, sweetheart? Can I come in?"
> It is not your daughter who answers.
> "One moment, Master. Mistress Megan is - um - oh, you can come in now."
> You do, to find Megan struggling to fit her arms into her pajamas.
"Hey there, sweetheart. Getting ready for bed already? It's early."
> "Just felt like it."
"You didn't want to go out and play a bit?"
> "Nah. It's okay, Daddy."
> Willpower alone keeps the frown off your face.
> Still so nervous about going outside...
"Well, okay then."
> Sitting on one of the room's beds - there were two of them, but only one showed signs of actual use - you wave both girl and filly to your side.
> They're all too happy to come, Megan curling up beneath your left arm while Flurry settles under your right.
> You muss both their heads fondly.
"That's my girls."
> "Is something wrong, daddy?"
> Huh.
> They were astute girls.
"...not wrong, but there is something I need to talk to the both of you about. Flurry Heart, you father, Shining Armor - you know he is still here? Until it's time to send him home."
> Given how she is curled against your rubs, you can feel her instantaneously stiffen.
> "Yes, Master."
"Well... he'd like to see you. He's out of the cell now, with your mother."
> No answer is given to this, although Megan reaches out across your chest to squeeze Flurry's hoof.
"Now, I won't force you to. Hell, I can't force you to. But... I think it would be good if you at least tried. Cadance will be there, of course."
> "Is he angry at me, Master?"
"No, Flurry. I've told you that before."
> Leaning over, you place a soft kiss atop her head directly between the ears.
> It earns you an earflick and comforted nicker.
"If anything, I think he's a little scared too right now."
> "Is momma angry at him?"
"I... maybe. Just a little. But she's mostly happy to see him back."
> "Then why didn't he want to talk to me before?"
> Shit.
> You don't know how to answer this.
> As if to say what you couldn't, Megan speaks up:
> "Well, I am angry with him! He should have. That's what they're always telling me at school: Don't hit when you're mad. Use your words. He didn't."
"...yes. He didn't use his words at all. And maybe we're all a little bit mad at him too. Even you, Flurry. You're allowed to be mad at him."
> "So mad that I don't want to see him at all?"
"So mad that if you don't want to talk to him, you don't have to. That's allowed. But, that's not using your words is it? Maybe you should tell him - nicely - and then hear what he has to say too, hmm?"
> She doesn't look convinced, and you sigh as you run fingers through her mane.
"Just once at least, Flurry. Then no more. Can you do that for me?"
> With another squeeze from Megan's hand buoying her spirits, Flurry nods at last.
> "Mmmk. I'll... I'll do that."
 
> The walk back to your quarters is possibly one of the most tense moments you can remember.
> At the very least, the most tense moment in a very long time.
> Shining Armor walks at your side; not so close as to share affection, but not so distant as to obviously show a rift between you.
> He keeps his head up, looking around, as if examining the camp with new eyes.
> And really, he almost is.
> For the first time he isn't an agent or rebel, infiltrating to discover the truth or retrieve his daughter from some hell.
> He is examining it with a more open point of view.
> You, too, are watching - but for entirely different reasons.
> It is the ponies that you are looking at, trying to see their reaction to Shining Armor appearing at your side.
> Free from chains, yes, but scarred and his horn still capped with the restrictor ring.
> Some of your herd gaze on him with expressions of relief, even joy:
> Here was another Equestrian royal, alive and un-broken, even at your side again.
> A triumph!
> From the way some of them look, perhaps even a miracle!
> For others, you see not elation but a deep, deep sadness.
> It is not difficult to understand why:
> The same facts, taken from a different perspective.
> Here was another of Equestria's royal family, trapped in slavery as well.
> Another chance at somepony who might eventually spearhead a march to freedom, captured.
> In some, you even see anger.
> Over what had been done to him, or merely that another of your family had appeared in the camp?
> Hard to tell.
> Much like Shining Armor's perspective had changed with time, you only hope their consideration of the topic does as well.
> The door to your quarters shuts behind the two of you with a soft click.
> For the first time in what feels an eternity you are actually alone with your husband.
> No threat of being interrupted at a moment's notice.
> He is looking about as well, studying your modest quarters with the face of one who had somehow expected more.
"I told you... it isn't much at all. I have a private bathroom, instead of one of the communal ones. That's about as much luxury as I've taken."
> "I see."
"Would you like to wash up? It must have been a while since..."
> "Yeah, I... that'd be nice."
"Come. I'll show you."
> As is typical, it takes a few moments for the water to rise from icy to lukewarm.
> The heaters never were sufficient for the task...
> Shining tests it with a hoof, then carefully steps beneath.
"Here. I have some good shampoos; that should get some of the gunk out of your coat-"
> "Cadance."
> That one word brings you to a screeching halt.
> From his place in the shower, mane and coat now slick with water, Shining looks at you with a guarded expression.
> "Why are you doing this?"
"Doing what?"
> "Pretending everything will just be..."
> He pauses, searching for the word.
> "...domestic. Between us."
"I-"
> The denial dies in your throat.
> It was what you were trying for, wasn't it?
> Domesticity.
> Pretending everything was okay again.
> Seeing his point made, Shining Armor's eyes fall to the bathroom floor, to water pooling and running to the drain.
> "I'm sorry. I shouldn't take your dream. But I can't lie either. It's - hard for me. To forget everything that you're doing."
"But you said-"
> "I understand you're not a monster, Cadance. But I can't just pretend it isn't, either."
> You look away.
"I understand. I'll... leave you be, then."
> Retreating from the bathroom, you head for the bed in long, slow steps.
> A few minutes later, though-
> "Cady?"
> His pet name for you, and that tone...
> Ears pricked, you turn back.
> Still standing in the shower, Shining tilts his head and offers a small smile.
> "I... can't wash myself very well with this ring on. Could you...?"
> It is a lie; even with the ring, he is more than capable of a simple wash.
> But more importantly, it is a peace offering.
> With a smile, you slip back into the shower.
"May I...?"
> "Yes."
> Stepping in, you take the bottle in your magic and squirt out a dollop into his mane - tracing a thinner line down his back.
> His body has not gone to waste during his bondage - still every bit the muscular stallion you remember.
> Shining shivers softly at the cold goop landing in his fur, but gives a soft and happy sigh when you dig your hooves in to massage the stuff in with careful, slow motions.
> The slow, luxurious motions are as much for your own benefit as for his:
> This is the first time in so long you have been able to spend with him, and very well may be the last for at least as long.
> Nor for pleasure alone; your heart breaks each time you feel the rough crest of a scar beneath your hooves.
> Truly, Shining Armor must have suffered many times what you did.
> And despite the memories they must bring, Shining Armor seems to be managing to enjoy things as well.
> His head sinks, soon followed by his shoulders, until he is leaning almost far enough over to fall.
> A soft, happy nicker escapes his lips, followed by a long and happy sigh.
> "Perhaps... I can pretend for just a bit."
> You smile too.
> Smile, and keep rubbing until his entire body is covered in soap foam and his mane - the ragged, lanky thing he had used to hide the core of his disguise - literally drenched in suds.
"Rinse?"
> "Please."
> Rather than light your horn, you extend a wing out to deflect the water onto him in a cleansing spray.
> Shining's head rises back up into the spray.
> Shining's head rises back up into the spray.
> Suds run down his flanks to his hooves before being whisked away to the drain, but still he stays in place even when you lower your wing.
"Better?"
> "Much."
> What you do next is an undeniable risk.
> There is no way to know how he will react.
> Even this little bit of intimacy had clearly been a stretch for him; how much further can you dare to push it?
> But you could not live with yourself if you did not try either.
> And so you sidle up close against him, the limp and dripping strands of your mane coming to rest over the sodden mess of his as you press against his flank.
> Not in a gesture of desire, but simple comfort.
> Being able to share in his presence.
> And to your utter delight and relief, he relents:
> Leaning back against you, he lets his neck rest against yours amid the falling spray.
> Even earns a soft giggle from you by nibbling lightly at your mane.
> "You tempt me, mare. And I am defenseless before you."
"I know."
> You rest your chin on the back of his neck, breathing in his scent.
> Despite the recent cleaning it was still clearly there - familiar, masculine, comforting.
> Your Shiny.
"I love you, Shining Armor."
> He tries to answer, but only hiccups instead.
> Crying, you realize.
> He is crying.
> The big softie.
> Your big softie.
> Shutting the water, you wrap both your wings about him and hold him there.
> Feeling the soft heaves of his sides against yours.
> Eventually it quiets enough to let him speak.
> "And I love you, Cady."
> That name.
> Not Cadence.
> Not Princess.
> Not even Mi Amore Cadenza.
> Just Cady.
> With your magic you haul over a pair of towels to dry you both; it takes little time to wrap him up in them.
"Come. Let's get you into a proper bed."
> You don't even need to lead him on, but it is clear that something is still bothering him.
"Shining? What is it?"
> "I..."
> He jumps onto the bed, settling down onto his side, but still looks away.
> "I don't know if I want to go. My owner... he's a decent guy, but he's going to be angry. Really angry. Will probably take my magic away again."
"Is it really just your magic, love?"
> "No..."
> His head bows again, eyes half-closed in contemplation.
> "I - I thought I'd lost you. Now I've found you again and I'm told I just have to go home? He'll never let me out again!"
> Climbing up beside him, you stretch a wing across his back and let him leans his head into your chest.
> "I don't belong here. You don't either, but I really don't... but I can't just leave you behind again! I left you and Flurry Heart in the Crystal Empire and lost you both then; I can't just go now! I might never see you-"
> He cuts off, breathing hard.
[Choice]
"Shining... I think we both know you cannot stay."
> The admission draws a shaky huff from him.
> You wrap both your wings around him, cocooning Shining Armor in a feathery blanket.
"You said yourself this is not a place where you can fit in. I understand that. I - I wish you could."
> Muzzle sinking into his mane, you breath deep and hard - taking in his scent and relishing in it.
"And besides: Your master cares for you, does he not? From what you have told me."
> "Yes. He does."
> Shining sighs heavily, shifting beneath you.
"It would break his heart if you didn't come back. Do you really think he is going to punish you that severely?"
> "I don't know. He..."
> Trailing off into a low mumble, Shining utters something beneath his breath.
"If you don't want to tell me-"
> "He's taken a belt to my rump a couple times, okay?"
> Your soft gasp draws a prompt shake of his head.
> "It's - he's not cruel. It's a lot less even the lighter whippings. He can be stern, but yeah... he does care."
"So... he will not lock you up forever. Or torture you. And knowing what he does about this place, would your owner ever let you stay?"
> "No. It'd destroy Gracie if I didn't come back, though."
> Gracie.
> His own human child he'd grown attached to.
"Yes. You have others relying on you now, remember."
> "Not to mention, it'd crush Corona as well."
> Corona.
> You had forgotten her.
> Possibly on purpose.
> Shifting around, you slip your wings beneath his chin and lift Shining's head to face yours.
> His eyes are still so rich, so alive with light despite all he suffered.
"But I can promise you this:"
> Leaning forward, you press your forehead and nose against his - both your horns turned slightly aside to brush past each other.
"We will never lose each other again. You may go home, but you will not be walking away from me. We can speak by video, by telephone, by visit. We might be apart, but we will never be separated."
> "It's... not the same."
> He's desperately trying not to sound whiny.
"I know. But what other option is there? Righting this is going to take time, effort, and sacrifice for the both of us, Shining."
> "What if he's hurt? Or he can't afford to keep us? Or-"
"Then we will see. We will face that trial then. But we cannot be paralyzed with fear now."
> Eyes falling, he mutters:
> "We shouldn't have to sacrifice our family."
> You bring them back up with a kiss to the tip of his muzzle.
"Never stop saying that, Shining Armor. Never let go what is right. You are the strength I don't have."
> Huffing softly, he looks aside instead.
> But you can see the red color invading his cheeks.
"I will bow and beg Anonymous shamelessly, if that is what it takes to see you. I don't think it will, though."
> "Really?"
"He... his heart is truly moved by seeing our separation, I think. His wife is - moved on, and it pains both him and Megan. He knows it pains Megan too."
> "Someone married that?!"
> The exclamation of genuine surprise draws a roll from your eyes.
"From what Megan has told me, he is the better of the two."
> "Well. Monsters do find comfort with monsters."
"Shining Armor!"
> "What? He may be 'getting better', but he is still a slaver. And even you cannot say he wasn’t a monster before."
"The point is, Anonymous will be sympathetic. And from what you have told me of your owner, he will be too. Be strong, my Armor."
> "He is. I know he is. Even with how stern he can be, he really does care. He took me and Corona in, after all."
"So he did."
> Releasing Shining, you opt to lay down beside him instead.
> It takes no urging for him to slip his legs around you - wrapping himself around your barrel and flanks, resting his head beside yours.
"Shining? What is she like now?"
> "Passionate. Vivid. Lively... like her name. Timid sometimes still, but she's learning to overcome that. If I respect my owner, she loves him."
> Now it is your to release a breath of relief, ribs shaking as you do.
> She hadn't been permanently crippled - destroyed - by her trial.
> "She’s hurt. Maimed in more ways than one. The nightmares still come; sometimes about here, sometimes about when she had her mark taken off. Sometimes about Merribelle."
> As if in confirmation of you recognizing that name, a soft 'oh' utters from your throat.
> "And even some things during the day... he used something electrical on her. Just a pop is enough to get her breathing hard; if there's a buzz or something..."
> Your emotions plunge straight back down, drawing a whimper from your lips.
> "Cadance... why was it her?"
"She was - strong. In mind and body. One of the strongest who'd come back. I thought she could stand what he would do better than somepony else. I thought he'd exact something on her, then let her go. I never thought he'd - he'd-"
> Although you cannot go on, Shining Armor continues to hold you between his legs.
> Now the situation from before is reversed:
> It is he who is sheltering your shaking, trembling form.
"F-Forgive me, Shining Armor. I didn't know what to do, I thought it would be over once and then we could just... I don't know."
> Eventually he nuzzles your ear again.
> "I can't understand how you defend someone who did that. But I do admit, you had no better choice."
"Shining?"
> Your voice is small and weak now.
"I w-want to ask you something. You - you were the one who was relaying our messages to the outside, right?"
> "Yes. I was. To the people who helped me get in."
"Then you know about the plan. You were going to use the plan to get out."
> "I was."
"I told Sunburst to start that plan in case Anonymous ever became that monster again. If - if that day ever comes, could I send Flurry Heart to you?"
> Digesting this requests takes him several long moments.
> Moments during which he is all but still.
> "You - would trust Flurry with me? With Corona?"
> Disbelief mixes with shock in his tone.
"If it gets to that point, then I will have been wrong and you right all along."
> Shining's limbs tighten around you - a wordless recognition of what you had just admitted.
> "I... I don't think so. My Master once said that he wouldn't shelter a fugitive pony."
"But Corona-"
> "Had taken measures to - conceal herself. An alicorn is difficult to hide."
> You shudder, remembering what he had said Corona had done to her cutie marks.
> "Maybe if her life were in danger. Maybe."
"I will consider it as a last resort, then."
> Another soft squeeze from Shining Armor is accompanied by a nuzzle into the back of your head.
> "Thank you, Cady. For even thinking of me that way."
> Smiling, you twist aside to place one last kiss on his cheek.
"Whatever has happened to us, you are still my Shining Armor. Rest now; you deserve it."
> And he does.
> Soundly, despite having little else to do but think and rest in his cell already.
> That does not stop the stallion from spending the night dead asleep beside you, a comforting presence against your coat.
> You, though?
> Another story entirely.
> Perhaps it was having another in your bed - although that could not be it; to your shame, you had slept plenty well beside Anonymous in the past.
> No, it was Shining.
> Having him here.
> Something about that disrupted your sleep.
> Worry about losing him again, despite what you had told him?
> Or is it just the presence of another pony in here, as opposed to Anonymous' room?
> You don't know.
> In the end, you get only a few hours of sleep.
> Waking up beside Shining Armor, however, makes you instantly forget any malaise.
> It is a reassurance that this miracle is not a fantasy.
> He is alive.
> He is here.
> He does not hate you.
> Unbidden, your eyes begin to dampen again as you watch him breath softly in his sleep.
> When Shining stirs and rises, his eyes immediately go wide.
> "Cady? What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing. I'm - I just can't - it's really you."
> Leaning in, he brushes his lips against your forehead.
> "Yes, Cady. It is."
> ...
> Which is more surprising - that Anonymous had actually asked Flurry Heart to see Shining in the first place, or that he had arranged for it out in the camp as opposed to his home?
> You don't know, but you are glad for each:
> What might otherwise have been an awkward confrontation amid the luxury of his home was now done in yours.
> Not that it makes Shining any less nervous.
> He paces in circles; path echoing the one you had often worn into the floor when turning some difficult issue over in your head.
"Shining. I swear, this will not be as bad as you think it will."
> "But after what happened before-"
"She will remember you, love."
> "Maybe. But I don't think-"
> The door to your quarters pops open, and you quickly spin to face it.
"Hello, Flurry. Why don't you come-"
> But it isn't Flurry.
> It is Megan - the young girl filling the doorway with her arms hunched defensively at her side.
> Oh, wait; now you see your daughter:
> Huddled behind those arms, one great aquamarine eye peeking around her mistress' side.
"Will you come in?"
> Looking around for her target, Megan first raises a finger to point straight at at Shining Armor's nose.
> "You can't hurt her. Okay? I won't let you. Flurry stood up to you, and I will too!"
> Breath freezes in your throat; this wasn't how you'd wanted it to start at all.
> Rather than anger, however, Shining Armor seems to look at her with some degree of sadness or regret.
> "I won't hurt anyone. Or anypony. I swear."
> As if to prove the point, he drops to his belly and points to his suppressed horn.
> "See? I can't do magic right now."
> "Good!"
> Marching straight up to him, her little hands balled into little fists, Megan all but pushes herself straight into Shining Armor's muzzle.
> "You - you great big idiot! Do you know how much you scared Flurry?! What did you think you were doing?! Don't you know to talk to someone when you're angry with them? Didn't anyone ever teach you that?"
"Megan. Please."
> "I was so scared."
> Her hands fall back to her sides, shoulders slumping and golden curls bouncing.
> "Flurry was scared! Why couldn't you have told her this? Why did you have to come in? Why?!"
> "It wasn't her. It was you. I didn't think you would let her go."
> "Well, you can't!"
> Back up come the hands, echoing the hiccup in Megan's voice.
> "You can't have her! Flurry Heart is mine and I will protect her."
> Shining hesitates, then lowers his head.
> "May I speak to my daughter? Please?"
"Speaking is all he will do, Megan. I will see to that."
> While she still looks uncertain, a choice is made for her:
> Flurry creeps from the doorway, advancing on cautious hooves, to stand before the father she has not seen for years.
> Each step taken in a slow, measured pace until she is close enough for him to reach out a shaking hoof.
> "H-Hey there, little gem..."
> "Why did you go away?"
> A tone so accusing, so bitter that even you are shocked.
> "Why didn't you stay with me? You could have stopped them! You should have stopped them! They took me away, away from you and momma and everypony I knew, and they stopped giving me food, and I was so hungry and sick and scared and wondering where you were and-"
> The words pour forth in a torrent, her wings spreading to a width that nearly echoes your own by now despite her smaller frame.
> Shining Armor accepts the attack without defense, his head falling and mane cascading down over his eyes.
> "I wasn't strong enough, Flurry. They ambushed me while I was sleeping, caught me when I couldn't fight. They put me away somewhere - somewhere very bad. And I couldn't - I couldn't come for so long."
> "Then why did you sneak in-?!"
> Turning his head aside, he sighs heavily.
> "I... I was a stupid pony. The places where I was, they hurt me very, very badly. And I heard that this was a place like that, so I thought they were hurting you. I thought I had to take you, or there wouldn't ever be another chance..."
> "Never! I would never hurt Flurry!"
> Brushing forward, eyes alight with anger, Megan wraps both her arms protectively around the filly's neck.
> "She belongs to me! That means I look after her-"
> "Where I had been - what I had heard about here - 'belonging' meant... meant like a pony would have to accept being hurt by someone. They would have to bow and beg all the time even though they were being hurt, and if they didn't they would only be hurt more. And then I heard that you were supposed to be learning to help run things here, I thought you were going to be made to hurt other ponies..."
> Pulling herself as upright as she can, Flurry Heart hisses out:
> "Mistress Megan has never hurt me."
> Despite flinching at ‘Mistress’, Shining nods.
> "I... I know now. But I didn't then. So I thought - I thought if I dared say anything, you would try to make me 'belong' like that too. I thought you, or your father, would hurt me too."
> He neglects to mention your role in that 'hurting'.
> Megan is frowning, though.
> "I don't get it. Why would you ever think that? Didn't you see anything? Dad is good to ponies! Why would you ever think any of us would hurt Flurry like that? Are you like the ponies who hurt Mocha Cream?"
> Shining freezes, choking on his next words.
> "Your father - he -"
> Pleadingly, he looks to you.
> You understand what he is stuck on:
> Her father had made it quite clear; no putting ideas of rebellion in Flurry Heart's head, let alone Megan's.
[Choice]
"Megan, come here a moment?"
> She does, if a touch hesitantly.
> You bring her around to Shining Armor's side.
> One wing stretches out to brush the deep scars littering his back.
"Do you see this, dear? Do you know what causes this?"
> Her head is shaken just a little bit too quickly.
> You suspect she has an idea.
"In some places, Megan, people aren't so kind. In some places... the punishments are much, much worse than what we do here."
> "When you whip a pony, is that what it does?"
> So she did know.
"If you are harsh. Your father once whipped me quite hard-"
> Shining shifts, but the slightest pressure from your wing keeps him firmly in place.
" -but it did not leave scars like that. In those places, Megan, it is both harsher and happens more often. Do you remember when you said Thunderlane had to do what you wanted, just because her was a slave?"
> "Uh-huh. When daddy spanked me."
"Well, in some other camps nobody would have stopped you. And he would have been whipped for not bowing and agreeing immediately."
> You can see her turning this over in her head.
> Weighing the basic desire to have had him do what she wanted, over her empathy for the ponies she knew day in and out.
> In the midst of this, Shining Armor speaks up again:
> "Most humans I'd known, especially most slave-owners, were like this. They didn't care if their ponies were happy. They just wanted us to obey, and hurt us when we wouldn't. The only ones who weren't hurt were the ones who were helping them hurt other ponies."
> A frown has begun to creep across Megan's face, as she ponders this.
> Victory!
> "Especially people who owned large camps like this... they were all like that. Preferring ponies who were too beaten-down to object. I heard this place was like that, and I couldn't leave Flurry Heart in a place like that."
> "Why would anyone do that?!"
> Reaching out with your other wing, you pull Megan into a hug.
> After a second's hesitation Flurry joins you as well by wrapping her wings around the girl's midsection.
> "Even the one who used to own me... he didn't care about me either. He didn't hit me or whip me, but he didn't really feed me either."
> Shining nods, adding:
> "I thought Flurry was being - taught to hurt other ponies now. I broke in because I couldn't stand the thought of my little gem having to do that, understand? Would your father want you hurting other little girls?"
> "No! No, he wouldn't!"
"We know that, Megan. But some other pony coming in wouldn't."
> Huffing, Shining flicks his tail.
> "I... I even thought Cadance was hurting ponies too. And I was very, very angry with her too. So angry and scared that I didn't stop to think about it at all.
> "But what about now? I heard you have a master now you'll be going back to; is he good?"
"Shining Armor's new master is far, far better than he has had in the past, yes."
> "Even more than my master, though... I always obeyed him, but there was another little girl. Maybe about your age, even. I think she was my first human friend."
> Megan looks rather skeptical, but Shining manages a soft, almost fond smile.
> "Honest. My master took me to a party she was at, and she - she didn't even see me as a slave. Just a friend. Or C- did she try and order me around."
> Though younger ears might have missed that slip, it wasn't so quick as to avoid your own.
> What, you wonder, had the prospect of a real human friend done for her recovery?
> How much had some girl been able to give her that you never could have?
> "When you're a slave, Megan, you can't understand how different it feels to be asked something rather than told. She was so innocent - do you know that word?"
> She shakes her head in a whirl of golden curls.
"It means when someone can't be blamed for something. When they didn't do anything wrong."
> "Gracie is... she just wants everyone to be happy. Even when she's asking you to do things it doesn't feel like orders, because she's so kind."
> Face screwed up in a look of intense pondering, Megan nods.
> "Do you understand now? I knew there were some humans out there who wouldn't hurt Flurry Heart. But I didn't know that any place like this would be safe."
> "But did she give you orders?"
> "Uh... Ye-e-essss?"
> Poor Shining - forever a bad pony at hiding his nervousness.
> "Kinda? I mean... she wasn't my master - mistress - but I did what she said a lot. And, uh, gave heraponyrideonce."
"You what?!"
> You can't help the outburst; your eyes go wide with shock.
> The Shining Armor, who had snuck in disguised as another pony to try and foalnap his daughter to safety, giving rides?
> Unthinkable!
> But the way he is burying his head in his hooves to hide the blush spreading on his coat cannot be denied.
> "Okay, maybe more than once!"
"And is there anything else you want us to know?"
> Knowing that teasing, leading, sing-songy tone of your voice, Shining Armor rolls his eyes.
> "And let her paint my hooves. And braid my tail once."
> The laugher comes up bubbling from your chest.
> Maybe a little forced at first, but then again maybe you just really needed a good laugh.
> And a moment later, Megan joins in the merriment - even if just with a shy grin as well.
> Soon, however, Shining Armor sobers.
> "I guess what I mean to say, Megan, is that I didn't do it because I hate you or wanted to hurt you. I did it because I wanted my Flurry to be safe."
> Although his words address the girl, his eyes are firmly locked on his own daughter.
> "I'd been so long without her, and I let myself find somewhere good... when I heard where she was, I was angry with myself for enjoying that while I thought she was hurting."
> All of Flurry Heart's earlier anger seems to have evaporated.
> In its place was fresh and raw understanding that whatever she had suffered, it was undoubtedly worse than she had.
"If anypony here should feel that way, it is myself. I was the one who was never hurt as either of you were."
> You add more softly, for Shining's sake:
"And when I had the chance to do something for one of my family, I could not resist opportunity either. No matter what it cost me."
> Shuffling forward, Megan leaves your side - although one hand is still kept on your flank, like a child or foal keeping a limb on the "safe tree" during a game of tag - and towards Shining.
> Her other reaches out to touch his nose.
> Cautiously at first, but resting more comfortably when he does not snap or lunge at her.
> Indeed, all Shining does is turn his head fractionally to give a better feel.
> "I'm sorry, Megan. For scaring you. I just wanted my daughter to be safe."
> "But she is safe. She belongs to me now, and I won't let anyone hurt her!"
> Shining Armor bristles at the new reference to Flurry 'belonging', his ears snapping back and tail flicking hard enough to thwack against the floor.
> It is quickly suppressed, however, until only through intimate familiarity can you see the tight lines in his face.
"Megan, when you say she belongs to you... remember, Shining Armor has had a much, much different experience of 'belonging' than you give. He doesn't like that word."
> "That word is the reason I can't go home. Why I can't stay here with you. Why-"
> Biting his tongue, he again silences himself until it is done.
> "...nevermind."
> He must, you reflect, hate the promise he had been forced to make too.
> "You're going to have to go away?"
> "I don't want to."
> Again Shining's eyes fall to his daughter, still standing at a distance.
> "But I have to, because I belong to someone else. And that means I go. Besides, there's - another pony at home who was hurt badly like I was. I have to go back to her."
> "Oh."
> Megan's hand starts to slide up and down his nose.
> "P-Please believe me, Shining. Flurry is my pony, but that means she's my friend too. I don't hurt her. I don't whip her. I even stole a whooole bowl of cookie dough for her once!"
"And got both of you horribly sick in the morning."
> Even Shining cannot resist a smile at that:
> "Did she, now?"
> "Uh-huh! And we got grounded together too. I was also there when she learned to fly again!"
"Actually, I might even say that was because of Megan that Flurry was able to take to the skies..."
> When you finish telling that story, Shining looks back at his daughter then to Megan again, then back to Flurry - re-evaluating just how close they were.
> "I... So Cadance gave you a pony ride, and she followed you up. The two of you really are close, aren't you?"
> "Uh-huh."
> Megan hesitates, then looks back to Flurry as well - and sticks out an arm to motion her closer.
> Her shyness overcome, Flurry Heart advances from your side to near her father.
> They meet nose-to-nose; Shining whickers softly and she responds with a higher-pitched, foalish equivalent of the same.
> And then they are together again, brought into a hug by Megan wrapping both in a fierce hug.
> It takes a moment, but Flurry climbs into his father's hooves and hugs him too.
> He whispers something into her ear, and she shakes her head while whispering back.
> A pained but mirthful laugh escapes is throat, and Shining puts a forehoof around each of them in turn.
> Megan squeaks in surprise, but goes along with it - an arm encircling both filly and father.
> When she finally pulls free, however, there is an absolutely serious expression stamped on her face:
> "Shining Armor, I need to ask you something really big."
> "What, Megan?"
> "Can you give me a pony ride? The way you did for Gracie?"
> Immediately Shining is rearing back, eyes wide.
> "I, uh - I don't know-"
"She'll be gentle. I promise."
> "You'd know, I suppose."
> Sighing, Shining tilts his head to grant Megan better access to his mane; she'd started to brush it.
> He's hesitating, though.
"Shining?"
> "I... I don't know. I mean, it might be dangerous, and I don't even know if there'd be a saddle anywhere around here-"
> You can't help it; cheeks flush bright red and you twist your head to hide them away.
> Because there was a saddle somewhere in the camp - although where Anonymous had put it, along with the rest of that tacked-up outfit he'd had you wear for the investor's meeting, was a mystery to you.
> One that should remain hidden.
> If there a single thing that you were certain of, it was that Shining Armor should never find out about that.
> And certainly never see that dress!
> In another time, he might have had a - very positive reaction to it.
> But that would probably not be the case now, and certainly not in front of Megan or Flurry!
> You'd have to get to Anonymous and warn him off suggesting it before either girl or filly could try.
> "Oh, that's okay. I rode Cadance without a saddle when she gave me a ride!"
> "Did you now?"
> ...oh, sweet Celestia.
> That look he's giving you - it's Shining's 'there will be words later' look.
> You sigh.
> At least now there was an excuse for the rosy hue blanketing your face.
"Yes, she did. Briefly. I used my magic to hold her in place."
> Shining nods, his eyes darkening.
> Not an option for him while the hated horn-ring was still in place.
"...however, you will not be flying and that is, ah..."
> Oh.
> That look again.
> Huffing heavily, Shining lays his head back down.
> "I'm sorry, Megan. It's - difficult for me. I know you might be good for my Flurry, I do. But when I close my eyes, I still see things so differently no matter how much I want to believe..."
> "Is... there anything I can do?"
> Her cautious, hopeful tone actually causes his face to lighten - or maybe it was what she had asked, rather than demanding.
> "I don't know. Maybe... before I gave Gracie rides, she went through a whole bunch of things first. Brushing, checking my hooves... it was very calming. Maybe - I could teach you some of it... but there isn't a saddle here anyway."
[Choice]
"Megan, dear, that's a lot to ask of Shining so quickly. Why don't we go take a walk around while he thinks it over?"
> It's not your most graceful attempt at diversion.
> But it is enough; though saddened, Megan makes a little affirmative noise at the proposal.
> "Okay. But only if Flurry can come along!"
"Of course she can, dear. Shining, would you like to come as well?"
> "...yeah, I will."
> If nothing else, so as not to be apart from his daughter for a second longer than he has to.
> Not like you don't have ulterior motives either; getting Shining out and about enough would be the best way to head off any detractors worrying over his state of mind.
> The best way to show that he has not been broken before Anonymous would dare to release him.
> Out in the camp, you keep Megan at your side while Flurry Heart steadily drifts back to speak with her father in a quiet voice.
"I have to ask, Megan, have you ever ridden a horse before? Or a pony, besides me?"
> "Nu-uh. Is it that hard?"
> You smile a touch in spite of the topic.
"I am afraid I would not know, but I would think it is much, much more difficult than when you rode on my back. I could feel if you were slipping and hold you in place with my magic."
> "And Shining can't 'cause daddy took his magic away 'cause he was a bad pony?"
"Exactly. And I do not think he would give it back just for a ride, no matter how much you ask."
> "Oh."
> From her expression, you'd accurately guessed her next question.
"That's why when you ride an animal, you have to use certain things to control them. But for a pony, using those can have... bad connotations sometimes. Because it can mean they're being forced to give up control."
> Or very, very good connotations, depending on the context.
> But there was no way you were ever explaining that one to Megan!
> Let Anonymous have that conversation with her; dealing with one daughter was bad enough.
> You were already dreading Flurry Heart hitting puberty - having her first estrus! - and hoping you would get there before she could get an education from someone else.
> Squashing those thoughts with an iron hoof, you glance back to Shining Armor.
> His head was lowered, both ears pointed towards his daughter - and neither towards you.
> Good.
"And that is why, Megan, I am going to ask you to please, please not tell him about the time I wore a saddle and bridle for your father's party until I can explain it first. Do you understand why?"
> " 'cause he might think it was something bad, like how he was scared for Flurry?"
> It was such a relief, you thought, that Megan had a good head on her shoulders.
"Exactly. And I don't want him scared like that."
> "Okay!"
> But then, a second later:
> "Um... does that mean I won't be allowed to ride Shining Armor? Because ponies would think the wrong thing?"
"They, ah, might, but I think they'll understand if it's you."
> ...a few years from now, however...
> Well.
> A bridge to cross when she comes to it.
> "So, where are we going?"
"You remember Sunburst, of course?"
> "Yeah? Oooooh, he knew Shining Armor, didn't he?"
> Infectious delight spreads on her face, a little skip entering her step.
> Giggle, Megan swings back and catches Shining totally off-guard with a light pull on his shoulder.
> "C'mon, you two! Hurry up, there's someone who's gotta seeee youuuu!"
> That last singsong bit makes your husband cock his head.
> "And who would that be?"
> Megan, in turn, looks to you -
"Surely you haven't forgotten Sunburst."
> Gasping, Flurry spins about.
> "You haven't seen Sunburst yet? He's going to be so happy to see you!"
> Shining chuckles and shakes his head at the sprawling jumble of chaotic gear that fills the office.
> "I see he hasn't changed one bit."
"Not a touch. If anything, he's slightly better than he used to be."
> Unfortunately, the space is short one bookish stallion so you ended up waiting for him to return - Flurry, Megan, and Shining quietly conversing to pass the time.
> Sunburst's soft gasp is what first alerts you his return.
> A moment later he rushes in; despite the two being stallions he is more than happy to greet Shining Armor with a neck-to-neck hug.
> "Y-Your Highness, I didn't think I'd ever see you aga-"
> "Neither of us. But don't worry about it now; I'm just glad to be here."
"If the two of you are good here, I am just going to step out for a moment; I need to go speak to somepony. I'll be right back."
> In particular, you are going to see about somepony who can carry a discrete message to Anonymous.
> And you know just the mare.
 
"He wants to what?!"
> The look you give Cadance does much to convey your primary concern:
> That she has utterly lost her mind.
> Frankly, Cadance doesn't look entirely sure that she hasn't.
> "He wants to give Megan a ride, Master. One that will require proper equipment."
"I'll be honest, that was not what I was thinking of when Mocha came to tell me you wanted the saddle and bridle."
> "What was?"
> You shoot her a 'really?' look; Cadance's muzzle colors and ears lay flat as she takes on an indignant expression.
> "Master!"
"What? He is your husband."
> "We have many, many other things on our mind, Anonymous. And I am not sure what I think about you probing into the intimate details of my relationship with him either!"
"Like I said, I thought you asked."
> You wave a hand dismissively, eager to change the topic again.
> It probably wouldn't do good for her to know of the other thoughts that had been passing through your head, then.
> The ones that pondered whether a liaison between your alicorn and her husband could grant you another boon in turn - a second alicorn foal.
> ...or the ones that had pondered just how good Cadance had looked in that saddle and tack as well.
"So. He wants to give a ride, huh? There are about five different reasons that's insane, but let's start with the fact that not too many days ago, Shining Armor was trying to break into her room?"
> You lean back against the building you'd paused beside, folding your arms across your chest - the sun-baked bricks warm against your back.
"I can believe he was honestly mistaken and just meant to protect Flurry. But this is kind of a big turnaround rather quickly."
> "It has to do with another girl he knows. They apparently bonded over this."
> Another flat look is shot in Cadance's direction, though she weathers this one considerably better.
"Now I know you're pulling my leg."
> Flicking her tail, Cadance huffs softly.
> "I will admit, that bit caught me off guard as well."
"...look, I'm just a little bit iffy on this. Hell, what if Shining's owner objects?"
> "He is a runaway; any objections are going to be pretty strongly made already. And Shining is not objecting now."
"That doesn't mean I can endanger him. Megan's never had riding lessons - I don't know what she'll do. And then there’s the matter of the saddle - the one I had you wear was mostly decorative. It might take Megan's weight since she's so young, but the girth strap might slip and it has no stirrups."
> "Can they be made? Shining suggested converting one of the work harnesses into something he could use."
"Not a chance. Those harnesses put all the load on your breast and rump, very little on your back. It wouldn't be safe. I'll have to talk to Backstitch and see if he thinks stirrups could be added on to your saddle-dress."
> "If not, could you purchase one?"
> Another look is passed in her direction, but this one is really more inquisitive.
"You're really set on this, aren't you?"
> Sighing, Cadance settles on her rump.
> "It would be good for both of them, I think. Megan would overcome the last of her fear of Shining, and he would be able to leave more confident that Flurry Heart is in good hands."
> More softly, she adds:
> "That last bit is the important part. It's going to hurt when he finally has to go, but he won't do anything hot-tempered if he really trusts Megan."
"...I see. Speaking of that, Cadance - I think he should be the one to place the call home, and it should be tonight."
> "Already, Master?"
"Yes, Cadance."
> Your hand descends to rub between her wings.
"I'm sorry, but every day I don't take action on this I'm opening myself to prosecution. I have to do it."
> "Yes."
> Abruptly rising from her slumped-over stance, Cadance again rises to her hooves and comes to face you.
> "Master, I have to beg you - when you send him back, I need - need! - a way to speak to him still. A visit, now and again - but if not that then video, phone calls, something! I cannot go without him and he has asked the same of me. Please, ask his owner-"
> You halt her with a hand on her shoulder.
"I understand, Cadance. Phone calls, video calls, those I can absolutely give you. Visits... perhaps if we met somewhere in the middle? He's the next best thing to fourteen hours away, sixteen with realistic traffic. It won't be a day trip."
> Cadance's expression falls and you squat down in front of her, rubbing her mane.
"I'm sorry. I could put you on a plane; that'd only be a few hours. But I'd have to send you with someone - you know a slave can't fly alone - or put you in cargo, and I'm not shipping you like a suitcase."
> "I would do it. If it meant I could see him, I would spend however long in the smallest crate you could-"
"I know, Cadance. I know. We'll see, okay? I will talk to his owner about it, I promise that, but it'll depend on how angry he is Shining ran away.”
> This yields a soft sigh from her.
> "I guess it will. Thank you for that much, at least."
"Least I can do. Though, there is one other thing I'm a touch concerned about, and you've brought it back to my attention again."
> "Master?"
> Standing up again, you lean back against the building and stare out at the busy street.
> It wasn't a mistake that you'd scheduled Megan and Flurry to meet with Shining on Sunday, when the ponies would not be working.
> Or at least, would be working on the camp's upkeep rather than for the jobs you'd assigned them.
> Unlike many other days, the streets were relatively busy with ponies wandering about - wandering from place to place, often in small groups chatting and laughing among each other.
> Though none so close they might overhear your conversation.
"It's Mocha Cream. She's... not been doing very well ever since I broke the news to her. Quiet, muted, not even seeming to take that much pleasure in the work she's doing with her talent - lifting other ponies' spirits and so on."
> Snorting through flared nostrils, Cadance lashes her tail.
> "I've noticed it some as well, Master. She speaks less and is more withdrawn."
"I was about to ask if you saw any of it today, but I suppose that answers that. I want to do something for her, but I'm really not sure what. Has she been growing any closer with anyone here in the camp? Someone who could help her?"
> "Rumble would be the one to ask, but I don't believe so."
> You run a hand through your hair.
> It comes away damp - whether from the heat or worry, you don't know.
"I'm afraid I really did take away the last thing she had. I'd like to do something for her, but I don't know what. I realize Shining is probably the bulk of your thoughts right now, but if you have any advice...?"
> "None I haven't given already. I'm sorry, Anonymous."
> You can't even be annoyed with her; it's obvious she feels just as bad about this as you do.
> "I can attempt to speak to her again..."
"It'd be appreciated. I'll see what I can do in the meantime."
> "Right."
> Cadance's eyes fall to the ground.
> "Asking about that bridle and saddle probably didn't do much for her confidence, though. Damn, I should have thought about that!"
> Her wings flutter open as she swears, not falling back shut again until you put a reassuring touch on her shoulder.
> Mocha had, after all, seen Cadance wearing the full outfit:
> Not just the bridle slipped tight over her head with its ‘reins’ hanging long over her neck, saddle tucked tightly beneath her folded wings.
> But also the gauzy fabric falling like reigns along her neck, emerging to cover her hindquarters-
> Aaaand you're pushing that thought down.
"I'll have to talk with her again at some point. You just focus on Shining right now, okay?"
[Choice]
"...alright, I'll see about getting a proper saddle. Do me a favor, and get Shining's measurements? I think it'd be better if you did that."
> "Agreed."
"And in the meantime, I'll think about Mocha Cream."
> You rub your chin, trying to figure out just where to push her next.
"She needs to see less of me, not more. Maybe send her for some more lessons? There certainly is more she could be doing, even with her unstable magic... and I need to talk to Rumble as well."
> "Yes, Master. And soon. Letting this slip forever will do no one good."
> Raising an eyebrow at Cadance yields a soft shrug from her.
> "I realize you have much on your mind as well, but this cannot wait."
"Don't need the reminder, Cadance. Go get the information I was looking for, and remind Shining that we're going to be doing the phone call."
> She tries to hide it, but the little sigh is still audible.
> "Yes, Master."
> ...
> Unlike Megan's business with the stallion, you didn't feel comfortable handling this in the camp.
> So evening found you camped out in a circle amid your study, a phone set on the low table at the center of the circle.
> To your right was Cadance, a wing reached out to clamp over her husband's side.
> Though everyone was apprehensive, he seemed to be taking this all the worst.
> Not surprising; if one of your ponies called you up after vanishing over the fence and asked to be picked up, there'd...
> Well, there wouldn't be hell to pay; not anymore.
> But there'd still be something of a consequence for them!
> On your opposite side sat Randall and Posey, who had thoughtfully agreed to stick around in order to be on hand in case said owner is belligerent.
"Well, let's not hold this off any longer. It won't get any easier."
> Amidst a few rumbles of affirmation - some more certain than others - you tap the speaker button and begin dialing in the number.
"Shining, you remember what we went over? What to say?"
> "Yes, I do."
"Good."
> The last couple digits are punched in, discrete beeps replaced by the flat buzz of a ringer answering.
> Once, twice, three-
> "Hello?"
> The voice means nothing to you, of course, but from the way Shining Armor tenses up you can tell exactly who it is.
> Privately, you're unimaginably thankful Corona hadn't been the one to pick up.
> "Who is this?"
> Shuddering softly, the stallion leans over towards the phone.
> "...hey, Master."
> Another long pause, but this time you can practically hear the shock straight through the silence on the line.
> "Shiny? Shining Armor? Is that you-"
> "Yeah. It's me. I, uh... I'm safe for now. Just - thought you should know that first. I'm safe."
> "Safe?! Where the hell are you? This area code -"
> A brief pause, during which Shining is visibly cringing.
> "- what the hell, Shiny? This is like three states over? What- hold on - yes, it's Shining - I don't know, he says he's safe-"
> "Master?"
> Interrupting softly, he casts a nervous glance over to you.
> "Is that Corona you're talking to?"
> "Yeah, why?"
> You can feel the shudder running down your body, hair rising on your arms.
> So she did still live - and sane enough to talk, too.
> "Is it on speaker? Or is she listening on another phone?"
> "No, it's just me... Shiny, what's wrong?"
> "I - found them."
> Another long pause -
> "Them?"
> You know that tone.
> Testing the waters when the answer is already known, and the speaker wants to be sure.
> "Cadance. And Flurry Heart. I-"
> Shuddering, Shining Armor makes soft sort of huff-whinny.
> "I found them both. I'm - they're here."
"That'd be my cue, I guess?"
> "Who the hell are you?"
"I - was Corona's owner. And am Cadance and Flurry Heart's owner. Your pony not only made his way quite a distance, but managed to sneak his way into my holdings."
> What follows is a surprising degree of swearing, which you head off with a slightly raised voice:
"Just, making one thing clear here - I'm not here to threaten. Not threaten, bargain, or hold this over you. Nothing like that. I - we - are calling you to see about getting your pony back home."
> "I'm not entirely sure I believe-"
> You don't blame him.
> Had the assholes who'd neglected Flurry Heart called from the blue like this, they would have met with exactly the same suspicion from you.
"Whatever you've been told of me - and I'm not here to argue the details, particularly because a reasonable number of them are true - I'm not calling you to antagonize you."
> At least he isn't arguing back anymore, although the silence is none too reassuring either.
> "Master?"
> "Yeah, Shiny?
> "Am I allowed to come back?"
> Another long silence, and you can tell that the stallion is feeling the pressure just as much as you are.
> His mouth opens, but before anything can come out his eyes fall to you and he hesitates.
"Why don't I leave you alone for a moment? You can talk it out, settle things between each other. Then I can come back and we'll work out the logistics of getting Shining Armor home."
> "That sounds good, yeah."
> You rise; on the creak of your chair Randall stands as well.
"Okay. Shining, Cadance, just call downstairs when you're done."
> The former just grunts in acknowledgement; the latter dips her head and murmurs - perhaps softly enough to avoid the phone picking it up.
> "Yes, Master."
> Randall holds his words until you're halfway downstairs and nearly into the meeting room.
> "I'm surprised you didn't do this by Skype. Wouldn't a video do more to allay his concerns?"
"Probably. But privacy is better this way; first of all I didn't want Corona seeing my face on the screen. Second, on Skype..."
> Stepping into the meeting room, you tap another phone's speaker on and immediately mute the microphone.
"...I can't do this."
> Shining's voice - shaking, tearful, now rich with all the emotion he'd held back while you were looming over his shoulder - fills the room.
> "-screwed up, Master. I know I screwed up. I'm sorry; I don't know what I was thinking running off-"
> "Your kid, Shiny. You were thinking of your kid. Christ, I'm just glad you're alive. I was afraid you'd be lying in a ditch, or I'd get a call from some doc some place saying they'd found you half-starved or something."
> There's a soft noise somewhere in the background, perhaps the hint of words being spoken.
> "And Corona says she's sorry she didn't tell you about it before, and she shouldn't have kept it a secret from you."
> Even though it'd barely been a whisper, maybe a word or two properly heard at all, you feel your skin ripple and prickle.
> Randall gives you one of those eerie, blind looks which suggests he almost sees more with his sightless eyes.
> On the phone, Shining gives a bark of bitter laughter.
> "She's sorry? She was right. Look at me - I ran away leaving everyone behind, even though you told me not to do anything stupid-"
> "That doesn't mean we shouldn't have told you some time!'
> Shining's volume begins to rise.
> "It's still not her fault, Master. I want you to tell her that - it's not her fault, okay?"
> "Alright, alright! Corona? Corona, Shining says it's not your fault. ... Yeah, I know. But he insisted I had to tell you."
> Another half-heard burst of words, and his master comes back to the phone.
> "She's gone away. To the bedroom, I think, but she might've bought it."
> Sighing heavily - a noise which produces a hissing burst like a snap of wind through trees - Shining speaks in a such a tone that you can just imagine him half-slumped over, head hanging in that pony way.
> "How is she?"
> "Surviving. She's been really out of it ever since you... left. It's been getting a little better lately, but she was fucking terrified, Shiny. She thought you were going to get yourself caught there. Was damn close to running off herself to try and stop you, if her fear hadn't stopped her too."
> That lecturing tone, sharp and berating without being a real yell - this is a man who's experienced in handling ponies.
> "And - Gracie?"
> "Inconsolable. Corona's been spending some time over there."
> The noise Shining makes can only be accurately described as whimper, but you can't actually believe it's come from the stallion.
> "Do you even want me back?"
> Another staticky sigh, this time from the opposite end of the line.
> "Of course I do. I still need you, and so does everyone else here."
> "I was afraid after that - after I ran away - you wouldn't want me back again. No one wants a pony who runs away... I was such an idiot."
> "Yes, you were! This is how ponies get hurt, Shiny! What if someone had caught you? What if you had been so far out of state that I had couldn't find you?"
> "I-"
> "Do you want to go back to what it was like before I found you? Because out there, I can't help you-"
> "That is enough."
> Cadance had been so quiet throughout this, even you are surprised when she cuts in.
> "Shiny? Who is that?"
> "M-My wife, Master."
> A long, long silence, then -
> "Your who?"
> "I am Cadance. Mi Amore Cadenza. I am Shining Armor's wife. You should not berate him too hard. I've heard what he suffered through - and if half of what he feared was happening to his daughter was true, he would still have a good reason to come here."
> "Cady-"
> Ignoring Shining's attempt at taking the conversation back, Cadance goes on:
> "I understand why Shining Armor did what he chose to. And while it was not right, I would ask that you also consider what it means for us - to not just discover that your lost family are still alive, but that one may be suffering terribly as he did."
> "From what I've heard, you had a bit of a part in that."
> That is spoken more softly, as if Shining's owner were trying to avoid it being heard by other, sensitive pony ears.
> "I will not deny I have done terrible things - made terrible choices. But Shining Armor has never given in, and you should not be so harsh towards him."
> No retort comes to this.
> "On a different note, however... from what I am told, you saved his life when he was weak and near death. I cannot thank you enough for that; one act of kindness has allowed us to come together again. I cannot repay this; I am forever in your debt."
> "And from what I am told, Cadance, it is not me you owe anything to. There's someone else here you can't ever repay either."
> Ouch.
> You could hear the bite in that straight through the phone.
> So could Randall, and Posey's ears have gone down as well.
> Cadance, too, takes am moment to recover.
> "This is... true. I wish I could, but I cannot."
> "Shiny?"
> "She's - right."
> And there is a weighty sense of regret when he says that.
> "It's not good here. Not like with you, Master; we're all just - ways to get rich for him. But it's not as bad as I was having nightmares of either."
> God, what it must have cost him to admit that!
> For a moment you almost allow yourself to wonder if he was beginning to respect you and all you'd done.
> That hope is mercilessly quashed a second later.
> For a pony like Shining Armor, he would never see things that way.
> Just see you riding on the backs of oppressed ponies.
> "Are you saying Corona lied to me, Shiny?"
> "Lied? I - I - no. No, not lied. She didn't lie. It's... complicated, Master."
> How weird it sounds to just hear him call someone that.
> You'd pegged Shining as the sort who'd never utter that word unless someone forced him to.
> "Master... I should just come home, shouldn't I?"
> "Yeah. You should. And we're going to have - words when you do, but not now."
> Again, you can almost just about hear the wince straight through the phone.
> 'Have words', indeed.
> "Cadance, then? Why don't you go get your owner."
> Once more your alicorn's voice cuts in.
> "Of course."
> You cut the phone off when you hear her hoofsteps coming down the stairs, just so she doesn't hear anything.
> "Master? He wants to speak to you again."
"...right, on my way."
> Cadance falls in at your side as you head up the stairs, murmuring softly with an accusatory glare:
> "So, you were listening to all of that, I assume?"
> Shit!
> Had she heard?
> What do you say?
[Choice]
> You stop dead in your tracks, and Cadance does too - the look back suggesting that she has belatedly realized how much of a mistake she made.
> Leaning over at the hips so that your presence is slightly looming, you lower your voice - breath brushing her ear:
"Watch your tone, Cadance. I've been extremely tolerant of your attitudes, but I draw the line when we have others around - even on the phone. How I take care of things is my business."
> Her frown deepens, but she submits - canting her head in what you've come to recognize as a gesture of acceptance.
"I guess I wasn't quite fast enough on the mute button. I have to know what's going on, so that I can dodge the next load that comes flying at me. In this case, despite the good you've done with him I'm still dealing with a stallion who isn't very fond of me and a man who doesn't seem to be either. Knowing where I stand will help me deal with this more effectively - and help me keep the two of you in touch."
> "I understand, Master."
> Good.
> You stand back up, but the touch of a smile flickers around the edge of Cadance's lips.
> "Nothing was heard, though. You were fast enough; I merely guessed, because I know how you think."
> You frown.
> That attitude again...
> Back up in the study, Shining Armor looks up as you enter.
> He appears worse off than you'd imagined - his eyes hollow and expression blank.
> Despite the rapport he'd expressed for his owner, the stallion looks like someone informed he will be shortly marching to the gallows.
> You seat yourself by the phone; Cadance needs no prompting to take a comforting position at his side.
"Hello; are you still there?"
> "Yes, I am."
"It sounded like you wanted to speak to me again."
> "I did. I'm not sure exactly what happened - I still feel like I am missing something - but I'm not going to argue getting my pony back."
> You can't help but crack a slight smirk at that as well.
"Trust me, you are not the only one. This whole thing has been a shock for the both of us. Especially Shining showing up - first I just wanted to know what this pony was doing in my daughter's room, then he had this weird bit of magic that let him change color, and then Cadance is just hugging him..."
> "Your daughter's room?"
"Oh, he didn't tell you?"
> Cadance shoots you a dark look, both begging and daring you not to mention this.
> But you're already locked in - and besides, this will come in handy later on.
"We caught him breaking into my house. Flurry Heart - his daughter - belongs to my girl. He came in at night looking for her, and there was a bit of a scuffle-"
> "What the fuck, Shining?"
> The stallion seems to slide even further into Cadance's side.
> She takes it without criticism, extending a wing over him.
> You wonder how much this had been happening while you were out of the room.
> Meanwhile, the voice from the phone continues its rant with such fervor you half expect the phone to rattle off the table and onto the floor.
> "Were you trying to end up like Sparky? To get yourself killed - worse? Do you not understand, I might not have been able to do anything if you were hurt?"
> "I know! I know, okay? I - I was angry, and I don't..."
"He was protecting his daughter - or he believed he was, anyhow. If I can ask a somewhat personal question, are you a father?"
> "No."
> The tight, clipped tone suggests you might not have gotten an answer if the reply had been 'yes'.
"I am. My girl is nine years old. And, since I am sure you have heard all about me, would you be able to just sit still if you thought your child was in danger? If your family was in danger?"
> This time, there is no swearing.
> Just a tense silence.
"Let me tell you, I wouldn't. I won't pretend I wasn't close to beating Shining Armor bloody... he wasn't. Because in the end, I understand why."
> Shining Armor gives a sort of whuffling grunt - a wordless 'I don't think you do'.
> You ignore it, though; it probably hadn't been audible over the phone anyhow.
> "That is... extremely generous of you."
"I'm not the same man I was when Corona and I... crossed paths."
> "When you tortured her!"
> That is hissed with a surprising degree of spite.
> For some reason it doesn't hurt as badly as you'd expected, though.
"Yes. I did."
> "Shining? Is he really -"
> "I don't know. Maybe. Maybe he isn't as bad, but - I told you, it's complicated. He still uses whips, and I know I'd have taken one already if I try half the things I did with you."
> He sounds sullen, like he's wishing the spotlight hadn't just been cast on him.
> Another long silence follows; this time you don't butt in.
> It just doesn't seem like the right time.
> "Do you have skype?"
"I was actually going to ask the same thing of you, but yes. Why?"
> "Show me Shining Armor. Something funny is going on here and I'm not sure what."
> You feel a frown building on your face and ruthlessly suppress it.
> Even if it couldn't be seen over the phone.
"So you want to know what - that I don't have a gun to his head? I left the room, remember?"
> "I don't know. Do you have it, though?"
"Of course. Business meetings have to happen somehow. And you?"
> "I'll have to get an account set up. Why did you want to know?"
"Cadance wishes to have some way to stay in contact with Shining Armor; we haven't discussed it with Flurry Heart yet, but I'm sure she will too. We can discuss trips for one or both of them, but right now Skype seems like a good start."
> When no answer comes immediately, Shining speaks up as well.
> "Master, I can't just stop thinking about them if I come home. I couldn't bear to be cut off again. Even if you do punish me, I can't go without them."
"Both of them made a very convincing argument, and I am open to the idea. But Shining is yours; so I have to ask."
> The stallion in question bristles at that.
> Clearly he doesn't like - to say the least - that access to his family is dependent on another's mercy.
> "...give me a little while to think about this, okay? You're calling me out of the blue, and especially because of who you are-"
"Of course. Take all the time you need."
> "Yeah. And Shining, you - you take that time with your family as well, okay? I just need a little while to get my feelings in order."
> "Thank you, Master!"
> The elation in his voice is palpable; Cadance gives her husband a delighted squeeze and nickers happily.
"We'll speak again - a couple of days, let's say?"
> "A few days sounds good. I should have a Skype account or something ready by then."
"Talk to you then."
> "Yeah. Later, Shiny."
> And then, in a softer voice:
> "Missed ya. Just glad to know you're okay."
> Despite the earlier threat of 'words' being had between them, the stallion smiles warmly.
> "Me too, Master. Me too."
> And then the line clicks quietly closed.
"...so. A few more days here. I suppose that will work out well enough."
> You aren't so sure, in truth.
> Part of you is still insisting Shining should be well away from anything of yours as quickly as possible - that he could only create more trouble.
> More of you was saying he deserved at least a few days more, since the odds of frequent travel thereafter were... low.
> Heh, were you going soft?
> Maybe.
> Somehow it didn't particularly seem to matter.
> Shining looks up at you with a guarded but hopeful look; you get the sense he still doesn't know what to think of you.
> "You didn't tell him about giving Megan a ride, though."
"Does he absolutely need to know?"
> Shining hesitates.
> "Well..."
"Do we really need to trouble him with another thing, when he's already obviously got so much on his mind?"
> "I guess not, but it doesn't feel right hiding that from him."
> Leaning back in the chair, you raise an eyebrow questioningly.
"Sometimes, I still really don't get you. You obviously have such a hatred of slave-owners - not entirely without reason, considering where you've been. But hiding a harmless thing like this from him really gets to you."
> Rather than he, it is Cadance who answers you:
> "That's friendship, Master. That's what trust looks like."
> "Yeah! Even after I ran away, he still misses me. He still worried about me - not just was angry because he lost 'his' slave."
"Hmm."
> Tapping lightly on the chair arm, you eventually shrug.
"I won't deny it threw me for a loop, hearing you call him Master. That's all."
> Shining turns his head away, cheeks slightly colored, and mutters something indecipherable beneath his breath.
> Denying yourself the chance to push this further takes considerable willpower.
"Anyhow, Cadance and I did speak about that request earlier."
> Immediately he has perked back up again.
> "And? If you don't have something proper, I think one of the work harnesses could be modified with a little work-"
> You shake your head a firm no.
"I don't feel comfortable getting Megan up on something that wasn't ever meant for that. Harnesses put all the load on the breastband and breeching strap. There's barely anything on your back, and nothing for her to really hang on your sides."
> "Ah. I... didn't know."
"Not a worry. Point is, not only could she slip off but her weight wouldn't sit right and you could be injured too."
> Twisting his face in a way that suggests it is now his turn to avoid an awkward comment no matter how hard he wishes to, Shining Armor nods.
> "So, that's no option then."
"But, that doesn't mean I'm giving up on it. So, here's the plan..."
> ...
> Acquiring the saddle was easy enough; with the measurements Cadance had acquired, you can get something which is closely-fitting.
> The seller had warned you that buying without a proper test-fit would be risky, but you had paid anyhow.
> Sometimes you really do love having money to spare!
> It was only for a short while, and besides - Shining Armor was not a dumb animal.
> He could tell you where it wasn't fitting.
> ...bullheaded and foolish, but not dumb.
> At least this saddle had been made for Equestrian ponies; he'd also made it clear that you'd have been in trouble if you'd tried using a saddle meant for something like, say, a Shetland.
> Completely wrong body type.
> And so you ended up with one second-hand Equestrian-pony saddle and tack, fit to size for an middle-sized stallion.
> It stayed stored in your car, well away from any peeking pony eyes, until you could quietly bring it in to a lightly-used storage building on the edge of the property.
> There you dumped it on the floor, a mixed-up pile you barely know where to start with.
> Shining Armor takes one the collection of materials and sighs.
> "I just hope I remember everything."
"Megan can be a little bit headstrong, Shining. If you realize you've forgotten something or she's pushing to hard..."
> You rub your head awkwardly.
"...strange as this might sound to say, I am trusting you to look out for her."
> "Don't worry. I will stop - if I'm uncomfortable with how she's acting too. This is something I'm choosing to give her, not something I have to."
> Nodding, you pat the saddle.
"Yeah. I'm a little surprised you still are, but... I won't question it."
> Sitting down with a grunt, you start sorting through the mess of materials.
> Shining joins you nosing through the pile and pulling elements he recognizes out with his teeth.
"...if you don't mind my asking, how'd you end up giving - what was her name, Gracie? - a ride the first time?"
> Pausing with one hoof lifted, Shining ponders a moment.
> "I'm not entirely certain she understood what it meant, that I was a slave."
"How do you mean?"
> He shrugs, an odd gesture of rolling his forelegs.
> "Don't know how to put it... I've been looked down a lot by all of you. A pony - good-for-nothing, useless, thickheaded pony. Won't work, won't even obey unless you whip him silly. That's all I was."
"Then you met your current owner - if I've got the order of events right."
> "You do. His kindness earned my loyalty, but I still worked for him. Gracie... she was just happy to see us. So happy. She loved us, and stole my heart."
> Chuckling, he shakes his head.
> "I did things for her I wouldn't have done for any other human. Lay down, rolled over, let her paint my hooves... there was an innocence in her."
"Lucky girl, to have that. And you."
> "Plus..."
> Shining's voice falls, as do his ears.
> "...plus, I - I thought it was the closest I might to being a father again. I - I guess a part of me missed that."
"...ah."
> "Is - that kind of what you're trying to do with my daughter? Make Megan ... a better person? Give her a pony to care about?"
> In that question, you hear not just a desire for an answer but an almost physical need for that answer to be 'yes'.
> For Shining to have some certainty that his daughter will be with someone good.
"A bit, yes. Megan isn't so lucky to be as innocent as you say Gracie is; she's - having to learn."
> "Still, with Flurry around... Maybe she'll be better than you."
> Reaching forward again, Shining drags the bridle out of the pile with a hoof.
> Another flick of his tail is accompanied by an annoyed snort as he lightly kicks the bit.
"Not a fan of those?"
> "We used bitless."
"It's what I could find on short notice."
> Shining grunts an affirmative, then looks back at you.
"...I assume 'we' means you and Corona."
> "...yeah."
> Dropping to his haunches, he flicks his tail and taps the saddle.
> "She told me what you did."
"Did she."
> You struggle to keep your voice as neutral as possible.
> Shining is fighting the same impulses, after all.
> "Yes. Why?"
[Choice]
> You put the strap that you'd been fiddling with down.
> Out of the corner of your eye, you can see that Shining Armor isn't even bothering to hide his attention - watching you closely for your response.
> Why had you...?
> It felt so rational at the time.
> Break her in, make her accept this life.
> Discourage another escape from any ponies who would see her afterwards.
> But you rather doubt Shining Armor would accept that alone, and besides - that wasn't the whole truth either, was it?
"...I got angry. I - lost control. In the beginning, it was just a punishment. Misplaced, maybe... but someone had to be punished for that. Cadance didn't understand how close she came to ruining this place with that stunt. It was as much to show her that she couldn't do that and not expect anyone to be hurt. Maybe I was already too angry to be rational."
> Leaning over you, rest an elbow on your knee.
> One hand reaches out to toy with the bridle, straps and bolts clinking lightly against the floor.
"But Corona wouldn't give no matter what I did. Not when I lashed her, not when I kept her suspended and aching, not at all. I just kept getting angrier, and she must have just kept getting more scared... then she bit me, and after that I lost any control I still had. After that, it was just wrath pure and simple. I wanted to see her suffer, and so I did - listening to her beg for mercy and forgiveness every second of the way."
> Shining Armor remains silent, not giving you anything to answer to.
> That's fine.
> You still have plenty of things to say yourself.
"Have you ever done something, Shining, that you know the second it happens was wrong? But by then it's already too late to do anything about, and you're left just to pick up the pieces with the realization that you fucked up?"
> "Yes."
> It is the only word he says, and you can absolutely tell he is struggling not to say more.
"Well. I guess I set out to try and teach Cadance something, and ended up teaching myself just how out of control I was instead. Opened up my eyes. Cadance helped with that too."
> "Do you think that changes what you did?"
"No. Just feeling bad doesn't undo the damage I did."
> That finally draws a nod from Shining, who likewise tosses away the harness strap he'd been handling.
> "No. It really fucking doesn't."
"Cadance tried to stop me, over and over again. Tried to get me to spare them, but I forced her. And when it was done, she rightly tore me a new one for what I'd done."
> Now you have his attention again:
> "She fought you over this?"
"Your wife? Absolutely. Every inch. Corona didn't see half of it, and I can understand why she thought Cadance was just throwing her to my tortures... but no. She fought, even when I threatened her. Afterward, too, she demanded I change."
> "That... that would be her, yes. Always looking for the good in everything, no matter how dark."
> You flop onto your back, hands tucked behind your head, not even caring what the dirty floor must be doing to your shirt at this point.
"I started looking at her a different way after that, I guess. Seeing a bit more of what she saw. After that, things changed - I started having ponies take a proper place on the guards. I gave them a way to tell me what was wrong, so I could actually listen. I listened to Mocha Cream - my maid - who I'd barely even thought of before."
> "Is that why there was a pony always with you when you came to see me?"
"Exactly why. Never again will a pony be in a place where my anger can hurt them."
> Shining does the opposite, standing up to walk around the pile of tack in a slow circle.
> "I want to think you really have changed, because that means you can keep changing."
"Not quite there yet, huh?"
> "No. Not there yet."
> You can sort of loosely follow him by the sound of his hooves on the hard floor.
> "At the same time... this is why I can't ever be okay with slavery. Even if my Master is a good man, how many others aren't? How many consider that a suitable way of 'teaching a lesson'?"
> Hooves stop, and you can only guess he is looking back at you.
> "How many more ponies are going to suffer for the rest of their lives because their owners got angry at them, because they wouldn't grovel? That's the cruelty of owning another being as your property."
> This time it is you who doesn't have a good answer.
> None that he would accept, anyhow.
> "At the same time, though... I'm glad to hear it wasn't her turning."
"Nothing could be further from the truth. I can't tell you how many times I regretted giving her the authority I did, because she just would not give up - then regretted second-guessing that at all when her arguing turned out to be right!"
> You prop yourself up on one elbow.
> Sure enough, Shining had been watching from the far side of the spread-out pile of tack.
> Was that the touch of a smile around his mouth?
> No way to be sure, but he certainly does look pleased.
> "Good."
> As if aware that the conversation regarding them had just drawn to a close, the door to the storage area flings open to admit those in question:
> Flurry and Megan leading the charge with scurrying sneakers and shoes alike, followed close behind by a saddlebag-laden Cadance proceeding at a more reasonable pace.
> "I'm home, daddy!"
> "Hello, Master!"
> There's not nearly enough time for you to get upright before both land remorseless tackles - arms and wings closing around you.
"Ooof!"
> Wind is driven from you with a grunt, but your arms still find their way around both to greet them with a squeezing hug.
> Enmeshing your fingers in hair and mane, you squeeze both before letting them go.
"Boy, you two are eager! Megan, you must have just gotten home from school!"
> "And I came right over!"
> Chuckling softly at their haste, you ruffle both their hair (and give Flurry a bit of a scratch around the ears, earning a coo from her).
"Flurry, don't you want to say hello to your father, though?"
> Emitting a small eep, she quickly disentangles herself from your hands and dashes to nuzzle up against Shining.
> He smiles back and nuzzles into her mane - though not so quickly you hadn't seen the look of deep, heart-aching pain on his face before it is quickly wiped away.
"Now, did you remember to bring your helmet and pads, Megan?"
> She had obviously not.
> Cadance quickly steps in as the girl's face twiss into a wince, motioning to her own saddlebags.
> "I gathered them. I had a suspicion she would forget."
"Megan, that was very nice of Cadance wasn't it? Fixing what you forgot."
> Squirming around, Megan waves and shoots a bashful smile at the alicorn.
> "Thank you, Cadance..."
"Good girl. Now, let's see - how do you want to go about this first...? Shining, I think you should take the lead - after all, you're the one of us here who knows this best."
> Reluctantly separating himself from the clinging filly wrapped around his legs, Shining nods.
> "Yeah. Okay, um, Megan?"
> Your daughter detaches herself from your side with considerably greater ease, moving to his side.
> "What do I do, Shining?"
> "Have you brushed Flurry Heart's coat out?"
> "Oh, all the time when she's done washing up!"
> Motioning towards the coat brush, Shining then gestures to his back.
> "Okay. The first thing you're going to want to do is brush my coat flat, so it doesn't get bunched up or pull beneath everything."
> Adopting a deadly-serious expression - her tongue stuck to one side - Megan sets to work with the brush.
> Quickly Shining is backing away with a nervous whinny:
> "Easy there! I know my coat isn't as soft as hers, but be slow and gentle. Smooth strokes, okay?"
> "Sorry..."
> With a little more guidance she is soon delivering much more pleasurable brush-strokes all along his withers, back, and flanks.
> At least, that is what you assume by the relax and almost dopey expression fixed on Shining Armor's face.
> "Ooooh, that does feel good..."
> Privately, you ponder if the stallion is uniquely vulnerable to this treatment or if the next time you wish to bend a pony to your will a more peaceful application of brush to coat would do.
> Judging by the bemused expression Cadance sports, probably the former.
> Eventually Shining shakes himself loose of the stupor and refocuses.
> "Alright. Now, you're going to have to check my hooves for any debris or anything that got stuck in underneath them. It's especially important because I don't use shoes, so things can get trapped beneath there."
> You aren't, strictly speaking, sure how true that is.
> Ponies were perfectly capable of checking their own hooves, after all - but then again, this was all about teaching Megan to care for them on her own.
> In any case she wastes no time, picking up each of Shining's hooves and checking them carefully for any sign of dirt or pebbles.
> There are none, of course, but that doesn't stop her from giving them a methodical looking-over.
> "What's next?"
> "Saddle blanket. That's so the saddle doesn't chafe on me, like if you wore a big heavy backpack without anything else to support it."
> "Don't you always have a coat, though?"
> Despite her question Megan does as she is asked:
> Lifting the blanket and carefully placing it over his back, folding it over and squaring it off.
> Twisting his head around, Shining nods approvingly.
> "Yes, I do. But it isn't enough. Trust me; you can eventually get bald patches if the straps chafe. I've seen it with work harnesses here, and..."
> "And...?"
> His voice goes soft, almost wistful.
> "Back home, with the armor. If you weren't properly padded, the barding could dig in fiercely."
> Another shake of his head and he's back and focused again.
> "Anyway. Saddle up on my back now.
> This proves a bit trickier; in the end, Shining is forced to drop down on his belly to let her settle it in place.
> Even then, much adjustment is needed.
"I brought some rags as well, so anywhere it isn't sitting right you can use those for extra padding."
> "That's good, but I might not know it until she's up there. Okay, Megan - belts. You're going to need to make them tight, so you don't slip off."
> "Got it!"
> And she does - leaning back to pull the belt tight around his chest, passing just beneath his shoulders.
> Shining trots in a slow circle, stirrups jingling, and shakes himself almost dog-like - saddle waving on his back.
> "Should be good. A little tighter, maybe, but good. Okay, last part..."
> His eyes fall on the bridle and his ears fall - reluctance clearly reasserting itself.
> Megan realizes something is wrong; picking up the bridle, she looks it over questioningly.
> "Does - this need to be tight too?"
> "Not really. It's just..."
> He trails off; moments later, Cadance is at his side giving a reassuring nuzzle.
> Meanwhile Megan is looking between yourself and Shining Armor, desire to go forward with this clearly conflicting with knowledge something was wrong.
> "Do you not want to...?"
> "No, it's okay."
> Ducking his head down, Shining takes a deep breath and holds it out towards her.
> "Go ahead. The metal part goes inside my mouth, and those straps under and over - yeah, just like that, and this one behind my head..."
> Here he cuts off, as the bit had settled into the groove between his teeth and onto the tongue.
> Immediately he is shying back - but catches himself quickly and is soon standing strong again.
"You going to be okay there?"
> "Yuh-huh. Ith... 'e last 'ime I 'ad one o'eese in-"
> Truthfully you were more concerned with Megan's safety; he'd looked awfully close to bolting there, and little pony or not Shining was more than enough muscle to trample a nine-year-old.
> Even so, you unbuckle the bit from the rest of the bridle.
> Shining Armor is all too happy to spit it out.
> "The last time I had one of these in, it was - one of those camps. Harder to pull on, and takes away your speech..."
> "Then say something, Shining Armor!"
> He shakes his head at his wife's scolding.
> "No. I can do this..."
"It's your call. How is the rest of it sitting?"
> "Once you tighten it down a bit, it should be fine."
> This, you take the lead on - working the individual straps until they are firm, fitting the crownpiece around his horn and the bulky inhibitor still mounted on it, tucking the throatlatch beneath his chin.
> Lastly, you hold the bit back up.
"Can you take it again? It'll be easier for you to sense Megan's pull if you do."
> "Yeah. Just... be gentle, okay?"
> "I will."
> Your daughter adds a serious nod to that answer, and Shining opens his mouth to allow you to slip the bit back in.
> Right before it settles in, he adds in a voice soft enough only you can hear:
> "Just remember, I'm doing this for her. Not for you."
"I will."
> Getting Megan up proves to be trickier, especially with the helmet, arm-, and leg-pads Cadance had brought.
> Ultimately she lifts Megan onto Shining's back with a flare of her horn.
> The stallion shifts as her weight settles in, grunting softly.
> " 'eavier 'an 'racie was. Ol'er."
"Older? It's not too much."
> "No."
> Shaking his head - something that sets the bridle jingling - Shining huffs softly.
> "S'weir'."
> Cadance ducks in, nuzzling his neck.
> "You'll be fine, Love. Megan, do you know what to do?"
> "Uh-huh. To make him go, I give a little nudge with my legs, and to turn I pull-"
> Whinnying sharply, Shining all but spins around in place - tail lashing.
> It takes him a moment to get his words back:
> "Easy! 'at hurt!"
> "I'm sorry!"
> Megan promptly drops the reins and leans in to hug him around the neck.
> "I didn't mean to! I'm sorry."
> "Jus'... jus' be gen'le, 'kay?"
> This time when her heels tap his ribs Shining trots in a slow circle.
> His tail still occasionally twitches, but you suspect that has more to do with how uncertain Megan still is.
"You going to be alright up there, sweetheart?"
> "Uh-huh. I think... it's not like when I was on Cadance. That felt like her magic was a blanket, holding me down. Everything's... wobbly here."
"You have to get used to that, I'm afraid. Don't lock up."
> Pausing as he nears your side, Shining hesitates and gestures to his bit.
> Once you pop it off, he speaks softly:
> "...I could hold her on too, if you'd take the ring off my horn."
> Seeming to preempt your response, he adds:
> "I know, I'm a runaway. And our first meeting was me... yeah. But I'm already carrying her; you're trusting me at this point. Can't you give my magic back, in case she falls?"
“It’s not just about me. There are rules about these things-”
> “And who has to know about it? This is your private camp. Trust me, a lot of ‘rules’ get broken in places like this.”
[Choice]
> You hesitate.
> After what you had just told Shining, could you really trust him?
> Would he try to avenge the cruelty you'd inflicted on Corona?
> No.
> He was right - you were already trusting him with your daughter's life.
> Reuniting him with his family truly did seem to have broken his will to actually fight back.
> What difference could this make?
"Let me get a screwdriver."
> Shining gasps softly when you finally get the fixing-screw lose, the clamps on the ring's interior releasing his horn and allowing you to draw it off in one quick gesture.
> His legs tremble and he almost seems ready to fall to the floor.
> But a moment later he is upright again, almost seeming to stand taller than before.
> "You have no concept of how good it feels to get that off."
"I don't, but I can imagine. Cadance, you understand that this is your responsibility?"
> "Yes, Master."
"Good."
> Fingering the ring briefly before dropping it into a pocket, you grunt:
"I'm trusting, Shining Armor, that you understand why I did that. That, from one father to another, you see that I haven't hurt Flurry Heart - and will extend the same to Megan."
> "Absolutely. I swear."
> His horn lights - softly at first, an almost filmy sort of haze appearing around your daughter's legs.
> "Can you feel that, Megan?"
> "Uh-huh. I can feel the magic, yeah. I've felt Flurry's a lot."
> "Okay. I'm not going to press too hard, so you can still move around a bit up there."
> This time, when Shining starts to march in a slow circle Megan is much more able to ride easily - sitting upright on his back.
> A slow, but wide grin spreads across her face; despite the soft glow of magic around her legs they are no longer clamped so tightly around Shining's flanks.
> She still does not use the reins, though.
> Still afraid of tugging too hard.
"You can pull on those just a little, sweetheart. Just not too much, and let go as soon as you feel him respond."
> "Like this?"
> Her 'pull' barely qualifies as such.
"A little more."
> This time Shining huffs softly, but does turn to the rein's tug.
> Definitely not a fan of this guidance-by-bit business.
"That's good. And you keep it back as long as you want him to turn, or both to stop."
> Now minus her fear of wobbling off, it doesn't take long for Megan to slip into an easier pattern.
> For his part, her steed seems to have settled into quiet tolerance of this situation.
> Shining even perks up as she becomes more familiar with the controls, and almost seems to be enjoying himself.
> He still hesitates when Megan pipes up:
> "Can we go outside, Daddy? It's kind of small in here."
> "No! M'not 'onna..."
> Hesitating, Shining lets his head droop again and mutters around the bit.
> "Don' wanna b'seen like thi'. S'emberassin'..."
> Ah, there's that old pride again.
> In a way, you're almost glad to see it - at least you knew he wasn't fuming inside.
"You know, Megan, I'm not the one you really need to ask. He isn't mine, after all - and even if he was, you should still talk to him before you ask for something big like that - not just wait for me to give an order."
> "Oh..."
> Shining shoots you a thankful look - up until Megan leans alarmingly forward to hug his neck.
> "Pleeeeease, Shining? I know you can't run in here..."
> "I..."
> Cadance leans in again, frowning.
> "Dear - ponies here will understand. She's a child, and you are doing her a great favor. There's no shame in it."
> "Yeah, th'is. This - this isn' jus' a wor' ha'ness or somethin'. This is slave stuff. Wha' if a pi'ture gets out?"
"Remember, you have some privacy in the camp. Same thing that lets me take your horn restrictor off, means you also don't have to worry about being seen."
> "I... I guess..."
> "Yaaaaaaay! Thank you, Shining Armor! Thank you sooo muuuch!"
> He gags a bit from how tight Megan's hug is about his neck, but Shining does not recant.
> You take the opportunity, moving to open the warehouse doors.
> Instantly a burst of fresh, hot summer are sweeps in; Shining trots forward through it with nostrils wide and sniffing.
> His ears are half-tipped back and tail swishing.
> But there is no sign of any real anger, especially when Cadance pulls up alongside him to murmur:
> "Don't worry, Love. I'll be right here alongside you every minute of it."
> Squaring his shoulders, Shining nods and walks out onto the road beyond - Megan swaying on his back.
> "C'mon! Let's go, go, go! We're outside now, you can go faster than that!"
> No amount of nudging with her heels will drive him any faster.
"Not going to work, Sweetheart. Like I said before, you have to ask him-"
> In her frustration, Megan snaps the reins against Shining Armor's shoulders.
> The effect is dramatic:
> He is off like a rocket, galloping down the side-road with a shrieking girl clinging to his back.
> Cadance also charges after him leaving you to pick up the rear with an awkward if desperate sprint:
> For a second you fear he will buck her off, but Shining quickly comes to a halt with Megan still hanging on.
> Those shrieks quickly die out, and by the time you reach them - heart pounding and breath hard in your lungs - she is excitedly bouncing on his back.
> "Doitagain, doitagain, doitagain! That was fun!"
> "M'sorry! I didn't mean to, when Master does tha' it means I'm supp'sed t'pull as 'ard as I can-"
"Megan! Are you okay-"
> "I'm fine! It was like riding a roller-coaster - scary, but good."
> You wipe your forehead; the degree of sweat beading on it couldn't be blamed on the heat alone.
> "Can you do that again, Shining? Please, please please please-"
"Now, Megan, you can't just force him to do what you want."
> She pouts again, and Shining Armor cranes his neck around to look at her.
> The look that passes between stallion and girl is almost missed.
> Almost.
> "Y'know, ba' when I was a roo'ie 'olt in the guard, one of my l'tenants once tol' me: If y'scared o'somethin, y'jus' gotta go righ' into it har' as y'can."
"Hold up a moment-"
> Maybe Shining Armor had decided he wanted to stick it to you - to defy you just to prove he still could.
> Or maybe he had decided that if he was going to be seen out and about with your daughter saddled on his back, he was going to do it on his own terms.
> Whichever it is, your warning goes totally unheeded.
> "Me'han? Don't pull too har', or I'll just stop."
> His horn ignites, pink magic congealing around her legs -
> And then he is off, hooves raising little clouds of dust as they drive into the dirt.
"Wait, you can't just run off!"
> "Don't worry, I can hold her in place wi' my ma'ic now! I'll brin' her ba' fine!"
> The hollered answer does little to settle your churning stomach.
> Barely do you pursue a few steps before giving up; it's clear that you'll only wind yourself trying to keep pace with the work-hardened pony.
"Ahh, God damn it - Cadance, follow him; I'll get Flurry and the cart!"
> Except you don't have Flurry; a pink-and-purple blur shoots past you head hot on the trail of her Mistress and father.
> "Mistress Megan, wait for me!"
> Throwing up your arms, you turn for the cart. 
"Well, the hell with it. Apparently nobody's listening to me today."
> "Shining was right: He can shield Megan from a fall, and if anything does happen Flurry will come get us. They will be fine."
> Despite her pointed comment, Cadance takes to wing also in pursuit.
> You aren't so sure, and push the cart to its limits - straining the electric motor in an effort to keep up with him.
> Every once in a while you could catch the distant sound of hooves on pavement or earth, or your daughter's voice in the distance:
> "Giddyap, Shining! Giddyap, giddyap!"
> Judging by the bemused-looking ponies you are passing by, this is the right way.
> Wait-
> Had they turned off into one of the fields?
> You spot the pair in the distance, accompanied by Flurry Heart and raising a cloud of dust as Shining pounds through one of the work paths between rows of plants.
> There’s no way your measly little cart will keep up with him in that, but he’ll have to turn aside sooner or later or hit the fence-
> And knowing that, you can cut him off.
> Megan surely sees you coming, but still guides Shining right past you.
> Now, on a proper road, you can at least keep up-
> But all of a sudden, stopping them doesn’t seem so important.
> Megan is grinning, laughing, clutching the reins in her hands.
> And Shining has fallen back from a full gallop to a fast trot, but is focused hard:
> Both ears straight forward, head low and horn pointed forwards.
> With this pace, you really can see just how well-built he is:
> Muscles standing out as they work, nostrils flaring to suck down air, sweat beginning to lather his sides.
> A slight tug on the reins turns him down an alley too narrow for your cart to follow.
> Is Megan deliberately evading you?!
> If it’s a chase she wants…
> You miss intercepting them on the next street over, but pick them up on the third again.
> Finally Megan pulls him to a skidding, scuffing halt.
“Well, was it everything-”
> Shining actually rears up, whinnying loudly - not a sound of pain, but almost of exultation.
> For a moment you fear Megan will topple from his back, but his horn is already lit to keep the girl firmly in place even before she can begin to fall.
> Dropping back down, Shining Armor whips his head about - spraying sweat from his mane.
> “Sorry. Havin’ a run like tha’... a’tually felt real good!”
> A laugh bubbles up out of you, shaking your head.
“That’s… well, you did hold your promise. She’s fine, so that’s okay, I guess.”
> “Is th’any water? I need a drin’.”
> There is, but only from a hose - and never have you seen a pony so happy to gulp down the spray from it
> Cadance and Flurry Heart catch up as he is drinking, while speaking to them, you almost miss when Megan leans over and whispers into his ear:
> “Wanna do it again?”
> And then the chase begins anew.
> ...
> Later that evening, you finally return home - sweaty, tired, but still grinning a bit from the day's events.
> There's one thing you have to deal with, though, before this can be considered 'done'...
> The house ponies are gathered up, sitting in front of you in a loose circle.
"Now, I assume you all saw what happened out there today?"
> A low chorus of 'Yes, Master' echoes you.
"This goes for everyone here, but especially you since we have so many guests here: Not a word about that comes out about that to anyone outside the camp, understood?"
> Again the chorus sounds, although more muted and less certain this time.
"Good. I don't ask much of you, but this one thing... some people out there could use that to say I am misusing another man's pony, understand? So we won't talk about it."
> It's less of a chorus this time and more of a general series of agreeing rumbles, but even so you can definitely say there's more agreement in it.
"Excellent! That's all; you're now dismissed."
> As they tumble out, you spot one lagging pony you've got a comment for:
"Oh, and Backstitch?"
> "Yes, Master?"
> The tailor-pony cocks his head questioningly.
"If you haven't already, you can put Cadance's dress and bridle away. We're not going to need them now, obviously."
> "I'm sorry, Master, but she came and picked it up earlier this evening."
> Your eyebrows rise.
"Did she really?"
> "Yes. Just before dinner this evening, Master."
> Leaning back in your seat, you dismiss him with a wave of your hand.
"Did she now..."

> You stumble back into your quarters alongside Shining Armor.
> Exhausted, sweat-soaked, and still laughing here and there in fitful bursts.
> Too damn long, that's how long.
> For a few minutes there it had seemed like just the two of you, alone in the world.
> Even the girl on his back didn't seem to matter so much.
> The two of you mutually collapse on the floor before the bed, not wanting to rub your sweat-lathered coats on the sheets.
> Twin scents fill the room:
> Heavy, thick, mare and stallion, strong enough to fill the space.
> Ten minutes, fifteen - the two of you just lay there, grinning like madponies.
> Maybe you were madponies.
> Finally Shining gasps out:
> "I want to run like that every day. For the rest of my life. Just running, running until it's all I can think about-"
"I know."
> Your neck ached too much for a nuzzle, but your wings had been mostly unused and were still strong enough to reach out and wrap around him.
"Tartarus' black teats, I loved that! Feeling - feeling alive again!"
> "Lungs burning, heart pounding, legs screaming for relief-"
"And of course, you right alongside me."
> "Of course."
> Neither of you wants to think about how so very soon a run together will be impossible.
> Squirming over to you with an awkward flop-shove movement, Shining rolls on his side to press himself back to back with you.
"You know what else I'd like?"
> "What?"
"To get all this sweat off of me."
> "That sounds amazing. For once, no hot water isn't a problem."
“Do you want to go first?”
> "Go ahead. I'm a big strong stallion. I can deal with some sweat for a little bit more... even if it does feel gross."
> Stumbling into the shower, you twist the water on to its heaviest, coldest stream and dunk yourself beneath it.
> There you are forced to confront another want:
> One that had first made itself known a day or two ago, but now - with his scent clinging to the room and you - had become almost irresistible. 
> That desire...
> At least the water had quenched most of it by the time Shining wanders in after you.
> It's perhaps a minute more before either of you feels like lathering up.
> This time both of you can help the other, of course:
> Manipulating soap and water to lather in and soothe tired muscles.
> Years apart had not dimmed Shining's memory of exactly where pressure could make you coo and sigh with happiness - his hooves digging in to massage the bands of muscle that support your wing.
> Ah, that felt good!
> Really, really good...
> "Cady?"
"S'good, Shiny... keep goin'..."
> Your eyes are half closed, all focus on his hooves and the water pouring on you.
> "Cady..."
"Whaizzit, Shining...?"
> "Cadance!"
> Everything snaps back into focus; you peer over your shoulder in confusion.
"What's wrong, I-"
> Oh.
> You don't even need to finish that sentence.
> The burning need is back in force, and your tail is hiked up...
> Shame colors your cheeks; you drop your haunches to the shower floor and will the heat to fade away again.
"I... don't..."
> "Shh..."
> Shining leans in against you, which unfortunately doesn't help much:
> The scent of soap cannot entirely hide his own musk.
"Shining? Is... is it wrong of me to want this?"
> "Wrong?"
"It feels wrong. I only saw you again for the first time a few days ago, and I now I'm just thinking about..."
> "Shhhh."
> Leaning in, Shining nuzzles into your neck - one hoof rising to settle over your withers.
> "You're allowed to be a mare, Cadance. It's not wrong of you. Feelings like that are natural; didn't anyone ever teach you?"
"Yes. Celestia. And believe me, it was exactly as embarrassing as you would think having the Princess of the Sun instruct you about colts and fillies..."
> That thought puts a smile on both your faces, and even a chuckle from Shining.
> Releasing you from the embrace, he takes your head in his hooves and lifts it.
> Your eyes roam across his features:
> Roughened, aged by all he has been through.
> But still the same stallion you fell in love with so long ago.
> "So, yeah. Really. It's not wrong of you. You're allowed to desire, love."
> Reaching forward, he kisses you softly.
> The touch is so foreign, so unexpected, that you almost leap back before melting right into it.
> "...and I'm glad you still think of me that way too."
> Returning the kiss isn't even a question.
"Thank you, Shining... I think I'm going to head out now. If you can finish up, follow me when you're ready?"
> "Sure. Are you okay, Cadance?"
> You deliver one more final kiss to the tip of his nose.
"I'm fine. Trust me."
> In the few minutes it takes for Shining to emerge from the shower, you prepare.
> When the finally does step out, he only makes it halfway before the doorway before he halts in surprise.
> Not that you blame him.
> You were sprawled languidly on the bed, wearing the "dress" Anonymous had once made you strut before his business partners with.
> This time, wearing it doesn't feel so wrong at all.
> You'd ditched the golden hoof-cuffs and chains leading to them, of course, but the rest...
> The gauzy reins leading from the bridle set upon your head, laying across your neck and still-damp mane.
> The 'saddle' wrapping your barrel, straps of fabric emerging from it to encircle your chest and highlight your rump through the translucent cloth.
> All of that is still there.
> Under Shining's stare, you eventually turn your head aside - cheeks again burning hot with a mix of need and confused shame.
"S-Shining? Will - you be mine again, so I can be yours?"
> You can hear his hooves clip-clopping against the floor as he comes closer, but still don't look up until his magic lifts your head to face him.
> His lips press to yours, heavy and needing.
> A soft moan is pulled from your throat - how long had you dreamed of this in private, almost shameful moments?
> Of feeling that touch again, that pressure and demand-
> Shuddering, you allow yourself to roll over and make room for him on the bed - something Shining Armor is all too eager to do.
> You feel the mattress shifting as his weight settles beside you.
> Hot breath puffs on the back of your neck, he drawing in your scent as you had relished in his.
> "Cady..."
"Shining..."
> Cocking your head back, you raise it up to brush his chin.
> Your back arches, wings fluttering out, and tail again hiking up for him.
> Hormones have begun to fog your mind.
> Desires.
> Needs.
> The heat that you had only barely quenched in the shower is back with full force.
> His lips meets yours again, more forceful this time.
> Pressing and parting, letting your tongues meet.
> Shining is straddling atop you now, his hooves planted firmly on either side of your shoulders.
> His muzzle traces over your shoulders, out along a wing - brushing among your feathers in just the way you'd always loved.
> Your tail flicks up, teasingly brushing between his legs.
> Your neck twisting to let you kiss him again, then rolling back as his lips find their way down your neck.
> Cheek nuzzling against yours - his coat prickling between the straps of the bridle.
> Scent all around you in a cloud you'd missed so very, very much.
> And oh, yes-
> His length pressing down on your back.
> You can feel it, even through the saddle binding you.
> Again your tail flicks up to tease him, and that is all the invitation Shining needs:
> A gasp is torn from your throat as he enters you:
> Wings snapping out to either side and head rolling back as you are filled by him.
> On some level you are aware the dress should probably come off by this point, before it becomes wrinkled or stained with sweat and other fluids.
> Mostly, though, you are beyond caring.
> Everything is a haze now:
> Your two bodies rocking together in perfect unison.
> Each thrust driving a fresh burst of pleasure in ways that you had almost forgotten.
> The time for words is long since passed; only muted grunts and whinnies, moans and nickers pass between the two of you.
> His jaws clamp on the bridle's 'reins', tugging them back with a low growl as he hilts himself again in you.
> Your head kicks back in return.
> Hips rise, lifting to meet his and push him ever deeper.
> So what if your rump wasn't as large as some ponies'?
> You liked how neatly it fit beneath him.
> How it let you feel his weight over you, on top of you, pressing down on you, hips grinding against yours.
> There was nothing gentle or tender in this encounter:
> This was feral, instinctual, passionate lovemaking full of demand.
> A product of two loving souls torn apart from each other for far too long.
> "Ca-adaaa-aaaah!"
> Such were your passions that the climax comes with no warning.
> He erupts within you, an even greater heat filling your marehood.
> Teeth release the bridle's straps, only to close around the back of your neck with a force that makes you clench down on his shaft.
> The last few regular pumps break you as well - the entire room seeming to glow as a ripple of pleasure runs up from the bottom of your spine to the tips of your wings.
> Shining slumps down atop you when he is spent.
> In another circumstance his weight would be crushing; now, it is comforting.
> Familiar.
> When your breath has caught up and senses you realize that the room was, in fact, glowing - illuminated by both your horns, unconsciously lit amid your rutting.
> You extinguish your own, and focus in on the sensation of feeling Shining's heartbeat through his ribs:
> Thudding, pounding still, against your back.
> Matching your own.
> Eventually you gather enough strength to roll yourself over beneath him, pressing your lips to his once more and sighing in relief.
> It comes as something of a surprise when Shining lights his horn to strip the bridle from your head before he returns the gesture - unraveling the fabric from around your neck, and unbuckling the straps which kept the saddle locked to your barrel.
> You cast your eyes down, murmuring softly:
"D-Did you not like it, Shining? I'm sorry, I thought-"
> "Shh."
> His lips meet yours again.
> "I did like it. Even if I do wonder where you got something like that-"
> Before you can explain he quickly goes on:
> "-I definitely did... like it."
> The flush still showing starkly on his snow-white cheeks attests to that.
> As had the passion of his lovemaking.
> "But right now... I don't want any assistance. I want to love you, Cadenza - you alone, bare of anything like that. Just you. Just my love."
> Your heart quickens again and your head comes to rest nestled in against his shoulder.
> It hadn't been revealed to you, but that was something you had needed to hear.
> He still loved you.
> Not the mare wearing the bridle and dress that made your rump pop just right.
> You.
> Cadance.
"Thank you, Shining..."
> The second time you make love, it is much slower.
> Less beholden to the instinctual calls of need.
> More about two hearts being intertwined as your bodies were, intent as much on giving pleasure to the other as taking pleasure for yourself.
> When you take him into you, you are as much listening for his hums of pleasure as the surges coming from your nethers.
> And when he holds you against his body, coats and wings and horns brushing against each other, you can tell he is feeling for your heartbeat as well.
> The late-evening warmth doesn't even seem to matter.
> You'll have to shower again later or go to bed sweat-soaked, but that seems an acceptable tradeoff.
> And when you do finally slip into bed for the night, tangled with Shining, it is the first night you sleep utterly undisturbed without ever waking up once.

> ...
> The next evening finds you gathered again in Anonymous' study.
> This time all a ways back from the computer, so that the camera could catch all of you.
> Up-close had proven impossible to fit you all.
> Although it did produce a nicely tension-breaking bout of laughter when Shining Armor's attempt to examine the camera closely had provided everyone with an in-depth view of his nostril.
> Finally the 'incoming video call' message pops up, and despite speaking to him once before you can feel your heart begin to thud.
> This was it.
> You only hoped he would be willing to allow you to see more of Shining.
> If he didn't...
> You cut those thoughts off with the same ferocity you had in the past twenty-four hours.
> That bridge would be crossed if it was even reached.
> In the meantime...
> Anonymous accepts the call, and Shining's master appears on the screen.
> He is-
> Well, you don't know what you expected.
> Someone kindly-looking, maybe?
> Soft, to have taken care of him like that?
> But he just looks... average.
> For a human, anyhow.
> You always did get the sense that you were missing some standard of handsomeness or beauty when it came to them.
> Anonymous is the first to speak, breaking the silence.
> "Okay. I guess, this is it... well, you can figure out who I am, and Shining-"
> "Master!"
> He's clearly restraining himself from charging the screen - although that wouldn't do much.
> "Hey there, Shiny. I... I'm just... I'm really glad to see you. Like, for real."
> "I know, Master. I'm..."
> Head hanging, Shining sighs:
> "...just shouldn't have run out on you. Shouldn't have left you, Gracie, and Corona hanging."
> Anonymous speaks up, raising a hand almost like a child in school:
> "If I can ask real fast - I assume she isn't around?"
> "Yeah. Asleep upstairs, and I have the door shut. I... didn't tell her about this, or she'd have wanted to see it."
> "Master? Can you tell Corona, I just - I don't want to her to worry."
> "I will, boy. She's just happy to hear you're coming home."
> You can't help but giggle at Shining being called 'boy', especially since he doesn't seem to mind it too much.
> That giggle, however, reveals your off-camera presence.
> "Who was that? Is there another pony there with you, Shiny?"
> Stepping forward, you enter the camera's frame and immediately dip your head in a small bow.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be peeping, just... didn't want to overwhelm you with too many at once. I am Cadance."
> His face hardens, and your heart sinks.
> Your head dips further, mane beginning to fall over your face and wings shuffling nervously.
"I just wanted to see the face of the man who saved my husband's life. What I said before is still true: I owe you a great debt."
> "Master - don't... judge her too hard. I know what happened was..."
"Wrong. What I did was wrong. No one is questioning that. I wish very deeply there was something I could do to undo it... but there is not."
> Shining nods, stepping over to lean against you.
> His master studies the two of you for a long moment before sighing.
> "Whatever happened over there, I don't know. But I know how Shining talked about ponies who collaborated, and since you're still that close... I guess."
> Both yourself and Shining perk up - you leaning against him and nickering softly.
> That even prompts a little smile from his master.
"I know that the stallion who I loved is not gone. He has not been broken... thanks, in large part, to you."
> "It wasn't just me. There was this girl too-"
"Gracie?"
> His eyebrows rise; looking to Shining, he lifts one questioningly.
> "Been talking to them, Shiny?"
> "A bit, Master."
> He hangs his head guiltily..
> “Did you tell her what I asked you to? That I’m alright, and I’ll see her soon?”
> “I did. Corona did, actually, and you should have seen how happy she was…”
> “O-Oh. Well, I will when I get back, I guess.”
> Hesitating, Shining Armor adds more softly:
> "I... gave his daughter a ride here too, actually. Megan. She's very nice."
> "And you didn't think you should ask me about that? Come on, Shiny!"
> Hunching over defensively, Shining lets his ears hang and tail swish nervously.
> "I'm sorry, Master! I knew you'd say yes if I did, since it's something I did before - and she's really a gentle girl, once she figured it out. Good at learning. I knew she wouldn't do anything bad to me."
> "Well..."
> His master rubs his head awkwardly.
> "...okay, that's true, but - really, Shining. Ask, okay!"
> "I will, Master!"
> Only you, from your angle, can see what the camera cannot:
> The slight smirk creeping up the edge of your husband's jaw.
> That cheeky stallion!
> He knew he'd be forgiven if he put on that act!
> Though from the way his owner his shaking his head, you rather suspect he might have known about Shining's deceit too...
> "I've... actually been thinking. I think having Shiny driven back will be for the better, but... for the two of you, it could wait a few days."
"You... are willing to let him stay here?"
> Surprise at the sudden turnaround can't be kept from your voice or expression.
> "Yeah. I thought about what you'd said the last few times, and... if he really was fine, I thought maybe - I dunno. It seems wrong to take Shining back so fast, when you are finally still back together."
> You spin about on two hooves, a wide smile growing as you give Anonymous a wide grin.
"Master-"
> "Okay, okay!"
> Laughing, Anonymous waves you off.
> "You don't have to give me that face. I guess it wouldn't do any real harm to have another pony hanging around for a while."
> "That will give us time to make final arrangements anyway. And-"
> There is no warning.
> On the screen, the door behind Shining's owner creeps open.
> "Master? Are you coming to bed soon?"
> That voice.
> Another voice you'd never thought you'd hear again.
> He seems to realize what is about to happen, and starts to turn in his chair.
> "Corona, go back-"
> No, no, no!
> Not now!
> "Who are you talking to, Master? Is that Shin-"
> It only takes a second.
> Just a second's glimpse of the screen for Corona's eyes to find Anonymous.
> And less than a second more for her question to turn into a shriek of unearthly terror.
> "NO! NOT YOU! Not you, I got away from you! I got away, you can't have me! I escaped! Nooo!"
> Shining's master stands, but half-turned as he is all that does is clear the camera's view on his end so that you can see what happens next in perfect clarity:
> Corona stumbles back, eyes wide and pupils shrunken to pinpoints of utter terror.
> "I won't go back. I can't go back. You can't have me! I can't go back, I got awaaaay!"
> Unfortunately, the door had closed behind her; Corona's retreat bumps her into it and turns into a stumbled collapse that leaves her a huddled ball on the floor:
> Shaking and whimpering, her head buried in her hooves.
> Amid the fog of panic, unable to realize that her retreat was not actually blocked.
> Her owner rises, going to collect the shaking mare into his arms.
> Unfortunately, he forgets the camera - leaving it on and providing you with an all-too-clear view of what is happening.
> Letting you see exactly how he kneels down and wraps his arms around her in a hug, how he pins her ears down to block out all voices but his own.
> The mare is just too caught up in her fear.
> "No! No, don't take me back! Master, please - don't take me back! I love you, Master, please don't send me back to him! He'll kill me, please!"
> Trying to bring Corona upright and get her from the room proves futile; even his efforts to move her set off a fresh wave of terrified, helpless wailing.
"Anonymous..."
> The soft murmur is all you can manage right now without choking.
"Turn it off, Anonymous. Now."
> "No."
> It hadn't been he who answered, though, but Shining Armor.
> "Not yet. But, you-"
> A hoof is jabbed at Anonymous.
> "-you can get out of here."
> For once, your Master does not argue.
> He simply stands and retreats from the camera's view, off to the side of the room where he sits down just beyond your reach.
> Even so, you extend a tentative wing towards him in offering.
> His hand rises to brush a few of its primaries.
> But you can still see the despondency on his face.
> Shining Armor, meanwhile, has leaned in closer to the camera to try and fill it with his own (albeit distorted) face.
> "Corona? Corona listen to me, it's going to be okay. You aren't going to go anywhere, Corona; you're safe."
> You hadn't thought it was possible for her expression to grow even more despondent.
> When she cracks an eye to peer at him it does just that:
> A fresh wave of horror sweeping across it.
> "No... not you, Shining. Not you too."
> "I'm safe too, Corona-"
> "Safe?! Nopony is safe there!"
> Again she buries her head against her owner's chest, though it does little to hide her whimpering.
> "I shouldn't ever have told you. Shouldn't have said a thing. Now you're there and Oh Celestia help me I sent you there-"
> Her owner strokes her mane back and makes soft comforting noises, but still her ear cocks toward the screen when Shining Armor speaks up again:
> "Corona! Look at me!"
> Changing tactics, Shining Armor retreats back - trying to fit all of himself in the camera's view.
> "Look at me. I'm not hurt, see? I'm not injured. He hasn't done anything too bad to me-"
> "Anything too bad? What the hell does that mean, Shiny?"
> Wincing at his owner's response to the slip-up, Shining opts instead to fall back on regularity.
> "I am fine. Corona. I'm safe, and I'm coming back. Soon. Okay? I'm coming back, and you aren't going anywhere."
> That tone is a classic Royal-Guard-officer one - authoritative, yet reassuring.
> Demanding, yet compassionate rather than cold.
> To some degree, you had found that most officers of the Royal Guard could muster it.
> Your Shining had always been better at it than many others.
> "C-Coming home?"
> "Yeah, Corona. I am. Because you're right - he can't have you. You did get away. He can't have me either, because I don't belong to him. We belong to-"
> "Master."
> Uttering the title with a surprising degree of reverence, she nuzzles the man again.
> He leans over to whisper something into her ear - repeating what Shining Armor had said, you presume - and finally Corona pulls her head far up enough to look.
> Her eyes roam over Shining:
> Taking in the expression of utter determination and certainty he wore both on his face and in his posture, the lack of any obvious signs of torture...
> "I'm here because I broke in, Corona. I went to see just like you said, and now I'm coming back."
> And just when she had begun to relax-
> Just then, her roaming eyes fall on you.
> Instantly they blossom with something far worse than terror:
> Not fear, for you had never taken part in her savage torment.
> Something far worse.
> Something you had hoped never to see in a pony, let alone one who had been a subject of yours:
> Hatred.
> Pure and unquestioning hatred.
> "You-"
> Corona boils up out of her Master's arms, advancing on the camera with teeth bared and ears pinned.
> "You sick whore. You filthy hoof-licking, Tirek-spawned, blood-crowned, demon-human-rutting TRAITOR!"
> Tail lashing whip-like and snorting angrily with each breath, she spears you with her words as fiercely as any blade.
> "Why can't you just roll over and die?! Do you even know what you did, or are you too - too busy being his good and faithful saddle-rat to think about that?!”
> On some level you thought you had been prepared for this.
> After hearing Anonymous admit what he had done.
> You were not ready.
> Falling back on your haunches, you let your head hang.
"Celestia forgive me, Corona, there's not a single day-"
> "Forgive you?! Celestia herself would banish you! To the furthest pit of Tartarus, without a thought!"
> You flinch - hard.
> The barb had struck deep in your heart, landing amid all the old fears.
> What would your adoptive aunt have thought of you?
> Raising your eyes, you look for some escape:
> They fall on Shining, but he is paralyzed with indecision as well:
> His own eyes flicking back and forth, nostrils flaring uncertainly as he tries to make a decision.
> Caught precariously between the mare he loves and the one he had seen scarred and crippled by a slaver's sadism.
> "Corona..."
> You quickly raise a wing to stop him before he is forced to take a side.
[Choice]


Continued in Part 5: https://pastebin.com/a9fTLQPH