Title:           The Pink Mile - Written by Anon
Author:          batbat
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/iimSA4KE
First Edit:      Thursday 20th of March 2014 11:25:38 PM CDT
Last Edit:       Thursday 20th of March 2014 11:25:38 PM CDT

>It wasn't my first show on Block E, but if I knew of the acts we would be participating in this evening, I would have resigned ahead of time.
>My name is Captain Liutenant Pinkamena Diane Pie, and I'm the superior officer of Canterlot Federal Penitentary, Block E. I know what you must be thinking, that I am a hard ass soulless coward who enjoys nothing but seeing criminal men with sealed fates squirm like worms.
>I assure you, this is not the spirit of Block E, nor is it the spirit of my fellow officers. Sargeant Rainbow "Brutul" Dash, Liuetenant Rarity "Perkins" Menowitz, Captain Jacqueline Appleline, and a new addition to our fine staff, not because our budget would allow, because Heaven forbid Warden Cake would allow such a thing on his dime, but through a connection with some "royal family" Ensign Trixie Yamaguchi.
 
>See, we here at Block E, just don't deal with the typical everyday garden variety kind of criminal. Block E is where ponies come to die, the evilest of evils reside in these pink walls, and its my honest belief, alongside my staff, that these ponies lives have already ended. No need to make it harder on them.
 
>Things were causal on Block E, we never held more than 5 inmates at a time, we simply grew accustomed to coming and passing of new visitors. However, there was this one incident, back in 1947 that still haunts me to this day. An incident that would forever change the halls of the Pink Mile.
 
>It was a typical morning at the Mile, I worked with Dash in the day shift, while Jacquilene and Perkins worked the evenings. We never really needed that many bodies on the Mile, because we never really had that many occupants at one given time. At the time, we only had a small fragile girl with a heavy french accent, and a shaman who barely spoke.
>I nodded to Dash, who returned my gesture as I picked myself up from behind the oak wood table that served as our post.
>You see, to the normal eye it would seem a regular table, polished although showing signs of its age, ruffled with paperwork and scattered knickknacks. However to the staff on the Mile, and its occupants, it served as a physical line between the Ethereal and Living plane, where judgement was held. For when the time came, the inmates knew that crossing that visible border, it was a farewell to one realm.
> It was a normal morning, and as always 08:30 rolled around and I made my tour to the lavatory. I positioned myself above the porcelin recepticle as I struggled to release the tiniest of flows. The internal struggle felt as if daggers were being dragged across my insides, as I began grunting and sweating, in the sheer agony of nature course.
>08:45.
>I exited the lavatory, and wiped my brow. I could hear a voice from one of the cells.
>"Hey Boss, you dont look so well, maybe you should take the day off mon amie?"
>I wiped my hooves on my uniform, and replied back. "That's plenty enough Ms Fluttershy, I'll be fine." She chuckled and went back to her silence.
>I returned to the oak desk as Dash looked at me with concern. I drew my glasses and began writing on manuscript about the events that were going to occur later that week.
>I could feel the look of concern and I stopped writing my notes mid sentance.
>"Now don't you go worrying on me too Dash. It's just nature taking its course."
 
>"Nature isn't supposed to be so cruel there Captain. Now, I know I'm not you, lord knows I've got more color in my hair than you, but as your friend. I would get it checked out." Dash stated as she put her hoof on my shoulder.
>I rolled my eyes, and went back to my manuscript. "Duly noted, The Doctor says its only an UTI, It'll pass its course. Thank you Sargeant."
>"Did you get the post from the Warden last evening?" Dash asked, almost as she was despearate to leave the previous topic and to keep my mind occupied on something rather than the endless armada of sharp crystals destroying my reproductive systems.
>I shuffled through the endless wasteland of papers on the desk, trying to find that damned sheet. You see, here at the Mile, budgets are extremely tight, not because of any misdeed I or my staff had done, but rather because of levies and taxations on the Equestrian forefront. I don't want, or need to explain the situation to you, just know that because of a couple of rich crooks decide that they want a bigger slice of the money pie, we get stuck in a position where we can't even afford a filing cabinet.
>Dash reached into her interior coat pocket and pulled out a piece of script.
>"Here you are Boss, I know things are a bit cluttered around here."
>"Thank you Dash, when is that damn budget approval ever going to go through with the Warden?" I murmered as I read over the note.
>"Well, Hell seems pretty cold lately Pinkie, I'm thinking its going to be any day now."
> I snorted a little as Dash's smile grew a little larger, knowing she had defeated my sense of momentary dread of nature's course.
>"Says here that we'll have a new visitor today," I put the note down and swiveled toward Dash. "Well that sure isn't any different than any other 3rd Monday Brutal."
>Dash leaned against the wall and began lighting a cigarette, not that I was pleased, but when you've worked 9 years on the Mile with someone, you grow to accept their little flaws.
 
 
>"Did you read the bottom half there Boss?" Dash coyly remarked as she took a long drag from her Lucky Strike.
>I returned my gaze to the manuscript and continued to view over it. "Well tan my hide Brutal, looks like Hell is getting real chilly lately."
>"Maybe I need to bring a manteau Boss, I don't like the cold, leaves me with all sorts of chills." We heard Ms Fluttershy note from her cell.
>Dash got up from her perch and shouted back. "Yeah, we'll get you a big heavy one Melacreux, one with big shiny buttons and a ruffled collar."
>I did my best to contain my snortles.
>"Maybe a cane and a chapeau mon ami?" Ms Fluttershy retorted. Dash looked over to me with a smirk on her face as I yelled back.
>"Of course, only the finest for you Ms Fluttershy."
>Dash and I both snickered as Ms Fluttershy chuckled along with us.
>You see here at the Mile, we believe that even those these ponies are condemned to death, that life doesn't need to be anymore difficult for them. Now I cannot say that we are on friendly terms, for I do not wish to muster the ideas of turning my back on our guests. However, pleasant conversation keeps the Mile from unneeded tension.
>Dash pulled out a pocketwatch from her jacket and closed it with a sudden snap.
>"Nine thirty Boss."
>"Very well Ms Dash." I pulled back from the desk, and went over to the coatrack where Ms Perkins and Ms Jacquilines uniforms were already hanging. I grabbed my cover, and situated it upon my head.
>"Going to welcome a neu amie Boss?" I heard Ms Fluttershy comment from down the hall.
>"Nothing gets past you Ms Fluttershy. Now you don't anywhere."
>"Moi? Non non, Je suis beau mon Capietan!" Dash and I chuckle as we opened the iron door to Block E, and welcome the bright sunlight to our eyes.
>It was prisoner intake day.
 
>Prisoner intake day was a special day for the staff at Block E. It meant that the two shifts would combine to work on the transportation of our new occupant, and it meant the readying for the departure of another. Like nature following its course, we lived this cycle every 3rd Monday of every month.
>"Bright day out today eh Boss?" Dash said as she covered her eyes from the glaring sun.
>"Not bright enough it seems." I plainly stated as we both made glances toward the other Blocks. The fences were lined with prisoners crowding and pushing to see the newest occupant of Block E. You see, Block E occupants have a bit of notiority around the Penetentary, and I dare not call it popularity. I'm not sure what the appeal or image is, but I think its a helpful reminder, and perhaps a glimmer of hope to these men. That here we stand, as the reapers of justice, awaiting a new damned soul, and what divides them and us, is that fence. I'd like to think its hope, that they can redeem themselves from sin, and never worry about crossing the treshold into our world.
>"There they come now Boss." Dash stated breaking me away from my inner monoluge, as I fixed my gaze upon the long stretch of empty road. Sure as sugar, the familiar sight of the Prison Transport made its appearance and grew closer to its destination.
>If I would've known the occupants, and the events that would've taken place that would have occured from that moment on, I would've seen it turn around and never come back. I would've drawn my firearm and disable the vehicle, I would've done something to prevent such atrocity against the good of the world, but alas. We were following the cycle, we were part of natures course.
>The prisoners in the other Blocks began clamoring as the Prison Transport came to a halt, hoping to get a good look at the newest occupant of Block E. The driver door opened up as Perkins and Jacquiline stepped out, and on the other side a new face appeared.
 
>Dash and I, still at parade rest motion to one another.
>"Must be the new guy." I whisper to Dash.
>"I heard she's from a fancy silver spoon fed family." Dash whispered back.
>I readjusted my posture and smiled. "Well, I certainly hope she can adjust to the fine luxaries of the Mile."
>Dash chuckled as we both readjusted our postures and returned to parade rest. Its only fitting after all, for although the Mile seems like a place of fine discussion, we take our occupation incredibly serious, for the weight of a pony's soul lies within our hooves.
>Perkins and Jacquiline walked over to the end of the Transport and unlocked it, this was the moment. Perkins fiddled with the lock as Jacquiline lifted the heavy support bar.
>The new face walked into the back and disappeared.
>"Classic mistake. Wonder if she'll make it out?" Dash grunted.
>Ahh, such greenery, I had experienced too on my first tour of the Mile. My superior at the time and I were transporting an inmate to the Mile, and I had done the same when we had arrived. Now I dont think I have to explain the desperation of a pony that has nothing to live for. I walked up to the inmate and asked him if he was ready to walk the Mile. What I didn't know is that in desperation, anything and I mean anything can become an escape. I quickly became entangled on his wrist chains as I felt my air slowly receding. I remember kicking and struggling against the work of nature, and I remember that I was losing. My vision grew dark, as I began seeing stars. All of the sudden a thunderclap broke through the darkness, and the light was coming back to my eyes. I stood up, gasping for air, as I saw a young mare, with a stern look in her eyes, shaking her hooves with a pistol in her hands. It was the shortest term any inmate had ever served on the Mile, and if it wasn't for her, I would not be standing next to her this day.
 
>10 seconds of silence commenced, but to all of us on Block E, it felt like an eternity.
>Our sense of uneasiness was met with a loud cry of "DEAD MARE WALKING!" "DEAD MARE WALKING HERE!"
> The new guard exited the transport, and following her, is what I can only describe as a wonder of the natural world. I could not believe my eyes, and although I did not turn my gaze, I knew Dash shared in my sentiment. This was nothing the Mile has seen before, or has seen since. A purple pony, with a muttered mane, stepped off the transport, legs in chains, wings clipped, and a cuff on her horn. We had a bonafide alicorn at the Mile that day.
>Jacquile and Perkins walked alongside the prisoner as the new face directed her further, all the while hollering. "DEAD MARE HERE, DEAD MARE WALKING!"
>"What in the hell is she blabbering on about?" Dash said disgruntingly.
>"I dont know, but it sure is causing a ruckus behind the fence." I replied as I looked onward. Sure as molasses, the prisoners were nearly clawing their way to see the rare sight, to the point of actual uproar and fist fight. Now, I can't say much of the other Blocks, other than I work in the same building, but they can do their job done quickly. A loud thunderclap of bullets, and the uproar was over, as the clamour died to a murmer. Quite the welcome for our newest occupant.
>The entourage stopped in front of Dash and I as Jacquiline and Perkins both saluted at me. I returned the gesture and saluted the new recruit. She chuckled and gave a half hearted salute back. I could feel the gnashing of Dash's molars next to me.
>I turned my gaze upon the alicorn inmate and I saluted her as well as I began my traditional welcome.
 
>"Welcome to Block E of the Canterlot Federal Penentary. You have been sentenced here by a group of your peers, under a court of law to live out your remaining days here, until it is deemed time to carry out your sentence. My name is Captain Pinkamena Diane Pie, this is Sergaent Rainbow Dash, the two fine ladies beside you are Lietenant Rarity Menowitz, and Captain Jacqueline Appline. We also have a new member of our esteemed staff today who we would also like to introduce today. Please, Ms..."
I gestured to our newest guard,
>"Trixie Yamaguchi."
>"Ms Yamaguchi, could you perhaps introduce yourself to our newest occupant?" I replied, hoping that the new guard could pick up on the calm airs that we keep on the Mile.
>Trixie turned toward the inmate, whose face was still facing the ground, for whatever reasons she must have had. At the time I thought it was guilt, or perhaps dread. Its only normal for someone to feel that way knowing that they are entering the maw of their grave. At the time, I knew nothing, and I had no idea how wrong I really was.
>"I bet your brains are going to fry like a deep fried battered chicken, ya mutant!" Trixie snarled at the alicorn.
>Perkins, and Jacquilines jaws dropped as Dash in shock stepped out of parade rest, and I, although sharing the sentiments of our staff only dilated my pupils in shock.
>"Now, Ms Yamaguchi..." I began.
>"Trixie is fine, you can call me Trixie, since I'll be staying here for a while."
>"Over my dead fucking body." I heard Dash grit through her teeth. I tapped Dash's hindlegs with mine as I stared at her. She understood the message.
>"Here at Block E, we try to make the occupants feel at ease, they already know what they've done, and whats to be done. The least we can do is to make them feel at ease, and treat them with respect. We don't need trouble, so we don't need any sort of stress. Stress creates fear, fear creates desperation, desperation creates trouble. Understood MS. Yamaguchi?"
 
>Trixie slid her hooves into her uniform pockets and leaned back.
>"I was only playing, c'mon you know I was playing with ya big fellow!"
>She smacked the inmate with her front hoof, to which the inmate did nothing.
>"This rookie is going to get herself KILLED." Dash whispered under her breath.
>I was in agreement with that conclusion, Trixie and I would need to have a discussion that evening.
>Feeling the need to no longer drag on this tense moment of uneasiness, I concluded my welcome to the inmate.
>"And I hereby welcome you to your new place of residence, and I sincerely hope that your stay will be comfortable as it is expedite. Welcome to the Mile."
>With that I saluted the inmate, as Dash and I nodded to one another, and we began escorting the alicorn into the Mile.
>Other than a few bumps due to novice attitudes, everything had been going normal and smoothly. It was going to be a normal day, just as nature intended. Little did I know, that nature had something else planned that day, a little bit of chaos that would change the hearts, and walls of the Pink Mile.
 
>"My name is Twilight Sparkle."
 
>Dash and I stopped in our tracks, as did Jacque, Perkins and Trixie. I turned around slowly and looked at our escort and asked"Excuse me, would you care to ellaborate?"
>My name is Twilight Sparkle, you introduced yourselves, so I'm doing the same."
>Jacque and Perkins looked at one another with raised eyebrows as Dash and I looked in confusion to one another. Never, in the history of the Mile, has someone been so open to guards on their first day. Sure, Ms Fluttershy seems talkative, but thats only by the 2nd Thursday she arrived, some of us wishing that she would've kept quiet.
>"I just wanted to say thank you, all of you for being so welcoming. I promise you that no trouble will be had from me, I'll keep you safe and that everything is going to be fine."
>Now talk about a weird scenario, its as if the sky would suddenly turn orange with purple clouds sort of queernis. Here we stand, as the escorts of the damned, being reaffirmed by one of our inmates, that we'll be okay.
>"This is a special kind of inmate" I thought to myself, thinking that she must have been taken from Canterlot's Asylum for The Insane Gambler. I was right, and oh was I wrong at the same time. She was indeed special, but not the way I had thought.
>"Thank you Ms Sparkle. If you would be as kind to..." I motioned with my head toward the door.
>"Oh yes! Of course! Please lead the way Pinkie!"
>Dash, Jacque, Perkins and Trixie all shot me a glance. I motioned my head even harder at the door, and they followed suit.
>We escorted Ms Sparkle down to her cell, with some commentary from Ms Fluttershy. "Oh! Bonjour Mon Neue Amie! Allo! Allo! Welcome!"
>Ms. Sparkle giggled and waved back. "Hi there new friend!"
>"Oh! She called me friend! UN AIME! TRES BIEN!!!" Ms Fluttershy excitedly rambled.
 
>Before any of us could stop the situation, Trixie stamped her way to Ms Fluttershys cell. Trixie raised her bullstick, as Jacque looked back and hollered. "WAIT JUST A MINUTE THERE PARDNER!"
>But it was too late, Trixie slammed the thick club onto Ms Fluttershy's forelegs, shattering her hoofs.
>"Aiya! Mes sabots délicats, Oh oh oh oh oh oh.... it hurts..... it hurts so much." She shrieked as she pulled back into her cell, rolling into a little ball. Trixie stood there with a shit eating grin of satisfaction on her face. The paitence I had left inside my being had fled as I felt righteous rage fill my mind, although some of us already lost their paitence minutes ago.
>"Dash wait!" I tried to pull at Dash, but it was for naught. Dash stormed forward and grabbed Trixie by her sleeves and slammed her against the prison bars. "WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM NEW GUY?"
>"M-my problem? My problem is that I got some meat head holding me against a cell wall!"
>"Your damn lucky she didn't throw you into one!" Jacque replied with her forelegs crossed, looking just as upset.
>"Oh I get it, Initiation, well I understand. But let me tell you this, all of you. My aunt is the wife of ROYALTY. And if you dont put me down, I think you wont be able to staff even one guard in this shithole." Trixie snarled as she sneered at Rainbow. "Capiche?"
Dash gritted her teeth as she let go of Trixie, Perkins shook her head as Jacque returned to help me escort Ms Sparkle, who all the while kept quiet with her head down. Trixie brushed herself off, and put on that same shit eating grin.
>I looked to Jacque and Perkins, who nodded their heads.
>"Ms. Yamaguchi, please escort Ms Fluttershy to the infirmary." Her grin was wiped clean. "And WHY should I do that?"
>"Well, you caused this, so its only natural that you see it to the end." Ms Fluttershy was whimpering in pain. "Non non...not her...please Boss..."
 
>"Sergaent Dash will accompany you." Dash threw me a dirty look, but I kept my stern face on. She understood what was being asked, and that Ms Yamaguchi needed an eye kept on, and that Dash needed some air to calm down."
>"Understood. Captain." Dash pushed aside Trixie and unlocked the Ms Fluttershy's cell.
>"C'mon girl, up and at im." She said as she picked up Ms Fluttershy and dropped her on Trixie's back. "UF. WHY THE HELL SHOULD I CARRY THIS DEGENERATE ON MY SHOULDERS?"
> "Why, you want her to walk? She wouldn't be able to anyway, since you took that away from her." Dash chuckled. She looked back at me, and nodded. I knew that everything was going to be okay.
>Trixie, Ms Fluttershy and Dash began leaving as Twilight suddenly called out. "I'm sorry. I didn't protect you. Please forgive me."
>There it was, that queer feeling of silence again over the halls of the Mile. "C'est n'probleme mon amie. Adieu, for now." Ms Fluttershy weakly stated as Dash bumped Trixie to get moving. Jacque, Perkins and I looked at each other dumbfounded.
>"C'mon Ms Sparkle. Lets get you home." Perkins said nudging Ms Sparkle. We three escorted Ms Sparkle to her cell, as she sat on her cot and looked at the three of us.
>"Thank you for being so cooperative with us, in this very odd day." I noted as I turned to leave the cell.
>"Ms Pinkie? Can I ask a favor of you?" I turned back, as if this day couldnt get any queerer.
>"Yes Ms. Sparkle?"
>"Could you leave a light on at night? I'm afraid of the dark, and I can't sleep in it."
>Jacque, Perkins and I look at each other, and then Perkins spoke up.
>"Well we always keep a light on in the hall at night. I'm no fan of the dark myself."
>"And ah certainly can't see my own two hooves if it was dark in this place so don't you worry your pretty little head Missy!"
Jacque chimed in.
>Those two didn't know it, but I saw the biggest smiles on their faces.
>"Thank you friends." Twilight smiled as she curled up, and fell asleep.
 
>I shook my head at the sight, it was like a little puppy dog curled up in wings, as if a little bit of innocence had found its way into the Pink Mile. "Ah don't think she could even hurt a fly." Jacque slipped out.
>"Now, Jaucqey, don't be reading too much into this. If you known what she's in her for, it would make your blood boil." I responded frankly. I didn't mean to be so frank, but Perkins and Jaque didn't read the report, and even when I did, I felt a tinge of disgust in my stomach. All the more while it feels so utterly strange that THIS was the face, and the personality behind the report. THIS was the mare who kidnapped brutally sodomized, butchered, mutilated, burned and dismembered three school fillies? It didn't seem right, but nothing ever does in this world of ours. She was here for a reason, and we can't ever let that escape our heads, for any reason, no matter how friendly she seems.
>"Whatever do you mean Pinkie? Honestly, she is like a little puppy all curled up in there." Perkins blurted out.
>"Just....read the report Rarity." I shook my head as I walked away from the cell. I trotted my way back to the work desk, and put my hooves to
 
>Monday 23rd, June, 1947 15:00.
 
>I slammed my hooves on the lavatory door, as I grunted in pain. Sweat pouring off my brow like a thawing crick in the spring, a flow more fluid than anything I could produce below. With great frustration I painfully stand up, and turn around to wash my hooves in the sink, and my stomach sank like it was full of lead.
>Nothing but red... not even a glimmer of white porcelin in the bowl. I slam down on the handle and flush my frustration away.
>I threw cold water on my face, as I breathed heavily. Three months now, three months of nothing but pain and frustration. I honestly want to believe my doctor, that this is just normal, and that nature will take its course, but I feel as if its for nothing.
>Lord knows I've paid for it in other ways, and somedays I can't even look my husband in the eyes. He knew about my 'problem', and its been highly unfair to him as well. Just because I feel no sensation other than pain and swelling, doesn't mean he should go without.
> I'm glad I'm married to a saint, because he's been understanding this whole time. Yeah, I need to go to the doctor and get an update soon, for both our sakes.
> I exited the lavatory, and saw what could be considered one of greatest wonders that ever happened in the Mile. At first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but when I leaned over to look more clearly I could see it. It was a mouse.
>"Well, I'll be damned." I murmured to myself. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small cracker, and threw it toward the little fellow. Sure as syrup, the little fellow sniffed around and began nibbling on the cracker.
>I began chuckling as I kneeled closer to the mouse. It was a rare moment of unprofessionalism, but suddenly a moment of childness ran over me.
>"Whats your name little fellow?" I asked as I went to pet it.
>"Uhh... Boss? What are you doing?" I heard behind me.
>I jolted up in surprise and saw Dash with a smirk on her face.>Monday 23rd, June, 1947 15:00.
 
>I slammed my hooves on the lavatory door, as I grunted in pain. Sweat pouring off my brow like a thawing crick in the spring, a flow more fluid than anything I could produce below. With great frustration I painfully stand up, and turn around to wash my hooves in the sink, and my stomach sank like it was full of lead.
>Nothing but red... not even a glimmer of white porcelin in the bowl. I slam down on the handle and flush my frustration away.
>I threw cold water on my face, as I breathed heavily. Three months now, three months of nothing but pain and frustration. I honestly want to believe my doctor, that this is just normal, and that nature will take its course, but I feel as if its for nothing.
>Lord knows I've paid for it in other ways, and somedays I can't even look my husband in the eyes. He knew about my 'problem', and its been highly unfair to him as well. Just because I feel no sensation other than pain and swelling, doesn't mean he should go without.
> I'm glad I'm married to a saint, because he's been understanding this whole time. Yeah, I need to go to the doctor and get an update soon, for both our sakes.
> I exited the lavatory, and saw what could be considered one of greatest wonders that ever happened in the Mile. At first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but when I leaned over to look more clearly I could see it. It was a mouse.
>"Well, I'll be damned." I murmured to myself. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small cracker, and threw it toward the little fellow. Sure as syrup, the little fellow sniffed around and began nibbling on the cracker.
>I began chuckling as I kneeled closer to the mouse. It was a rare moment of unprofessionalism, but suddenly a moment of childness ran over me.
>"Whats your name little fellow?" I asked as I went to pet it.
>"Uhh... Boss? What are you doing?" I heard behind me.
>I jolted up in surprise and saw Dash with a smirk on her face.
 
>"A new guest of The Mile there Boss?" Dash said crossing her forelegs.
>I stood up and brushed myself off, "Yeah, no idea what this little fellow is doing here, never seen a mouse in all the years I've worked here. What about your Brutal?"
>Dash shook her head. "Can't say that I have Boss. Give me some of that cracker."
>I broke up the cracker in my hoof and handed it to Dash, with the same childishness running through her eyes as well. She bent over and tossed the cracker bits, and I swear by almighty heaven I almost heard a ghost of a giddy giggle come from her as the mouse began nibbling on the cracker.
>"How's Ms Fluttershy and Ms Yamaguchi?"
>Dash's grin quickly faded, "Melacreux is fine, she'll be spending the night at infirmary. As for Dicksie..." Dash held the cracker bits in her hoof this time, and sure as saccurin, the mouse went to her hoof and began eating from her hoof. "I decided to drop her off in the warden's office, for a quick occupational review."
>I chuckled, as I took some cracker bits from Dash's hoof and tossed them towards the mouse. "You know, our budget is going to go down the shitter if we mess with that girl."
>"Yeah. I know, but there's a certain of respect that a pony should have and she has none." Dash grunted as she threw a cracker bit very far away, and the mouse ran after it.
>"You know what I overheard from Jacque and Rarity? Turns out that Dicksie was offered a job at The Equestrian Insane Asylum as a head supervisor."
>"Doesn't surprise me Dash. Girl has powerful connections, wonder why she would take a job at The Mile, not nearly the same pay..."
>"You know what I think Pinkie? I think she wants to see one fry. I think she gets off on all of this."
>My stomach sank, since it was intake today, we all knew what tomorrow would be. "Well. She'll get her chance then."
 
>I wiped my hooves clean of the cracker bits. Suddenly the mouse ran back to both Dash and I, and she shrugged. "Sorry little fellow, no more."
>"No wait... mother of Celestia Dash...look!"
>The mouse had returned the cracker bit that Dash had previousally thrown.
>"Well... clip my wings and called me a mud horse. No offense Boss."
>"None taken." We both knelt down and took a long look at the little wonder.
>"We've got all sorts here at the Mile don't we Brutal?"
>"Yeah, no kidding, you are sure one special little mouse."
>"Shame though Brutal, we can't exactly have vermin in with the guests, they'll start complaining." I said with a sigh.
>Dash looked at me with a forlorn look on her face, "Yeah. I know. It would've seemed nice to have something to perk us up."
>"Well, we have Ms Fluttershy to lighten the mood up, and of course Perkins."
>"Ugh. No thanks to either, Rarity is just too Perky for me, and Melacreux... its not like its permanent you know."
>We both felt a tinge of sadness through our hearts, an odd sensation that we usually never felt about our guests. Nine years of working The Mile, and not once had we the same kind of emotion that we were having now. Was it the mouse, or was it a reminder of our humanity, and that we too are ponies with emotions? It felt extremely off, and we needed to cut it short. We are ponies who hold the lives of others in our hands, and we take them away. We guide them to their rightful place of judgement, The Mile is no place for empathy.
>"C'mon Brutal. Let's get rid of the mouse."
>"Right Boss."
>Dash went for her bullstick, but as if the mouse could read our minds, it jolted off and ran into the restraint room down the hall.
>We could hear a voice we never heard before. "If my eyes didn't lie, I saw a mouse in this house."
 
>Dash and I looked at each other, so the shaman can speak!
>We walk toward the restraint room, and pass as we see the Zebra in deep meditation with one eye open.
>Its as if really Hell had frozen over, for four weeks, not one of the staff of E block had heard this mysterious shaman speak a single word, and the first time she does, its about a mouse, which is a first in the long history of The Mile.
>"Is it okay if we talk after I get this mouse thing straightened out Ms?"
>"Is no problem of mine, even though short, I do have some time." The Shaman said as she fell back into a meditative state. I shook my head, this day has been queerer and queerer by the hour. Dash pulled me back and pointed to the restraint room. Great gadzooks, I can't even remember the last time this thing was in use, we've been using it as a storage room for the heaps of extra paperwork we've had for the past 5 years. I gulped at the thought of all the potential paper slivers as I checked with Dash.
>"Are you really sure you want to look for this critter, I mean with all the paperwork in there, it could've made a labrynth already." I uneasily asked
>"Well, maybe its got a mansion in there, so it won't be too hard to spot." Dash said with the same amount of doubt in her voice.
>" Well... then. Age before beauty then Brutal."
>"You're older than me Pinkie." Rainbow flatly said.
>"By 3 weeks. But I'm alot prettier."
>"WHO SAYS? JUST BECAUSE I DONT HAVE A HUSBAND DOESNT MEAN..."
>"No, I mean look at my cute face, I don't think I could afford a mouse attack.
>"Yeah, but you have a husband. One that loves you no matter what. I have to look my best for potential suitors Pinkie. So after you Grandma."
>Damn. She got me.
>With a heavy gulp I opened the restraint room door, and my eyes shrunk as did my confidence in this search. There were mountains of paperwork as if they were recreations of the snow covered Alps.
>"Well... let's start looking." Dash said, gulping in shared dismay
 
>It took two full bodied mares two hours to clear out that restraint room of our lackadaisically stored reports. It was completely empty of paperwork, and of wonder mice. Just two frustrated and tired mares, feeling incredibly foolish that a mouse of all things had tricked them.
>"You let it get past you Pinkie." Dash insulted as she wiped sweat off her brow.
>"Now, I did no such thing. I would've seen the damn thing." I retorted back in anger. Huh. Anger, something else I haven't felt in ages, why now all of sudden?
>"Are you sure Grandma? I know eyesight is usually the first thing to go with age." Dash snorted as she giggled.
>This time it was no trick of the ears, Dash actually giggled. The stern faced officer, who has personally stood by and watched ponies leave into the next world as the commencer of executions, A woman nicknamed "Brutal" for her sheer ability to take 3 stallions down twice her size, was giggling like a young filly. I couldn't help it, I began giggling too, like I was a little girl again. Our laughter echoed up and down The Mile as we heard a small chuckle from The Shaman.
>What is happening my Mile?
>"Well, consider that our end day project Brutal..." I said wiping the tears from my eyes.
>Rainbow held my collar and said,"Hey Boss. Call me Dashie."
>"Okay, Dashie. You go clock out, I'm going to sit down with our not so silent guest."
>"Roger Pinkie, I'll see you tomorrow?"
>"Yeah, you bet!" I happily said as Dash walked down The Mile, and maybe my eyesight was getting worn down in the years, but I could almost see a skip to her step. I shook my head, and wiped my emotional slate clean, there was serious talking to be done. I walked over to The Shaman's cell, and I tapped on the bars.
>"Is it okay if I come in?" I asked professionally.
 
>"Are you sure thats wise? I have taken lives. Do you trust me so? This I must know." The Shaman said, eyes still closed. Every nerve in my body was telling me no, I could feel my neck twitching in response. My body was telling me not to forget, and my mind was screaming in response.
>"Of course, I havent had any reason to mistrust you. I'd like to sit down and talk with you." My hooves shaking and twitching in disapproval.
>"If thats what you feeling, please come in, mind the low ceiling."
>I rustled my key set and opened the cell door. Every nerve in my body on fire, anticipating being strangled to death by a mad shaman. However, The Shaman remained solidarity in her pose. I nervousally made my way and sat down on the chair in the cell. What is this feeling? I've been in plenty of prisoner cells, to either escort them to judgement, or to instruct them on daily events, but never have I sat this close, just to talk to one.
>"Miss Pinkamena, how kind of your soul, to come inside of my gaol. You wish to speak? Please, feel free, may I offer you tea?"
>The Shaman got out of her meditative state and pulled out a box that had two tiny teacups, and leaves. She went over to the sink and filled the cups with hot water and dropped the leaves in, offering one to me.
>My instincts told me to refuse this, it could've been poison, or narcotics, but I felt something tingling at my soul, something that told me it was going to be alright. That everything would be alright.
>"Thank you, Ms... I'm sorry, I dont even know your name."
>"Zecora Allibaster Mayaaz is my name, and arson was my fame."
>"Thank you Ms Zecora, yes I barely read over your report, but I do know the nature of your crime." I said as I sipped from the tiny tea cup.
>"Then you'll know, that 20 ponies died though. Up into heavens their spirits went, and down into Hell mine will be sent." Zecora rhymed sadly, as she sipped from her teacup.
 
>"So you know that tomorrow is?" I asked, continuing to sip from my teacup. The flavour is... how to put it, almost a rosemary with honey. A sort of calming, relaxing sensation settling my over twitching nerves.
>"Indeed I do, my time draws soon." Zecora said looking sadly into her teacup. "Did you know, that long ago, I had a man, and he was my life plan? Up in the woods, where eye could not see, every night he'd make love to me. That is when I was happiest, to feel the man I love near my chest."
>I began feeling a welling of sorrow build in my heart, something I shouldn't, but I could. I understood what that sort of happiness was, and even though the past three months have been rough, I know what that sort of love entails.
>"Miss Pinkamena. I wish to drop rhyme and ask you serious at this time."
>Zecora grabbed my hooves and stared me right in the eyes. "Do you believe that if a woman repents enough for what she done wrong, than she'll get to go back to the time that was happiest for her and live there forever? Could that be what heaven's like?"
>Tears began welling up in my eyes, as the barriers around my heart began crumbling away like sand in the tide.
>"Y-yes. O-o-of course Zecora." I said barely maintaining my professionalism, but it was hard to fight back the tears, as Zecora began letting them fall too.
>"T-thank you. Thank you so much for setting my heart at ease. You may go if you please." she sobbed.
>"No, thank you Zecora. I wish we could've talked a long time before this." I said getting up and wiping my tears away.
>"And I, you. That statement is sadly true." Zecora said, putting back the tea cups into her cigar box.
>I turned my back to Zecora to exit, when I suddenly felt something sharp poke into my back.
 
>My mind screamed, "THIS IS IT, YOU FAILED, YOU TURNED YOUR BACK AND TRUSTED A CRIMINAL."
>I gulped and accepted my fate, but then I felt the poke again, it wasn't painful, it was like a nudge if anything. I turned around, albeit with nerves very shot.
>"Y-yes Ms Zecora?" I stammered.
>"For you dear, may it keep your mind and body clear." Zecora held out her cigar box with the tea cups and tea leaves inside and placed it into my hooves.
>"Oh no... Zecora, I can't possibly..." I began to state.
>"Nonsense, I have no need anymore. Keep it, it is yours. Thank you." Zecora said as she wiped the final tears in her eyes and went back to meditating. With the cigar box in hand, I exited Zecora's cell. I rattled the keys on my key ring, and I paused for a moment. I was having second thoughts on shutting the door, this feeling of empathy in my heart, I truly felt sorry for Zecora, I shook my head. No, this is my job, and we all have our roles to play in this cycle. I'm sorry Zecora, I truly am. I closed the cell and I held the cigar box in my hooves, feeling my heart well up once more. Enough, I've got business to take care of so I can go home to my loving husband. As I walked The Mile to get my desk to write my report of the day, I could hear Twilight call from her cell.
>"Miss Pinkie?" it was like a sweet kitten meowing.
>"Yes Ms Sparkle? Is there something I can help you with?"
>"I want to talk with you Miss Pinkie. Please come over here." Twilight continued to ask sweetly.
>"Now's not a good time Ms Sparkle, can it wait until tomorrow?" I asked, knowing I really wanted to get home.
>"Sorry, but its important Ms Pinkie." Twilight stated, I sighed and I walked over to Ms Sparkles cell.
 
>"Yes Ms. Sparkle?" I asked, trying not to sound annoyed.
>"What you did with Ms Zecora was very kind." Twilight said as she stretched on her cot, huh she is just like a cat!
>"And, I want you to know, that feeling you have inside you. It's okay. That's a good feeling. It's called Friendship." Twilight said as she got up from her cot and got close to my face. I couldn't even begin to register the whole being face to face to a prisoner because of the bombshell that was slammed onto my soul. Friendship? Me and Zecora? I clenched the cigar box in my hooves, and felt that same welling my heart again. We're friends?
>If I hadn't been distracted, then maybe I would've noticed that Ms Sparkle had undone her horn restraint, and maybe I would've noticed her grabbing my hooves and lifting them to my chest. Maybe I could've prevented what happened next, but if I had, well the story wouldn't be as near as interesting as it is.
>"That's something you should always protect, and I'll help protect that with you." She said as her horn began glowing, and she laid her horn upon my hooves.
>"MS SPARKLE, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" I shouted, as Zecora out of character began yelling. "HELP HELP, MY FRIEND IS UNDER DURESS! PLEASE OH PLEASE SOS!"
>I felt a wave washing over my heart shattering all my concrete barriers I had placed in my soul. For the time, I began crying directly from my soul, I could feel all my pain and all my distrust escape in my tears. Then I suddenly heard voices coming from The Mile, "PINKIE! ARE YOU OKAY? PINKIE!"
>It was Jacque and Perkins! I could feel their hooves around me, trying to pull me away from what they thought was a threat to my life. Perkins screamed at Twilight, "LET GO OF HER THIS INSTANT YOU BRUTE, RIGHT NOW, LET GO OF OUR FRIEND!"
>"YER AIN'T GONNA TAKE AWAY OUR FRIEND" Jacque screeched as she pulled at my uniform
>Twilight let go of me and smiled. "Yes. Protect that friendship". She curled up, and went back to sleep.
 
>I fell back and looked at Jacque and Perkins, tears still running down my face. I embraced them both as they both looked at each other and returned the embrace. We were all happy to be together, and we were happy as all candy sweets to be there in each others arms. I wiped the tears from my eyes, not even noticing that they were blacker than midnight.
>On the evening of Monday the 23rd, June, 1947, at 18:30 something magical happened on The Mile.
>That magic I knew at the time was that the ponies that I have worked with, and the ponies that I have seen on The Mile, were not just facets of a Pink Hallway to keep minor discussion amongst morbid environments, they were my friends, and when I opened my heart, I could see it as such. I was never alone on The Mile, but now I know for certain, no one else will ever be.
>That magic followed me home that evening as well. I did my natural business, and to my surprise, there was no pain, no frustration! Just nature, taking its course. I woke my husband up in the middle of the night, and I bit his lip. I won't get personal, but we relived Honolulu three times that night, I was finally free, from my pain in my body, and my heart.
 
>I thought that was the only magic encountered that night on The Mile, but little did any of us know what events would happen that very same evening that would reveal to us, a much deeper magic, and a higher force at work within our Mile. It was only Monday, but it was the oddest Monday I have ever had.
 
END OF DAY SHIFT. MONDAY, JUNE 23RD, 1947.