"Your presence is required in Canterlot, by order of Princess Celestia."
 
> The royal guard states in a deep, militaristic tone.
> Still dizzy from your freefall, you wobble up onto your knees, then plant your feet firmly on the soil.
> While not necessarily a very tall human, at full stature you tower over an adult stallion.
> You spy another guard near a regal-looking carriage fitted to be pulled by pegasi. You notice thick brass bars over the windows.
> You narrow your eyes at the first guard and try to match his level of enthusiasm.
Give the Princess my best regards, but I am afraid I have previous business I must attend to.
> You turn your attention slightly to the left and try to stroll away casually.
> The guard steps in front of your path, blocking you with the entire length of his armor clad frame.
> "It's not a request." He says, speaking mostly through his teeth.
> A realization shoots through you. You're being arrested for what happened last night. How did Celestia find out so quickly?
> No. You can still fix this. You'll catch up to Rainbow and convince her to come back. Celestia will pardon you and everything will be fine.
> You just need to get past these guards.
Listen,
> You say, keeping your voice cool and patient,
Thank you very much for saving me. I really, truly appreciate it,
I know what I'm being arrested for and you can take me to Canterlot very soon, but I just-
> Your sentence is cut short as a heavy pair of hooves shove you forward, making you tumble and fold onto the body of the guard.
> You feel your arms pulled back violently, and with a loud snap, metallic rings are encased over your wrists.
 
What the hell?!
> You shout. The other guard must have circled around behind you while you were trying to explain yourself.
> He grabs on to your legs and holds them tightly under his wing. You struggle and squirm to no avail. He's much stronger than the average pegasus.
> Together, the two guards hoist your writhing body over to the carriage and shove you inside, slamming the door with a heavy clang.
> In a fit of rage, you throw your shoulder into the sides of the tiny metal box, yelling,
No! I can fix this! Let me explain!
> The pegasus ponies ignore your cries, chosing instead to link themselves to the chariot and gallop into the air.
> Forced back into your seat by the sudden momentum, the burning fire in your chest shrinks and whisps out. There's nothing you can do now.
> Mornfully, you turn back to look at Rarity's unconcious form shrinking away through the bars of your prison.
> You seriously hope she's alright. Wait-
> She groggily stands up, opening her eyes only to see you, now a captive, flying away to the castle atop the dark blue mountain.
Please don't be angry...
> You plead silently to the now minscule speck of white.
 
> The wind pours in through the forward window and rushes against your face. Your brow, once damp from sweat, is now dry and cool.
> The increasing altitude makes the air thin and arid. You shift your body sideways, leaning askew in the chariot's unpadded, minicule seat.
> Everything in this god-damned world is too small.
> You sit uncomfortably and watch the sun pull itself underneath covers of earth, letting out a shimmering crimson glow across the Equestrian sky.
> This has been the worst day of your new life.
> Getting soaked by a storm, nearly falling to your death, and now forcibly arrested, awaiting judgement for your crimes.
> Not to mention your best friend abandoning everything and everyone she loves just because you're a stupid, obstinate asshole.
> Will Celestia banish you? Throw you in a dungeon to rot?
> At this point you're not sure if you even care.
> You can feel a certain photograph in your pocket. It's acidic memories are burning a hole in your pants.
> You resist the urge to fling it out the window.
 
> By the time the carriage arrives at the castle the sun has completely disappeared from the sky, leaving a lingering stripe of lavender across the horizon.
> The carriage comes to a rumbling stop as it lands on a large, circular platform near the base of the grand fortress.
> Although on a low level of the castle's structure, it is still pertched at a dizzying height, overlooking a sprawling vista of the kingdom.
> Royal guards, all identical in their star-emblazoned armor, line the perimiter of the platform, carefully watching your arrival.
> One of the guards that flew you in releases the latch on the door and swings it open.
> Cautiously, you step down from the carriage, dozens of cold eyes watching your movements.
> With pegasus on either side, you are marched into the castle through thick, wooden double doors.
> You plod along reluctantly, the heavy manacles weighing down your wrists and chafing them.
> The inner halls of castle stretch on and on, winding around corners and spiraling up stairs.
> Your captors are not very talkative, giving you ample time to mull over your impending fate.
 
> Eventually you are led to a door which you assume leads to the main court of the castle.
> A guard opens it for you, like he has for every door previously.
> The door pivots open to reveal a large dining room. The walls are marbled white, with golden and dark blue trim.
> Flames crackle and dance in an oversized stone fireplace, bordered on both sides by a series of arched windows.
> A long table of polished wood occupies the center of the room, resting atop a deep indigo carpet.
> At the end of the table sits the princess herself, Celestia, having a delightful chat with her faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.
> "Your majesty," the guard to your left interrupts, "The human is here." Celestia and Twilight turn their attention to you.
> Celesita rises from her seat. A bolt of panic ricochets down your spine. This is it. Your judgement.
> You bow your head in a mixture of reverence and shame.
> You can feel her bearing down on you, you fear every step of her confident, majestic gait.
> "Anonymous," she remarks in a friendly tone, "So good to see you again."
> You raise your head. Celestia is smiling warmly at you.
> What?
 
> Too shocked by the puzzling situation to form a valid response, you can only return the gesture with an awkward half-smile.
> Celestia tilts her head to the side a glances at your wrists, still bound behind your back in shackles.
> She looks to the guard at your side, an expression of concern spreading over her features.
> "Why has my guest been restrained?" She questions with a geniune emotion of surpise.
> The guard stifens and rushes to respond, "Your Grace, there have been reports that it has assaulted a pegasus. It was found near an unconscious unicorn, and-"
> He stops, in response to Celestia's unenthused stare. She replies in a stern, but fair tone,
> "Anonymous is not a monster. He deserves no such treatment."
> The guard hastily removes the manacles, fumbling with the keys a little as he does so.
> "Apologies, Princess." he says, bowing. He hesitates, then also speaks to you as well, "Apologies, human."
> You respond with a satisfied smile, rubbing your sore wrists. The guards exit the room and close the door behind them.
> "Anonymous," Celestia says cheerfully, "Please, join us."  She begins walking back to the end of the table where Twilight is sitting.
 
> You follow, waving to Twilight, who smiles and enthusiastically waves back, happy to be noticed.
> You take a seat in a tall wooden chair with plush coushins. For once, you're sitting in something that actually fits you.
> Celestia reseats herself at the head of the table and asks you politely, "Would you care for something to eat?"
> Before you can respond, multiple servants place several platters of food in front of you, opening them to reveal an assortment of delicious cuisine.
> A large, fresh salad, an assortment of small sandwiches, fruit pastries, honey-glazed biscuits, spiced apple wedges...
> Not to mention jugs of piping hot tea, coffee, chilled wine and ice water.
> You realize that you hadn't eaten anything since your encounter with Rarity, and your mouth begins salivating beyond your control.
Yes, please. Thank you very much, Princess.
> You say eagerly before biting into a thick, strawberry-filled pastry.
> "Not at all, Anon. You are most welcome." Celestia responds with a delighted grin.
> The two ponies are content to watch you eat for a while, impressed with your generous appetite.
 
> You stop stuffing your face to pour yourself a glass of water, and Celesita pipes up.
> "Anonymous, I'm afraid I've summoned you here due to a very unfortunate discovery."
> You listen intently, sipping your ice water. Your recent meal sits uneasily into your stomach.
> "Rainbow Dash has gone missing." Celestia explains disheartedly, "She was last seen flying west, towards the White Tail Woods."
> "She has abandoned her temporary position at Ponyvile's library, and her home is-"
Empty.
> You interrupt, setting down your glass. Celestia and Twilight eye you with looks of surprise.
> You continue,
I know, I was there. She left these in her bedroom.
> You dig the brochures out of your pocket and toss them onto the table.
> Twilight studies them, reading the titles of the pamphets in a flash.
> "Los Pegasus?" She questions, "Really?"
I know it doesn't sound like her, but it's all we have to go on.
> You say, keeping your speech calm and professional,
Plus, Los Pegasus is the only major settlement to the west. That's where she was flying, right?
 
> Twilight is hit with a sudden realization. She leans forward with studying eyes and asks,
> "Anon. How did you know Rainbow Dash had left?"
> You gulp silently. They still don't know about what happened between you and Rainbow.
> Summoning your courage, you blurt out,
Because I'm the reason she left.
> Twilight's eyes go wide. Celestia looks at you with a careful, scrutinizing gaze.
> You let the words sink in, focusing glumly at the platter of sandwiches. You aren't so hungry any more.
> With a deep breath, you explain everything that happened for a second time.
 
> By the time you finish, your voice is so laden with guilt that you hardly recognize it.
> Celestia and Twilight have listened carefully the entire time without interrupting or condemning.
> There's only one thing left that you need to express. Something that's been eating away at you since you first found out.
What I don't understand is how she can just... leave. She seemed so loyal to her home, to her friends. It doesn't make sense.
> Twilight and Celestia exchange a pensive look, as if deciding who should relay some terrible news.
> Twilight is the first to speak up.
> "Anon..." She says, choosing her words carefully, "Sometimes, when a pony experiences an immense sadness or they learn a horrible truth that they can't accept, they undergo... a change."
> She looks away for a second, as if trying to recall a distant memory. She then continues, "They become cruel, stubborn and generally unfriendly. Their personality changes to be completely opposite of their usual self."
> She sighs and adds, "It's as if their true character, their color, just... fades away."
> You nod, taking in the information.
> You remember that when you saw Rainbow in the library, the colors of her beautiful, multi-colored mane seemed slightly... gray.
> Twilight explains further, "When a pony experiences this, it's called becoming 'discordant.' It happened once to my friends and I, long before you came here."
 
> She looks into the dead center of your eyes and adds with a serious tone, "If Rainbow Dash has become discordant because of... your actions, then she has lost all loyalty to her friends and home."
> Ice runs through your veins.
> Your memories are yanked back to this morning, once again you're looking at Rainbow through the glass.
> She is screaming, face stained with tears.
> "WELL MAYBE I DON'T WANT TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY!"
> You close your eyes and force the memories out of your brain.
Can we... change her back?
> You say, trying to sound hopeful.
> Twilight frowns. Celesita answers despondently, "Yes, but it will take the kind, assuring words of a close friend."
> "They will need to show her deep, unconditional love and convince her to let friendship into her heart once again."
> No easy task. The hateful glare of her angry, magenta eyes persist in your mind.
> You ask doubtfully,
But what if... she doesn't listen?
 
> "Then we'll have to make her listen, or else we'll never see her again." Twilight says, her voice baren and desolate.
> Never... again.
> The phrase lingers in your ears, it's weight bringing the full realization of what is at stake.
> You stare out of a tall, arched window into the pitch black night.
> The room is silent save for the soft rustling of flames.
> You've been a terrible person. You've been a terrible friend.
> But you can't let it end here.
> Somewhere out there is sky blue mare that needs your help. Your Rainbow.
> Finding sudden resolve, you proclaim,
I am going to find her.
 
> Celestia beams at you, her kind eyes twinkling.
> "Yes!" Twilight excitedly joins in, "I'll come with you, Anon. We can leave first thing tomorrow."
> Her face lights up, she seems quite eager despite the sad circumstances.
> "No." Celesita states, her weighty tone extinguishing Twilight's excitement.
> "This is a journey Anonymous will have to take alone."
> Twilight looks hurt. She rushes to reply, "But with my magic I can help Rainbow remember all of her experiences in Ponyvile."
> Celestia responds, speaking like a parent to a sulking child,
> "I'm sorry, Twilight, but the memories of your friendship won't be enough. She will need to reconcile with Anonymous if she is to return to her normal state."
> Twilight scrunches her brow, trying to find a counterpoint. "But I could at least accompany him, right?" She suggests.
 
No, Twilight. Celestia is right.
> You say with a heavy sigh,
You're needed here. This is something I have to do myself.
> The purple unicorn gazes at you with a disheartened look, but she knows when to quit.
> "I understand." She says, ears drooping down.
> You continue to talk with the ponies for a while about your departure and eat your fill of the remaining food.
> Soon the tabled is cleared, and Celestia decides to call an end to the evening.
> "Goodnight, Anon" Twilight says while exiting the room, "I will see you off tomorrow morning."
> You rise from your seat, as does Celestia. You turn to leave, but feel a gentle pull on your shoulder.
> The immaculate white alicorn has stopped you. "Anonymous," She begins.
> You turn, standing at eye-level with the tall, sleek pony. Her ethereal mane shifts and billows, giving off a faint glow.
> "I know you care for Rainbow Dash deeply, and I know in the end you will convince her."
> She comments, "But keep in mind that she is also the Element of Loyalty. Without her assistance, the Elements of Harmony can no longer protect our land."
> You look into her eyes and nod grimly.
> "The fate of her friendship, and possibly all of Equestria, rests on you." She says.
> You acknowledge her concerns geniunely, your voice honest and true,
I understand.
 
> Celestia, pleased with your response, summons a servant to guide you to your room.
> You are led down several hallways and up a winding tower to a guest bedroom.
> As you walk into the room, you notice a cushy purple bed and a selection of antique furniture.
> The servant leaves you, and you decide you are too tired to do anything but sleep.
> Exhausted from the long day, you disrobe partially and slide under the soft, silky sheets.
> In the darkness of the room, sleep closes in around the edges of your mind.
> Regardless, you can't help but recall various events from your crazy, adventure-filled day.
> The last thought that crosses your mind is Rainbow Dash walking up the stairs of the library.
> You see her sky blue legs cross the threshold and disappear.
> She is gone.