Bloodfeather slammed the locker door shut in my Equestria dreamscape. They'd arrived back at the Capitol just a couple hours ago, and had delivered Lucky Card to the Captain of the Watch, Gleaming Shield. Their airship had not docked in Canterlot until after 10pm. So Bloodfeather and her other two team members would not get their debriefing until tomorrow morning.

    However before she could grab a bite to eat and get some much needed sleep she had to write her post-mission report. To nopony's surprise Lucky Card had suddenly become very willing to tell her and her team members everything he could about the Association's activities in Manehattan.

    The pegasus mare was disgusted by Lucky Card and he everything represented. At the same time she had to temper her personal opinions of him with the knowledge that his testimony would be invaluable in secure the convictions of other ponies connected with his organization. The stallion would spend the rest of his life in prison, but Bloodfeather still felt he was getting more than he deserved.

    The mare looked at her lower legs and slowly began to run her right front hoof up and down her left front leg. The shower had cleaned off the sweat, dirt and exertion of the day, but Bloodfeather still felt as if filthiness of Lucky Card's existence was clinging to her. Closing her eyes she began to perform a series of breathing exercises to help her relax and focus. As she finished them she heard a familiar voice from behind her.

    "How are doing Blood?" Turning around she saw Phoenix standing in entrance of the locker room. The unicorn was staring with a concerned expression on her face. It was not a look the mare wore very often.

    Phoenix slowly walked up the mare. As she did her horn flared and she lifted her service issued goggles from her face. Her usually icy, cold carmine red eyes were surprisingly soft.

    "The suspect has been booked and is now in a cell. In the morning they'll bring him before the magistrate and formally charge him. I've finished my report; do you want to grab a bite to eat?"

    The crimson red pegasus shook her head. "Fraid I can't join you. I still need to get my report written and filed before I can call it a day, but thanks for the offer."

    She started to turn and leave when Phoenix suddenly reached out with a front hoof and gently touched her chest. Pausing Bloodfeather looked back at her teammate; after a few seconds Phoenix spoke softly.

    "Blood. I know this was not an easy assignment for you. Quick Silver and I are very proud of you. We caught a critical suspect in the investigation, and they will be instrumental in securing the convictions of other important ponies. However I saw how you acted in the cargo hold of that airship with him. I know your disgust for his kind, but don't let it consume you Blood. He and his kind are not worth it."

    The pegasus mare snorted sarcastically. "Sorry. But I find ironic that you of all ponies would say that."

    Bloodfeather was a little surprised when Phoenix didn't snap back with something equally snarky as a reply. Instead the mare nodded your head. "You're right. It's a bit hypocritical for me to say that and to judge you considering what I do, but that's why I am warning you. Don't become like me. Don't let your rage consume you. Because if you do you can never return to what you were before. Equestria doesn't need another monster like me."

    "Phoenix. Quick Silver and I don't think you're monster. We're very proud of the sacrifices you've made for the Crown, and we're honored to work with you. However I will take your advice to heart. Now I do need to get to that report."

    Bloodfeather leaned forward and nuzzled Phoenix on the neck. Then she looked the unicorn in the eyes. "Don't stay up too late yourself. Princess Celestia will want to debrief first thing in the morning."

    The pegasus proceeded to don her neck satchel and then she addressed the unicorn again. "Good night Phoenix."

    The scarred unicorn nodded her head. "Good night to you as well."

    Phoenix watched her leave the locker room. After several seconds the mare spoke up. "I don't know how much of our conversation you heard, but she's gone now. You can come out."

    The door to the administration office open swung open and Princess Celestia stepped into the locker room. She looked at Phoenix with her signature sweet little smile on her face.

    "I should've known you were aware of my presence. You are uncanny that way." Said the Princess of the Sun.

    The mare shrugged. "I'm a hunter, I'm aware of my surroundings. I sensed your breathing in the office. So do you think she will take my warning seriously?"

    The white alicorn came up alongside Phoenix and then slowly extended her left wing and draped over the unicorn. Gently she pulled the mare close to her side and looked down at her.

    "I think she will. That was a very useful bit of advice you gave her. However I will agree with her on one thing. You're not a monster Phoenix."

    Phoenix closed her eyes and snuggled against the barrel of Celestia's body. The unicorn let the warmth of princess's body seep into her own. She breathed in deeply the scent of the alicorn. It always put her at ease. After several seconds she spoke.

    "No your highness. I am a monster, but I am a good monster now because you helped me become one. You found this monster in the darkness and brought her back into light, and for that we're forever in your debt."

    Celestia pressed her wing more firmly against Phoenix and gently squeezed her. For several seconds nopony spoke. Finally the alicorn said. "Phoenix dear, I was going to brew up a pot of chamomile tea before turning in for the night. Would you like some?"

    Phoenix nodded her head. Celestia closed her eyes and the two ponies vanished in a flash.

To be continued.

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