//------------------------------// // Ch.3 (Ab)normal Days Part 3 // Story: DANGAN RONPA Equestria: The Elements of Hope and Despair! // by Nyte-Blade //------------------------------// Day 7, 6:59 AM, Generosity District - Shady’s Home Why do I need to talk to Sweetie Belle anyway? Their infighting isn’t my business. I just wanna find the truth. I would’ve talked to her yesterday, but I’m certain I wouldn’t have gotten very far. After that catastrophe yesterday, I figure that she would need some time for herself. I let out a deep sigh, hearing those blaring horns in the distance, meant to wake us up. With a quick sigh, I hang my head in shame, reminded that I keep forgetting to block off my door. ...I’ll deal with that later. 7:00 AM, Generosity District - Housing Area I paced around the Generosity District center, grumbling to myself, but stopped midway. I suddenly felt like a little foal having a fit over having to clean up their room, making me feel pretty stupid and petty. Really, I should just pony up and deal with it. What do I have to lose? I need to hunt her down anyway. Besides, where would she be? I know Diamond Tiara chased after her, but that’s not much to go on. ... Maybe... she could be at that place. Honestly, I haven’t come back to that place since Featherweight died. I have a plan so I don’t relive that. _________________________________________________________________________ 7.06 AM, Generosity District - Rarity Shop         “Sweetie Belle, we need to talk!”         I burst into the shop, with my eyes shut and making my demand, hoping she’d respond, or something.         Instead, I get a Ginger poking her head from behind the curtains, giving me a slight look of disdain.         “What are you doing, and why are you standing like a crazy pony preparing to shoot up an Apploosa bar?”         Wait, is THAT what I’m doing?!         I immediately fall back on my forehooves, clearing my throat.         I just wanted to get out of here quickly.         “Oh. Err, I’m just looking for Sweetie Belle.”         “Hmm... right.” Ginger giggled. “If you need her, then...”         Pointing her hoof at the cashier’s desk to my right, followed by Miss Cheerilee walking around, I slowly approached it, getting a good look underneath.         Ah, there she is.         Sweetie Belle looks over my shoulder, scowling at the girl scout, who simply stuck her tongue out in a “sorry!” manner.         With a disgruntled sigh, Sweetie Belle stands on her hooves and slowly walks past me.         “Wait, Sweetie Belle!”         “I don’t wanna talk to you.”         “And why not? If you think I’m just here to lecture you, then you’re wrong.”         “I... I’m just... so tired. And I have Doggy Duty this morning.” Sweetie Belle complained.         She looked so... melancholic saying that. We’re witnessing her world falling apart.         “So... what are those two doing behind that curtain?” I said, changing the subject.         “She’s just helping Pipsqueak make some weird costume... I don’t get it.” Sweetie Belle sighed.         “Right... Listen, let’s head outside. Maybe if we hung out a bit, you’ll cheer up a little.”         “Hang out? I’m surprised you even want to. Whenever we talk, it feels like you’re interviewing me instead.”         “T-that... that’s just how I talk!”         “Hee hee~” She giggled with a slight grin. “Sure. I’ll ‘talk’.” Sweetie Belle emphasized that last bit.         “You really don’t think I can talk normally, huh?”         “I don’t know~” Sweetie Belle said in a slight singing tone.         Miss Cheerilee of course, pats me on the shoulder, gesturing me to just go with the flow for now. At the very least, I have the right idea.         “Alright, let’s just head outside. Actions speak louder than words.” I pointed at the exit.         “We’re still using words in the end.” Sweetie Belle pointed out.         “...”         She’s got me there.         “L-let’s just...”         “Let’s.”         Sweetie Belle and I left the shop, and sat outside, just in front of the entrance.         I did want to divert her attention to the situation at hand, so I’ll start with a topic she can maybe relate to.         “So, what was it like for you when you found out that your sister became a hero?” I asked, to which she went silent for a moment, giving me this ‘I knew it’ smirk.         “J-just answer the question...” I nervously said.         “Became a... oh, you mean one of the Elements of Harmony?”         “Right. Her and her friends fight the bad guys with their power and to keep Equestria safe. So how do you feel living with a hero?”         “Things are still the same I guess? Sure, she’d have to leave to do something important every now and again, but it’s nothing special... until she got even more responsibilities since giving up the elements...”         That last part... ‘giving up the elements’.         I recall the day when Equestria was infested with some dark roots, spawned from ‘plunderseeds’ that Discord planted over a thousand years ago. The six heroic mares had to return the Elements of Harmony in order to bring Equestria back to normal.         Since then, they’ve used this new ability called ‘Rainbow Power’ to defeat the new major threat to this country.         Honestly, that’s all I know. I don’t know how the new powers work, or why the elements returning to the Tree of Harmony actually solved the problem with the seeds.         “That’s when she and her friends became part of some magic counsel if I recall correctly.”         “Yeah... she’s been away a lot more nowadays. We barely spend any time together as siblings. Sure, I love hanging with my friends as the next pony, but just once would I’d like to spend time with my sister. Even Apple Bloom and Scootaloo have this problem with Applejack and Rainbow Dash respectively!” Sweetie Belle’s tone slightly rose with her frustration.         “But they’re heroes. Can’t expect them to be around all the time.” I calmly replied.         “I know, but this isn’t some comic book like Power Ponies!”         “Right.” I agreed, but quickly followed up, calming any potential hostility (or maybe I’m a little paranoid again,) “Have you ever tried going into their new castle?”         “No, I’d always have to study or do homework, but when I can, I’m usually off trying to find my cutie mark or something.”         “Ah...” I sighed.         She has it difficult... maybe she’s been feeling distant from her family, huh?         “What about your parents? Haven’t they been around at least?”         “Not really. They have some pretty high end jobs that require their presence very often.”         “I see... and even if they were around, it’d be just you and them, with no sister in sight.”         “That’s right!”         “I’m not sure what else to say then.”         “Then tell me what your family’s like?” Sweetie Belle asked.         “Hahahahahahaha... oh wait, you’re serious.”         “What’s with that deadpan robotic laughter!? You’re being weird again!”         Again? When have I ever been weird?         “Look, the concept of family isn’t something you should ask somepony like me.” I said, hoping she’d drop the subject.         “Why not?”         “All I know is stuff I’ve heard about other families. I can’t tell you about mine.”         “Are you a mob boss?”         “Farthest thing from. I grew up in an orphanage of my choice.”         “You mean... oh i’m so sorry- wait how does that work!?” Sweetie Belle hysterically asked.         “Eh... strings pulled, yada yada, something-something higher ups. I really don’t feel like going into the details of my past before becoming part of Miss Cheerilee’s class. But I can tell you that Featherweight and his folks saved me from myself.”         “Huh?”         “Let’s just say, he hit the brakes on a endlessly moving train.”         “I’m so confused... and it’s no fair! I tell you all these things about my family but you don’t wanna tell me anything about you!”         “Because I’m not in the mood. Look, next time we talk, I’ll try to tell you some things, okay?”         “Fine...” Sweetie Belle let out a dejected sigh.         She does have a point though... I am being a bit unfair. Maybe she decided to ask because she tried to break the interview dynamic I tend to establish unconsciously.         I stood on my hooves, dusted myself off and started to walk off, but I just couldn’t take another step.         I slowly turned my head to Sweetie Belle, “Hey, are you okay?”         “Ah-” She let out a light gasp. I wasn’t sure if the surprise was at my pinpoint guess or the fact that I even asked.         “Well?”         “No... My friends... the crusaders.... I’ve lost my friends.”         “Yeah, that’s what Monobear said. You’re not gonna prove him right, are you?”         “But how?! How am I supposed to calm down Scootaloo and Apple Bloom?! How can I when they’re at each other’s throats!?”         “Well, things did get worse when Scootaloo accidentally hit you, but I’m sure you know she didn’t mean it.”         “I don’t know... She’s been weird since that trial. I’m beginning to wonder what made her turn her hatred towards everypony. She’s just full of hate...”         “I see. But if I were you, I’d at least try to prove that damn teddy bear wrong.”         “I... I want to get my friends back...” Sweetie Belle muttered, trembling as she held her right forearm.         “Then just impress’em with a kill!”         Oh great...         Monobear popped out of the coffee shop, with a cup in his paw, taking a sip. Sweetie Belle of course, backs away and runs behind me.         “Whoo! Nothing like a spot of tea while listening to your despair!” Monobear took another sip, ignoring the liquid running down his mouth.         “What now?” I asked irritably.         “I thought I’d offer my royally awesome kingly advice! Haven’t you ever thought that murdering the source of conflict can easily make you rest easy? It’s just like a movie! The antagonist dies and everyone lives happily ever after!” Monobear held out a random DVD cover to an action movie.         “I-I’m not gonna kill anypony!” Sweetie Belle choked out.         “Oh, boo. You used to be bullied all the time, so why be afraid to strike? Sometimes you need to put down the rabid dog before it infects the family!”         Thankfully, Miss Cheerilee wasn’t around to hear that...         “I said I won’t kill anypony!” Sweetie reasserted.         “You heard her. Or are you gonna keep dragging this on?” I asked.         “Nah, I got better things to do! Like figure out the next motive to give you bastards! Who knows!”         “Then what the heck are you here for?” I stomped the ground in frustration.         “Wondering if you’d leak a secret! Say something that I don’t know! There are unknown unknowns after all! You’re hiding something aren’t you? If I were you Sweetie Belle, I wouldn’t trust this blue reporter here!”         “What are you getting at?” I asked.         “Telling her that you’re not to be trusted... maybe have her think you’re working for me...” Monobear... what's his game?         “That plan won’t work if you just say it outright like that...” I sighed, knowing that he's just messing around.         “You say that, but I’m not lying when I say you’re hiding a secret.” Monobear giggled.         It can’t be... he can’t already know.         “What’s that supposed to mean?!”         “That’s for you to know and for me to find out! Sneaky little bastards...whelp! Back to pest control!” And there he goes...         Pest control... damn it...         “Shady, what does he mean?” Sweetie Belle nervously asked.         “He’s just trying to get to us again.” I played it off. I can’t talk about it yet...         “R-right...” Sweetie Belle backed away. “It was nice talking to you I guess, but I gotta get going. I’m still not ready to deal with Apple Bloom nor Scootaloo yet.”         “Gotcha.”         I watched her take Miss Cheerilee out of the Generosity District, with our teacher giving me a look of concern.         Letting out another sigh, I tell myself to go find Apple Bloom since I fulfilled the request.         All I can do is hope that this gets me one step closer to the truth. ___________________________________________________________________ 8:30 AM, Honesty District         Pretty sure Apple Bloom might be here somewhere...         Normally she’d be here at the statue of her sister, but not this time. I put a hoof to my chin, thinking of possible places where she may have gone.         Oh, didn’t Truffle say something about her?         “I just remembered as soon as you mentioned her name! She went in, then quickly left, paced around the entrance, then walked away. It’s like she was fidgeting about something, but I don’t know what.”         That office building... Maybe? It’s definitely a possibility.         I briskly head through the path, gunning for that office building.         She has to be there. If so, then that could mean she knows more than she’s letting on. Honesty District - Office Building         The second I arrive and barge in, I caught the scent of some sort of... gel? On top of that, it’s abnormally cold in here!         Is it the AC?         Oh. The door is open, and the card reader that appeared yesterday has a green blinking light unlike yesterday.         I approached the door and moved it slightly, noticing Apple Bloom’s nameplate tacked to it.         As for what’s inside... I’m not sure how to describe this darkness. But there is a strange scent coming from here, as well as that cool breeze.         There does seem to be some sort of dim light around the entrance, but I can’t see any further in.         Yet it compels me further to go. Something’s telling me to turn back now, but my desire to know the truth is more overpowered than I thought.         Here goes...         ..........         ......         ...         Huh... as I thought, it’s cold and dark, yet I can see something clearly. It also appears to be snowing in here, but I don’t feel anything.         It’s like a slight, yet visual white noise, and the only thing I can see is a replica of Sweet Apple Acres.         However, the path seems to be fractured, like a mountain falling apart.         The weirdest thing about this place is that the barn, the path, the house... all of them I recognize due to the stencil-like appearance of each landmark; black walls with white outlines.         My attention immediately went to the house though. Why were there outlined figures of Big Macintosh, Applejack, and... wait a second.         I had to move closer, just so I could make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me.         Granny Smith... she’s got a crossed out portrait, just like the ones at the trials!         Did... did something happen to her?         I stare through the viewfinder of the camera, instinctively pressing the shutter.         I move past that, walking through the opened door. As expected, the interior is just like the outside; void of any visible walls, save for the white outlines.                  Let’s check upstairs first... If anything, I might find something if I check Applejack’s room.         Even as I walk up the stairs, the steps feel like wood, and with each step, that common squeak would sound.         It’s just like a normal house, aside from this eerie vibe that I just stepped into a fabric of reality.         *rustle rustle*         Uh... what was that noise?         I looked behind me, but there was nothing.         Maybe I’m hearing things? No matter.         Down the hallway, there were three doors going down the hallway. I guess I can assume the siblings stay up here at least.         Alright. Let’s check out Big Mac’s room.         ...         Bed, nightstand, dresser, lamp... Looks pretty normal in here. Then again, you’d never expect something flashy from a guy like Big Mac... except that time when he took Twilight’s stuffed animal for himself when everypony and their mom fought over it.         Does he still have that thing?         The bed... what is that?         Something seems a little off at the base of the pillow, like something’s sticking out from underneath.         If it weren’t for that ‘something’ fizzing about like a TV Channel going crazy, I would’ve never noticed.         I moved the pillow to the side, which effectively answered my question just now.         Turns out Big Mac still had this thing. Closest thing to a body pillow you’re gonna get, I guess.         But what’s with this thing? It’s like it’s trying to become Monobear with the way it’s... transforming...         “Ah... AGH!”         What the hell?! It feels like somepony is driving a huge nail into my skull!         I dropped to the floor, trying to endure this sudden headache. ... Okay... I think I’m okay now. But still, something’s way off about Miss Smarty Pants here. I better take it with me and get out of here.         With a quick peek around the corners, I make my way over to the next room on my right, closing the door behind me.         This has to be Applejack’s room. Even though this place is void of any real colors, I can see that photo of her and her friends. There’s the closet,         I shouldn’t stay here long. I don’t know what this place is, but I have a feeling that I really shouldn’t be here.         Let’s check for anything important. I quickly open the closet, skimming through it’s contents, but nothing stood out.         Now to check the nightstand.         Hmm... nothing interesting.         Wait, what’s this?         This stack of paper... Twilight Report number two? Twilight Report No.2 Looks like the school was a big success! I really have to thank Sunset Shimmer for her help with this project! Her research into human technology is definitely a spark in the evolution of the species. It’s kinda scary, but Equestria’s changed so fast with the addition of a few technologies from the other world. Smart phones, computers, robotics, automation, medicine... A lot of these things wouldn’t have been possible with simple magic alone. This school is the basis for that technology. We may have done it now, but we must make the next generation better than the last! Can’t teach an old dog new tricks, right? Oh, silly me, that’d probably be an insult to Spike. I’ll take it back. I just want the newest generation to be a little bit more advanced. I’m glad Miss Cheerilee gave me the approval to allow her class to be the first of a new generation. A Generation of hope, a generation that can assure the world that bonds can last forever. I honestly don’t know why Miss Cheerilee is so worried though. I mean, we’ve done a pretty good job at making sure that our new discoveries don’t leak out to other nations. Wouldn’t want any form of jealousy to halt our progress, right? And I don’t wanna burden Princess Celestia either. She gave me permission and let me and Sunset lead this project, and everything’s been fine so far! I wonder if that student of hers leaked something to her... Nah, I doubt it. It’s still within our circle. Maybe once we’re just about finished with our magitech research, we’ll spread our knowledge to the world. I thought it was selfish at first, but since that little mishap, I don’t wanna put the world in danger with anything uncertain!         Huh...?         Experiments? Human technology? Miss Cheerilee giving approval for a new generation?         ...         No, I can’t jump to conclusions yet.         I just found something huge, but it’s still not enough.         If anything, there has to be more of these reports. Getting them all means learning the truth.         One room left... Apple Bloom’s.         Now this room appears to be filled with several trinkets and souvenirs across the window sill and inside the closet.         There are also photos of the Crusaders and their latest adventures to get their cutie marks.         I feel bad since I’m searching her room(?), but I need more info.         Checking the nightstand for anything worthwhile, I shuffled the trinkets around a bit to see if anything would stand out.         Nothing... Okay, let’s check under the bed.         Lifting the mattress up, I could find a red-orange notebook with a pencil next to it, just lying there.         In fact, now that I think about it, this bed feels a bit warm...         Using my back to keep the bed upheld, I slowly reached for the notebook with my mouth, feeling the pressure of the bed slowly lifting off of my back.         Alright, got it.         Placing the notebook on the bed after letting it drop, I reach for the cover.         “Aintcha gon’ thank me?”         ...............         Crap.         I slowly turned around, and...         “H-h...howdy?”         “Hiya Shady!” Apple Bloom cheerfully greeted, then suddenly shifted to a more... understandable expression. “Mind tellin’ me what yer doin’ here?”         “This isn’t your room, Apple Bloom. In fact, I don’t even know what the hell this place is!”         “But it is mah room! Come on, Shady, can’t ya tell?”         “You can’t be serious... didn’t you notice that Granny Smith portrait?! It’s the same as the ones at the trials!”         Apple Bloom went silent, just giving me this... unnerving stare, as her lips slowly curved into a smile.         “Hah! Shady, what you gettin’ all sweaty for? Can’t have been that tough to navigate this here home!” Apple Bloom put her hoof on my shoulder, trying to calm me down.         If anything, it’s making me even more nervous.         “So you knew about this place, huh?” I asked, calmly as possible.         “Yep! Gotta say, that ol’ bear did a good job with the replication!”         “Replication?”         “Just mah’ two bits!”         “Have you... slept here? This matress feels kinda warm.”         “Maybe! If it’s mah bed, I’m allowed to sleep here right?”         “I thought it was against the rules to sleep anywhere other than our assigned homes!”         “But this is mah room! Ah’ ain’t broke any rules!”         This... this is weird. Strange even.         She’s all but outright said that she slept here and came out unscathed.         “She’s right. It IS her room!”         Monobear walked into the room, wearing a cowboy hat and holding a piece of straw in his mouth.         “Howdy there, intruders!”         “Yer in mah’ room too?” Apple Bloom casually asked, as if she weren’t surprised by Monobear’s presence.         “Oh, don’t worry. Unlike that guy, I’m decent enough to not try to figure out what panties you wear!” Monobear bragged, pointing my way.         “Cut the crap! What is this place?!” I demanded.         “You’re not ready to know that yet. You’ve yet to see what truth really means!”         “What’s that supposed to mean!?”         “That’s for me to know and for you to know that I know!”         “What?”         “Haven’t you ever said to your parents, ‘mommy I did a bad thing’? How did you take the result?”         “Oh, Ah’ never got a chance ta’ do it!” Apple Bloom happily declared. “Oh, does lashing out at mah’ sis count?”         “What.” I let slip out, briefly directing a look of disbelief at Apple Bloom, before focusing on the bear before us again.         I sighed, mostly at myself for even being surprised that Apple Bloom even gave this guy an answer.         “You look jealous that you can’t answer! It’s okay, I already know your dirty secrets.” Monobear quipped.         “What the-” “Tick tock, time’s up! Make like a frog and get out!” Monobear said, raising up his arms for some reason- oh. A bright white hole appeared above with a white outlined circle appearing below us. In the center of the circle was a menacing-looking eye, looking like the eye of a snake. One look at my hooves, and I yelped in panic, noticing that most of my body is currently being disintegrated and pulled into the void above.         Before I knew it, I couldn’t see anything. Just the image before me shattering like glass, revealing an all-white surrounding. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t close my eyes, and I couldn’t even breathe.         I can think.         .................         From the bottom up, a new image was being constructed before my very eyes.         My surroundings soon started to look as if I was back in the Honesty District.         So I didn’t get erased, yet it felt like I did. I thought I did.         I could still think during that.         “What... happened!?” I managed to choke out, catching my breath.         “Ah’ don’t know, and Ah’ don’t care!”         “But the truth... I was so close!” I stomped on the ground, then grabbed Apple Bloom by the shoulders. “Do you know something, Apple Bloom!? Tell me!”         “Mmmm... Aren’t ya becomin’ a lil obsessed with it? Try to simmer down a lil’, Shady!” She smiled before escaping my grasp and trotting away to the Generosity district.         Damn it... damn it, damn it, damn it!         There’s no doubt... Monobear used some power. He can use magic.         Maybe... he’s not even a toy... maybe he’s actually a creature from another world. A powerful creature at that.         “You don’t gain friends by bowing down to others.” Rumble sternly said, much to my surprise.         “What do you want, Rumble?” I asked, disgruntled at his presence.         “I want to know what happened. You look as if you just lost something important.”         “I have to go back.” I stood on my hooves, bolting back to the office building.         Once inside, I head down that hall, only to find that the door was completely gone, with no other way inside that place again.         It’s as if the door was never there, like a mere figment of my imagination...         I slammed my forehoof against the wall as hard as possible. “He sealed it...”         “Hmm... you managed to see what was behind that door, huh?” Rumble asked. “If that’s the case, then good job getting that card from Apple Bloom.”         “I never got it from her. It was already opened when I came here. I did suspect that she was the one that opened it, but I wanted to investigate as much as possible before I confronted her.”         “And your one major clue is gone, I see.” Rumble followed up.         I instantly faced him with a glare.         “You knew about that room, didn’t you!? That’s why you had me find Apple Bloom! So I could get Applejack’s ID Card to access it! You had it in the first place and gave it to her! What is that place?!”         “A place like that is... a bit beyond my understanding. All I know, is that it doesn’t feel like something that belongs here.”         “Doesn’t belong?! Granny Smith’s probably dead, and even I didn’t know about that!”         “You already know that families can choose to omit their deaths from the press.” Rumble reminded, which only got to me even more.         “But still, Apple Bloom is our classmate! How’d something that major not get brought up!? Diamond Tiara’s still doing her bullying, as if she’s never shown any sympathy!”         “That’s something I’d like to know, but I’d rather look into it from another angle.” Rumble calmly answered, sighing.         I felt compelled to let out a sigh as well, disgruntled that perhaps he’s being more cooperative than usual.         “Heh. I’m surprised you didn’t start preaching friendship and whatnot to me.”         “I have no need to preach to you at this time. You haven’t lost your way after all.” Rumble smirked.         “What’s that supposed to mean?”         “If you dive into the past a little, you might get what I mean. Not really in the mood for anything long-winded.”         “Huh?” I let out, but then I shook my head, remembering yesterday.         “Wait, where’s Scootaloo? What’d you do with her?”         “I did say I had to stop her damage, right? She wasn’t helping and you know it. If she’s going to keep her friends alive, fighting them isn’t the way.” Rumble’s tone slowly grew slightly hoarse, turning his back to me.         For once, he might actually be angry.         “Is it safe to say that you’ve had trouble with that lately?”         “You can say that. I suppose getting in on her little secret has helped me be somewhat of a moral compass for her. Alas, you didn’t hear that from me.” Rumble said before flying out of the building unexpectedly.         “WAIT!” I ran outside after him, but he’s too fast.         Damn it, he’s gone already!         I’ll ask him about that later. Right now, I need to look at this report some more. __________________________________________________________________________ 10:00 AM, Generosity District - Shady’s Home Twilight Report No.2 Looks like the school was a big success! I really have to thank Sunset Shimmer for her help with this project! Her research into human technology is definitely a spark in the evolution of the species. It’s kinda scary, but Equestria’s changed so fast with the addition of a few technologies from the other world. Smart phones, computers, robotics, automation, medicine... A lot of these things wouldn’t have been possible with simple magic alone. This school is the basis for that technology. We may have done it now, but we must make the next generation better than the last! Can’t teach an old dog new tricks, right? Oh, silly me, that’d probably be an insult to Spike. I’ll take it back. I just want the newest generation to be a little bit more advanced. I’m glad Miss Cheerilee gave me the approval to allow her class to be the first of a new generation. A Generation of hope, a generation that can ensure the world that bonds can last forever. I honestly don’t know why Miss Cheerilee is so worried though. I mean, we’ve done a pretty good job at making sure that our new discoveries don’t leak out to other nations. Wouldn’t want any form of national jealousy to halt our progress, right? And I don’t wanna burden Princess Celestia either. She gave me permission to let me and Sunset lead this project, and everything’s been fine so far! I wonder if that student of hers leaked something to her... Nah, I doubt it. It’s still within our circle. Maybe once we’re just about finished with our magitech research, we’ll spread our knowledge to the world. I thought it was selfish at first, but since that little mishap, I don’t wanna put the world in danger with anything uncertain!         The school was a ‘big success’? Why is she talking like the school’s actually been open for a while?         ‘Evolution in the species’? We've had human technology for a few years, right? She’s speaking as if we've already grown or something. There’s still a lot of things in development if I recall correctly.         ‘The first of a new generation’... That’s the part that worries me a little. If I’m to guess, Miss Cheerilee really does know quite a lot about what’s going on. Honestly, it’s been obvious for a while now.         Monobear wouldn't have put her in that dog suit otherwise, turning her main means of communication into some automated dog yapping, and I can barely figure out what she’s trying to convey through her body language.         Also, what’s this about jealousy, and keeping the research ‘within our circle’?         The more I look over this report, the more I’m getting a bad feeling.         At this point...I’m beginning to doubt our princess.         I should probably have hope that she wouldn't betray us, but this report alone...         No. I won’t jump to any conclusions. Not yet. I need more evidence. I just need to find other reports, anything related to them, and piece together as much as I can.         Suddenly, I can hear a sudden breeze sounding against my ear.         The key word is audible.         I check my pocket, noticing that the crystal cell is faintly flashing in a rhythmic pattern.         Is this what he meant when he was giving me a call? Gotta admit, it’s pretty stealthy.         Taking the report with me, I dash to the bathroom, lock the door, and answer the call.         “Shady, it’s me again. Any updates on your search?”         “No luck on finding those things. But, I do have a few questions I need you to answer.”         He won’t answer anything confidential, but if I tackle points that the higher-ups normally wouldn’t bother to hide, then...         “Okay, but make it quick. You do remember that I’m still being chased, right?” Shining reminded.         “I thought you were bringing in reinforcements.”         “I am, but considering that a lot of my men got killed by that thing, I need to find an opening to get in here without getting more of them slain.”         “Fair enough.” He’s got a point. He can’t just rush in here without a plan, and considering what Monobear did earlier, it’s not too far fetched to say that he’s got some kind of power.         “What was your question?”         “Right, so, ‘bringing in the next generation’. Ring any bells?”         “Huh? She never told you guys about that?”         “About what?”         “About the younger generation of ponies to bring on a new age, making Equestria more advanced, simply put. It’s just passing down knowledge to the youth, hoping for some kind of evolution. I could never really keep up with my sister when she kinda went on her technobabble.”         I see.         “Why do you know about that?” Shining asked, his tone growing more suspicious of me.         “I found this report of hers...”         “Report?”         “Hmm... well, I guess it might be written more like a diary. Doubt she’d show her brother what she writes in private.” I stifled a laugh.         “You can say that again. But I honestly want to save her. She’s got to be alive in there somewhere. I won’t give up hope until then.”         “You sound just like Featherweight. Kinda.”         “Well, that kid did always go on about not giving up, and he did influence a lot of us. You don’t remember?”         “I think I would’ve remembered something like that.” I replied, sighing.         Remember...right...that’s another thing that’s bugging me. But I need more evidence.         “Anything else you need to ask? About this report I mean.”         “Right. Miss Cheerilee’s approval...how did Twilight get it?”         “It’s not like Miss Cheerilee was uncooperative, considering that my sister is in royalty. At the same time, I know that she wouldn’t use her authority like that.” Shining Armor muttered, letting out a quick grunt before continuing, “If anything, I think she just went up and asked her and probably had some long-winded conversation, trying to learn as much as possible about you kids.”         I see...         Okay.         “And one more question. It’s about Su-”         “Dammit, I gotta get going! What’s taking those guys so long!?”         The transmission ended.         So much for asking about Sunset Shimmer. I wanted to ask about Granny Smith as well.         He’s probably that ‘pest’ Monobear’s talking about.         Something’s still off though...         Suddenly, a loud, yet muffled knock echoed through the door, snapping me out of my thoughts.         Who the heck could be trying to get my attention at this time?         I step out of the bathroom and went straight to the front door to answer it, stepping to the side out of reflex.         Slowly turn the knob and...         “Shady! Dude, you gotta... uhh, dude?” Snails hurriedly stepped in with a huge grin that slowly melted into an exasperated expression, probably confused as to why I’m sidling against the wall.         “It’s a defense mechanism. Don’t worry about it.” I sighed, walking towards the door. “What is it?”         “Dude, the mares are taking a bath at the spa! I need a partner in crime!”         “If this is what I think it is, then stop. The last thing we need is to be murdered for something as stupid as that.”         “No problems! I’m tellin’ ya man, I got the perfect angle to look from! We won’t need to worry about getting caught at all! I guarantee that!”         He can’t be serious.         “...Okaaaaay, who’s there?” I asked, only because it’s relevant to my actual interests, not because I’m trying to explore my tastes. Seriously.         I mean, think about it, the CMC can’t have made up that fast, right?         “Well, there’s Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Sweetie Belle, Ginger Snap, and Grace Lightning too!”         “Yeah, this won’t end well...wait, did you said Sweetie Belle?”         Tiara’s not trying to do what I think she’s doing, is she?         “Yep! I mean, dude, you totally got good taste! I always thought she was super cute myself! Like, an angel I think!”         “That’s not why I asked! I’m asking because I still think Diamond Tiara’s trying to convince Sweetie Belle to join her clique!”         Snails bumped his forehooves together, “Oh, that’s right! All the more reason to listen in on them! This is a golden opportunity!” “Our priorities are different, aren’t they?” I asked, lowering my eyelids in response.         “I’m innocent Snails today!” Snails said, giving me a look of determination, then quickly putting his forearm around my neck. “Onwards, dude! The land of beauty and innocence awaits!”         More like the land of pain and suffering if we screw up.         Despite my protests, Snails drags me off to the Kindness District anyway.         I have this sinking feeling this may not end well.         Whatever. ___________________________________________________________________ 10:24 AM, Kindness District - Spa         “Through here!” Snails pointed at the vent on the wall in the hallway. We’re in that Aquarium-Zoo Asylum again, but there is indeed a spa, like he said yesterday. Snails of course, hopped into the vent, but crawled backwards, helping me get in.         I know where this is going.         Going up the slope and curving through the vent, we shimmied our way through until we saw an open vent below us, giving us a partial, steamy view of the spa. If there’s one thing that I like, is the pink lights at the bottom of the water, giving the water the appearance of a soap that looks pleasant to bathe in.         Seems like there’s an additional route going left and right from this particular vent, so we at least have an escape plan.         Probably.         I have no idea where those lead.         “Paradise!” Snails whispered excitedly.         I sighed, and shifted my view to the spa below.         The floor was covered in white tiles, with six circular tubs filled with water. Inside the tubs themselves, (ignoring the mares in their chosen one), were live fish swimming underneath them. They didn't appear to be sinking any further, so it’s safe to assume that there’s a glass barrier underneath. To the right, is a big sign stating the times, along with a warning. LADIES BATH TIME: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM MENS BATH TIME: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM CLOSING TIME - 10:00 PM Caution! During Closing Time, all bath tubs will be sealed! Be sure to leave before then!         .......         I need to keep a clean mind.         “Ah~~~” Tiara sighed, waving around her wet mane. “Now this is a bath worthy of a princess!”         “Drop the damn princess act already!” Grace chided, meekly touching the water. Tch... isn’t this place too hot!?”         “You’ve never been to a spa before?” Ginger asked.         “No! All I ever did was practice and wash up in the locker room showers!” Grace angrily answered.         “Typical jock! Just get in here!”         “It won’t burn your mane off, if that’s what you believe.” Silver Spoon sighed.         Sweetie Belle of course, was deep in the water, with only half of her head surfaced, blushing even.         Didn’t think she’d find this embarrassing.         “Even Sweetie Belle’s in here, and I know she hasn’t been in a spa!”         “I-I...I so have! My sister took me a few times!” Sweetie Belle protested.         “Oh hoh~ That’s right...your sister’s actually pretty famous, huh?”         “That’s right! Just because I’m a blank-”         Tiara briskly held her hoof out, “Now, stop there, you! I invited you because I wanted you to join us!”         “Then... why didn’t you invite Apple Bloom and Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle looked crestfallen.         “You and I both know that some time away from them will do you some good! Unless you want a blood bath instead? I know you’re not that stupid!” Tiara said, twirling her mane.         She’s...different with her mane down like that.         Okay, this is getting stupid; what the hell am I even doing!?         “Whoa, where you going?” Snails whispered, surprised to see me backing away.         “Don’t know what got into me, but this isn’t who I am.” I said, slowly trying to crawl backwards.         ...         “At this time, Dia has a valid point. Enjoy yourself for now.” Silver said, smirking.         “What’s that supposed to mean?!” Sweetie Belle suddenly burst out of the water.         Even though I tried to leave, I suddenly didn’t feel the urge to try anymore, overcome by my desire to listen to this conversation.         “I mean exactly that. Relax, and take your mind off those two. We will bathe with them as well, but as individuals, not as enemies.” Silver Spoon specified.         “Enemies...why are you...why do you two hate us so much? What did we ever do to you guys?!” Sweetie Belle angrily demanded. “You’re not trying to turn me against them, are you!?”         “I honestly can’t hate you three. I never have, but misery does love company. I went about it wrong, I’ll admit, but I wish to apologize for any suffering you three went through because of us.” Silver looked Sweetie Belle in the eyes, giving off an air of actual honesty.         “But-”         “Gosh, will you shut up already?!” Tiara commanded. “I wanted you here because I wanted to bury the hatchet, not for some stupid plot like you’re thinking. Don’t get paranoid like that blue idiot!”         .........................         “Blue idiot?” Sweetie Belle asked, slowly sinking back into the water.         “W-who cares about that him?!” Tiara sounded panicked, “Anyway, I really meant it when I said I wanna bury the hatchet. We’re getting too old to constantly hang status over each other’s heads, right?”         “Or maybe you just don’t want Scootaloo to murder you.” Sweetie Belle muttered.         “I am not afraid of that no-good rat, Scootaloo!” Tiara asserted.         “If that’s the case, why didn’t you bring her here?! Or Apple Bloom?! Why couldn’t we work things out?!”         “Didn’t I just say I didn’t want some blood bath!?” Tiara fired back.         No matter how afraid she is, she does have a point. At least she’s smart enough to avoid initiating another one of those trials.         “She has a point. I don’t think it’d be a good idea to have the two of them in the same room, considering that they fought against one another yesterday.” Silver said.         “I don’t know what to do anymore...” Sweetie Belle bit her lip.         “Pipsqueak’s planning a test of courage at some point. He was hoping that a good scare would take your mind off of the despair.” Ginger blurted out.         “A good scare my ass! He’s just asking to get flattened by me!” Grace boasted.         “A test...of courage...I’ll think about it.” Sweetie Belle sighed.         “Of course I’ll be joining. A mare of my caliber could never be scared of something so lame. Besides, a blank flank like him could never pull it off right!”         Silver looked at Tiara, with a ‘really?’ expression.         “W-what?! If you’re thinking what I think you’re thinking, then what happened was in the past! This is the future! I am Diamond Tiara Reborn, better than ever! Whatever’s in the past is in the PAST!”         “Right. Whatever you say, Dia.” Silver smirked.         “Anyway, Grace, join us already. You look more confused than a lost pony in the woods.” Ginger said.         “Mmmm... I guess. We’re all mares here. Just like the locker room. Yeah! LETS DO THIS!” Grace backed up and prepared to make a leap.         “Wait, no cannonball! NO CANNONBA-” Ginger panicked.         *SPLASH*         “Ahh! You idiot!” Tiara chided, shaking the excess water off.         Half of Grace’s body was submerged in the water. with her backside surfaced.         “My glasses!” Silver shouted, going after her washed-away property.         Grace resurfaced, properly adjusting herself for the spa. “Ha! Now THAT’S what you call fun!”         “You wanted to show off your nice flank, didn’t you?” Ginger sighed. ____________________________________________________________________          “Aaaaaaand this is where I take my leave.” I said to Snails, backing away slowly. This whole thing is going into dangerous territory, and I don’t wish to stoke my earthly flame.         “Hey, wait!”         “Sorry, but I’m out. There’s more I could be doing rather than risking myself to get caught. Besides, I got what I came here for.”         I crawled out of the vent and away from the scene.         Once I got out, I took a deep breath, welcoming the air conditioning.         But still...         Ugh, I can’t figure her out at all. Whatever. As long as nopony dies, it’s not my business. ____________________________________________________________________ 11:12 AM, Generosity District - Shady’s Home         The moment I stepped in, I went straight for the Twilight Report I hid away, opening it back up to look over it some more.         There has to be more to it. I need more clues...                  ‘I wonder if that student of hers leaked something...’         ...         My chest suddenly tightened at those words.         Who does she mean?         “UGH!”         I threw the report at the wall, flopped onto my bed, followed by a deep sigh.         “I don’t know what to think! Dammit, this is drawing me to a conclusion I don’t like!”         Complaining here won’t get me any new info, and it certainly won’t lead to the truth.         Oh, right. I still have Fluttershy’s ID card. If it works the same way like Applejack’s...         With a firm resolve, I grabbed my nameplate and headed back to the Kindness District. If there was a strange room in the Honesty District, then the same rule has to apply for the other districts! ___________________________________________________________________ 11:30 AM, Kindness District - Aquarium Zoo Asylum         The moment I went inside, I immediately stepped into the left elevator this time, going down to the basement.         I knew of the potential danger, but I just have this feeling that something’s down there. I’ve yet to investigate it, and I can’t let my fear sway me.         I need to see what waits down here.         I took a deep breath during the elevator’s short descent, just to ease my heartbeat.         The doors opened, revealing the left half of the room to be completely made out of glass with bubbles floating upward. On top of that, the lighting behind the glass was a bright pink, with all the various types of fish highlighted by this light.         That side’s the Aquarium, huh?         The right half’s floor panels were lit in a bright yellow, with the ceiling emitting a pink light. Honestly, I find the color decisions here to be a little strange, but eh.         “Grrrrrrrrr...”         A gasp escapes from under my breath the second I heard that. I frantically whipped my head around in both directions, desperately trying to find what made that monstrous growl.         It sounded pretty fierce too...         No. I can’t be scared. I think this might be a test of my luck. I’m not a luckster by any means, but I can’t be swayed by my sense of danger.         There’s no way it’s the sharks to my right, or the large sea serpent to my left.         This whole time, I’ve been aware that something is down here, out of it’s containment. Something’s lurking these halls, and it could definitely come around these walls to attack. ______________________________________________________________________         “A red square?” I muttered, making Silver Spoon wonder what I meant. “There, next to the Chimera...”         “Oh. If this is a release system, then...we could find out if we took the elevator on down...if you’re brave enough that is.” Silver Spoon suggested. _______________________________________________________________________         I remember what Silver and I found on that computer. I think I know what’s down here. I wouldn’t put it past Monobear to have such a dangerous creature to guard this district’s secrets. But then again, I managed to find the one at the Honesty District pretty easily. Almost as if it were intentional.         But why?         As I’m walking down the Aquarium hall, I noticed a lone door to my right, that read, “AQUARIUM EXIT”.         Could this actually be a Diver aquarium?         But how would anypony get in there anyway?         I turn to my right again, noticing the fish separated from the dangerous sea creatures.         I see... this is designed to keep the smaller ones from being mauled by sharks and whatnot. That would explain why I haven’t seen any of these creatures successfully attack one another.         Must be terrifying to live next door to a predator...         I opened the supposed exit door, noticing a single mask against the back wall, and sea creatures to both my left and right.                  This mask though...         It looks a lot like Fluttershy, her eyes included. The texture feels quite real as well. This mask is very well-made. Like, probably the most realistic feeling mask ever.         It’s almost as if Fluttershy’s staring into my soul, trying her best to paralyze me to the core.         “The Stare.”         That’s what it’s called. Her legendary technique that’s tamed hundreds... no, thousands of wild animals and creatures.         I turned the mask around, noticing a small sheet of paper taped to the nasal area.         ONLY USE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY! DO NOT WEAR THIS MASK UNDER ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES!         “Use? This mask can actually be...?”         I continue to walk down the corridor, keeping my eyes closed for brief moments, trying to listen for any footsteps.         However...I don’t hear anything.         Not a growl, not a step.         I know I haven’t been hearing things for this long, have I? I really could’ve sworn a Chimera was down here, out of it’s cage. If that’s the case, why haven’t I been attacked yet? What’s really going on here?         My steps began to pick up a little speed, fueled by my curiosity.         Why did it stop? Did the beast leave? Did it go back in it’s cage?         As I made my way past the aquarium and now to the Zoo half of this area, I notice that the glass containers were lit up by a bright yellow from the ground.         The light did well to reveal the creatures here; creatures I’d never thought I’d see unless I was dumb enough to walk into the Everfree forest.         Creatures like an Ursa Minor with it’s Major mother on the left, or perhaps those Timberwolves on the right.         Maybe that sleeping Manticore on the right, or the Cockatrice on my left, or that Chimera that’s directly in front of me.         Chimera in front of me.         In front.         ...oh no.         Wait, why is it turned to stone...?         The second I whipped my head to the Cockatrice, my body stopped moving.         Inside the cage, I saw a door behind the reptilian avian... it had a normal rooster’s head put on the body of a mini-dragon.         That door though... and... stone... versions of... the animals owned... by... the... el...e...ment...s         .....                  ...................                  .......................................         ......................................................... __________________________________________________________________________ ???, Kindness District - Aquarium Zoo Asylum         “WAH!”         I fell to my belly, breathing heavily, like I’m catching my first breath of oxygen for the first time since drowning for hours!         Why the heck am I feeling this way?!         I looked around, noticing pieces of stone around my hooves, and an unconscious Cockatrice before me, still in it’s containment, even though it’s open now. I frantically look around, checking my surroundings, even though I’m very sure I’m still at the Zoo.         I noticed that the Chimera statue is gone as well, and I’m no longer in possession of the Fluttershy Mask.         Did somepony take it?         I guess I must’ve been turned to stone, just as I noticed those familiar animals.         Owlowicious, Angel, Opalescence, Gummy, Winona, and Tank...         The pets that belonged to the Elements, were all turned to stone, I’m sure.         Alas, their statues are gone as well.         I turned around, looking back at the Aquarium half, only to notice something strange inside the tank.         A hoof...         Somepony’s hoof.         No... I really hope my mind’s playing tricks on me. I really hope I’m hallucinating.         ...........................................................................................         I walked to the tank hesitantly. My heart beat rapidly grows the moment I see that it is indeed somepony’s hoof. Now that I see who it is...         Oh. It’s Sweetie Belle.         Her eyes are lifeless...         She’s not even trying to get out of the water.         All I could do was stare. I felt an instinctive urge to move, but it was overpowered by my own questions.         How did she get in there? Why is she in there? Why is this happening? Why did this?! Why did they do this!? HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!         Suddenly, I hear a galloping set of hooves rapidly growing louder.         I turn my head around, noticing a pony with a gold, blunt object in her mouth behind me.         ...Fluttershy-         *BAM!*