A young orphan pegasus escapes into his dreams and imagination while trying to overcome his fear of befriending others. And to do that, he needs the help of three young fillies and a majestic alicorn.
Ghost Pepper dreams of many things. Dreams of being a noble in Manehatten's bureaucratic table. Or a royal knight, tasked with defending the throne and the princess. Or perhaps finding the one pony he can call a friend. He dreams big. Yet when he awakens, he finds himself struggling with the everyday menial hum drum tasks of cleaning the orphanage's halls, rooms and only getting scraps of the food from the other colts and fillies.
Ghost Pepper dreams big. But a wakening nightmare haunts him. One that he can't help but finding himself in over and over. If he is to overcome this nightmare, he not only requires the help of three curious fillies, but a royal alicorn who walks the Dream Plane.
A thought had occurred. one that he thought would fit well with his story.
'But, where should I really start?' the young colt asks himself. The young colt sat at his desk in a dimly lit room. With only the company of a tussled bed from the many restless nights he has had and the small splintered desk that laid against the wall. The dim flicker of the candle signaled to the young colt of the opened window. Feeling earlier as if he needed fresh air. He shivered before looking up from his paper and quill, staring at the blank ceiling. He had always saw it as like a blank canvas, just waiting to be riddled with the words of his mind. Yes, a wall or ceiling would do nicely to fill out a story.
Not too big but big enough to gather his thoughts into one. He shifted slightly in his seat, struggling with the thought. 'It would go well... but it is missing something.' he thought. The slight calming breeze of the spring air blew through his room, making the young colt shiver. He sighed, standing up before walking over to the window and closing it. But not before he looked out of it. The tall grass flowing like the waves of the sea. He stood there and watched. His bed head of a cerulean mane flowed with the breeze. The colt smiled softly. He has always enjoyed the spring season. It reminded him of a story he once read.
Mother Wisp would tell the children stories. He had never cared until one evening when she told a story about two odd pairs of friends. One was the clever of the two. Always tough, resilient and wise when it came to confronting the ponies of his town. The other, a simple minded but aspiring horse who dreamt of living on his own farm, tending the fields with his friend, the clever one. Yes, an odd pair a pony and a horse make. So different, but both reliant on one another. The horse would always find himself stumbling over the others and getting into unintentional trouble, leaving the clever one to bale him out of the situation.
But that doesn't mean the clever one had his own troubles. He was in love with a mare from a small town. And being the farmer he was, he wouldn't find the time to try and confront his feelings for her. Leaving him distressed and afraid of the world around him. The simple mind would sit with him, sharing to him a story about him and a mouse. The story was short, but simple. The simple mind would always cheer the clever mind. The two relied on one another. The many stories they told under the night skies while fishing in the river. The many rise and falls they had when it came to their community. The colt sighed sadly.
It seemed the two had so much in common for being so different. And yet, when it came to the clever one to finally propose to the mare, a corrupt bureaucrat didn't like the idea of the farmer staking claim on the mare he had planned to marry. The duo eventually find themselves in a predicament of their farm being bought out by the bureaucrat, making the tension rise with the clever one and his girl. The two would constantly argue, leaving the simple mind to cower at the thought of his best friend living a lonely life. The simple mind knew what it would mean to have his friend marry to a mare.
He had always thought the dream of him living with his friend on the farm was too good to be true. Yet, he couldn't feel but be happy for him, despite the jealousy he felt earlier. on one fateful night, the clever one had an idea that would sabotage the bureaucrat and save his marriage for the mare. The plan had gone off without a hitch. That was until the patrol that was hired by the bureaucrat caught the clever one in the act of sabotage, forcing him to kill two of the ponies in his escape. It had already been done. Not only was murder committed, but the clever one was about to be caught. The simple one had an idea though. A sad one. One that made the young colt wonder why he had done so.
A brief confrontation of the two along with the mare lead to them being caught in a alley. All seemed lost when the simple mind suddenly spoke up and declared it was all his idea. The clever one and the mare protested, but the deed had been done. Murder and sabotage was placed on the horse. The next day, the town held an execution of the simple mind. Many of the townsfolk gathered and watched as the horse was lead to the gallows. The colt remembers the horse scanning the crowd, praying that his friend had gotten away. When no sign of the clever one, the horse smiled and was read his rites.
The thought depressed the colt. Why did he take all the blame for an idea made by another? What was so important to the simple mind that lead to the clever one to leave the town and not try to save his friend? And more importantly, what could have gone differently in the plan that shouldn't have lead to that? The colt never understood why others would do such a thing. But the story about it felt strange and inspiring for him. After the story, he found himself sitting at his desk with a paper and quill and started writing. Writing nothing in particular at first.
It was just a simple revision of the paragraph of the moment in the story. The colt thought of the many ways the two friends could have gotten out. A happy ending was all he wanted. But wasting away into the night made him realize. Was it all unavoidable? Whatever he thought of that he thought could work, it always lead him to write down a consequence. Or at least a subtle consequence. But in the end, it would always lead to the ending of the characters. The colt frowned before closing the window and trotting back over to his desk, kicking aside the crumpled up balls of paper that littered his floor. He took a quill, dabbing it in the ink before writing.
Constance couldn't believe what he had done. Murder. The ponies stared widely in his eyes. The life no longer in him. Constance looked around, panicking as he scoured the room. Having to find nothing that could sway him from the thought, he heard the whistles of the patrol clear as day. He bolted for the window, sliding out from it and onto the roof.
The colt stopped and thought again. he has already gone the route of trying to hide. He had already thought of the confrontation. But why was it so difficult to come to an understanding? Did ponies really not care for civil conversation or was it really just as bad as everypony thought to make it out to be? The colt groaned in frustration before crumpling the paper and tossing it over his head again. He sighed and stared up at the ceiling once more. Of the many ideas he had tried to come up with, he couldn't find the right one. He blinked once, suddenly feeling his body heavy. How late has he gone into the night? With no clock on the walls of his room, he quietly went to open his door and stare down the dimly lit hall of the orphanage.
At the end of it was a grandfather clock that reached the ceiling. The colt squinted, trying to make out the time. As if on cue, the clock rang to life. Striking not once, but twice. He had gone into the next day. The colt yawned before quietly closing the door and dragging himself to his bed. The sheets soft under his pale blue hide. Adjusting himself comfortably, he stared back into the ceiling. The passage of the story running through his head. What could he have done differently? Why the sacrifice? His eyes fell upon him into the calming blackness.
~~~oooOOOooo~~~
The colt found himself sitting on a pier. He looked calmly out to the quiet riverbed. The river calm and unmoving except for the bob in the water. He squinted his eyes, seeing two extra next to his but more spaced out. He looked to his left, seeing a young stallion with a straw hat and a wheat stem in between his teeth in worn out overalls. he had his hat tipped over his eyes as he snoozed softly in his kick back state. The colt looked to his right and saw a tall calico horse in a sleepy but happy expression as he stared out into the river. The horse towered over them like a giant. The colt has heard of horses somewhere in Equestria. He has heard that they are as big as a one story building. Of course, he found it farfetched, but the idea seemed intriguing. The colt finally looked down at himself.
He too was wearing overalls. His tattered flannel shirt covering up most of his hide. The three stayed there, enjoying the quiet serene sound of the quiet river. The colt smiled. He remembers this part. He found it enjoyable.
"Constance, you ever 'ear 'bout the mayor's daughter?" the horse suddenly said, his voice drawling but deep and calm. The colt looked over to his left. The stallion, Constance, didn't move or look when he replied.
"What 'bout her?" The horse shrugged.
"I dunno. Do you tink maybe yer' out of her league?" Constance finally looked up and gave a small glare at the horse.
"What are ya' goin' on about, Tussle?" the farmer asked in a small hint of annoyance. The horse, Tussle, quickly responded.
"Nothin' Constance. Jus' wonderin' why she catches yer' fancy." Constance snorted in reply.
"Tain't non of yer' business what I do." Tussle rubbed his chin, when suddenly, his pole began tugging. Tussle looked confusedly at the pole.
"Constance." Tussle stated. The stallion farmer saw it too. He quickly shot up, startling the young colt.
"Well, what are ya' waitin' fer?" Constance rushed over and took hold of the pole. He began pulling, but the force seemed to pull back. Constance grunted as he tried to pull. The colt was about to jump up to help, but Tussle quickly grabbed hold of the pole with Constance and together, they both heaved back. The colt stared in awe as a giant bass flew out of the water and sailed over head. Constance and Tussle fell onto their haunches and watched in stock surprise as the bass landed on the pier and began flopping around. "Quick, grab it!" Constance dove at the fish, but it just flopped over his head, smacking him in the muzzle with a tail.
Tussle quickly helped Constance up, making a quick attempt at stopping the bass with his hoof, only to have it slip under him. The colt stood up now, readying himself as the bass flopped his way. He quickly lunged at it, only to find himself landing on his belly on the pier as the bass flopped away. The colt stumbled after the fish. He was about to catch it when the bass suddenly flipped over him and into the water. The colt frowned, seeing the shimmering figure of the bass swim quickly away and out into the river. He looked over to see a disappointed Constance and a sad looking Tussle.
"Dang." Constance said with a small kick of his hoof.
"I'm sorry, Constance." Tussle said with a bow of his head. The farmer stallion looked up at his friend and gave a small smile. He put a hoof on his shoulder and shook his head.
"Twas a big one, ain't it?" Tussle looked at him and gave a sleepy smile.
"Almost." The horse replied. Constance pat his friend's shoulder.
"No worries, pal. We almost 'ad it. We'll git it next time." The two dusted themselves off before looking at the colt. "Thanks fer the help, Pepper. Twas real nice seein' ya again." The colt said nothing as the two trotted up from the pier and heading over to a small farm house in the distance. The colt sighed. He felt like he had accomplished nothing. He wanted these two to be happy. They came so close to catching a fish, only to have it slip from them. They were disappointed, indeed. But why were they still smiling? He wouldn't have been happy if he let such a catch go away. So why did they? He found himself looking back out the river. Why the sacrifice? The colt suddenly looked shocked.
Across the river, looking down into the water of her own reflection was the most elegant and beautiful alicorn he has seen. And he knew exactly who this was. The alicorn rose her head up from the water and looked at him with kind eyes. She gave a smile and a nod before turning and walking into the tall grass.
"W-wait!" The young colt called out. But he found himself unable to move. In fact, everything seemed to shimmer around him. He rose into the air and his eyes opened to the familiar blank ceiling of his room.
~~~oooOOOooo~~~
The young colt Ghost Pepper rose from his slumber, feeling the grogginess of his restless dream. He had dreamed about that one moment with the two. The moment that he had deemed a time when they defined their friendship. But... were they really friends in the end? Why would he risk himself like that and not have his friend come back for him? The farmer had enough evidence, but why the cloak and dagger in the mix? The birds of spring chirped, rousing him more from his slumber. The warm beams of the Princess's sun coursed through his body. A beautiful day indeed.
Pepper slipped out of his bed and out into the hallway. The many doors that lined it all the way to the grandfather clock were a mix of open and unopened. The unopened being the vacant rooms of those that have finally found a family. As he walked down the hall, passing the doors, he could make out little drawings of ponies on the walls. Perhaps, Pallet was causing more trouble again by not having enough paper. Arriving at the clock, he looked to see the time. Almost half the day. The sudden realization made him panic. He had slept for half a day. He looked over to his right, seeing a balcony window. He quickly peered from it and saw the children playing on the swings, the seesaws and slides, laughing and screaming. A group of the kids were playing hopscotch while another were playing tag.
Pepper turned and was about to gallop down to go meet them, when he had bumped into a middle aged rustic unicorn mare with a grey mane in a bun look down at him through half lensed spectacles.
"Ghost Pepper. I was wondering where you have gone off too." the mare looked at him with tired eyes. Mother Wisp must have not gotten any sleep either. But that is the case when you are practically the nanny of an orphanage of about twenty. Give or take. Ghost Pepper sighed.
"Yes ma'am. I'm sorry to have worried you." Mother Wisp sighed and gave a small smile.
"It is quit alright, dear. From the looks of it, you have stayed up all night as well." Ghost Pepper nodded quietly, unsure of how to respond to her. Mother Wisp then looked out the balcony window. "I'm afraid you are going to have to wait a little for lunch. But you are welcome to do something else in the meantime." The colt looked up at the tired mare with a questioning brow. The mare's horn glowed and from down the hall, a mop and a pale hovered over from the closet. Ghost Pepper frowned slightly as he took the mop and pale in his hooves.
"Cleaning again? Can't I go outside?" Pepper protested. Mother Wisp smiled.
"Recess is almost over. In fact, I was about to call everyone in before looking for you." She pat the colt on the head softly before turning. "Just clean the halls and when you are done, come down to the lunch room. I'll have a meal waiting for you." As the mare turned, Ghost Pepper snorted and looked at the utensils.
'Just what I wanted to do today. Nothing but good ol' spring cleaning.' he thought with a groan.
~~~~***~~~~
Cleaning the hall was tiresome. Ghost Pepper sighed tiredly as he finally scrubbed the last of the splintered wood floor. The colt wiped his brow before looking over his work. Sparkling like it did yesterday. Another thought came to him. Perhaps he has cleaned these halls and rooms many a times. Ever since Janitor Weiss left to go on a family outing and decided never to show up, they were without a janitor for a month. Ghost Pepper remembers the time when Mother Wisp was suddenly distraught about the janitor. He watched as she went to the door and two snow white stallions in brilliant golden armor sadly told Mother Wisp the news. After the confrontation, Ghost Pepper watched from the hall as Mother Wisp quietly and tiredly sat at her desk, pondering what she had just heard. As much as he was curious about it, he didn't dare ask. Ghost Pepper knew better.
When two royal guards paid a visit to an orphanage and no princess, the news would not be a happy one. And for a month, the halls remained quiet, as the noises of the janitor's hums that had once rang out through the halls while the children slept was but a faint memory. Ghost Pepper thought it odd to have Mother Wisp mourn over the missing janitor. Not once have the two really communicated other than Mother Wisp correcting the janitor on a missing spot or stain. And yet, Mother Wisp wept for him. The next day after the month had passed, Mother Wisp began an activity with the children during free period.
"You all will be doing simple cleaning today." She had said. "To those that do a good job will receive a reward. And if the whole group does well, then you all get extra recess time." This was a big bargain for the children. Never had Ghost Pepper seen the kids so energetic to get things done. Even Pallet mustered up his pride and cleaned his own handiwork on the outside of the orphanage. When the kids were done, they gathered in front of the orphanage while Mother Wisp and a handsome grey earth pony with a dark mane, who happens to be the grounds keeper for the gardens out back and in the front, looked on at them. He dusted his suite and adjusted his desperado hat before looking at Mother Wisp who had cleared her throat.
"Excellent work, my dears. I must say, how impressed I am to have such hard workers. But I think one of you has done an even better job that has given you all extra recess time." Her look fell upon the young pale blue pegasus. Ghost Pepper felt the eyes of the children look at him, making him uncertain of how to respond. "For superior and outstanding motivation for cleanliness, I here by claim Ghost Pepper as the new activity monitor for the day." To have such a title was a gift. And Ghost Pepper again felt uncertain how to respond. The looks of confusion from the kids turned into disappointment.
"But Mother Wisp, Pepper hasn't really done anything!" One of the kids called out. Mother Wisp arched a brow at the young unicorn filly.
"Oh? Then what has he not done?" Ghost Pepper narrowed his eyes at the filly. The grape colored hide and plum straight mane with cherry colored eyes. This filly has been nothing more than a thorn in his side. Ever since that incident with her stuffed bear. Mother Wisp looked at her with a kind smile, making the filly lessen her posture a little.
"H-he just stood there while the rest of us worked! I saw him!" she looked at the chocolate coated and caramel maned earth colt. "You saw it too, didn't you?" The colt was about to speak when the child next to Ghost Pepper spoke up.
"What Merriweather says is true!" The filly next to him, a snow white filly with a blond mane and piercing blue eyes. She looked him in the eyes, seeing his own gold colored eyes staring back at him. "I saw him relaxing on the bed, letting Pallet do his own job. Isn't that right, Pallet?" They looked to a slender earth pony colt. His artist beret and yellow scarf donned on his cream hide and brown mane. He gave her a questioning brow, making the filly next to Ghost Pepper give the young artist another look. Pallet looked back to Mother Wisp and gave a quick nod. The middle aged mare looked at the young colts and fillies, seeing the agreeing looks.
Ghost Pepper groaned quietly. 'Of course they would take her word for it.' he thought. Everypony thinks Alabaster is a princess. Seeing as how she maintained a leader like personality and a strong sense of justice and her charming good looks made her the perfect candidate. At least in the orphanage. It's a wonder why a meek and shy filly like Merriweather to speak freely of her own mind. 'Because Alabaster told her too.' the colt reminded himself. Mother Wisp looked sternly at him now, making him shrink back.
"Well then, I guess we can't have a activity monitor who takes advantage of his playmates. I'm sorry, Ghost Pepper. But due to the recent events that had transpired, I must revoke the title and give it to Merriweather." The grape colored filly gapped at the sudden change. She looked to Alabaster, who gave her a kind smile in return. She then turned that smile into a mischievous one at him. Ghost Pepper narrowed his eyes at her, imagining a passing carriage to not see her in its' wake. The children congratulated the meek filly, who was baffled by the sudden surrounding of her playmates. All except for Ghost Pepper. He kicked a small pebble to the side before turning and quietly walking into the orphanage.
Mother Wisp sighed tiredly.
"I worry about that colt." she addressed to the grounds keeper. The handsome stallion tipped his hat.
"Too bad for the kid. Had high hopes for him." he said nonchalant. Mother Wisp turned to him.
"Well, you better get ready to supervise the child, Funnel." The stallion nodded and looked at the cheering children.
"I'll make sure he works to the bone."
That day made Ghost Pepper dread to ever actually take up the responsibilities of his slacking playmates. He had enjoyed helping others. Always had the sense too. But that day changed his mind about the ordeal. He eventually grew quiet and alone. Mother Wisp has taken notice of the sudden change in behavior and had confronted him about it.
"I just don't feel like it." he would always reply. Not having to get the true reason out of him made Mother Wisp determined to dig out the truth. So, she had always found the time to passively tell him to clean the rooms and halls everyday until he confessed. She even got smart about it only recently, making him have no choice in the matter. Exploiting his passion to dream and jot down ideas made it all the conflicted worth while. As much spite he has for the chore, it had given him plenty of time to think. And an idea had come to mind.
"Maybe that is what I will try." he told himself as he placed the pale and mop in the closet before trotting to the lunch room.
Ghost Pepper sat quietly at the table by himself. Staring at the small bits of vegetables and bread, he couldn't help but look around hungrily at the others. It was no strange occurrence for him to sit by himself. In fact, he mostly preferred it that way. Having the quietness of his own mind and thoughts without any distractions. As he finally picked up his bread and chewed a small bit of it, more thoughts came to mind.
'What if Constance had another plan that just involved him running away with the mayor's daughter?' The idea seemed promising. He imagined the scene, using his bread as pointers. The left half being Constance and the chewed half being the mayor's daughter. He played out the scene, quietly quoting from the story. Starting at the point where Constance had the idea, Ghost Pepper thought of carefully picked words to convince the daughter. After feeling like he had chosen correctly, he smiled as he played out the part of the two running away to live forever. But yet, there was a problem. One thing had stood out from him in his scene.
Where was Tussle? He frowned softly when he found that the two pieces of bread didn't fit quite well as he thought. Two pieces of bread wouldn't suffice. He looked at the chewed piece before looking to the whole one. A thought had occurred to him. He split the whole piece in two. Now that the whole group was together, he replayed the scene only this time, he made Tussle be a big part in the plan. Constance and the mayor's daughter were ready to escape, but the corrupt bureaucrat caught on. He made the split and chewed piece together before having the bigger piece suddenly stay behind. The young colt frowned more prominently.
'Why did Tussle stay behind?' He hadn't thought of it when he played it out. But the big piece of bread was left laying on the plate while the other two were together at the side. He sighed before putting the pieces down and examined them. They were not whole. He quietly picked up the small piece he had labeled as Constance before popping it in his mouth and chewed. It was then he noticed something watching him. He looked and saw Alabaster giving him a small quiet and her infamous mischievous grin. Ghost Pepper felt his face warm a little.
Alabaster had witnessed him playing with his food. 'More dirt for her.' the colt thought to his dismay. Thankfully, Mother Wisp tapped a glass with a spoon to grab the attention of the others.
"Attention, dears." she looked to the crowd. "I have a very special announcement to make. I have received word that the Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will be making a visit." The gasp and quiet cheers murmured throughout the kids. All except Ghost Pepper. It was such a honor for the Princess's to make a visit to them. Ghost Pepper has read about the two sisters. All of them did. Who would have thought the Princesses as regal and elegant visiting a small group of twenty street urchins and a struggling caretaker?
"Alabaster, this is your chance to finally show the princesses!" The young colt heard one of the kids. He looked and saw Alabaster smile at the thought. She then raised her hoof.
"Yes, Alabaster?" Mother Wisp smiled. The young snow white filly stood up and cleared her throat.
"If I may suggest something, as activity monitor's right hoof, perhaps we should host a fair?" Mother Wisp arched a questioning brow. No one would blame her. What idea was she proposing?
"A fair, dear?" Mother Wisp echoed. Alabaster stood up and walked to the front, before turning to the rest.
"Yes, a fair. One that would impress them!" She made small motions with her hooves. "We all show the princesses what we are talented in. It'll be a fun event where we each show off." She smiled at the nanny. "And it would probably bring in more adoption potential." Mother Wisp smiled now. Ghost Pepper slumped. It was a great idea. Why hadn't he thought of it?
'Oh right, because I was too busy playing with my food and Alabaster is the princess of this orphanage.' Alabaster may be uptight with her leadership, but her ideas have proven time and time again to be successful. Ghost Pepper had wondered why it always was. And it was surprising that Alabaster wasn't adopted right away after the last adoption fair. She had shown positive feed back from the potential parents. But in the end, what happened to be thirty two once was now twenty.
"A marvelous idea, Alabaster!" Mother Wisp looked at her questioningly again. "But, are you just saying it because of your position or is it from Merriweather?" Merriweather shrunk a little, but Alabaster smiled.
"I talked it over with her before suggesting the idea. It's okay in her book." replying quickly. To the meek filly's relief and Ghost Pepper's annoyance, Mother Wisp clapped her hooves together.
"Then it is a plan indeed. The princesses won't be here until next week, so you all have plenty of time to brush up on your talents." Alabaster nodded before looking her way towards the young colt by himself.
"Pepper, you really shouldn't think about playing with your food, no matter how talented you are at it." she put a hoof to her chest. "As a concerned playmate, I only want what is best of you. But I have to say that playing with your food is not a good way to get adopted." The children laughed at her so called joke. Mother Wisp was again oblivious to the meaning and giggled along with them. Ghost Pepper had another thought. Perhaps the roof above her would come crashing down?
~~~***~~~
After the lunch period, the children had a quiet period of reading. Most were well behaved on the subject, but the others who were not so prominent in reading thought it would be a good idea to create book towers or fall sleep. Of course, Mother Wisp wasn't having any of this and would snap them out of there running minds. She gave a tired sigh when she found Pallet doodling in the book. The artistic colt mourned quietly as he was given an eraser and having to go through each page, erasing each creation he was so proud of. Ghost Pepper wanted to re-read the story of Constance and Tussle, but Mother Wisp had persuaded him to read something else. She was well aware of the young colt's attempts at trying to find a better option.
Instead, he was given a book about a detective. One by the name of Sherclop Holmes. He was hesitant at the title at first:
Sherclop Holmes: The Timberwolves of Ponyville.
It was unusual for Timberwolves to even be around Ponyville. And it was only about a few hours trot from where the orphanage is. But his eyes fell to the name. Timberwolves. Curiosity took him over and he finally read one paragraph of the book. And then another paragraph. And soon a chapter. The young colt was awe struck.
'How can this be?' he thought to himself. A detective who has a drinking problem and has an observational mind? How can a pony exist like that? And yet, as the more he read and the aspect of the detective dawned on him, the more he found interest in both him and his companion, Dr. Wattson. The two reminded him of a dysfunctional Constance and Tussle. Each had their own quirks, but together, they were the balance to one another's mindset. The colt delved into the world of Sherclop Holmes, only to be rudely interrupted by a paper ball being tossed at him. He looked up and around. No pony seemed to be responsible. He bent down and picked it up before unfurling it.
Meet me by the oak tree. - Your secret admirer.
'Admirer?' What was the meaning of this? He narrowed his eyes at an involved snow-white filly as she flipped a page of a book. She made no motion of his existence. He sighed quietly before Mother Wisp snapped everyone away from their quiet time with a clear of her throat.
"Alright, dears. Another recess has started. Remember not to wander too far or go past the oak tree. Dismissed." the children cheered and rushed out all at once, causing Mother Wisp to look worriedly at the stampede. Alabaster and Merriweather were the only ones to walk out of the room casually. The nanny looked to the colt. "Are you coming, Pepper?" The colt said nothing as he stood up and held the book under his wing.
Making his way outside, the playful cheers of the children reaching his ears, he couldn't help but think back to the message. 'What was an admirer?' He looked back at the book under his wing. Sherclop wouldn't hesitate to find out. And that is exactly what the colt thought. He took a sharp left and trotted away from the playing children. After today, he didn't want any part of any activity with them. He found himself briskly trotting along the dirt path that lead to the oak tree. He couldn't help but smile to himself. Almost as if he was donning the coat and hat.
"Come along, Dr. Wattson. We have a case to solve." he told himself. "But of course. It'll be like old times." He replied to his own statement. It didn't take him long to reach the tree. It towered over him, but short enough to where anypony can climb up it with no problems. The colt studied it, rubbing his chin. "What say we lay a trap for the crook?" he again told himself. "An excellent idea, sir!" he replied to it. "But of course. It is elementary, my dear Wattson." The colt place the book between his teeth and flapped his wings twice before gaining the height he needed to grab onto the branch and climb. Feeling he has climbed a reasonable distance, he looked down to the ground and waited.
The sun overhead shone through the little holes of the leaves and the cicadas buzzed loudly. The colt waited. And waited. He then frowned. A few minutes have passed. Having been lost in boredom, he finally leaned against the thick core of the oak and pulled the book out from his wing. He flipped through the book, finding himself back at the chapter he left off of. It was fascinating to read the exploit of Sherclop. It was like the detective was one step ahead of everything. But in order for him to confirm it, he had to play it out. He was about to read the paragraph of the discovery of the Timberwolves, when he heard the sound of a buzzing. It wasn't like a cicada.
It seemed more consistent. It got louder the more closer it got. The colt quietly slipped the book under his wing and peered out from behind a shrub branch in the oak. He shrunk back a bit when he spotted three fillies. Two of them had hopped out of a wagon that was connected to a scooter while the third leaned against the tree and drank from a bottle.
"You sure we are in the right place?" the white unicorn filly in the light pink stripped mane asked. The yellow earth filly with a red mane and a big bow scanned the area.
"'Ah' don't think this is where Pipsqueak told us to meet." The filly looked at the two. "He did say by an oak tree, right?"
"He said the biggest tree we know of." the white filly said before looking to the orange and purple maned filly Pegasus. The filly took another big swig of her bottle before looking at them.
"Yeah. And this is the biggest tree I know of." the orange filly replied. The colt watched quietly at their conversation. He thought back to the message. Which one of these fillies were his admirer? He struggled with the thought before coming to a realization.
'But wait... they don't seem like any of the playmates I know of. In fact, they seem like they came from Ponyville.' But it was strange to think that. Why would three fillies spend a few hours from the village to come here? They mentioned somepony by the name of Pipsqueak. Was it this Pipsqueak that gave him the message? Was he the admirer? The colt thought better of it. The only pipsqueak in his playmates were Merriweather and another filly by the name of Tea Stout. His gaze fell to the book under his wing. Were these the culprits? What would Sherclop do if there were multiple confrontations? The colt panicked. He hadn't read that far into the book yet. The inexperience came down on him.
He backed away from the branch shrub before it suddenly snapped and sent him forward. He bounced on two branches on his way down before landing on something with a thud. He shook the daze away before stiffening and seeing the world upside down. Not only that, looking at him were two surprised fillies. But... where was the third?
"Hey, what gives!?" he heard the protest underneath him. He was suddenly rolled off as the orange filly rose and dusted herself off. "Be more careful next time." the orange filly looked down at him and gave the same surprise at him. "Who are you?" The young colt found it hard to reply. The only thing he can muster was a stutter. The yellow filly smiled and helped him up. The colt again said nothing. Not even a form of thanks.
"You don't seem to be from around here. Are you new to the Ponyville?" she asked him. Again, the colt said nothing. Only his panicking heart beat was drowning out the cicadas. The next feeling came down on him. Fear. He had exposed himself. And not just to the world, but to three fillies he has no idea who they are. The white unicorn filly arched a brow.
"Are you okay? You seem to be shivering." The young colt shrunk a little. Oh goddesses, they were talking to him. What should he say? What could he do to suddenly change this on him? He gulped in defeat. He had no idea what to do. The yellow filly suddenly bent down and picked up the book in her teeth before motioning it towards him.
"'Ah' tshink you dropped somethin'.'" she said. The colt meekly took the book and put it under his wing. "So, what's your name?" The colt again found it hard to reply. All he could do was mumble it quietly. The orange filly leaned in.
"Come again?" she asked. He mumbled it again. The orange filly rubbed her head before shrugging at the other two.
"Well, let us start then. 'Ahm Applebloom." the yellow filly smiled before motioning to the others. "That there's Sweetie Bell and that's Scootaloo." The two nodded with smiles of their own. Just who are these three? And why were they acting so... nice to him? The fear struck him more and more. As much as he wanted to say something, he just couldn't find the courage to do so. Scootaloo arched a brow.
"So, where are you from?" she asked him. The young colt said nothing but glance past her. Sweetie Bell seemed to notice the glance and followed it.
"Hey, isn't that the orphanage?" she asked. Applebloom looked.
"Yer' from the orphanage?" He was about to nod when he noticed a snow white filly trotting up to the tree down the road. He balked and quickly darted from the group. The three fillies watched him gallop over and past the filly.
"There you are, Ghost Pepper. Cleaning duties have started." Alabaster said with a frown as the colt passed. Realizing the sudden hurry, the filly felt a little shocked to be ignored. "H-hey! Don't think you can get away with slacking from your chores!" She sighed and looked over to the pair. She gave them each a studying look before smiling and a small wave at them before trotting back to the orphanage. The three fillies were confused by the sudden break from the group.
"What a weird colt." Scootaloo said to the two, who exchanged glances with each other.
~~~***~~~
The night grew serene. The crickets chirping away and the wind blowing a light spring breeze. Ghost Pepper sighed as he flipped through the book. He had made progress in the story of Sherclop and the Timberwolves. In fact, he couldn't help but feel envious towards the detective's cunning. If only he was as clever as him. Maybe then he would have found a better way to end that confrontation with the three fillies. Why couldn't he say anything? And why were they being so nice to him? It was so strange for ponies to greet him. But what was strange about it was that they were not from the orphanage.
Ghost Pepper has met plenty that come and go. And yet, they all greeted him nicely until they are met with Alabaster and her influence. Then, he was given the same curtesy he still receives today. He can't remember the last time Alabaster had left him alone. It was like the moment she had entered the orphanage a long time ago, she somehow changed the whole morality. For better or worse. And Ghost Pepper was definitely feeling the worse of it. The colt groaned in frustration, trying to get the sour images of Alabaster's torture out of his mind and focused on the story. He was at the point of Sherclop deducing the Timberwolve's influence when the colt's candle suddenly blew out due to a passing breeze. He frowned and closed the book, placing it next to the story of Constance and Tussle.
He closed the window before trotting towards the bed and wrapping himself in the covers. 'Ready to sleep the night away and deal with more torture.' The colt sighed in defeat before the sweet embrace of sleep embraced him.
~~~oooOOOooo~~~
The colt sat quietly on the cold velvet seat of the train. Next to him sat a fancily dressed stout earth stallion with a bowler hat, looking down at a pocket watch. Across from them was a handsome earth pony in a brown coat and detective hat, enjoying a cold glass of red liquid.
"Sir, must you really drink at a time like this?" the stout stallion asked. The pony swished the liquid in the glass before taking a small sip.
"Come now, Wattson. There is no harm in drinking. I find it eases the mind." the stallion replied. Dr. Wattson harrumphed.
"If you call killing your brain cells a means of easing, then you would be out of the job ages ago." the detective Sherclop nickered.
"But of course, it is why you are here on our way to Ponyville, is it not?" the stout stallion sighed.
"Unfortunately." The colt looked on in awe at the detective. He couldn't believe he was sitting with the infamous detective himself. He shrunk a little when the detective looked his way.
"Child. Are you lost? I don't remember seeing you enter the cart." Ghost Pepper was too awe struck to reply.
"Where is your mother, child?" The question snapped back to attention. The colt suddenly bowed his head and sighed sadly.
"My mom died when I was born. Or... so I am told." the colt replied. Dr. Wattson seemed shocked.
"My words. I'm sorry to here that, boy. What about your father?" The colt shook his head.
"Died in a drunk chariot wreck." The colt questioned why they were asking him these questions. That fateful moment when the royal guards had come to his door and whisked him away from the comfort of his home and into the orphanage. He must have been three when it had happened. And seven years later, he still has yet to make an impression. The colt lost himself in thought before there was a knock on the door. The two companions glanced at one another before Dr. Wattson called out.
"Yes?" A soft voice called from the other side.
"I would like to speak to the detective on an important matter." It sounded angelic and soft. Sherclop and Wattson exchanged another glance before the detective pulled the door open and in walked a tall, dark cloaked figure. Ghost Pepper watched in awe as the cloaked pony gave a small smile at the detective before taking a seat next to him.
"Well, this is unexpected. To what pleasure do I owe this confrontation?" Sherclop asked with an arched brow. The cloaked pony tossed her hood back, showing a brilliant midnight flowing mane and dark blue hide with sapphire eyes. She gave a kind smile in return.
"Oh, nothing formal really. Just wanting to check up on the child here." Ghost Pepper blinked in confusion before shrinking a little into the seat. But the alicorn remained still and smiling ever so gently at him.
'What was going on?' The alicorn nodded before speaking.
"Hello, child. I take it from your expression that you know who I am. But you have no need to fear. I have not come here to harm you." Ghost Pepper indeed knew who this was. However, this is the second time he has seen her. Ghost Pepper finally willed himself to speak.
"Wh-why are you here?" he asked. Oh goddesses, what was he saying!? This is the Princess Luna! But the princess only smiled.
"I have just been doing my daily rounds when I happened to stumble upon yours." she replied soothingly to the colt. Yet, he only returned it with a cocked head. "A mind like yours is something I find interesting, but normal." She held out a hoof to him. "Mind if we take a small walk?" The colt furrowed his brows before hesitating in taking her hoof. As he did, he noticed the image of Sherclop and his companion shimmer into nothingness. Nothing except the stars. The colt looked around.
"Where are we?" he asked. Princess Luna smiled again.
"The Dream Plane. Here is where I walk in the night, studying the dreams and helping those troubled by them." she motioned her head with two big flaps of her wings, she and the colt flew through the stars. It was bizarre to the young colt. He figured the stars to be bigger. But as they flew through the Plane, he watched a small bright white speck passed by along with a few others. Surprise turned to wonder. He was really flying among the stars! The stars suddenly shimmered and the colt blinked. He realized they were now flying over clouds. The land below them but a patch of farmland. The colt smiled.
'This isn't so bad.' he thought. Yes, he was not that good of a flier just yet. But he was working on it. He then noticed Luna looking at him with that kind smile again.
"It is alright to let go of my hoof now, child." she said. The colt suddenly stiffened. But if he let go, wouldn't he fall? But something about the princess made him ease at the thought. He flapped his wings and slowly let go. He couldn't believe it. He was actually flying! The colt found himself laughing now. Before he knew it, he suddenly dipped into the clouds and spun before taking back off again. Remembering reading the basic and advance flight books he was given at the orphanage, the colt found it easier to do now. It was like he could be the best of the best. Probably as good of a flier as the Wonderbolts! And that is exactly what he did. He found himself suddenly racing along with the Wonderbolts.
The leader, Spitfire, motioning for them to break formation and converge. Ghost Pepper followed suite, keeping close to Soarin and the newly recruited Wonderbolt, Rainbow Dash. Together, the three dipped, spun and twirled in formation before regrouping back with the rest and letting out a cracking boom as they flew up. Rainbow Dash suddenly flew faster than the others and in a glorious light and a loud boom, the colt couldn't help but stare in awe. As he hovered in the sky and watching the Wonderbolts zip over head, he noticed Spitfire saluting to him before they disappeared behind the clouds. He laughed happily and was about to take off in pursuit when suddenly, he noticed another Wonderbolt fly past him. He arched a brow at the mare. No, it wasn't a mare.
Even the Wonderbolt noticed him and stopped before removing her googles.
"Hey, aren't you that colt from the orphanage?" the filly asked. He suddenly stiffened, feeling the fear come back. As he did, he suddenly lost the steady rhythm of his wings and flipped down into the clouds. The clouds shimmered around him. He was falling. He tried desperately to regain his flight, but to no avail. The area around him shimmered again and he saw the ground suddenly rise quicker then he had imagined.
~~~oooOOOooo~~~
The colt jolted awake, kicking off the covers. his heavy breathing only replied to him in the quietness. Taking a quick glance out the window, he saw the sun peeking over the horizon. And as the first rays of Celestia's sun shone into the room, the colt hugged himself. The fear was still there. And he quietly wept.
Ghost Pepper frowned quietly. Breakfast period hasn't been too kind to him. Omelets and oat nuts. His eyes gazed at his playmate's plates. Each had their omelets and nuts in proper portion. However, despite being the first to rise early, he had found himself being passively shoved back into the back of the line. By the time it was his turn, Chef Whimsy scrapped the bottom of the pot and flipped over an omelet that had shades of dark brown flakes. He even had to scrape the bottom of the pan with the roasted oat nuts. And even they looked a tad darker than usual. And it wouldn't stop there. While the kids walked with proper portions, Ghost Pepper had only walked away with half that.
His plate looking empty before he had started on his third bite of the oat nuts. His omelet now cold and spongey. 'Just another morning of being the carpet.' he thought, finding the plate to be almost clean after his fourth bite. The colt sighed before pulling out the book he had under his wing and began reading. Sherclop Holmes was ready to begin deducing the culprit of the murder. Skillfully pointing out the hows and whys along with the baffled but surprisingly well caught on Dr. Wattson. Who would have thought it was the relative of the Rich family. Before he could really turn the page, he couldn't help but sense a presence looking at him. Rising from the book, he saw Alabaster being escorted by Merriweather and a short and stout red unicorn with a chestnut-colored mane and orchid eyes.
He glanced between the three as Alabaster leaned in, her hoof supporting her on the table.
"So, who were those three you were talking to?" she asked. Ghost Pepper frowned but said nothing. Clearly, Alabaster wasn't just here to pester him about that. The filly noticed his contemplation. "I'm not going to do anything. I'm just curious as to who those three were." She rubbed her chin. "They definitely aren't apart of the orphanage. And they seem like they could get into all sorts of trouble." She then looked slyly at the colt, making him dread the reply he was going to respond with.
"I-I don't know..." The colt waited for Alabaster to toy with him on the matter. To his relief, Mother Wisp called to the children.
"Alright, dears. Today is going to be a special day." She looked at them with a smile. "We have four potential adoption pairs." The kids gasped in both excitement and dismay. Ghost Pepper narrowed his eyes at a smiling Alabaster who pat the shoulder of a sudden shocked Merriweather. "They will be pulling each of you in one at a time for an interview. In the meantime, begin your daily morning chores and begin studying for your quiz tomorrow. Dismissed." she turned to trot down the hall, leaving the children to discuss the matter.
"Alright! I can't wait to show them what I'm made of!" one filly exclaimed.
"I-I don't want to leave though..." a colt said not too far from the excited filly.
"Why not?" another filly asked.
"I don't want to leave my friends behind..." another stated somewhere behind Ghost Pepper.
"Hey, maybe we can finally show them that game you created!" He heard a colt say to Pallet.
"I-I don't know... do you think it's too confusing?" Pallet responded. Alabaster smiled at the shy grape colored filly next to her.
"Don't worry, Merriweather. You will do great! I'll even help too!" Alabaster looked at the colt through the corner of her eye. "Ghost Pepper, I expect you to be on your best behavior." Ghost Pepper frowned even more and watched as the three trotted out of the room with a few others. He bowed his head and looked at his spongey omelet.
"Good luck, Pepper." He turned to see Pallet smile at him reassuringly as he trotted past. Ghost Pepper sighed and quietly left the room. He turned and headed straight for the opened closet. Peering in, he saw nothing but a pale and a rag.
'Guess I'm wiping down today.' he thought depressingly as he took the empty pale handle in his teeth. The empty pale dangled with each step he took as the colt made his way outside and to a hose that wrapped around a beaten plastic hold. As he unfurled the hose, he couldn't help but hear something in the distance. It sounded like voices. He looked around, pinpointing the voices coming from around the corner. Peeking out, he saw the grounds keeper tending to the daisies in a flower bed. And he wasn't alone. A mare and another stallion in a fancy workers suite. The mare seemed to be dressed in a casual blouse over her blue hide and a sun hat donning over her long and neatly primed sapphire striped mane. The other stallion was chatting to the grounds keeper. The suite covered in dirt over his orange hide and a tattered hat donning his brown mane.
"... How long is it gonna' take, Funnel?" the orange stallion asked. Funnel seemed to snap at him.
"Would you shut up about it? I'm still trying to look." the mare gave a sarcastic scoff before speaking.
"Maybe you are just not cut out for this job anymore." Funnel glared at the mare.
"Perhaps if you weren't lying on your back all day on a spring bed, maybe you can actually help me look?" The mare glared in return.
"What did you say?" she growled. The orange stallion sighed.
"Do you at least have an idea where she put it?" Funnel ruffled his mane, his hat falling off in the process.
"The nanny is being too tight lip on it. No matter what I do." The mare smirked, sending a shiver down the colt's spine. That didn't look like a good smirk.
"Feeling a little limp in the process?" Funnel turned and swung the back of a forehoof at her. The colt ducked back, hearing the hit. He peeked back out and saw the mare putting a shaky hoof to her cheek, the sun hat hiding her grim expression. She then marched off, heading in the colt's direction. As she did, the colt quickly rushed to the hose and turned it on, filling the pale slowly. He watched in quiet interest as the mare marched over to a chariot. Waiting a bit, he then quickly peeked back around the corner, seeing the two stallions chatting.
"You best keep that harlot strapped down." Funnel snapped. The orange stallion pat his shoulder reassuringly.
"She's getting my full attention tonight. But we are dead serious about this. Wherever Schnitzel put it, we will find it." Funnel snorted.
"We?" He pointed over to the direction of the mare. "That so called mare is sleeping with more ponies than you can count. And what are you doing about it? Chastising me on not finding that damn cache." He motioned to the gardens. "I've spent two years on this and you are telling me to hurry up? Why don't you grab the shovel and I get to have the full attention of her?" The orange stallion grinned slyly at the fuming gardener.
"At ease. We are doing our part in making sure the higher ups aren't going to interfere." He turned and dug out a pocket watch, checking the time. "Do whatever you must. But keep it on down low. We don't want this getting out."
"Please. They are just a bunch of kids. No pony believes kids anyway." Funnel retorted.
"Perhaps one or two. But the whole orphanage?" the stallion smirked at him. "That is blood on your hooves." Funnel watched the stallion trot in the colt's direction, making the child duck back and watch quietly.
"I'm not the one with blood on my hooves!" The colt heard Funnel say to the stallion. Ghost Pepper watched the stallion enter the chariot before it took off quickly down the dirt road. Narrowing his eyes, the colt peeked back around the corner and saw Funnel quietly fuming. Picking up his hat and dusting it off, his eyes met the colt's. He spat before trotting off into the shed. Ghost Pepper darted his eyes in thought. What had he just witnessed? Something wasn't right about the whole thing. The mare and orange stallion gave off bad vibes. But why were they chastising the gardener? Does he really know them? His thought ended when he noticed the pale suddenly overflowing with water.
"Ahh, Buck!" he quickly turned the water off and dumped the excess before taking it in his teeth and trotting into the orphanage.
~~~***~~~
Ghost Pepper noticed kids being called in while they were cleaning. The interviews were well under way. When the short and stout filly was called in, she had forgotten she was supporting a pale of water. As she turned, the pale fell and splattered on the floor, much to the groans of protest from the others. Ghost Pepper frowned as the water trailed down over to him. Looking to see if any of the others would help him, sighing when none had offered, he quietly moved the rage over the water. His ear twitched when he heard a knock coming from the front door.
Again, the colt looked to see if any of the others would volunteer to get it. He sighed before finally reaching for the door and opened it.
"Hey, it's you!" the colt shrunk back behind the door, peeking out meekly from behind it. The yellow filly, Applebloom as she called herself, smiled at him. He noticed the other two behind her. And not only that, but the wagon they also had was full of small sacks of apples. With them at the wagon was also a freckled orange mare with a blonde mane and a brown desperado hat, who had started unloading one sack with ease. Ghost Pepper looked at each of them, studying their motives. His train of thought cut off by the sudden nanny appearing beside him.
"Why, hello! What are you three doing here?" Mother Wisp asked with a smile. The three fillies saluted to the nanny.
"We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Applebloom stated proudly. Mother Wisp gave a small but confused smile at them.
"Crusaders?" she asked. The white unicorn filly, Sweetie Bell if memory serves the colt right, happily nodded.
"That we are, ma'am! Our job is to help the other colts and fillies find their cutie marks!" She looked to her flank, seeing the shield with a musical note surrounded by a star. Now that the colt took more time to look, the three had almost similar marks. However, the symbols in the middle of the shield were more unique to them. Applebloom with the cutie mark of an apple surrounding a small heart. And the orange filly, Scootaloo as he remembers, had a wing surrounding lightning. Mother Wisp then spotted the orange mare walking up to them with two sacks full of apples.
"How interesting. And hello, Applejack. It's a pleasure to see you again." The orange mare tipped her hat with a smile.
"Afternoon, Mother Wisp." the mare greeted. "Having yer' hooves full at the moment?" Mother Wisp chuckled before shaking her head.
"Not at all. I was, in fact, expecting you." she opened the door fully, causing the colt to back up a little to the side, motioning for them to enter. "The kids are being interviewed at the moment, but they always love it when you bring apples from the orchard." She looked at the three fillies who were hard at work on unloading the apple sacks. "And you appear to not be alone this time." Applejack nodded.
"My lil' sis wanted to do the honor of deliverin' the apples this month." she smiled to the three as an apple sack plopped on the ground as Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo struggled to drag one across the dirt ground. "Said she ran into one of yer' kids yesterday." The colt felt his dread deepen. Oh no... they told her about him? Mother Wisp clapped her hooves together.
"Of course! I remember Alabaster telling me that they were talking to dear Ghost Pepper here." She looked at the colt now, who was quietly tip hoofing away from the conversation. He suddenly felt his tail being gripped by magic and dragged back to her, making him stare blankly and fearfully at the orange mare. The mare smiled and tipped her hat.
"Well, howdy, sport. You the colt my sis ran into?" The colt said nothing but continued to stare up at the mare. Mother Wisp nudged him.
"Don't be shy dear. Why don't you go help your little friends with the wagon?" Again, he was nudged forward. He slowly passed the orange mare, not bothering to look before heading over to the wagon. Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell had just gotten back from unloading the first apple sack into the storage shed and Applebloom heaved another sack out to the ground. She smiled and waved at the colt.
"Well, howdy! Wanna help with the wagon?" she asked. Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell struggled to drag another sack across the ground. The young colt contemplated. 'Should I really be doing this? We only met yesterday and they are acting like I know them.' He looked at another apple sack that Applebloom heaved from the wagon. He poked it gently before looking up at the two who had finally placed the second apple sack into the shed. Applebloom hopped out and gripped a corner of the sack with her teeth and pulled. Surprisingly, she was able to drag it away from the wagon with ease before she had gotten it stuck on a tree root.
Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo rushed over and tried to help. But they were getting nowhere. The colt rubbed his chin. Why wasn't Scootaloo picking it up from the air? She is a Pegasus right? He got his answer when he noticed her wings buzzing almost like a bug and hadn't gained any height. Ghost Pepper felt bad now. He opened his mouth to say something. But then closed it, remembering a passage from the tale of Constance and Tussle.
"Actions speak louder than words." Constance had said to a disgruntled banker at Tussle's sudden help. He took a deep breath and flapped his wings, gaining a small bit of height, but enough to hover over the sack. As he did, he gripped the bag with his teeth and pulled up, causing the sack to lift over the root and the fillies were able to get the sack in with ease. Taking a moment's breather, the fillies hoof clapped each other before turning to the colt.
"Thanks a bunch." Scootaloo smiled. The colt rubbed his foreleg shyly.
"E-erm... why didn't..." he began. The three looked at him confusedly. He took another deep breath. "W-why didn't you fly up to lift the bag?" The three took a moment before realizing that Scootaloo was being addressed. She the rubbed the back of her head before speaking.
"It's a long story." she said with a small hint of sadness. Ghost Pepper caught it and the fear came back again. Oh goddesses, he said something bad. Something that shouldn't have been brought up. To his surprise though, the filly smiled and nudged him. "But I'm not too worried about it. What about you? You seem like you know what you are doing." Ghost Pepper stuttered again. What should he say? The three looked at him, waiting patiently for him to respond. When no words came out, the awkward moment was broken by Applebloom.
"Well, we still have two more sacks to unload. You're welcome to help if ya' like." Ghost Pepper said nothing but nodded quietly, following the three and helping with the last two. Once the sacks were settled, Ghost Pepper closed the shed and sighed.
'I really bucked this one over.' he thought sadly to himself. They were being nice and in return he had asked something awful. And as much as the filly brushed it off, he couldn't help but see that it bugged her. Albeit, not as much as it used too it seems. But the colt still felt heavy in the heart for asking such a question. He was then tapped on the shoulder, making him stiffen and turn quickly. He saw Applebloom smile at him.
"Thanks fer' the help. I still didn't catch yer' name." The colt arched a brow. He swallowed his shaky breath before speaking.
"I-it's.... Ghost Pepper." Applebloom smiled again and held out a hoof. The colt looked at it confusedly.
"Nice to meet ya', Ghost Pepper." The colt hesitantly took the hoof and they shook. He found himself easing a bit.
'This.... isn't so bad, I guess.' he thought with a small smile. That was when they heard a soothing sound. The filly looked around, seeing the other two walk up to her with the same questioning looks.
"What's that sound?" Scootaloo asked.
"It sounds like a violin." Sweetie Bell stated. Ghost Pepper nodded. He knew exactly who plays the violin in the orphanage. And not only that, it was accompanied by a soothing voice, singing harmoniously to the strings. For a moment, the world seemed to slow to listen to the voice and soothing melody. Ghost Pepper, without so much as a thought, trotted over to a window and climbed up a box. Peeking in, he saw ponies in the room. A mare and a stallion, staring in awe as a snow-white filly with a blonde mane sat to the side with the violin. She stroked the bow across the strings with such perfection that the notes continued in rhythm. The one singing in an angelic voice however, was a grape-colored filly who had always followed her around like a puppy. Merriweather was singing nothing in particular but rising and descending her voice along with the notes.
Alabaster had her eyes closed, stroking the bow slowly across the violin. Her expression was calm and in thought. The colt hadn't noticed the other three peeking in with him. They were awe struck.
"Whoa... she's good." Sweetie Bell said. Ghost Pepper sighed. He had to agree with her. As much torture and influence she brings, her sense of justice is clear. And as the grape-colored filly finished her song, she looked shyly at the parents.
"I... I can't believe what I just heard." the mare said, utterly baffled by the display she had witnessed. Mother Wisp and Applejack were in the room as well. Mother Wisp was wiping her eyes with a handkerchief while the orange mare smiled and tipped her hat.
"Well now. That's about an amazing voice 'Ah ever heard." Applejack said. Mother Wisp nodded before looking to the fillies.
"Thank you, Alabaster. Merriweather." Alabaster smiled and shouldered her violin. Merriweather slid off the chair and trotted shyly out of the room with a confident Alabaster at her side. Ghost Pepper pulled away, causing Sweetie Bell to turn to him.
"They are definitely getting adopted after that!" she said with a smile. Scootaloo agreed with a nod.
"No way can anyone top that!" Applebloom looked to Ghost Pepper.
"What about you, Pepper?" she asked. Ghost Pepper said nothing. He knew what was going to happen next. It was the same thing over and over. No matter how impressive or stunned, it was the same answer. And Alabaster would refuse. Because she holds too much influence in this place. Ghost Pepper had found himself suddenly trotting quietly into the orphanage, ignoring the confused looks from the three fillies. Turning down to the hall and heading up the stairs, he saw that some of the doors were closed now. And while the kids were studying for the quiz, the halls remained quiet.
Alabaster and Merriweather have definitely made an impression. But it was always the same answer. And as the colt trotted down the hall, he could hear the soothing sound of a violin in the room next to his. The door slightly ajar. He peeked in and saw Alabaster stroking the violin with the bow. Merriweather was nowhere to be seen. In fact, the bed next to hers was barren. Empty even. She made an impression and it worked. And as the young snow-white filly strummed the last note, she held it to her chest. A small sound escaping her throat.
"The price I vowed to pay." she whispered to herself. Ghost Pepper quietly stepped back and walked into his own room, leaving his torturer to her thoughts. Making his way to his desk, he pulled out a textbook and quietly read a page.
'Four potential parents.' He thought. Why had Mother Wisp said "each and everyone"? The interviews didn't last long. And the doors that were once closed were now open. That day reminded him. Reminded him why they are here. The years of spending time with the others were natural. But having to find that something has changed made it... scary. And he wasn't the only one scared. And while the three fillies he had left all of a sudden were now packing up and heading out with the orange mare on the wagon, he turned back to the book and read. The sound of a violin moving through his mind.
The same answers over and over again. And tonight, sixteen were left to study. Each with their doors closed, signaling that they are quietly enthralled in their own space. All except one. The perfect inspiration she gave to all of them. The soothing music that helped eased their troubled minds. Ghost Pepper felt his eyes heavy. Music is nice. A lullaby for his thoughts. The day went into night and the halls remained quiet. Quiet, except for the soothing melody.
~~~oooOOOooo~~~
The melody was soothing. Ghost Pepper found himself in a trance. Music is nice. He listened closely to the melody. It was sad. Almost as if it was crying out. Then, he heard the voice. Young and angelic. The colt blinked once, finding himself surrounded by ponies. Ponies he couldn't make out the faces of. And not only that, he looked down at himself. he was dressed in a penguin tuxedo. Confusion came to mind. Why was he here? And why is this lullaby so clear? Looking ahead, he saw a stage. It was spacey and circular. The lights were dim, all except for a spotlight on a mare. A beautiful mare. One who he couldn't help but feel she was familiar.
"Tis a soothing melody." he heard a voice next to him. He looked to his right and saw a tall and elegant alicorn in a black as night dress. Her flowing mane was wrapped into a ponytail. the colt found it fascinating and odd at the style of mane choice. But another thought came to mind. Why is she here? "Do you know where exactly this is?" Ghost Pepper arched a brow before realizing he was being addressed.
"A... stadium of some kind?" the colt responded. Princess Luna nickered quietly before looking ahead at the performance.
"Not quite." She smiled. The colt rubbed his chin.
"A dream?" he asked. The princess nodded.
"The real question you should be asking thy self. Whose dream?" Ghost Pepper rubbed the back of his mane.
"Umm... I'm not sure." He looked to watch as the mare slowly strummed the violin with a bow. The crowd quiet and attentive. That was when he heard a small gasp.
"She's beautiful!" He looked and balked at the very young and small filly next to him. No wonder the mare looked familiar. Alabaster stared in star struck awe at the mare in the spotlight. She happily beamed at the stallion next to her. The colt darted his eyes in thought at the filly. He then looked to the princess, hoping she would provide the answers. But the alicorn continued to smile at the performance.
"I am no stranger to dreams like her's. It is one of my duties as the Princess of the Night." Princess Luna's horn glowed and the spotlight became a glimmer spectacle. The sight stole the colt's breath away. "Dreams like these are memories. But in thou case, you can easily change its course." This was all so strange. What was the princess getting at? That he could change a dream's course? The colt looked at the glimmers from the light. He could almost imagine them as stars. He blinked once and gasped. The glimmers were indeed that. Small little star specs floating around the mare. He heard the young Alabaster let out a breath and stare happily at the sight. The innocence clearly displayed on her face. This was completely different to the filly he knew.
"So... I'm in her dream, yet... I can change its course?" Princess Luna nodded to the colt.
"You can change a dream's course. Anyone of our subjects can. But only a few are aware." The colt looked up at the princess. He couldn't help but notice her eyes darting the scene. Was she... looking for something? Her expression went from motherly to grim in a blink of an eye. That was when the colt noticed ponies from the crowd suddenly stand up while a few were rushing away from their seats. It didn't take him long to realize what was going on. On the stage was no longer the mare, but a pile of debris. Destroyed catwalk metal and railing along with lights and sandbags. The music was silent now. He looked and balked at the sudden change of the filly's expression.
Alabaster at first couldn't register what had happened.
"M-momma?" Ghost Pepper stood up and put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Alabaster? What's going on?" He looked to the grim looking princess. "What's going on?"
"A mind like yours is something I find interesting, yet normal." The princess suddenly said. "But it can be blessing and a curse. Do not give in to your nightmare, child. It is your domain." Ghost Pepper furrowed his brows and looked back at Alabaster. She was no longer tiny, but the same filly he knew now. She was strumming the violin. He looked around, seeing that the stage was no longer a scene. Just a black empty void. With only the accompaniment of the two and the melody.
"A price I vowed to pay." Alabaster said suddenly as she stopped playing. Ghost Pepper again furrowed his brows in worry.
"Alabaster, what was all that?" he asked. It took a moment, but the filly finally responded to his touch. She blinked in confusion.
"P-Pepper?" Ghost Pepper was about to respond when he suddenly heard the sound of creaking metal. He and Alabaster looked up just in time to see a heavy spotlight fall down on them.
~~~oooOOOooo~~~
Ghost Pepper jolted up from his bed. His heavy breath disrupting the quietness of his room. He kicked off the covers and rushed to the window. Early dawn. The colt withdrew from the window and looked over to his door. Only silence. The image of Alabaster and the stage came back to him.
'What was all that?' the pegasus thought to himself. 'And what was the princess trying to tell me?' She had told him that his mind is interesting to her. But what was normal about it? And why did they meet under those circumstances? so many questions were running through his mind. The colt shook away the thought. He had other important matters to attend too. Today was the quiz. And he needed to be at the top of his game. And more so, he wanted to try and at least discuss what he had witnessed. But he was fearful of the thought. That would mean confronting his torturer. The very pony that made him dread his waking existence.
He can only hope that nothing too bad will happen. 'But of course, this is Alabaster I am talking about.' he thought. It would take some convincing to do. And what no better way than to get a little help from a certain detective from a book. Taking the Sherclop book under his wing, the colt rushed out of his room and straight down to the dinner hall. If he wanted answers, he needed to figure out the motive. Time for a little recon.
Mother Wisp watched the children explicitly. Ghost Pepper found it a tad worrisome about the nanny looking on as they quizzed with nothing to do. And more importantly for the colt, the quiz happened to be a simple question and answer.
1. Who is responsible for the setting of the sun and rising of the moon?
Answer: Princess Luna rises the moon. Princess Celestia rises the sun.
2. Who holds power over the economic society in Ponyville?
Answer: Filthy Rich.
3. You are a bureaucrat tasked with deciding who owns land and who doesn't. A family of three asks if they can buy some land to till their crops. What would you do?
Answer: Negotiate a trade. Ask for the crops to be sold and pay the family with reasonable sales on their product.
The colt's mind wondered not surprisingly long after the fifth question. In fact, he began thinking of another scenario. As much as Sherclop Holmes has interested him with the mystery, the pegasus once again figuring a way things could have gone differently for Constance and Tussle. And to make it a bit more interesting to the colt, he decided to add in a displaced Sherclop himself. The colt stopped at his introduction.
'But wait... they are from two different places... why would they...?' He heard the sound of a wooden snap that made him stiffen and look up. Mother Wisp was eyeing his direction with a skeptical look and a foot long ruler. Ghost Pepper quickly ducked back into the paper and began furiously writing quick guesses to the questions. When he had finished, he looked back up to see Mother Wisp smile before glancing at the rest of the room. A quiet breath to ease the colt. His gaze then fell to the back of a long silky blond mane. The image of the mare on the stage and her younger self.
Despite being the same age, she has shown more maturity than the rest of the kids in the orphanage. Another sign of how much influence she has with the decrepit place. Ghost Pepper sighed quietly. How in the world is he going to make her come clean? He can't confront her normally. She would just write him off or shrug him away like she always did. Probably criticize him for bothering her rather than doing any work. Which is not the case. The colt saw himself as the go to helper. He would even gladly help Mother Wisp with the more back breaking work. The more the colt ran this through his head, the more his dread made him realize why he had become the walking carpet. He then looked to the right of the filly.
The back of Merriweather visible. But her expression was hidden by her bangs. Ghost Pepper furrowed his brows.
'Why does she keep following her like a puppy?' The colt saw Alabaster at first as somepony who came from a higher class. Nothing but a snooty and all around bratty spoiled child. But after three days, she had shown him up. She had a very conclusive opinion about him. Ever since the favorite teddy bear of Merriweather was destroyed and him being the whipping boy and taking the blame. And yet, the colt responsible for the incident had been long adopted, the blame had stuck with him for five years. Again, the colt remained quiet, his thoughts running through his head.
'Should I write a letter? No, she would think it would be a bit creepy. What about giving her false intel and then cornering her at one of the dead end halls?' The colt blinked at the latter thought. 'That seems a little scary even for me.' The colt rubbed his temples, scrunching his face. 'Maybe ask her to meet me by the oak tree and then discuss it there? That seems a more safe driven idea. But she would see through it instantly.' Ghost Pepper couldn't understand why it was difficult to get her to come alone. Another thought came to mind. What if he can't get her talk at all? This whole thing could be a big waste of time. He leaned back on his chair and looked at the blank ceiling. Again, he darted his eyes in thought.
Visualizing ideas and scenarios in his head and having it scrawl out on the ceiling. The words weaved in his mind and the images played out like a movie projector. But there were so many choice. Which one could he possibly use that can get her to talk about that dream? Ghost Pepper's thoughts were broken when Mother Wisp cleared her throat. He looked to see her eyeing him again with a stern look. Only this time, she was at his desk. He looked to see his playmates looking at him patiently. A stack of papers floating next to her.
"Pepper, I hope you have finished your quiz and not have drifted off into dream land." she said sternly. Ghost Pepper felt a touch of red on his cheeks as he gave his paper to her. She looked it over quickly before smiling. "Well then, children. I appreciate your dedication to your studies. And since you all have been on good behavior, I have a special surprise for you all." The remaining kids began murmuring to each other. "I have a friend in Ponyville who has agreed to host a field trip." Gasps of excitement escaped them next. "We are going to Ponyville to visit her as we attend a festival to celebrate the princesses visit to Ponyville." More excited murmurs.
"Will Pinkie Pie be there?" one filly asked. Mother Wisp giggled.
"Oh, I'm sure she is planning something even bigger than last time."
"What about Rainbow Dash! She's pretty cool!" A colt stated. "She's with the Wonderbolts!" Again, the nanny smiled.
"I'm sure she has a performance raring to go."
"Will Applejack have more apple pie?" Another colt asked. Mother Wisp winked.
"Darn tootin'." More murmurs of excitement. Mother Wisp held up a hoof. "Alright, dears. Quiet down." She scanned the room. "Now, I know you are all excited about the event. But I have to make some ground rules before we begin." Murmurs of dismay. "Rule number one. You are to stick with your partner through out the field trip. You must stick close and no wondering off. That goes for you, Mutton." A groan of understanding came from a young colt in the back of the room. "Rule number two. If you do get lost. Head towards the fountain and wait there patiently. Rule number three." She looked at the children. "You are free to wonder to the nearby stores, but please stay within the center of Ponyville. Me and Funnel will be watching over you all, so please bear in mind. And lastly." She looked at the young pegasus colt, causing him to arch a brow. "Have fun."
The colt slumped a little. He knew well what she meant. But the only problem was that everyone already had picked out their partners. Leaving him to look at them expectantly. Hoping that one of them would offer to be his partner. When non had, he sighed and stood up, leaving the chattering room, not realizing he caught the attention of one pony.
"U-umm... I'll be your partner if you want." Ghost Pepper stopped and looked. He was about to turn the corner at the hallway when he was addressed. Pallet, the cream colored colt with an artist beret and a yellow scarf rubbed his foreleg with his other one. The pegasus colt arched a brow, unexpected of the sudden confrontation.
"O-oh?" he started. "D-don't you usually go with Crumb Cake?" Pallet bowed his head.
"He... got adopted." he said sadly. Ghost Pepper didn't know what else to say. Pallet and Crumb were practically inseparable. There was never a moment when the both of them would sit together in arts and craft and just draw to their heart's content. Even outside of arts and craft, they would pretty much draw and draw and draw. They even made a little game that was kind of hard to understand for the young colt. Pallet sighed. "I just thought... you would like to partner up?" Ghost Pepper again was uncertain of how to respond. He almost felt guilty about it. He darted his eyes in thought. Remembering a passage from the tale of Constance and Tussle.
They were practically strangers and didn't hit if off at the start. But they eventually became inseparable themselves. Without a pass of words, the colt nodded hesitantly. Pallet gave a small smile. "Thanks Pepper. I'm not sure who else I could actually turn too." Ghost Pepper arched a questioning brow.
"What do you mean?" Pallet realized what he had said before rubbing the back of his head.
"W-well, I just thought that maybe... that you would be okay with it since everyone seems to avoid you." Ghost Pepper felt like a knife got struck through his heart. 'What cruel world have I've been brought into?'
~~~***~~~
A bus carriage had waited outside. Funnel tightened his reigns before nodding to the nanny.
"All set, ma'am." Mother Wisp smiled.
"Alright, dears. Remember what I've said and please becareful." The children rushed into the bus carriage excitedly. Ghost Pepper watched as Funnel growled quietly in annoyance as the kids shouted and rocked the bus. Clearly, the gardener wasn't too pleased with this. The image of him hitting the mare came back to Ghost Pepper. 'What was all that about?' He was almost tempted to ask, but thought better of it. Perhaps it's best not to get involved. Adults tend to sort things out themselves. As him and Pallet got on the bus, the colt noticed the gardener glancing quickly at him suspiciously. Taking a seat, the two sat quietly as they watched the rest of the children talked amongst themselves happily. Ghost Pepper adjusted a light blue and white pattern scarf around his neck.
Ghost Pepper never really liked going out of the orphanage without his scarf. He can't remember when he had gotten it. It has been with him ever since he came here. And whenever Mother Wisp decide to take the children down to Ponyville for special events and birthday parties, he would bring it with him. The scarf, being a little too big on the young colt, was tattered on the amount of times he had worn it to and fro. It even had small stitches where Mother Wisp had fixed the tears to the best of her abilities. But even that didn't stop him from wearing it. Even on a warm spring day. Pallet looked at the young colt.
"Isn't it a bit warm to be wearing a scarf?" he asked. Ghost Pepper sighed quietly, adjusting it to non-agreeable position that caused him to give up entirely.
"I know that... it's just..." how can the colt put it? He wasn't sure why or how it was in his possession. But he felt like it had some sort of significant meaning to his past life. "It's a long story." Pallet rubbed the back of his head.
"I don't mind stories." Ghost Pepper arched a brow at him. "I feel that telling a story is another form of art." This was true. Being an beginner writer himself, he found it fascinating to jot ideas down on a piece of paper. It was like he could bring anything he want to life by just thinking it. And the thought of seeing another world he created come to life was fun. The only hard part was trying to picture it perfectly without some means of inspiration. And the colt struggled with this greatly. It's a wonder why he could never come to a happy conclusion of his revision in Constance and Tussle.
"So..." Ghost Pepper hesitated, unsure of what to bring up. "What... do you draw exactly?" Pallet smiled and reached back into his saddle bag, pulling out a sketch book that has seen better days.
"Oh, all kinds of things! Like this, for instance!" He flipped through doodles before reaching one he thought would interest him. He held up the book and the young colt noticed something familiar about it.
"Isn't that Tea Stout?" he asked. Pallet blinked and looked at it, a touch of red on his cheeks.
"O-oh, not that one! I-I mean this one!" he again held up a picture and this time, it was a sketched image of the oak tree down a dirt path. Ghost Pepper studied the drawing, seeing the smooth lines and texture that was added in for detail. Even the leaves on it looked like they were the real deal. Ghost Pepper was impressed.
"That's actually... really good." he said. Pallet smiled, still red at the cheeks.
"But that's not all I can do. Check this out!" he flipped through pages again before coming to a stop at a picture. It was a colored one. Ghost Pepper saw it as a back side image of Mother Wisp behind a desk and looking at a chalk board. She had chalk in her magic and was in the process of writing a sentence. In fact, the picture reminded Ghost Pepper.
"Isn't that when she taught us literature?" he asked. Pallet nodded.
"Yeah! And also, this one!" the eager young artist spent the time showing Ghost Pepper his creations as the carriage began heading towards Ponyville. And as the colt talked excitedly to Ghost Pepper about his inspirations and life drawings of some of the kids in the orphanage, he couldn't help but felt like he had missed out a lot of it. The more he talked about his art, the more Ghost Pepper suddenly begin having a thought. And it wasn't about the one of Constance and Tussle.
No, to him, this thought was something more unique. An idea he felt that could probably work. All he needed was an edge. Pallet continued to talk before realizing Ghost Pepper bow his head in thought. The colt flushed.
"S-sorry if I talk a lot. I-I don't mean to annoy you." Ghost Pepper shook his head.
"You're fine. I just had a thought occurred to me." Pallet seemed relieved before putting down his sketch book.
"Oh?" Yes, it's perfect! Well, more or less to the colt. But where should he start? So many thoughts were running through his head on how he can go about it. Even Pallet was curious as to what was going on through his head. "Pepper?" he looked at him and rubbed the back of his head.
"O-oh sorry. What were you saying?"
~~~***~~~
As the bus carriage arrived into the center of Ponyville, the kids hopped out with their partners and lined up as they waited for Mother Wisp to speak. After discussing rules with Funnel and a purple mare with a bubblegum striped mane and smiling daisies for a cutie-mark, she turned and smiled at them.
"Alright, dears. Remember the rules and no wondering off outside of the plaza." she turned to the mare. "Ms. Cheerilee will also be supervising this trip along with her own class. Feel free to partner up with them if you feel two isn't enough. Dismis-" again the nanny was cut off as the children bolted from the line and went their ways around the festival. Ghost Pepper looked on in awe at the festivities. Ponyville does get lively as an event starts out. Most of its' residents do their part in setting up banners, helping with games and activities, music and performances. There is one pony, however, that the children truly enjoy more. An overly excited and cheerful pink earth pony, who was bouncing around on her hooves. She was balancing ten pies on her head with such grace that the colt couldn't figure out how she was able to do it.
She stopped in front of a stand where he noticed a familiar looking orange mare behind it.
"Thanks fer' your help, sugar cube." Applejack smiled. Pinkie Pie made a motion with her hoof in a cool like manner.
"No sweat, cus'! Buuut, I do have one eeny-tiniee-bitty favor to ask of you." the energetic mare said. Applejack tipped her hat.
"Sure." Pinkie Pie immediately tossed her head up and the pies landed perfectly on the counter. She grabbed three of them in an elastic like manner before smiling.
"Mind if I borrow some of them for a performance? I really think it'll do great if I used your pies! And it might even bring more business!" Applejack chuckled.
"Shoot, why not? Just don't go making too much of a scene." she said before realizing Pinkie Pie had already dug into one of the pies. She lifted her head, chewing happily before giving a sheepish smile.
"Whoopsies! Right, performance!" With that, the pink earth pony quickly zipped away, leaving Ghost Pepper to question how fast she went. He thought better than to ask before realizing Pallet had trotted over to the stand. Ghost Pepper quickly trotted up in time to see Applejack smile.
"Well howdy, sugar cubes. What can 'Ah do ya' for?" the mare asked before noticing Ghost Pepper. "Oh hey! Thanks fer' helpin' my sis and her friends yesterday." Ghost Pepper wanted to say to her it was no problem, but he again had that feeling that washed over him, making him shiver a little and adjust his scarf. Pallet admired the pies on the stand, his mouth watering at the sight.
"They look so delicious." he said. Applejack leaned over the counter to see them better.
"Yeup! Apple Family recipe, just like always." she looked around before winking at them. "Granny Smith made them extra special for the festival." Pallet licked his lips.
"How much?" he asked. Ghost Pepper arched a questioning brow at the artist before the orange mare nodded.
"Only five bits." She then waved a hoof over the counter, motioning to the apple sacks sitting in the front. "Or an apple for only two bits." Pallet dug into his saddle bag. Only to give a defeated sigh. Ghost Pepper nodded to himself quietly.
'We are street urchins. We don't necessarily come off as the one's with an allowance.' the colt thought to himself. But, that didn't mean Mother Wisp had tried. About two years back, Ghost Pepper remembers when the late janitor Weiss no longer showed up and they were tasked with cleaning, she made it an effort to try and give them an allowance. The one who did the better job not only got to be activity manager, but get paid a little more than everyone else, a balance the nanny thought was a good idea at the time. Unfortunately, one bad apple ruins them all. And that is precisely what the colt did. The one responsible for Pepper's bad name also was the one who wanted to get a little more out of his own work.
He even bullied some of the kids to let him take the credit for their work. Of course, Alabaster had tried to bring this up with the nanny, but her nemesis was more clever than she thought. And when he finally got adopted, the atmosphere had dramatically changed with the children. 'Goddesses help the poor souls who are tasked with him now.' He thought. His train of thought was broken when one of the apple sacks burst open and a yellow filly in a red mane and big bow shouted happily.
"Buy some apples!" she looked at the startled colts before sheepishly smiling at her older sister, who was giving her a stern glare. "Ehehe, sorry."
"Applebloom, you know better." Applejack said sternly. The young filly sighed as she crawled out of the sack and landed on her stomach.
"'Ah know." she then looked up and her eyes fell to Ghost Pepper. "Oh hey! it's you again!" Ghost Pepper had no idea how to respond. Again, he felt himself frozen in place. 'Why must I be tortured like this? I get it plenty from Alabaster!' he thought. Even Pallet seemed a little startled by the sudden address.
"Pepper, you know her?" he asked. Applebloom stood up and dusted herself off.
"'Course! He helped us with the apples back at the orphanage." she said with a smile. She then rubbed her chin and studied the artist. "Who are you?" Pallet smiled.
"I'm Pallet Brush. But most of my friends just call me Pallet." he said. He then looked to Ghost Pepper. "I didn't know you knew someponies outside of the orphanage." Ghost Pepper again found it hard to respond. In fact, he had barely taken a step back before shivering.
"I-It was only two days ago..." he mumbled as he adjusted his scarf. The two arched a brow at him before turning back to their conversation. Applebloom smiled and held out a hoof.
"Name's Applebloom." Pallet took her hoof and they shook. Ghost Pepper watched quietly.
'So, that's how they greet each other?' he thought to himself. A piece of his idea was in place. In fact, maybe he could use this confrontation for his characters. Perfect! Applebloom turned to him.
"Umm, sorry for bringin' this up. But I couldn't help but notice you haven't gotten yer' cutie mark yet." Ghost Pepper looked at her before turning to his flank. He sighed before nodding. That was when the filly rubbed her chin in thought, before beaming at an idea. "I have an idea!" she turned to her big sister. "Mind if I take them off of ya' fer' a bit?" Applejack sighed and nodded with a small smile.
"Alright, but you better git' back here in time for the festival." she said. Applebloom was already grabbing ahold of both of the colt's legs and dragging them along as she galloped past her.
"Cool, thanks!" Ghost Pepper found it strange. He was running alongside Pallet and Applebloom down the street and taking a left. Ghost Pepper suddenly skidded to a halt, making the two turn to him. "What's wrong?" the filly asked. Ghost Pepper shivered quietly, adjusting his scarf again.
"U-umm... we aren't supposed to leave the plaza." he said. Pallet rubbed his chin.
"Oh right. Mother Wisp did say that we weren't supposed to do that." Applebloom frowned.
"Well, shoot. I was hopin' I take ya' to the club house." Ghost Pepper perked up a little.
"C-club house?" Applebloom smiled and pointed down the road.
"It's not too far from here. I have a couple of friends waitin' fer' me there anyway." Pallet beamed.
"I've never been to a club house before!" he then looked at Ghost Pepper. "Please? Can we go?" the pegasus looked at him before looking back towards the plaza. He bit his lip in hesitation. He then looked back to Pallet, giving him puppy dog eyes. The colt sighed in defeat.
"O-okay. But we have to be back for-" he didn't get to finish when Applebloom quickly grabbed his foreleg.
"Awesome! Let's go!" Again, he found himself running alongside the two. A sense of dread came to him.
'I hope I won't regret this...' he thought miserably.
Having finally reaching a small bit of the apple orchard not too far off from Ponyville, the young pegasus colt began to have more dreaded thoughts about this whole thing. And the panic was increasing ever more when Applebloom opened the door and he saw Scootaloo and Sweetibelle huddled around a small drawing of a map. Pallet even seemed startled by the other two as Applebloom walked over to them.
"Hey guys! We have visitors!" Applebloom announced. Ghost Pepper found himself ducking slightly behind Pallet as the two other fillies rose their heads from the poorly drawn map and looked at them. Pallet smiled and waved.
"Hiya! I'm Pallet Brush. And this is..." Pallet looked next to him, only to find Ghost Pepper quietly trying to sneak out of the clubhouse. Pallet smiled before wrapping a hoof around the colt and bringing him around and in front. "Ghost Pepper." The colt looked at them, the feeling increasing even more. Sweetie Belle smiled while Scootaloo rubbed her chin and furrowed her brows at the colt. Ghost Pepper shivered a bit.
'Does she remember? Does she know? Oh goddesses, what do I do!?' Ghost Pepper felt the sweat drip from his brow. Pallet arched a brow worriedly at him before smiling back at the fillies.
"So... what exactly do you guys do around here?" he asked. Applebloom trotted over to the map and scanned it quickly before responding.
"Well, lots of things! Like... err..." Applebloom faltered and rubbed her mane.
"Things!" Scootaloo said quickly. Everyone looked at her confusedly. "Things that uhh... do things!" Sweetie Belle sighed and spoke up.
"To be honest, we are not really sure anymore. I mean, we still help ponies discover what their cutie-marks really mean but... things have been a little lacking as of late." she said. Ghost Pepper did his best to keep his composure before speaking.
"L-lacking?" he asked with a squeak. Applebloom sighed and nodded.
"We've been lookin' over the map of Ponyville to find somethin' that we can try ta' do. But it's nothin' like the map my sis had described." she said. Pallet perked up.
"Mind if I see that map?" he asked. The three looked at each other before stepping aside.
"Uh, sure?" Scootaloo said. Pallet trotted over to the map and looked it over. He then frowned before reaching back into his saddle bag and pulling out an ink pen. Without a skip of a beat, he flipped the paper over to a blank side and quickly started scratching the pen on the paper. Ghost Pepper bit his lip nervously. He wasn't liking the time being spent away from the center. He wanted to get back to the plaza before anypony noticed. Unfortunately, he was unaware that he had indeed caught certain attention.
~~~****~~~
Alabaster and Merriweather hid behind a bush just outside of the clubhouse. The young snow white filly frowned slightly, seeing the top of a cerulean mane that belonged to Ghost Pepper through the window. Merriweather winced when a small bit of branch scratched her as she poked her head out next to her.
"Umm.... Alabaster. Are you sure we should be hiding in a bush for thi-?" She was shushed by her. The filly looked at Alabaster worriedly. "So... can you hear what they are saying?" Alabaster darted her eyes in thought. She couldn't really hear what they were saying, however, she could hear the voices. She looked to Merriweather.
"Let's get closer." she stated. Merriweather arched a brow.
"Closer?" she asked. Alabaster suddenly slid out of the bush and crept up to the club house ramp. Merriweather was hesitant, but quickly followed. Alabaster strained her ears to hear at the base of the clubhouse. Merriweather found this behavior strange for the filly. Alabaster has never gone out of her way to track down somepony. Let alone the only colt she can't seem to get a read on. And while, she found it kind of fun to suddenly explore outside of the Ponyville plaza, she couldn't help but feel Alabaster may have forgotten her security like manner.
However, this wasn't the case for Alabaster. She was intent on bringing back Ghost Pepper and Pallet for breaking the rules. And when she saw them suddenly running past them with a yellow filly with a bow in her mane, she realized they were heading away from the intended area. Merriweather did her best to sway Alabaster from going after them, but being the stubborn filly and for some reason, constantly annoyed by the colt, she found herself suddenly following them from quite a distance away.
The two fillies crept up the ramp and ducked under the window, straining their ears to listen:
"Whoa! The map looks better now!" the voice of the orange filly pegasus stated. Pallet gave a small chuckle before shrugging bashfully.
"A-all I did was trace it in my mind and inverted the image." He said tapping his hoof tips bashfully. Ghost Pepper himself was in awe. Seeing Pallet quickly and skillfully draw out a map of Ponyville in a short amount of time was incredible. It almost made him feel envious. The three fillies looked the map over before grinning victoriously at each other.
"With this, we can finally know where to start looking!" Scootaloo said. Sweetie Belle rubbed her mane in confusion.
"But err.... where should we look exactly? I mean... where should we even start?" she asked. Applebloom rubbed her chin before looking over to Ghost Pepper. She then beamed.
"Ghost Pepper. Do you know where we should start?" she asked. The colt realized that he was being addressed before shrinking back a little.
"I.... I dunno...." he mumbled. Applebloom trotted over to him and put a hoof on his shoulder.
"Perhaps we can start near Sugar Cube corner. That place is crawling with ponies just waiting for our help!" she said. Ghost Pepper rubbed his foreleg nervously.
"I-I guess?" Ghost Pepper found it difficult to speak again. But then again, he always seemed to have trouble speaking the simplest of vocabulary to three random fillies he had only met a couple days ago. He didn't appear to have any problems with Pallet. 'Maybe because he's an orphan like me. So I guess we relate in someway.' It sounded reasonable. However, seeing the three fillies, plus Pallet, looking at him with encouraging smiles, he wasn't sure where to begin.
"Great, then it is settled!" she said, turning to the others. "Let's head over there right now!" Without so much as a warning, the filly opened the club house door, unaware that she had forced two fillies to duck back and out of sight, before galloping down the ramp. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle exchanged glances before smiling.
"Well, it's something to do." Scootaloo said before galloping out of the club house along with Sweetie Belle. Ghost Pepper was baffled by the energy the three had. Again, the feeling crept back up. Pallet trotted over to him and bumped his shoulder playfully.
"C'mon, Pepper, It'll be fun! We might even get to see Pinkie Pie in her performance!" he said. Pallet galloped after them, leaving Ghost Pepper to hold a hoof out in an attempt to stop him. He then sighed and looked back, seeing the map that was sprawled out on the floor. He rubbed his chin in thought before coming to an idea. 'Maybe I can use this in the story?' he asked himself. He then rolled up the map and stuffed it in his saddlebag before adjusting his scarf and galloping after the four.
The two fillies that were hidden peeked back out. Alabaster watched the fleeting figures before motioning to Merriweather to follow.
~~~****~~~
Ponyville was brimming with activity. The streets practically filled with preparations and ponies aiding one another to hang up banners and setting up shops. And as the five trotted down Sugar Cube corner, they stopped and arrived at a pastry designed store. Ghost Pepper could smell the aroma of freshly baked cakes, making his mouth water a little. The five walked in and Ghost Pepper suddenly felt claustrophobic at the amount of ponies inside the store.
"Wow, it seems the Cakes have their hooves full today." Sweetie Belle stated. Indeed, it seemed hectic. But Ghost Pepper found his gaze setting on the biggest looking cake he had ever seen. A four tiered pink cake laced with skillfully dispensed frosting. At the top, he could see the small statuettes of two alicorns, one of midnight color and the other of pure white. The smell was too much for the colts. Their stomachs growled in protest. Applebloom walked up to the counter and rang the bell.
"Just a moment, dears!" a voice called out. It took a minute before a blue mare in a pink mane walk out of the back kitchen with her teeth clamping down on a pad and a tray full of freshly backed ordinary cupcakes. She laid them on the counter before peeking over to see Applebloom. "Oh, hello, dearie. Are you here to pick up the order Applejack placed?" Applebloom blinked once in confusion before placing a surprised look.
"Oh, 'Ah forgot! Umm... yeah. Also, 'Ah was wonderin' if you know any 'ponies' in need of help?" she asked. The mare rubbed her chin before shrugging.
"Sorry, dear. I don't rightly know of any." She then looked at the cupcakes and smiled. "But perhaps maybe you can help out by advertising for our bakery. Perhaps maybe help Pinkie Pie with her performance as well." Pallet perked up at the thought of helping Pinkie Pie out with the idea. He then looked at Ghost Pepper with strange puppy dog eyes. Ghost Pepper eyed the colt worriedly before sighing in defeat.
"A-alright. B-but we need to really get back too-." Pallet beamed and rose his hoof up in the air.
"I vote to help Pinkie Pie!" he said. Ghost Pepper frowned slightly.
'Not even a moment of hesitation...' he thought. The three fillies looked at each other before shrugging.
"Well, better than nothin' 'Ah suppose." Applebloom said. As if on cue, the big colorful present Ghost Pepper happened to be standing next too suddenly popped open at the top with a the sound of a kazoo and confetti following after.
"Oh boy! Did I hear somepony say my name and wants to help me with my performance?" the pink energetic mare asked happily. The sudden surprise had Ghost Pepper doing his best to calm his beating heart. Pallet waved his hoof wildly.
"Oh, oh! Memememe!" he cheered. Pinkie Pie was suddenly next to the colt and put a hoof around him.
"Well then, not just anypony can help me with my performance." she said, looking slyly. Pallet looked at the mare in confusion. "They have to be daring." she stated, striking a pose. "Resilient!" she struck another pose. "Cunning!" she suddenly zipped over to the center of the room, bearing a detective hat similar to Sherclop Holmes, which Ghost Pepper found a bit interesting. "And more importantly, they need to haaaaaaave." she paused, biting her lip with a very gaily look. "Fun!!" she shouted, throwing confetti out of wherever she had put them. Pallet smiled widely before laughing as Pinkie Pie bounced over to him and looked at the five.
"So then, my five compadres! Are ya' ready for the performance of a life time?" she asked. Ghost Pepper watched as Pallet agreed along with very nonchalant looking fillies. He felt nervous. Why was he letting himself be dragged along with this? All he really wanted to do was just sit around and do nothing. Just act like it was a normal day and probably read a book or two. Instead, he somehow wound up being an aid to an energetic pony. He shook his head at the idea of just walking out of here, remembering that he was to stay near his buddy during the trip.
He took a step forward, only to bump into somepony who had walked in. He fell back on his rump and rubbed his muzzle, looking up and suddenly gaping.
"Watch where you are going, kid." a sour sounding voice said. Ghost Pepper backed away a bit, seeing that the pony he had bumped into was none other than the sapphire colored mare that was talking to Funnel along with that strange looking stallion. And as if on cue, the same stallion appeared next to her, almost as if she had summoned him from the abyss of Tartarus. He had donned a casual looking suite and was neatly groomed. He looked at the colt before smirking.
"Hey there, sport. Enjoying the sight?" he asked. Ghost Pepper said nothing, shrinking back a bit more. The mare snorted in disgust.
"Little brats. Always thinking they can get away with whatever they want." she said to herself. The stallion snickered.
"And yet, you have no trouble looking over your niece when your sister is away on a trip." the mare glared at him.
"Watch your tongue." she hissed. She then trotted over to the tiered cake and studied it. The stallion then shrugged and looked at the colt.
"Mares like her are always a drag, ya' understand kid? Find some mare you can really enjoy at night when you get there." the stallion trotted over to the counter and rang the bell. Ghost Pepper eyed the two. His fear suddenly turning into peak curiosity. He had witnessed these two with Funnel. But now seeing them here, he couldn't help but wonder what it is they were doing in a place like this with sour attitudes? He looked over to Pinkie Pie involving a game with almost all the kids in the store while the parents shopped. He saw Pallet having the time of his life.
He was hesitant. Looking between the festivities and the suspicious duo, he found himself thinking:
'What would Sherclop do?' He then looked to see the detective hat Pinkie Pie had discarded sometime during her game. He then beamed at the idea and donned the hat, striking a confident pose before crouching low and ducking behind the present Pinkie Pie had burst out of. While he was watching the duo from afar, he was unaware that he was still being followed. Not too far off near the festivities, Alabaster and Merriweather sat at a table, slurping smoothies they had been offered to by Pinkie Pie during her song and dance game.
While Merriweather was laughing along with the kids, Alabaster eyed the colt. Her expression stoic and sharp. Something about the colt really irritated her. Why wasn't he joining in on the festivities? She was certain that the colt would oblige, albeit pathetically. So why is he ducking behind a present and looking on at two random ponies that had entered the store? Not only did the colt break the rules. But he is going so far as to spy on ponies? This was criminal to her! She had to take this matter into her own hooves.
She would go speak with Mother Wisp about the colt breaking the rules. However, she wasn't expecting for the colt to suddenly duck out of sight as the two ponies had finished their business and trotted out the store. She watched as the colt peeked out and quietly crept after the two. She gave a quiet sigh. 'Leaving the intended area and leaving behind his partner? Ghost Pepper, what are you even thinking?' She suddenly found herself sliding out of her stool, causing Merriweather to give a puzzling look at her as she trotted past.
She looked worriedly now when she saw her following Ghost Pepper out of the store, but at a certain distance. She looked over to the festivities, seeing Pallet and the children singing to a song along with the mare. She bit her lip, uncertain whether she should tell somepony or follow after Alabaster.
~~~****~~~
Ghost Pepper followed the two. Only taking cover into crowds or behind booth products when the duo stopped to examine a booth or two. Ghost Pepper watched as the duo conversed with other ponies. Their behavior didn't seem to out of the ordinary when it came to strangers. The stallion being suave and cunning while the mare being resentful and sour. A couple of times, Ghost Pepper had lost track of them. Thankfully, however, the map he had worked out much better than he had anticipated.
Pinpointing where they probably would have gone, he eventually found them again, either walking out of stores or booths. And since most of the residents were out and about, Ghost Pepper was able to blend in when the duo suddenly stopped to talk:
"Do you think this would fetch a fair price on the black market?" the stallion asked the mare as he held up a rosary like accessory. The mare frowned.
"I could care less about that. What I'm more concerned about is that nanny spilling her mouth." she responded coldly. Ghost Pepper strained his ears to listen. What nanny were they talking about? The stallion smirked.
"Funnel is a resilient pony." he said. The mare scoffed.
"That idiot would probably be better off shoveling feces. How can you expect to rely on somepony who hardly has any experience?"
"A little harsh on the colt, don't ya' think Shanty?" the stallion replied as he examined the rosary. The mare, who Ghost Pepper now knew as Shanty, frowned even more.
"The bastard can rot in Tartarus for all I care. I can't wait to see him at the gallows if he still can't get the nanny to spill the beans." she gave a disgusted face at a thought. "Pickle Rind. Tell me you have at least some form of idea as to where that foolish pony buried it?" The stallion, Pickle Rind, reached into his suite and pulled out a pocket watch, checking the time.
"It is why I have-." Pickle Rind didn't get to finish.
"You are putting too much faith in the idiot. I don't want to hear some bullshit excuse. My life is riding on this cache." she sighed. "And what makes you think he won't just walk away with it once he does find it?" Pickle Rind rubbed his chin.
"A valid point. But that is where we are a step ahead." They continued trotting down the road, discussing the matter. Ghost Pepper couldn't quite make out the conversation when a practicing band group nearby began blaring instruments. He narrowed his eyes at the fleeting duo. He still didn't understand what exactly was going on. He only knew two things. They had mentioned the gardener and Mother Wisp. And the second was that they were talking about some sort of cache. The colt frowned.
What was a cache? And why did it seem so important to them? He stepped out of his hiding spot and went to go follow them, only to bump into something. He found himself tumbling over whoever he had bumped into. Shaking away the daze, he looked to see a pair of piercing blue eyes look back at his in shock. He blinked once, seeing that the filly he had stumbled over was none other than his own torturer.
"A-Alabaster?" he asked. The filly suddenly changed her shock expression to a sharp and cold one.
"Get off of me." she said sharply. The colt balked a bit before stepping back and letting the filly up. She dusted herself off before she rightened to attention and staring him down. The colt felt himself shrinking, the feeling hitting him again. "You are in a lot of trouble. Not only did I witness you leaving the intended area. But you also left your partner behind." She smirked slyly. "Mother Wisp would also like to know why you decided to spy on two ponies as well." Ghost Pepper cocked his head slightly.
'She was following me? Figures.' The colt gave a bored expression in response. Alabaster narrowed her eyes. The colt was making it hard for her to tell what he was really thinking at the moment. She noticed him glancing past her to resume his spying on the two ponies. But he was also displaying his mysterious attitude towards her. Something that irritated her to no end. She would have his confession of his sins one way or another.
"So then, mind telling me what is so important that you decided to abandon Pallet?" Alabaster asked him, displaying a small victorious smile. Ghost Pepper looked at her, arching a brow.
"What about Merriweather?" was all he responded. Alabaster frowned.
"What about her? She's right here with m-." the filly blinked once and looked around them. Her confused expression made the colt smirk a little. "M-Merriweather? Where are you?" She looked around, hoping to find the grape colored filly somewhere nearby. During her confusion, the colt crept around her before taking off after the two he was following. Alabaster returned to look back at the colt, only to find him no longer in sight. She bit her lip, worry taking over her. 'Buck! Where did he get to now!?' She wasn't proud of the fact that she had lost sight of the colt twice. Fortunately for her, she managed to catch a glimpse of a cerulean tail vanishing down an alley. She frowned before fast trotting after the colt.
Ahead of her, the colt turned down the alley and stopped, looking around. Odd, he could have sworn they went down this way. The alley had lead to a dead end. He furrowed his brows before turning and stiffened. 'Oh goddesses, no....' he thought to himself in horror. He recalls all the horrible things that had happened to him and the others. The torture one bad apple had inflicted. Harsh words and violent tendencies backed it up with a stone cold glare.
And he wasn't alone. Ghost Pepper was stunned. Four adolescent colts were gathered, two leaning coolly against the wall while the other two were looking at him. But he only knew one all too well. Even the colt seemed to smirk at the sight of him.
"Do I know you?" the rustic colored unicorn colt with a dark fauxhawk mane and slightly tufted tail asked. Ghost Pepper didn't respond. He was utterly horrified. Dead looking obsidian eyes eyed the colt from head to hoof. 'No... anypony but him!' Ghost Pepper quickly looked around and bolted for the nearest exit out of the alley. Unfortunately, one of the adolescents was quicker than him. The pony smirked and stared down the colt, forcing Ghost Pepper to back up and bump into another adolescent. He was surrounded.
His body wouldn't move. He was shaking in fear. 'Of all the ponies I had to come across, why Blackheart?' The rustic unicorn named Blackheart pushed himself off the wall and walked over to the colt. Getting close and personal, the colt's eyes met the adolescent's. Blackheart's studying expression changed to one of recognition. Ghost Pepper's fear increased at this.
"Well I'll be damned. If it isn't the nanny's pet. And still a shrimp as ever." he chuckled slightly before reaching back with his magic into the black hoodie he was wearing. He withdrew a small carton and pulled a long white stick out, putting it in between his teeth before using his magic to set the tip on fire. Taking one good pull, he looked at the colt and blew the rancid smoke at him, making Ghost Pepper cough. Blackheart looked unamused. "Oh, please. They aren't that bad once you get used to them." He smiled before holding the carton out to him. "Wanna' huff?" Ghost Pepper said nothing. Blackheart sighed before passing the carton over to the others, each one taking a stick and Blackheart casually lighting them up. The air was soon making Ghost Pepper choke and tear.
"He doesn't seem to like the offer much, Blackheart." one of the adolescents said coolly, blowing the smoke out into the air. Blackheart chuckled again.
"Ah, don't worry about it. The pet shrimp wouldn't even accept it anyway." Blackheart smirked. "Still being changed by Mother Wisp?" Ghost Pepper drooped his ears, feeling his face burn.
"N-no! I never was-!" the colt was interrupted.
"Hey, if Blackheart knows you, doesn't that mean you went to the same orphanage as this runt?" another adolescent asked. Blackheart took another pull before exhaling, the smoke leaving his nostrils and muzzle.
"Did. But that place was a piece of shit anyways." Blackheart replied. Ghost Pepper felt it hard to breath. Blackheart eyed the colt with an amused look now. "So, have you've finally gotten adopted? Living the family life? Have a sibling to torture?" Ghost Pepper couldn't respond. The air was unbearable. It even started making him feel sick. Blackheart shook his head. "But of course, it's you isn't it? You always never liked the interviews. Always doing your best to make sure you didn't get adopted. Now that I've been thinking, why is it that you enjoy being there more?"
"I think you know why, Blackheart." a voice said. They looked to see a lone snow white filly with a long blonde mane and tail and piercing blue eyes. Alabaster's expression was cold and sharp. Ghost Pepper felt conflicted. Never has he been happy to see her. But then again, the adolescents greatly overpowered them. However, Blackheart perked up, recognizing the filly immediately.
"Well, shit. Ala-freaking-baster. You seem to be no worse for wear." Blackheart trotted over to the filly and looked her over. Alabaster remained unmoved, however, her eyes followed the adolescent. "A little young for my taste. But, I bet you'll be one fine mare." Alabaster gave a disgusted face.
"And what sorry excuse do you have to offer a colt such disgusting habits?" she asked, her voice cold. Blackheart shrugged.
"Just thought I would make amends. Now that I'm no longer a urchin and living the good life, I figure why not start new?" He put a leg around the filly, holding out his other in a motion of looking beyond the horizon. "Picture it. Money, mares, fame, you name it. Having power in your hooves. Not taking shit from no pony. A dream come true." Alabaster brushed the hoof off and trotted over to Ghost Pepper, standing next to him. Ghost Pepper found himself ducking behind her.
"Making amends is something way out of your league, Blackheart." the filly said. Ghost Pepper couldn't believe how calm and collected Alabaster was being. That spiteful dead look she was giving to the adolescent almost made him even more terrified.
'Oh please, let us live through this!' the colt thought in panic. Blackheart narrowed his eyes.
"So, I take it you refused an adoption again? And what about that one filly, the uh... the..." he rubbed his chin, the stick smoking as he tried to find the words. "The cry baby." he finished as if reaching a brilliant idea. Alabaster frowned.
"You don't need to know. If you are no longer apart of Mother Wisp's Orphanage, then I suggest you leave us alone." she said. Blackheart shrugged again.
"Hey, I'm not the one attacking here. Just find it kind of funny to run into a pet and an annoyance all at once. Like good ol' times, am I right, fellas?" the other three cheered in response. Alabaster glanced at the frightened colt. Despite the constant trouble he was giving her she couldn't just sit idly by while an arch nemesis corrupts a colt. The things both she and Ghost Pepper remember about the adolescent. Always pushing, shoving, locking them in closets.
Of course, Alabaster was too clever to be put into those situations. However, the adolescent always seemed one step ahead of her. Every attempt of exposure was countered with the colt snaking his way out of things. He even went as far as steal bits from the donation jar that was meant to pay for utilities and food and went to spend it on that horrible habit he had developed after being offered by a grown pony he had met on the streets.
A vile child that still roams Ponyville. Blackheart arched a brow at the sudden stare.
"See something you like, sweetheart?" Ghost Pepper peeked out from behind her, eyeing the exits. They were surrounded alright. And each exit was blocked by an adolescent. He bit his lip in thought.
'C'mon, think! What would Sherclop do?' Blackheart suddenly changed his calm expression to one of suspicion.
"Say, wait a minute. If I recall, somepony didn't pay up a while back." He looked at Ghost Pepper. "You still owe me, nanny pet." Ghost Pepper lost his train of thought, looking confusedly at the adolescent teen.
"O-owe?" he responded with a squeak. He found himself suddenly being lifted up. Alabaster turned and balked in surprise. Two of the adolescents had crept up on them and grabbed the colt by his forelegs, lifting him up and tossing him over her. Ghost Pepper felt the wind leave him. Blackheart stood over him.
"You heard me, pet. You still owe me for that incident with the teddy bear." He said. Ghost Pepper was suddenly picked up again, only this time, by his scarf. Blackheart's hoof scooping under it and forcing him to meet his eyes. "So, pay up."
"Let him go." Alabaster said coldly. Blackheart looked past the colt and at her.
"Or you'll what? Last I recall, you were opposed to violence. So, what are you going to do? Sock me one? Place a hit on me?" He smirked before nodding to the others. Alabaster was suddenly lifted up without so much as a warning and was tossed into a dumpster.
"Hey! What are you-!?" she didn't get to finish. One of the adolescents shut the lid and seated himself on top of it. The dumpster banged and the muffled protests of the filly echoed from the bin. Ghost Pepper's fear shot through him tremendously. He knows what's about to come next. He has experienced it multiple times.
"Last chance, nanny pet. Pay up. Or else." Ghost Pepper struggled to break free.
"I-I don't have any bits!" he looked at him fearfully. "Please! I don't have any money! M-maybe I can get you some?" Blackheart smirked.
"And where exactly do you think you can make off with other's money? Stealing is against the rules. I don't condone stealing of any kind. And frankly, since you haven't paid up yet and holding out on me, you are practically stealing from me." He snorted in disgust. "Tough luck, nanny pet. But, I am a reasonable pony. So I'll give you another option of payment." Ghost Pepper shivered.
"W-w-what do you have in mind?" he asked. The colt suddenly felt his cheek burning as he stumbled back and fell onto his side.
*"Maybe a tooth or two. A little bit of blood. Just the usual." Blackheart shook his right forehoof before taking an intimidating step forward. "This is what you get for not paying up. Actions have consequences. And yours are just downright criminal." Ghost Pepper felt himself being lifted again and shoved forward, only to spiral to the ground when the adolescent brought a hoof onto his cheek. Ghost Pepper felt his muzzle going numb. He was lifted again and shoved, only to be slugged by one of the adolescents.
He started coughing, the air being hard to inhale with the smoke. Ghost Pepper crawled slowly away, only to have his tail gripped by magic and dragged over to Blackheart. The adolescent then planted the colt on his back and sat on top of him. He brought back a hoof, smirking in the process before bring it down over and over and over again onto the colt's muzzle. Ghost Pepper's body went limp as the adolescent continued to strike his hoof down on him.
Blackheart then stepped off the colt, trotting around his sprawled out body. He took a huff of the white stick, blowing the smoke out before speaking.
"Hold his legs out." he ordered. Two of the adolescents did as they were told, pinning the colt in place and bringing his right foreleg out. Blackheart took another puff before taking the stick in his magic and placing the burning tip on the colt's leg. Ghost Pepper screamed in pain as his body tingled at the painful feeling. No matter how hard he tried to struggle, the adolescents continued to hold him in place while Blackheart turned the stick back and forth before pulling back and tossing the stick at the colt.
"And for the grand finale." Blackheart smirked. Ghost Pepper struggled again. But to no avail. Blackheart stood over the colt and before the colt knew it, a yellow hot wet stream pelted him in the face. Blackheart sighed as the relief left him. Ghost Pepper clamped his muzzle shut as he turned this way and that, trying his best to avoid the stream. Blackheart, finished with his actions, patted one of the adolescents on the back and motioned for them to follow. "Let this be a lesson for you, nanny pet. You are in our turf. All you have to do is pay up and we would be so inclined as to strike down your enemies more than you. Let's go, guys. We're done here." The adolescents followed after Blackheart.
The one that had seated himself where Alabaster was banged the lid hard before trotting after them. Ghost Pepper didn't move. He didn't want too. Such humiliation was unbelievable. He was numb, his head was pounding, his lungs filled with smoke, he ached all over and he smelled awful. The lid to the dumpster was kicked open and a dirtied Alabaster crawled out. She shook off the garbage before looking over to the colt, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Pepper? Are you alright?" Alabaster said. She trotted over to the colt, seeing the bruised and beaten colt lay there. She looked worriedly at him and reached to help him up, only to have her hoof being batted away by the colt. Ghost Pepper pulled himself off of the ground and with his stained bangs covering his grim expression, he walked forward down the alley's exit. Today wasn't fun as he originally thought.
He was uncertain of the trouble he would get into by Mother Wisp when Pallet agreed to go with Applebloom to a clubhouse. He admit, it was kind of exciting. But even so, this incident felt all so familiar. Something he believed himself to never worry about. And with the festival within a few days, he was certain he was going to run across Blackheart again. The colt remained quiet as a concerned looking Alabaster followed him out quietly.
~~~****~~~
No pony said anything after words. Ghost Pepper was humiliated. And to make matters worse when he and Alabaster returned to the bus carriage, Mother Wisp was indeed upset at the two for not arriving back on time. When she saw the state Ghost Pepper was in, her annoyance turned to worry. Alabaster explained to the nanny what had happened. And when he asked if this was true, all he stated was:
"I tripped and got peed on by a dog." Mother Wisp watched worriedly as the colt boarded the carriage and made his way to the back. Pallet smiled and waved at him. But the colt didn't return it, causing Pallet to look confused. When Alabaster sat next to Merriweather, the grape-colored filly tore her gaze away from the beaten colt.
"What happened?" she asked. Alabaster frowned and crossed her hind leg over the other along with her forelegs. She was clearly angry that she had failed to stop such an incident. Merriweather sat back down, looking worriedly at the filly. 'Did Alabaster do something to hurt Pepper? No, she would never do that. As much as he annoyed her, she doesn't condone violence of any kind.' While the rest chatted happily about Pinkie Pie preforming for them, only a couple of the kids remained silent on the trip back.
Later that night, Ghost Pepper bathed himself in a half barrel. The water stinging his cuts and bruises. He took a small measuring cup and poured it over his mane, feeling the water ease his tension. But he was still silent. The thought of being humiliated by Blackheart came back at him as if Blackheart was really there. He grit his teeth, feeling the tears blend in with his drenched coat. After drying himself off and climbing into his bed, he turned to face the wall and curled into a ball. Another day, another horrible event.
He felt his eyes heavy. Perhaps things will be better tomorrow? He snorted. 'Knowing my luck, Alabaster will just continue to torture me like she always had. And I guess some things never change.' He found himself finally asleep. His room dark and silent. The quiet breath of the colt escaping only rarely. An hour had passed. The colt's bedroom opened as a midnight colored wisp crawled into his room. The wisp rose, morphing into being. And that being was non-other than the Night Mother herself.
The majestic alicorn studied the sleeping colt.
"Young one. Do not fret for the past. Thine future is brighter than thy doth believes. Thine heart is strong. Thy will is powerful." Luna's horn glowed and her magic grasped the scarf that was tossed at the bedside. She lifted it up, seeing how dirtied it was. She smiled softly, her magic brushing the scarf. She stopped, seeing the clean and tattered scarf back as it was. She then closed her eyes and put her horn to the material. The scarf glowed. "I hath traveled the Dream Plane. I am one with it. And I shall entrust to you two gifts at my leisure. With these gifts I bestow upon you, you will see into the dreams of others. You will have complete control of your actions."
The mist curled around the sleeping colt. "Heed mine warnings, young one. While thy gifts be pleasant, they too are a curse." She smiled kindly. "But, I hath seen your dreams. Thine ambitions. Thy heart. Truly, such a mind as yours intrigues mine own." The magical spectral wisp rose in front of her, morphing once again into shape. What appeared was a book. Nothing special about it stood out. It was just a plain, ordinary leather covered book. "I leave these in thine care, as they have once belonged to another. I will see thou in thine dreams again, young one. And by then, thy will already know what thou must do." Princess Luna furrowed her brows worriedly.
The mist suddenly turning black and retreating back into her mane. She looked over her shoulder, darting her eyes. She could sense a strong aura emitting from this orphanage. A presence that was uncanny. She looked back to the colt. "I must hurry with the spell. I cannot allow such a fate fall upon this place." She levitated the scarf and folded it neatly on the book before placing it on the colt's desk. She turned, smiling again at the colt. Using her magic to move the blanket over the shivering colt, she then finally morphed back into the mist and creeped out of the doorway, silently closing it.
Ghost Pepper found himself trotting along a dirt path. To his left, nothing but fields of apple trees. To his right, the same thing. Out before him, the same as well. A vast expanse of apple trees as far as he could see. This place seemed... familiar in a sense. He knows that he has never been here before. But he couldn't help but feel he had once caught a glimpse of this place. He continued trotting along, Celestia's sun setting over the horizon. He was in awe at the sight. He wouldn't have thought an apple orchard could look beautiful at this time.
A cold breeze blew by him, making him shiver and adjust his scarf. It was going to be a chilly night. But... why was he wandering the orchard by himself when the sun was beginning to set? He continued to trot down the path, admiring his surroundings in the process. The apples dangled tantalizingly overhead. The colt felt his stomach growl. 'Perhaps one bite won't hurt.' He extended his wings and hovered up to an apple, plucking it from the stem before landing back on the ground and brushing an apple against his coat.
He bit down, the sweet juicy flavor savored in his mouth. Taking a few more bites, he looked around. Strangely enough, night time arrived quicker than the colt expected. The moon now shone high over the tree tops. The wind began picking up, causing the colt to stop chewing and furrow his brows worriedly. He then looked at the apple. 'I hope irony doesn't have it out for me.' He thought, dropping the apple. As he did, he heard the sound of hoofsteps further up the road. He stiffened. It sounded like whoever they belonged too, they were in a hurry. He quickly looked around, hoping to spot a hiding place.
He beamed when he noticed a barn in the distance. He looked back to see if whatever was running towards him had picked up speed. Thankfully, it sounded steady enough. The colt quickly galloped down the road, reaching the barn right as the wind started howling. His scarf flailed behind him as he desperately tried to pull open the barn doors. With his effort in vain, he looked his surroundings over. He was out in the open by the barn. He looked to see the barn door having a long wooden bar locking it in place. He frowned.
'Ohh, why now?' He rubbed his chin, thinking of a way he could possible move it. His ears strained over the howling of the cold wind. It was hard to think as his body began shivering. He looked back to see if anypony had appeared in the time he was trying to open the door. He was still in the clear. The wind picked up more. The colt felt his heart beat when he started hearing the sound of a wooden window pane slapping the side. The windmill by the barn spinning faster than it should.
His fear started to set in. This felt... unnatural. What was going on? Where is he? He turned to see, to his surprise, the wooden bar no longer blocking the door. Instead, it was neatly propped up as if supporting the wall. He was confused at the sudden change, but the wind increasing in strength told him now or never. Ghost Pepper rushed in and pulled the door closed. The wind outside continued to howl, making the barn creak in agony. The colt was beginning to dread the idea of going into a barn in the middle of the night. He has read a certain horror story he had stumbled upon in the small library in the orphanage.
'The Barnyard Killer' as he recalled. The title made him shiver. 'Why would anypony create such a horrible book!?' Let alone find itself in the confines of the orphanage's library! He ruffled his mane in frustration. 'I'm an idiot for reading it!' The slapping window pane interrupted his thoughts. 'I have to get out of here! I don't want my legs to be served to ponies!' He looked around desperately, hoping to find some sort of exit. The colt stiffened, hearing another banging over the slapping window pane. It emitted from the barn door. The colt backed away, the banging increasing in impact.
He waited. Waited to see if an axe would come through the door. Just like the killer did when chasing that mare. When nothing happened, the colt leaned forward, curiosity and fear taking him over. The window pane then suddenly snapped shut and the colt yelped in unison with another surprised yelp. The pony that had entered the barn lost her balance and tumbled down the bale of hay, crash landing into a water bucket and knocking over tools.
Ghost Pepper had hid behind another stack of hay, peeking out to see who had entered. He was surprised to see a yellow filly with a red mane and bow tangled up in tools. She shook away the daze and looked fearfully around.
"W-whose there! Show yer' self!" Applebloom called out. Ghost Pepper did. Stepping out slowly from behind the hay bale, Applebloom balked. "Ghost Pepper? What are ya' doin' here?" she asked. Ghost Pepper said nothing, the usual feeling coursing through him. Why was it so difficult to talk to these fillies? Ghost Pepper remained silent as he trotted over and helped her out of the mess. As he did, they stopped to look over to the barn door, hearing it bang again. Only this time, an axe blade was poking through it. Ghost Pepper ducked behind Applebloom, much to the fillies confusion.
The blade pulled back, striking the barn again. Applebloom and Ghost Pepper backed away.
"W-we need to find someplace to hide!" she quickly said. She looked around and saw a stack of hay being the perfect spot. She quickly pulled Ghost Pepper along and they both took cover. And just in the nick of time too. The barn door was bucked open forcefully, the wind howling as the killer entered the barn. Applebloom covered her muzzle along with Ghost Pepper. They didn't want to breath. Because they knew that even a single sound could alert the creature to their presence.
But Ghost Pepper found it strange. There was indeed somepony inside, however, it sounded like it was all around them. As if the very killer didn't have a physical being. Applebloom took notice of this and quietly peeked out, seeing that there was no pony to be seen.
"What in tarnation?" she whispered. Ghost Pepper eyed the filly worriedly. He then felt a sensation that was similar to the fear he had. A presence was behind him. He looked in time, yelling as he saw a glint of a sharp axe strike down in the space between him and Applebloom. The two quickly bolted out of the hiding spot and rushed to the other side of the barn. The breathing was heavy, but they couldn't see where the killer was. The two huddled together in fear as they heard a maniacal deep laugh. "Wh-where is he!?" Applebloom stated in confusion.
Ghost Pepper didn't want to find out. He quickly bolted towards the opened barn door. Applebloom balked in surprise.
"W-wait fer' me!" Applebloom turned back, gaping as she saw a glint of a sharp axe. Ghost Pepper was about to reach the door when he heard a scream. He stopped and looked back, seeing that Applebloom was nowhere to be seen. All that was left behind was a bow. Ghost Pepper found it hard to breath.
'Oh goddesses! Please help me! I-I didn't... I....' The deep maniacal laugh rang through his ears. He crumpled to the floor, covering his ears and shaking his head furiously. 'No! No I don't want die! Somepony... anypony....' He opened his eyes when he heard the sound of hoofsteps stop in front of him. He looked up to see a towering pony in bloodied overalls and a white mask, bearing an axe. "HELP!!" he shouted.
The pony in the mask reared back, axe in motion. But something unexpected happened. The colt's scarf came to life. The tips forming into what looked like a giant palm and claws. The left claw stopped the axe from being swung and the other came around and with a clenched claw, struck the mask wearing killer. When it did, the claw grabbed the head of the pony, covering it fully before applying pressure. A loud sickening crack of bones and flesh followed after. A dark metallic liquid splattered on the colt.
And in the blink of an eye, it was over. The killer had vanished, the wind had stopped and it was suddenly day time outside. The colt was stunned. What had happened? He watched in awe, seeing the limbs of his scarf sway in place. They then slithered back, creating the scarf that sat on the colt's neck. He blinked in confusion. What was going on? He didn't know what to think. His scarf had come to life and saved him. He wasn't sure whether to be afraid that it sprung to life or glad that it didn't turn on him.
He looked over to where the killer had vanished. Other than the dark stain that dotted the colt, everything seemed back to normal. He looked to see the bow Applebloom had once worn. He suddenly felt another feeling hit him. This was also a familiar one. He had abandoned the filly in hopes of staying alive. Something that one of the protagonists in the story did, leaving the mare to be chased and cornered in the barn.
'Why did I do that? I should have helped her...' He grit his teeth, seeing his vision blur. 'I could have saved her! I could have done something!' He bowed his head, eyeing the scarf that covered his muzzle. If he had known his scarf would help him, Applebloom would probably still be alive. 'This has to be a dream! This has too!!' He stiffened, sensing a presence from behind him. He turned as a shadow loomed over him. He felt his hopes rise when he saw Applebloom standing at the barn doors, her head bowed.
"A-Applebloom?" he asked, suddenly feeling like something was wrong. The filly sniffled.
"W-why...?" she asked. Ghost Pepper drooped his ears, the guilt rising again. "Why did you leave me?" Ghost Pepper shook his head.
"I-I didn't mean too! I-I was hoping you would follow after!" he said quickly. Applebloom shook her head.
"Some kind of friend you are..." she rasped. Ghost Pepper bowed his head apologetically.
"I... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to leave you behind..." he truly meant it. But it seemed the filly made it clear that she wasn't looking for apologies. He looked up, noticing a small glint. He balked in fear, seeing the axe being dragged across the ground in the filly's teeth. Ghost Pepper backed away. "A-Applebloom, what are you doing?" he asked as he felt himself backing into the barn wall. His eyes widened, remembering his scarf springing to life. "D-don't do this! You'll die!" he protested.
But the filly seemed to ignore him. He couldn't move. He was too afraid to. The filly brought the axe back. The sound of a singing blade was all he could hear next.
~~~oooOOOooo~~~
Princess Luna awoke from her slumber. She quickly sat up from her bed and looked around. She could sense it. The Dream Plane crying out in pain. Taking a moment to collect herself, she slid out of the sheets and over to the balcony, peering over the railing. She had just retired to her quarters after her duties as the raiser of the moon. Her sister's sun beginning to rise over the horizon. She looked to see Princess Celestia standing proud and tall as she usually would when raising the sun.
Princess Luna furrowed her brows worriedly, however. Her sister, while attuned to the Dream Plane along with her, couldn't hear it calling out. She could hear the whispers increasing in volume. She blinked, shaking away the thought.
'Perhaps we should discuss this with her. She has to know the danger we are in.' And she would. Princess Luna walked out of her quarters and down the hall. She picked up into a trot as she neared her sister's quarters. Upon opening the door and entering, Princess Celestia looked from over her freshly brewed cup of tea.
"What troubles you, my dear sister?" she asked with a smile. Princess Luna looked over her shoulder, making sure they were not followed. She then closed the door and trotted over closer to her sister.
"Celestia, we must discuss a certain... worry I have recently been in." she started. Princess Celestia smiled and extended her wing out to her sister.
"I would be glad to talk." she said. Princess Luna was hesitant at first. Accepting her wing, she sat down next to her.
"Celestia, I fear that the Dream Plane maybe in dire state." she said. Princess Celestia looked at her worriedly. "I could sense something trying to escape. I have even heard it. Tis an unpleasant presence. One that intends to do harm." Princess Celestia gave a small hum in thought before replying.
"Perhaps we should assess and see what we are truly dealing with." she stated. Princess Luna shook her head.
"I have already taken the liberty. What doth thou think of the source?" Luna responded in more of a question to her sister. Princess Celestia furrowed her brows.
"The source? So you already know where it is?" she asked. Princess Luna gave a slow and sad nod.
"Indeed. And it is one I hope to prevent from ever happening. If it were to break out... all those children..." Princess Celestia studied her sister. The look of desperation clear on her face. Princess Celestia then smiled.
"Worry not, my sister. I will ask Twilight if she can pinpoint where it might be exactly." She snickered softly. "I hear she has been studying the Dream Plane more after the Tantabus." Princess Luna returned Celestia's look.
"But what of her duties? Doth she not have any assemblies of negotiation?" she asked. Princess Celestia darted her eyes in thought. Her horn glowed and she dipped a quill in ink with her magic as she levitated a scroll over to her. She scribbled something down in a quick but neat manner. She then rolled it up, branding it, before sending it aflame into nothingness.
"We shall await her response. In the meantime, I will trust the watch of the Dream Plane over to you this night. If we do not hear from her for a while, then I will go ahead and see if I can find it." Princess Celestia reassured her sister. "It will be alright, Luna. The children need not to worry. Your watchful eyes eases them more than mine. Now then..." she stood up and walked over to her door, the cup of tea floating next to her. "I have several audiences I need to overlook before visiting the School for the Magically Gifted. I will let you know when we have received a response." Celestia gave another reassuring smile before leaving her sister to dart her eyes in thought.
'I know you mean well, sister. But, I cannot idly sit by and wait for a response.' The whispers were increasing more. 'I can only hope the gifts I bestowed upon the child to aid him and his own until I can finish the spell. But...' She was uncertain. How can she trust one colt to do the job alone? And while, she had intended for the colt to grow from his dreams, she fears that the colt would falter. 'The colt remains afraid of befriending others. He feels it is necessary to not say a single word around them as he might say the wrong things.'
She had studied the colt for a while now. It was innocent at first. The colt having so much energy and kindness in him, only to have it suddenly remain in a shadow of what he once was. The colt that had once gladly helped around the orphanage was now a timid mouse. But she could see his heart. His dreams displaying his fears and ambitions. He wants to break free. He wants to be the colt he once was. But that fear has him too deep in the shadow. She has to find a way for him to see the light again.
And she just might know the help she can get.
~~~****~~~
Applebloom groaned as she groggily rose from her bed. The shadows under her eyes and her tufted mane displaying the bad night she had. Never in her life had she had such a nightmare so intense. She thought back to it. Walking down the apple orchard, enjoying the sight. And then all of a sudden, it had turned on her. The day became night in a blink of an eye and a cold wind blew over the trees. She had slowed her trot. She had soon stopped and noticed a figure fleeting over to the barn in the distance.
She remembered reaching the barn, only to find it closed and refusing to open. She had walked around and climbed through the window. She couldn't quit remember after words. But, she did recall one thing. Ghost Pepper was in her dream. Applebloom winced and groaned, rubbing her pounding head.
"That is the last time I eat Pinkie's sugar coated frosting cakes." she said to herself groggily. Sliding out of bed and dragging her hooves out of her room and down the stairs, she found herself perking up slightly at the smell of scrambled eggs and toast. Entering the kitchen, she yawned and stretched. "Mornin' everypony." she said. Applejack, who was setting down a plate, smiled at her.
"Mornin', sugar cube." She noticed the disgruntled state her little sister was in. "Sleep didn't get ya' well?" Applebloom stretched as she took a seat next to a muscular and quiet red stallion in a blonde mane. Big Mac was casually chewing his bread as he pushed the butter over to Applebloom, who happily took a knife and cut the butter before spreading it on the toast.
"'Ah errr.... just had a bad dream." she said. Applejack took a seat across from her.
"What kinda' dream?" she asked, taking a bite out of her toast. Applebloom followed suite, swallowing before speaking.
"Well... 'Ahm not rightly sure." Applebloom rubbed her mane. She tried to recall what happened after meeting Ghost Pepper. But nothing seemed to come to mind. Her dream had switched to something else. And it involved her in a chicken suite, embarrassed that she had to wear it while dancing throughout Ponyville where everypony witnessed it. She sighed before chomping down on her toast.
The siblings ate their breakfast quietly. Once they were finished, it was time to get to work in the apple field. Applebloom was tasked with cleaning the dishes before being asked to handle the chickens today. As she scrubbed the dishes, she looked to see the sun now hovering over the mountain tops in the distance. It seemed like it was going to be a nice day. She took a moment, squinting her eyes when she noticed a small dark speck in the distance.
'What's that?' she asked herself as she scanned the horizon, trying to get a better look. The speck seemed to travel closer... and heading this way. She could see figures now. They looked to appear to be royal guards pulling a chariot with a cloaked figure inside. 'The Canterlot Guard?' Applebloom quickly hopped off the stool she stood on to wash the dishes and galloped out of the house. She noticed Applejack looking up, confused by the sudden figures that circled around them. Applejack held a hoof over her brows, squinting her eyes to get a better look.
"Princess Luna?" she said suddenly in surprise. Big Mac and Applebloom stood next to her as they watched the ponies touch down and the cloaked figure stepping off. Princess Luna smiled from under her hood.
"Greetings, Applejack, Appplebloom and Big Macintosh." the alicorn said. Applejack and Big Macintosh immediately bowed, causing Applebloom to delay hers in sudden surprise.
"Yer' highness. It's a surprise to see you here." Applejack said, trying her best to be formal as much as possible. Princess Luna nodded, her expressions suddenly dimming to a small, worried frown.
"I apologize at the sudden interruption of thy work. But, I must ask thy sister of something." she said. The siblings exchanged confused glances at each other. Applebloom pointed at herself.
"Me?" she asked. Princess Luna nodded.
"Indeed, young one. I have come here to ask of thine assistance." Applebloom didn't know what to say. The Princess Luna, the sister to Princess Celestia herself, had traveled this far just to ask for her assistance? Princess Luna looked at the siblings, her expression serious. "Applebloom. I know tis a sudden request. But, I cannot do this alone." She rubbed her chin slightly. "The same can be said for thou." Applebloom took a moment to process this before perking up.
"If that's the case, I'll go get Sweetie Belle an' Scootaloo!" Applebloom said as she turned back to the house and galloped up to her room to quickly gather her saddlebag. Applejack watched her sister go before turning to the Princess with a confused look.
"Err... forgive me if 'Ah ask this, but why does it need to involve mah' sis?" she asked. Princess Luna smiled softly at her.
"I apologize for this, Applejack. The Dream Plane is in trouble. And I wish I could find the source of the problem." She sighed. "But, the source of the problems seems to only presents itself when the mind of a young one that isn't connected to it is present." Applejack rubbed her mane.
"Connected?" she asked. Princess Luna nodded.
"While everyone of our subjects walk the Dream Plane in their own minds, the mind of foals are a special case. They can go beyond the normal laws of the Dream Plane." Princess Luna looked over to the house where Applebloom had entered. "This is what we call Lucid Dreaming. They are able to bend the laws to their own. Allowing them free reign to imagine anything they want, whenever they want. And unlike most dreams that are laid out, these can be manipulated. Nightmares can be bested for better or worse. And they have free reign of their own dreams." Applejack furrowed her brows.
"So, my sis is a lucid dreamer?" Princess Luna shook her head.
"Unfortunately, there are only a few cases where ponies can naturally lucid dream. In order to do so, one must be aware that they have full control of their dreams. In some cases, it is through a certain object..." Princess Luna held up an apple and showed it to her. "So simple such as this, to somepony having an audio cue. Lucid dreaming is a powerful gift for one's mind, as it allows their imaginations to run wild." She furrowed her brows. "And then, there are the cases where those that are aware try to abuse it to no end. As Princess of the Night, I walk the Dream Plane, studying them and making sure they are in check. If a dream were to escape into the plane, it can affect not only myself, but everypony's dream." Applejack rubbed her chin.
"Kinda' sounds like the Tantabus." she said. Princess Luna nodded.
"Indeed. But this is more than just the Tantabus." She faced the orange mare, her expression serious. "An orphanage is in danger of having the Dream Plane escape into reality. If that were to happen, it would cause more chaos than Discord on an easy Sunday." Applejack balked in surprise.
"An orphanage?! You mean the one outside of Ponyville??" Princess Luna hesitated before nodding sadly.
"Which is why I require your sister and her friends. I have attempted in preventing it as best I can, but it seems to escape me when I attempt to hunt it." she said. "The children of the orphanage are unaware of the danger, except for one. However, he refuses to see it. If your sister and her friends can convince him, I will be able to stop the Dream Plane from escaping." Applejack seemed hesitant.
"Does Twilight know about this?" she asked. Princess Luna sighed.
"I have discussed this with my sister and she had written a note to her. But..." Princess Luna bit her lip worriedly. "I apologize. I have full faith in Twilight. But, I cannot just sit by and watch. We maybe attuned to the Dream Plane, but we are not capable if it does escape. Which is why we need to stop it now before it gets out of hoof." Applejack smiled suddenly and put a hoof on the Princess's shoulder in reassurance.
"No worries yer' highness. 'Ah'll talk to the rest an' see if we can reckon up a plan." Princess Luna smiled.
"Much help would be greatly appreciated." she said. They looked to see Applebloom trot out and started to head down the road. "Young one! No need to walk!" Luna called out. Applebloom looked over confusedly. Princess Luna stepped into the chariot and held a wing in motion for her to come. Applebloom smiled, feeling her excitement increase.
'The Cutie Mark Crusaders are back in action!' she thought eagerly as she galloped over to the chariot and hopped on. Applejack and Big Macintosh watched the fleeting figures soar into the sky and heading towards Ponyville. Big Mac looked to his sister, who returned his worried look.
"'Ahm sure Princess Luna knows what she is doin'. But better to be safe than sorry. Hold down the fort for a while, Big Mac."
"Eeyup." was all the stallion replied with as he watched Applejack gallop down the road.
~~~****~~~
Ghost Pepper sat at his desk. He puffed his cheek, studying the mysterious book that had somehow gotten onto his desk. There was nothing unique about it. It was just a simple, plain old boring book. Out of curiosity, he opened it to reveal that its many pages were blank. All except for the back page which had one sentence written on it:
The mind and imagination are one.
He wasn't sure what it meant. However, with an empty book provided an empty canvas. Perfect for the story he wanted to write. He looked to see the sun high overhead now out of his window. He had almost slept for half a day if he hadn't been woken up by a soothing sound of a violin. Said violin was still playing. Alabaster must be getting some practice in.
The children had a free day today. They could laze about while Mother Wisp went to Ponyville to handle some errands. And while the afternoon went on, Ghost Pepper started hearing from the other children during snack time that a couple more had gotten adopted over the morning. He sat alone while the rest were chatting just loud enough for everypony to hear. However, the colt tuned them out as he continued to stare at the book. So many ideas were running through his head. What should he start with?
'Perhaps somepony really cool. Like a superhero!' Ghost Pepper rubbed his chin in thought. 'But... what kind of superhero? Perhaps one with the ability to have his nose hair have a mind of its own?' The colt gave a blank response to this idea. 'What a ridiculous notion. What about one that can see into the future... and fights robots or something...' The colt frowned. 'Probably not. Not really feeling it.' There has to be some idea he can come up with. 'What about... a detective. One who can rival Sherclop in mind and skill, but has a tendency to flee from the law due to his actions being close to the criminals he catches?' The colt beamed. 'Yeah, that sounds like an idea! And he could have a side-kick, just like Sherclop! But... I don't really want the side-kick to be on par with the detective's intellect.'
Ghost Pepper hummed in thought before coming to an idea. 'Perhaps have the clumsiness of Tussle. A viable ally that the detective's enemies sorely underestimate. His partner in crime. Always driving the detective up the wall with his antics, but always seeming to work to his advantages. And they are both really great friends!' Having come to a conclusion of the characters, it was time to brainstorm. And while he did, he was unaware of a certain snow-white filly eyeing him from afar suspiciously. Merriweather sat next to her, chewing happily on a cracker before noticing her friend staring down the colt.
Alabaster has been acting strange ever since she came back with Ghost Pepper in a tattered state. Despite having smelt like garbage, she noticed that Ghost Pepper had gotten the worse of it. The bandages on the colt's cheek and lip were visible along with a patch over his swollen black eye. Whatever had happened to them made the children nervous. Merriweather had tried her best to get Alabaster to explain exactly what had happened, but the filly remained stubborn in the fact that she had "failed her duty as an activity manager". Merriweather chewed her cracker before seeing a slender like colt with an artist barrette and yellow scarf suddenly take a seat across from them.
"Umm... I hate to be a bother, but do you know what happened to Pepper?" he asked. Merriweather shook her head.
"I'm just as confused as you are. I've tried getting Alabaster to tell me, but she keeps ranting about how she had failed in her duty." Merriweather stated as she arched a worried brow at the stoic filly who didn't seem to notice she was being addressed. Merriweather was hesitant before poking the filly's shoulder. Alabaster blinked out of her stoic state and looked ahead, seeing Pallet sitting across from her. She immediately frowned, causing the colt to shrink back a little in confusion.
"And why didn't you keep an eye on him? You were partnered with him, weren't you?" Alabaster said sternly. Pallet rubbed the back of his mane.
"I-I-I didn't mean too. I was hoping he would join in, but I didn't realize he had left until Merriweather had said something." he quickly said. Alabaster narrowed her eyes at the filly, causing Merriweather to flush and advert her eyes.
"And you. Why didn't you stay near me? We weren't supposed to be separated from the intended area or each other." she said. Merriweather faltered.
"W-well, I did try to stop you. B-but you seemed only focused on Pepper." Alabaster hummed slightly in response. "I-I-I-I mean like you were... well... so intent on catching him red hoof in his antics that you err... kinda left on your own accord..." Alabaster looked between the two, keeping her stoic like expression before sighing.
"In any case. I cannot understand why Pepper appears to act like that assault didn't happen." she furrowed her brows suddenly. "Why didn't I stop it? I let them get the better of me. I should have done something!" she grit her teeth. "But he is too stubborn to tell me anything... If he would just open up, I would probably not be on his case all the time!" She looked to Merriweather. "I promised you I would get him to confess his actions to Mother Wisp about your teddy bear. But it's just been a constant impasse. I keep failing with that colt." Merriweather gave Pallet a "I-told-you-so" look. The grape-colored filly sighed.
"Alabaster... I don't mean to be rude but... maybe you can drop the whole teddy bear incident?" Alabaster looked confusedly at her. "I-I mean... that was years ago. Mother Wisp had already stitched it up and everything. Pepper didn't mean to do that." Alabaster stood up suddenly, making both the filly and colt jump.
"What are you talking about? I can't let such an injustice go unpunished! He still has to apologize!" Merriweather and Pallet glanced around, seeing that Alabaster's sudden stance caught the attention of the children. Even Ghost Pepper looked over to her in confusion. "I will not rest until every injustice is confessed and rightfully given the punishment!" She turned and glared at the colt, who quickly shrunk back when the filly marched over to him and grabbed hold of his shoulders, shaking him furiously. "Confess your actions, Pepper! Confess them and be freed of your torment! Confess, damn you!" Ghost Pepper wasn't sure what was going on. Alabaster's shaking caused him to get dizzy. Alabaster stopped, her ears twitching when she heard the sound of the front door knocking.
"I'll get it!" the small stout filly named Tea Stout said as she trotted out of the small cafeteria hall. The children waited for a brief moment, hearing the stout filly open the door and suddenly scream. Alabaster quickly dropped Ghost Pepper on the ground, rushing out of the cafeteria. The sudden action caused the children to become curious and follow after the filly. Pallet and Merriweather exchanged glances before trotting over to Ghost Pepper.
"Are you alright, Pepper?" Pallet asked. Ghost Pepper shook away his daze before looking confusedly over to where the children had gathered at. Alabaster was the first to arrive on the scene, seeing Tea Stout in utter shock and awe in front of the door. Alabaster looked to see a tall and majestic cloaked figure standing on the porch. Her kind smile and twinkling teal eyes met the filly's. The rest of the children arrived, displaying the same shocked and surprised expressions.
"P-p-p-p-princess Luna?" Tea Stout stuttered. The alicorn drew back her hood, revealing her long flowing spectral mane.
"Indeed, child." she said in a motherly like voice. "Is Mother Wisp present?" None of the children responded. They were too stunned at the presence of royalty at their doorstep. Alabaster then quickly looked down, seeing three fillies that stood in front of her. She recognized them. The very fillies that had influenced Ghost Pepper and Pallet into breaking the rules. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. The fillies took notice of this and awkwardly waved at her.
"She ain't, I'm afraid." a voice said behind the princess. She turned to see Funnel wipe his hooves with a rag before trotting over to her. "I'm currently watchin' over the children while she is out on business." Princess Luna smiled.
"Then perhaps, you do not mind if I talk to one of the children present?" she asked. Funnel arched a brow.
"Depends. Who exactly are ya' lookin' for?"
"We are here to see Ghost Pepper!" Applebloom stated. Slight murmurs of confusion escaped the children, causing the three to exchange glances.
"Err... is there something wrong?" Sweetie Belle asked. Funnel shook his head.
"I don't mean to be rude, Princess. But that colt is just as quiet as a mouse in winter. He probably won't be able to talk to ya' at all." He snorted. "Probably a good thing." he muttered. Princess Luna hummed in response before turning to the children and smiling.
"Would thou all care to escort me to Ghost Pepper?" she asked. The children let out excited murmurs of agreement. Luna giggled before motioning to the three fillies. "Come along. We must discuss this post haste."
"Hold on a minute!" Alabaster said, causing everypony to look at her confusedly. "To what discussion, may I ask?" Tea Stout balked along with most of the children. One of the colts whispered to her.
"Alabaster, this is the Princess Luna. Show some respect." Alabaster glared at the colt, making him shrink back. The three fillies and alicorn watched as the snow-white filly turned her attention back to them.
"I mean no disrespect, your highness. But I want to know what exactly you want to discuss with him." The children glanced nervously at each other. Princess Luna smiled before speaking.
"I am here on my own behalf to discuss a matter that has to deal with his..." she darted her eyes in thought.
"His book!" Scootaloo spoke up. Princess Luna and the other two looked at her. Alabaster raised a brow.
"His book?" she asked, rubbing her chin. Now that they mention it, Ghost Pepper did walk in with a book under his wing. Sitting by himself and pulling it out, he flipped through the pages and just started staring at it, making strange faces in the process. She didn't know the colt had discussed publishing a book. "Wait, Pepper wrote a book?" Applebloom nodded quickly.
"Eeyup! Characters an' all!" she said. Sweetie Belle chimed in.
"We are the Cutie Mark Cru... err... Crucibles! We uhh.... interview up and coming authors and publish their book!" Scootaloo whispered to her friend.
"Crucibles?" Sweetie Belle replied with a shrug. Alabaster eyed them suspiciously before looking at the princess, who seemed calm and cool.
"He never mentioned about writing a book!" A voice said. They looked to see Pallet and Merriweather stand outside the snack room. Pallet was beaming. "I have so many ideas that I want to discuss! Maybe I can help with cover art or something! If it sells well, hello Prance!" Merriweather arched a brow.
"But even then, I don't recall Pepper mentioning anything about writing anything" Princess Luna nodded.
"Which is why we need to speak to him. Where is he?" Pallet beamed.
"Oh, he's right over he-." he looked to see that the colt was nowhere to be seen. The confused look Pallet gave told them that the colt was no longer in their presence. "Again? Really?" he exasperated. Alabaster frowned before looking back to the four ponies.
"You see, that is also why I ask. Pepper never really talks to anypony, let alone three fillies. I wouldn't be surprised that he locked himself up somewhere at the sheer thought of a princess looking for him by name." Applebloom rubbed her mane.
"Does he always hide? I mean, he seemed just like a shy colt to me." she said. Alabaster shook her head.
"Perhaps we can explain once we find him." She turned and nodded to Merriweather. "We will split up into teams of two. Scout each and every nook and cranny for him. No stone left unturned, understand?" The colts and fillies seem to give a small salute before trotting off down halls and up stairways. The sight of the children acting upon this baffled the three fillies. Princess Luna, however, looked on sadly.
'I cannot allow it to happen. Their future is still bright.' Applebloom looked to her friends.
"Maybe we should help out? It'll be great fer' recon of the place." Scootaloo rubbed her mane.
"That sounds good. But what about getting lost?" she asked. Princes Luna giggled.
"Not to worry." Princess Luna's horn glowed and a faint spectral string slithered out and wrapped around the three's waist. "I'll keep thy three tethered to me. I can pull thou back if lost." The three smiled before getting to work. While the hunt went on, Ghost Pepper himself sat on top of the roof with the book clutched in his chest. His heart pounding as the feeling rose.
'Dammit! Of all the worst things that could happen to me this week, why them!?' He remained quiet, listening through his opened window as the sounds of hoofsteps entered and left his room. 'I have to find someplace to hide!'
"Pepper?! Where are you?!" a voice shouted from below him. He peeked over and saw Sweetie Bell along with Merriweather and Pallet as they scanned the area. Ghost Pepper ducked back.
'Buck!' he thought. He tipped hoof across the roof, only to stop and duck back again when he noticed another group being led by Scootaloo trotted around front. He could see Funnel tending to the flower bed with a bored expression while the group looked around his area. He quietly crept back and was about to enter into his room, when he saw the backside of Alabaster talking to two more colts about locking a certain area down. He ducked back just in time when the filly turned and peered out of the window. 'Double Buck!'
This was looking bad for him. Every inch of the orphanage was being covered. Which was surprising at the fact that only fourteen remain here now. But what was even more difficult to get around was the fact the three fillies had entered the fray this time. And from the looks of it, they knew what they were doing. Almost as if this wasn't their first hunt. He could just imagine their muzzles suddenly splitting into four with teeth at the tips and a low rapid clicking sound would follow.
He noticed the book suddenly glowing. Ghost Pepper blinked in confusion before quietly opening the book. However, when he did, the book shot open and the pages flipped rapidly as if a strong gust of wind came through. It stopped on one page:
The young colt realized that he was trapped. What cruel fate awaited him? The colt, now a prey in the hunt, waited for his inevitable end. Only if he had a means of defending himself. But of course... he hasonething that might help. A gift that was bestowed upon him along with a plain old book.
A bright light shot out. From inside, Princess Luna gasped, quickly turning to rush outside and look up. The children that had made it outside watched in awe. Funnel too was shocked by the sudden giant rune floating overhead. Princess Luna furrowed her brows before her horn glowed bright. Taking aim, a beam shot out and struck the rune. Meanwhile, Ghost Pepper had to hold onto dear life on the tiles as the book floated in the air. He had no idea what was happening. All he knew was that he had activated something that he felt might have devastated his entire life.
He looked up to see a beam striking the rune. The rune, filled with nothing but strange letters and glyphs, suddenly split in two like a paper being cut with a sword. Alabaster, from within the colt's room, suddenly realized that something had moved in her shocked state. In a blink of an eye, something blue and white zipped past her and up onto the roof. She took a moment to process this before stepping out and climbing up the roof.
Ghost Pepper did his best to hang on as he felt himself being blown away. Losing his grip, he yelled as he tumbled away from the book. Fortunately, an unexpected accessory found itself wrapped around his neck and the ends morphed into giant like claws. One claw dug into the roof while the other extended itself over to the book. It opened itself before clamping the book in its' grip. The light emitted from within its' grasp. It soon began dimming and the rune faded into nothingness. Ghost Pepper hung onto the scarf arm before seeing the wind no longer pushing him back. He landed on his belly with a thud before shaking away the daze and watching in awe as the claw slithered back to him.
Alabaster had witnessed the claw retreating back and dangling over the confused colt. Ghost Pepper held up a hoof and the claw placed the book in his foreleg before morphing back into his normal scarf. Ghost Pepper looked at the book in awe, questions floating through his mind. He looked up to see a baffled Alabaster, who quickly looked past him, making him turn to see a majestic alicorn hovering behind him.
He found himself shrinking at the sheer size of her wingspan and height. And not only that, she looked at him sternly.
"We have much to discuss, young one." she said. Ghost Pepper felt the feeling creep back.
The afternoon continued on and the hunt for a lone colt ended with many questions flowing through the minds of the children. Ghost Pepper had found himself tied to the chair at his desk (thanks to a certain snow white filly) and the fear increasing even more. He tried whatever he could to loosen the binds, but to no avail. Alabaster sat on his bed with her hooves crossed. Merriweather sat next to her while Pallet and the CMC circled him. Pallet rubbed his mane.
"Err... Alabaster, are you sure this is necessary? All we had to do was just-." he started.
"It's entirely necessary." she stated flatly. Ghost Pepper grunted as he tried to struggle again. He gave a defeated sigh and bowed his head. Princess Luna walked in the room, the children standing outside his door and moving aside as the princess did and blinked once in confusion. Ghost Pepper looked up and shrunk back at the sight of the tall alicorn. She returned his look with a kind smile and her horn glowed, untying the colt. Alabaster eyed the colt suspiciously as the binds came undone.
"You need not to worry, young one. I am not here to harm thou. I only want to talk." Ghost Pepper didn't say anything. The sight of having all eyes on him was unnerving.
'Please don't let me die!' he thought fearfully. Applebloom rubbed the back of her mane before looking over to Princess Luna.
"Errr.... so what exactly was that giant circle in the sky?" she asked. Princess Luna furrowed her brows worriedly. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking.
"Children. As Princess of the Night, it is my duty to walk in your dreams. To watch over you and to replace the nightmares with good dreams." she sighed. "But there are some cases where even my watchful eye cannot contain." she turned to the children staring into the room. Their eyes curiously on her.
"Now wait just a minute." a voice said from outside. The children stepped aside as Funnel walked in. He looked to the rest. "Go back to your rooms. I will discuss this when Mother Wisp gets back." The children groaned in protest. But Funnel wasn't having any of it. He closed the door and turned to the princess. "Your highness, if I may be so inclined, but what right do you have in singling out one child?" Ghost Pepper eyed him suspiciously. But Princess Luna smiled at the stallion.
"I do not mean any bad will towards this orphanage. I have only come to discuss a certain privilege with the child." the alicorn said. Funnel arched a brow and looked at the colt.
"Privilege?" he asked. Ghost Pepper didn't like the way Funnel had asked it.
"Pepper can go inside other's dreams!" Applebloom chimed in, smiling at the colt. This raised a few brows in the room. Applebloom quickly followed it up. "W-well, I mean, can he?" Princess Luna nodded before turning to the colt.
"Young one, do you recall the scene with your friend? How you were able to witness what she was dreaming?" Ghost Pepper wasn't sure which pony she was referring too.
"F-friend?" he asked. Alabaster spoke up.
"Ghost Pepper may know a lot of us, but rarely have I ever seen him attempt friendship with anypony here." She looked to Applebloom. "Which reminds me. Why did you influence both Pepper and Pallet to go outside of the intended area Mother Wisp has stated we were never supposed to leave?" Applebloom looked at her confusedly.
"Intended area?" she asked. Alabaster closed her eyes, trying her best to remain calm and collected as she spoke.
"We were told to remain near the plaza. And what do I find? You leading both Pallet and Pepper away from the area." Pallet and Ghost Pepper seemed to bow their heads in shame. Scootaloo spoke up.
"Well, we technically didn't stay long. I mean, we went straight to Sugar Cube corner. Isn't that like... near the plaza?" Princess Luna eyed the young snow white filly, who remained stoic and sharp.
"May I ask you, child?" Princess Luna addressed the filly. Alabaster looked at her. "I understand you mean well towards your friends. So I will entrust you with a certain task I have in mind?" Alabaster arched a brow.
"Task? By the princess herself?" This seemed a little far fetched to the filly.
"It will explain what we all have witnessed. But, I need everypony's cooperation." The children exchanged glances before Alabaster sighed and nodded. Princess Luna smiled.
"Sweetie Belle." she said. The white filly perked up.
"Y-yes?" she asked.
"Would you care to help us in a certain test?" The filly looked at her friends before walking over to her. "Now stand in front of him." She did. "Hold his hoof." She was hesitant. Even the colt himself was shocked at the sudden command. "Trust me." Ghost Pepper flushed a little when Sweetie Belle took his hoof into hers. The rest looked on, one of them eyeing them suspiciously. "Now then, close your eyes, Sweetie Belle. Think of the most happiest of memories you can think of."
Sweetie Belle did as she was told. Her face scrunched up as she tried to recollect a certain memory she would deem happy. And it was one. When her and Rarity were at the sister hooves social. She could imagine her and her sister beating the competition up until the last bit where they lost by a nose hair to another group of sisters. And yet, it wasn't about the competition. It was about the trust she had towards her. Ghost Pepper saw the filly smile, her eyes remained closed.
He then looked past her to see Princess Luna levitate the plain old book that had mysteriously appeared on his desk over to him. The colt took it in his free hoof.
"Now then, child. I want you to open the book. It doesn't matter what page, as it will write whatever page you stop on." Write on whatever page he stops on? The colt arched a brow before looking at the book and opening it to the middle. He gasped, seeing words being displayed in the book.
Sweetie Belle found herself enjoying the simple moment of playing in the mud with her sister. A sign of true trust between them. Indeed, she never had so much fun in her life. And the same could be said for her sister.
The book suddenly glowed and Ghost Pepper blinked once, finding himself being drenched with rain. The storm blowing a cold wind and the mud under his hooves dirtying him up to his knees. He looked around, stunned at the sudden change of scenery. He then heard what sounded like laughing. He looked to see two white ponies, one he recognized as Sweetie Belle, mane and coat drenched and muddied, as she tackled a mare with a long drenched purple mane and bearing three diamonds as a cutie mark playfully into the mud. Ghost Pepper took a moment to register this.
He was in a different place, witnessing Sweetie Belle playing with her sister. Not only that, he could see that Sweetie Belle didn't even have her cutie mark yet. 'How long ago was this?' He heard a small pop next to him and the faint image of Princess Luna stood next to him.
"Sweetie Belle had just come to terms with accepting her sister for who she is. And in turn, Rarity found herself to enjoy the time she spends with her. The two's bond were forged this day invoking them to tolerate each other. This is something that Sweetie Belle could never forget." Ghost Pepper said nothing as he continued to watch the sisters play in the mud.
Despite the confused feeling he was getting, he couldn't help but feel envious towards her. Princess Luna eyed the colt with a smile before her horn glowed. Ghost Pepper saw the book pop in front of him. It hovered, opening itself to him.
"This book holds more than blank pages. It can read the dreams of those asleep and the memories of those awake." Ghost Pepper looked between her and the book before furrowing his brow.
"Why?" he asked suddenly. Princess Luna smiled again.
"To be honest, young one. It is an enchanted book that was given to me by a long time friend. She was always the studious of the archivists. And she entrusted me the book to aid me in my studies of the dreams. And now..." she looked to him, forcing the colt to meet her gaze. "I shall entrust it to you." Ghost Pepper didn't know what to say. The princess had entrusted him something that could probably be a danger, if not damaging. Luna, however, saw the worried look he gave and giggled. "Not to worry. You cannot change a memory that has already been recorded." She then turned her expression into a serious one. "Which is why I must warn you in using this as well."
Ghost Pepper felt himself suddenly being pulled back, the area around him warping. In the blink of an eye, he found himself sitting back in his room with Sweetie Belle looking at him groggily. She shook away the daze before arching a brow.
"What just... happened?" she asked, rubbing her head. Pallet was in awe.
"I don't know. But, you both were in a trance like state." he said. Princess Luna nodded.
"When you walk in the memories of others, you cannot be seen or change its fact. Because what you saw was what Sweetie Belle keeps close to her heart." Sweetie Belle looked confused.
"Umm... I don't quite understand." She then blinked and looked at her hoof. Ghost Pepper followed suite and he flushed when he realized he hadn't let go of her. He pulled back and rubbed his foreleg awkwardly.
"So, that book allows the kid to see the memories of others?" Funnel asked. Princess Luna nodded.
"Yes, but only to a certain degree. If you stay within the memory for too long, you will be forced out of it." Merriweather winced.
"Sounds painful." she said.
"Tis a serious headache. But, I digress. We shall go on into the next lesson, child." She looked over to Alabaster. The filly returned it with a raised brow. Princess Luna hummed slightly in thought before turning to Funnel. "Perhaps you would like to be the next lesson?" Funnel eyed the colt. He returned the suspicious look. The colt wasn't too keen on the pony being his next lesson. But then again, he was not expecting a lesson on how to read memories and dreams today. He could care less at the fact.
'But how can I refuse somepony as Princess Luna herself?' he thought. He was afraid that if he didn't go along, Princess Luna might scold him for being reckless. He didn't want to be thought of that way to the other kids. He get's it enough from Alabaster and her influence. Funnel sighed.
"Fine then. But don't expect me to hold that colt's hoof." he said as he stood next to him. Ghost Pepper frowned slightly before facing the Princess, whose horn was glowing.
"No need too. This next one will involve walking through your dreams." she said. Funnel blinked once.
"Wait, my drea-?" a small beam shot out of her horn and pelted him straight in the forehead. The stallion swayed a little before falling to his haunches and snoring loudly. Ghost Pepper arched a brow. Princess Luna looked to the CMC.
"I would like some assistance on this as well." the fillies smiled.
"You got it!" Scootaloo said before they stood next to him on both sides. Ghost Pepper wasn't sure what the princess was thinking. This seemed all so sudden. But the book began to glow and the colt opened to no particular page. He looked to see the pages being written in fancy cursive:
I found myself walking amongst the dirt path. On both my sides were flowers I can never remember the name of. But the sight was enough to inflict long ago memories of... her
Ghost Pepper blinked once again and found himself standing amongst a field of multicolored flowers. Their small, dainty appearances dotted the landscape. A cool breeze can be felt. Ghost Pepper shivered when it came by. However, it felt... nice. Like something out of a story. A small pop made him look to see the faint images of Princess Luna and the CMC. The fillies looked around, awed by the scenery. Princess Luna smiled.
"Are we..." Applebloom spoke.
"Indeed we are. At this moment, your gardener is dreaming." Scootaloo rubbed her mane in confusion.
"But I don't recall a field of flowers being anywhere in Equestria. I mean, other than Fluttershy's flower bed." the alicorn walked over to the colt.
"That is because the flowers are mental projections of the dream he is having. They are not real in anyway, shape or form. But to him, they are a meaning that will develop his dreams." The colt saw Princess Luna looking ahead. He followed suite and squinted his eyes, seeing in the distance silhouettes. Ghost Pepper arched a brow before walking up the small dirt path through the flowers. As he did, the figures became clearer. One, he knew all too well to his own dismay, was Funnel. And the other was a... very pretty mare he had never seen before. In fact, something about the mare seemed... pleasant.
Almost motherly if he could guess the presence. The mare had her back turned on the colt. Funnel seemed to be speaking happily to her, yet he couldn't make out what he was saying. The words were garbled. Ghost Pepper looked confusedly to the princess, who understood his look.
"Forgotten speech. Something that most dreams only want the dreamer to listen too. At the moment, his dream is trying to recall the memory of words he had spoke to her." she explained. The CMC were baffled by this.
"He looks so happy." Scootaloo said. Ghost Pepper looked back to the figures and stared at the back of the mare's mane. Ivory white as the flowers around them. Her hide the same as well. Funnel must have said something funny as the mare made a motion of giggling. Ghost Pepper noticed the book that was floating next to him glow. Curious, he opened a page and words began to scribble out:
My life is one of many regrets. But her? Heh... she was fool to even think I could be saved. And look where it got both of us.
The wind picked up, causing the colt to shiver. If only he had his scarf with him. He looked up from the book and cocked his head in confusion. The mare was gone. In her place was another mare. One that he couldn't help but find familiar. The sapphire mane and blue hide. Funnel had suddenly changed as well. He was tending to the flower bed at the base of the tree. The flowers were lined in a particular fashion around a small dirt mound. His expression grim.
"What's going on?" Sweetie Belle asked suddenly. Princess Luna closed her eyes for a brief moment, as if trying to collect her thoughts before turning to them.
"Dreams are a unknown factor in some cases. Such as this one, the dream he is in now is recollecting what he has experienced in another life." she said. Ghost Pepper frowned a little before looking and seeing the orphanage materialize in front of him. The flowers seemed to fade and replaced with the similar dirt ground path. He could see Funnel trotting up to the patio of the orphanage. The colt hummed softly in thought before quickly trotting after him.
Princess Luna eyed the colt curiously while the CMC were confused as to what was really going on. The colt stopped at the bottom of the steps, seeing the door opening and a younger looking Mother Wisp peered from the entrance.
"Mother Wisp?" Funnel asked. The mare opened the door fully now and studied the stallion.
"You must be the new gardener Mother Terra hired?" she asked. The stallion nodded.
"I heard that the previous one had an unexpected... state of mind." he said. Ghost Pepper noticed the book glowing again. Opening to a page, he saw more words being written out under the previous sentence:
I figured I would turn a new leaf around. Just work a simple life as a normal pony. But I guess that was too much to ask for. The mothers were kind enough to take me in and put me to honest work.
There was a slight pause before another sentence scribbled out:
But subtlety isn't my specialty. There is taint on these hooves that I can't wash. All I can hope for is to find whatever it is they are trying to find. Or let the sister's divine punishment be my undoing.
The words suddenly seemed to slither into the middle of the page and began forming a strange circular pattern. The same circle that was seen over the orphanage. Not too far off, Princess Luna and the CMC watched on. Scootaloo suddenly felt as if a presence had appeared behind them. She turned and noticed that the path they had walked on no longer being there. Instead, a dark wall began slowly crawling towards them.
"Uhhh... what is that?" Scootaloo said with worry. Princess Luna furrowed her brows, as if judging the wall. The CMC suddenly huddled together as the darkness crept closer. "L-Luna, what do we do?" Princess Luna looked past them and fell her gaze on the colt.
"Children, head inside the orphanage." Princess Luna stated. Sweetie Belle looked up at her.
"What about you?" she asked. Princess Luna gave a kind smile.
"Do not be afraid, children. Your princess will see no harm comes to you. Now take Ghost Pepper with you. He will help you out of the dream." she said. "Oh, and before you do." Her horn glowed and the CMC felt a tingly sensation on the sides of their flanks. They looked back to see their cutie-marks glow and dim. "Whenever you hear a call for help in your dreams, your marks will guide you. You have worked long and hard for them. And in return they will reward you." She turned to the creeping darkness. "Now go. I will catch up with you in the real world." The CMC looked to one another before nodding and galloping towards the unaware colt.
Ghost Pepper watched entranced by the patterns moving. His ears twitched when he heard the sound of hurrying hoofsteps heading his way. He looked up and balked when Scootaloo and Sweeite Belle ran to his sides and started tugging on him.
"We have to go!" Scootaloo shouted. Ghost Pepper gapped when he saw the creeping darkness loom over them. He found himself being dragged along into the orphanage's doorway. As he looked back, he could see Princess Luna looking over her shoulder and smiling at them. Her mouth moving, but the colt couldn't make out what she was saying. The darkness seemed to engulf her and the door shut.
Only the quiet breathing of the children could be heard. Ghost Pepper eyed the fillies with quiet suspicion before looking past them, his jaw partially lowered at the sight he was seeing. This was indeed the orphanage, but he was pretty certain the entrance didn't have a long hallway. In fact, the hallway seemed to remind him of the ones on both floors that lead to their rooms. Applebloom was the first to speak up.
"What is this place?" she asked. Sweetie Belle was examining a vase on a small round table by one of the doors and tapped it. The vase was solid to the touch, but its design rippled when the filly tapped it again. Scootaloo looked to the colt. Ghost Pepper returned her confused look and shrugged. She then rubbed her chin in thought before noticing the book under the colt's wing glowing.
"Didn't Princess Luna say that you can lead us out of the dream?" she asked. Ghost Pepper arched a questioning brow at her. This filly was joking right? Her look told him otherwise. Ghost Pepper sighed and pulled the book out from under his wing.
'Maybe the book might tell me?' he thought. He opened to a page, but the book remained blank. The colt frowned again before shaking it slightly. 'Is it broken?' He shook it furiously this time. The pages remained blank. Scootaloo sighed and looked to her friends.
"Perhaps one of the doors can lead us out? I remember Twilight mentioning about dreams being doors to the mind." she said, recalling a recent study assignment Ms. Cheerilee gave them over the break.
"Only one way ta' find out." Applebloom stated as she hopped up on her hind legs and pulled the knob. The door didn't open. Applebloom frowned before pulling again, only this time with all her might. It didn't budge. Applebloom backed away and rubbed her chin. "Sweetie Belle. Think your magic can do something about the lock?" she asked. Sweetie Belle rubbed the back of her mane.
"Ummm.... I guess?" Ghost Pepper watched the filly reach with her magic to the knob and began fiddling with it. However, Sweetie Belle seemed to be struggling, her face scrunched in sheer concentration. Ghost Pepper furrowed his brows before looking back into the book's pages. Words were now scribbling out:
My grandmother took me to a circus parade once. It was the most fun I've ever had! I got to ride an elephant, pet the animals and even watched silly looking ponies that did tricks! There was even this one nice one that gave me a balloon in the shape of a star! I was sad to see the circus had moved on. But I knew that someday, I would be as much as an entertainer as Magnified Magnificent himself!
The colt cocked his head. The book was writing down an encounter with a circus? No... this was something else entirely. If he can recall what Princess Luna told him, then this must be... He looked up and saw the door's edges glowing. Even the CMC noticed the change.
"Whoa! What happened?" Scootaloo said as she backed up with the other two. Ghost Pepper watched as the words slithered out of the book's pages, dripping to the floor before slithering up on the door and spiraling into the same pattern circle on the door. The door made a clicking sound before opening up. The children exchanged glances before peering into the doorway.
Ghost Pepper was baffled at the sight. Their vision obstructed by a flock of balloons that eventually floated away to reveal a tall three ringed circus. The children could hear what sounded like carnival rides and chatter in the distance. Not only that, Ghost pepper noticed that the entrance into the circus had two mime like ponies making strange gestures as if they were trapped by some unknown force. The colt shivered when he realized that the mimes expressions were non-existent. Just where exactly are they?
He pulled away and looked back to see the long hallway of the orphanage. Something wasn't right here, that he was certain. And yet, maybe the book did have someway of leading them out? The colt frowned to himself again.
'For a Princess who walks in our dreams, she's not very clear in matters, is she?' But he digressed.
"Wow... I didn't think a place could exist!" Sweetie Belle stated as she stepped through the door, causing the other three to panic slightly, only to realize nothing had come down to smite her. Ghost Pepper followed in after the fillies, uncertain if this was such a great idea or not.
'I mean, it seems like fun, but I don't think being transported to a circus is something to be casual about.' The colt quickly looked back into the book. The pages were blank again. 'And more importantly, why did the Princess entrust this thing to me? What am I supposed to do with a book that supposedly lets me see other's dreams and memories?' Again, the thought of Princess Luna's logic remained questionable to him as he stepped forward ahead of the CMC. The four walked up to the gate, only to suddenly have the mimes jump in their way and hold their hooves out to them, halting their progress.
At the same time, the gate suddenly shut tightly behind the mimes. A red spot light shone on them and the painted wooden face of a smiling mask sprang to life overhead.
"Naughty children! Where are your parents?" The four huddled together in more surprise than fear. "Admission into the circus is ten bits per pony. Children get in free with purchase of the family admission for only fifty bits." Scootaloo swallowed quietly before speaking.
"A-admission?" she asked. Ghost Pepper rose a brow at the mask that swayed back and forth, as if attached to a spring.
"But of course! If you want entrance into the Magnificent Monocle's Wonderous Entertainment and Family Fun Rides, then you must have admissions! But since you are without parents, I do not expect admissions without approval of adults." the mimes seemed to advance on them, causing them to back away slightly. "Therefor, I am afraid to have to turn away at such innocent eyes. Please, do come back another time with an adult and you can have all the fun you want!" Ghost Pepper shivered, the fear suddenly creeping up his spine. Applebloom turned.
"Quickly, back out the door!" she stated.
"What door?" Sweetie Belle suddenly exclaimed. They looked to see that the door they had entered into had vanished. Ghost Pepper balked and quickly ducked, scrambling out of the way as a mime reached a hoof out to him. He had to get out of here. But how? The book wasn't proving to be useful. And not only that, the three fillies stated that he is the one that can help them out of here? What is going on?
'Why did this go from simple brainstorming to manure hitting the fan really quickly?' he thought again as he bolted away from being reached at by the second mime. While the colt was unintentionally keeping the mimes distracted, the CMC quickly looked around, trying to find the door they had come through.
"Oh, horsefeathers! Where is that door!?" Applebloom said in slight annoyance. Scootaloo scanned the area and balked when she saw a giant figure of an elephant barreling towards them.
"Uhh... I think we might be in more trouble here." she said. Sweetie Belle looked frustrated.
"Oh, come on!" she exclaimed. Ghost Pepper backed up into the gate and shrunk back as the mimes advanced on him. He closed his eyes, afraid to see what will happen next.
'Somepony! Anypony! Help!!' He thought. What he wasn't expecting, however, was seeing a giant elephant suddenly loom over him. What was more surprising was seeing the CMC suddenly riding on top of it. Ghost Pepper bolted away in time as the mimes looked back to see the elephant crash into the gate. The elephant let out a cry before slowing its' charge into a walk. Ghost Pepper was speechless. The CMC slid down the elephant, high hoofing each other before smiling at the colt.
"You alright, Pepper?" Scootaloo asked. Ghost Pepper said nothing, but gave a questioning look. Applebloom spoke.
"How we managed ta' tame an elephant? It was really weird. One moment we were about ta' dive out of the way and then the next thing 'ah knew, we were ridin' on top o' it. As if we intended to do that." she explained. The CMC seemed just as confused as Ghost Pepper. However, now that they had some sort of breathing room, Ghost Pepper found himself scanning the empty pages of the book, expecting to see if new words were written.
The jealousy I felt for my sister was a choice I’ve fully regretted. I have learned to accept it. But it still haunts me more than I like to admit.
A door appeared in front of the four as if from nowhere. Sweetie Bell reached with her magic to the door and opened it. A blinding light flashed and the four found themselves in inside what appeared to be a throne room. The ceiling high above their heads making them feel like ants. Scootaloo looked around.
“Where are we now?” She asked. Ghost Pepper felt a sudden panic rise inside of him. The colt took a step back, clutching the journal in his chest. The three fillies followed his gaze to see Princess Luna looking sternly down at them from a throne bearing the moon. She stood up and walked over to the steps leading down and stood before them some distance away.
“Did you really think you can best me? The one, true ruler of Equestria?” Luna challenged. Applebloom arched a brow.
“What are ya’ sayin’, princess?” She asked. Luna stomped her hooves fiercely that they echoed with a thunderous boom, causing the four to huddle together in fear.
“There can only be one princess in Equestria! And that princess… will be me!!” She roared. Lightning flashed outside the windows and a loud, thunderous crash shook the entire place. The circular window above the two thrones darkened as the moon eclipsed the sun. Luna began floating into the air as a dark, midnight mist began to surround her.
The four gasped. Sharp teeth a, cold stare slowly turning into a gleeful, unnerving sparkle. Coat as dark as the night. Ghost Pepper cowered behind the three fillies as the being began an escalating laugh, her flowing mane filling the room with a starry cloud.
“N-N-Nightmaremoon!” The three said in fearful unison. Nightmaremoon glowered at the four, her horn aiming at them. They huddled together as a beam of midnight sailed towards them. Time slowed. Ghost Pepper felt his panic rise even more. Fearfully watching as the beam got closer and closer. Then, as if a prayer has been answered, Princess Luna herself landed in front of them and unfurled her wings in a majestic manner of challenge. Time sped up and the beam bounced off of Luna’s barriers around them. Nightmaremoon looked on in shock.
Princess Luna aimed her own horn and a white, thin beam punctured Nightmaremoon, the being exclaiming her protests of anguish before popping in a bright flash of sparkling stars. The three fillies gave relieved sighs.
“Thanks, Luna!” Scootaloo said with a grateful smile. Luna turned to them and nodded before her eyes fell onto the cowering colt. She eyed him worriedly before smiling and extending a hoof to him. Ghost Pepper peeked out from his forehooves and looked up at the princess with awe.
“Let us return to the waking world.” She said. Ghost Pepper hesitated, extending his own hoof out towards her’s. When he held on, she brought the CMC in with her wings and closed her eyes. The world around them faded.
Princess Luna opened her eyes and smiled as she watched the three fillies stir from their own slumbers. Ghost Pepper stirred and blinked tiredly as he saw the many eyes on him. The other children had peeked their heads in.
Funnel stirred awake next to the colt and rubbed his head. Princess Luna gave the stallion an apologetic look.
“I am deeply sorry for mine sudden invasion. You have helped greatly.” She said. Funnel frowned and stood up.
“You should have let me pick the dream…” he mumbled. Ghost Pepper eyed the stallion with suspicion. Funnel dusted himself off. “Any other wants, your majesty?” There was a hint of sarcasm underneath his tone, but Luna shook her head and stood up.
“Tis all I have accomplished here. But may I ask to speak with the young one here privately?” Luna asked. She smiled at the three fillies. “With present company included.” Sweetie Bell yawned and rubbed her eyes.
“Sounds good.” She replied. Funnel continued to grumble, stepping around the princess. Ghost Pepper narrowed his eyes, seeing the glance Funnel made to an unaware Luna. Luna then looked to Alabaster, Merriweather and Palette.
“May I ask of thee children to wait outside? Tis will not be long.” She smiled kindly to them. Alabaster shot a stern look at the colt.
“Be on your best behavior, Pepper.” The filly said before hopping off of the bed and walking out the door with Merriweather glancing at her with concern while Palette followed with a small wave and smile to him. With the five now alone in the room, Luna put a hoof to her muzzle and aimed her horn at the door. Ghost Pepper eyed the princess curiously as Luna turned back around.
“Thy curiosity of thy playmates are to be expected. We need not worry about them for now.” Luna said. Applebloom rubbed her head in a confused manner.
“So… I don’ git what happened. All of that was a dream?” Luna nodded in response to the filly’s question. “You said Ghost Pepper could lead us out. Was that intended?” Luna sighed and looked sad before speaking.
“I am afraid that what you all saw was what happens when a pony buries memories. If the dreamer doesn’t want others to know, the cleanser will throw you back out.” Luna then looked to the colt, sternly. “Young one. Heed my warning. I’ve granted thee these gifts of lucid dreaming as a request for thine aid. A dark aura has fallen onto this orphanage and it has the will to do harm to everypony here.” The colt stiffened and began to shiver. The princess’s gaze never leaving him. She then smiled softly.
“Do not be afraid, for thy will not do this task alone. I have asked these three to aid thee. And I too shall lend my aid. There is a spell I must cast if we are to rid of this danger. Which is why I ask of thee to ensure the safety of thy playmates. Doing so will allow me to find the danger and banish it.” The young colt wasn’t sure how to process any of this. Luna’s stern gaze made him feel overwhelmed. So much so, that he glanced out the window. Imagining himself just bolting out and flying away, never to be seen again.
That option was much better than having to deal with all the stress and anxiety running through his head at the sheer thought of approaching the others in their dreams.
The shock on Mother Wisp’s face when she came back to see the Princess Luna stepping out of the orphanage made her drop the bags of groceries she had pulled from the wagon. Ghost Pepper peeked out nervously from behind the door as he watched the mare grovel before her, causing Luna to be quite overwhelmed by her.
Funnel was tending to the flower bed, but the colt noticed the gardener’s eyes glaring at Luna. Princess Luna had to wave a wing to dismiss Mother Wisp from groveling any longer before turning to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
“Applebloom. Sweetie Bell. Scootaloo. You three have an important task bestowed upon thee. One I can trust with thy care.” Luna smiled at them. The three nodded to each other happily. Scootaloo then rubbed her chin in thought.
“So… does that mean we can freely lucid dream to help Pepper?” She asked. Princess Luna nodded softly.
“While thy was in the dream, I’ve tethered each of thee to the child’s journal.” She looked between them, wanting to make it clear she was being serious on the matter. “Whenever the child falls asleep, the journal will record the events. Whatever task he completes will be written into thy own dreams as to keep thy selves up to date, as thou say.” Ghost Pepper ducked back behind the door, only a side of his face peeking out as the four looked back at him. Mother Wisp eyed the princess with worry.
“H-have I missed something?” Princess Luna looked over her shoulder to the mare and smiled kindly.
“I must apologize for mine sudden intrusion onto thy establishment. Please, allow me to explain mine presence.” She began. Ghost Pepper has never seen Mother Wisp so baffled before. Princess Luna had explained a half truth, leaving out the part that she has tasked one of the children for aid. Luna motioned to the three fillies as they introduced themselves properly. Mother Wisp glanced over to the partially hidden colt, the colt aware of the many presences behind him.
“I… I can’t help but feel honored, Princess. Wh-why yes! I think the children would love to have you as a chaperone for the adoption fair! I-if you will have us.” The mare bowed. Princess Luna softly chuckled and nodded.
“Tis would be a pleasure. But for now, I must return to Canterlot to handle mine own duties. Come, little ones. I’ll take thee home.” Princess Luna looked to the three fillies as the princess’s own chariot rolled up. Ghost Pepper gaped at the sight of the ponies pulling it. Midnight armor, bat like wings and dark, tuft coats. Ghost Pepper remembers one study session where Mother Wisp had explained the day and night shifts of Canterlot.
How the dawn guard aid Celestia and the dusk guards aid Luna. Rumor has been told that the guards who are granted with the highest rank of devotion to duty and honor under Princess Luna are blessed with the rite of the Nightmother. Batponies are a rare sight in Equestria, even though it has been confirmed that they live mostly in remote caverns as villages. But those who aren’t natural born batponies undergo a transformation that allows them to gain heightened senses to guard the night.
Ghost Pepper found the idea rather bizarre. Why would anypony want to undergo such a transformation? It seems counter intuitive and unnecessary since you are devoted to the protections of the thrones and Equestria’s safety. Applebloom knocked on the door a bit, startling the colt as she gave an apologetic smile.
“It was nice to properly meet you, Pepper. We’ll be sure to visit again when we can.” The colt’s ears dropped as anxiety kicked in.
‘Again?!’ Ghost Pepper shrunk back a little, leaving Applebloom to look to her friends in quizzical shrugging. Sweetie Bell smiled.
“Don’t worry, Pepper. We’ll prove ourselves that we can help you in your task!” She said a little excitedly. “After all, we are friends now!” Sweetie Bell expected the response. Ghost Pepper whimpered before he bolted past the others, the children questioning the action as Ghost Pepper closed his door and locked it, crawling under his bed and clutching the journal. He felt his breathing a little heavy.
‘They want to visit again?! I… I don’t want to do any of this! Why me?!’ He thought in panic. The colt shivered at the thought of all eyes looking upon him. The weight crashing down on him as he was unable to move. He shivered, terrified of the sudden pressure against his chest. There was a knock on his door.
"Pepper? Open the door." The voice of Mother Wisp said. Ghost Pepper crawled into the very corner under the bed and curled up, trying to quiet his heavy panting. Another knock. "It's very rude to run off without saying goodbye, you know. Open the door. We need to talk." The young colt didn't say anything. His mind repeatedly telling him not make even a squeak. The knocking became sharper. "Open the door, young colt. If you don't open this door now, I'll have to take your recess away." Outside, Mother Wisp sighed in frustration as she rubbed her muzzle. Today was a very unexpected day for her. She glanced to her right, seeing the other children watching her. Merriweather and Pallet exchanged glances while Alabaster trotted over and knocked on the door.
"Pepper. As the right hoof of the monitor, you need to do as Mother Wisp says. I told you to be on your best behavior around the princess." The filly frowned. Mother Wisp smiled softly before shooing the filly away.
"I appreciate the help dear. But that colt is stubborn when he hides. How about you all help me bake some apple pies and fritters today?" She said. The children began to perk up and chatted amongst themselves. Mother Wisp was hoping this would goad the child to come out. But hearing no sound on the other end, she could only slump and fulfill her activity idea with the remaining children. Alabaster narrowed her eyes at the door. As much as it irritated her, Alabaster would find a way to get the colt to fulfill his obligation to the princess. She wasn't sure why the princess of all ponies had taken a stark interest in the colt. However, she was not the only with that question. Ghost Pepper became the talk of the children as they baked with Mother Wisp. When Alabaster mentioned seeing the colt's scarf become extra limbs that stopped a strange phenomena, Mother Wisp couldn't help but find the idea to be rather imaginative of the filly. This was the first time Mother Wisp didn't believe Alabaster. And the filly did not appreciate being made a fool of that day.
Night fell and the orphanage was winding down. The children in their beds as Mother Wisp did one final walkthrough to ensure everypony was in their rooms. She stopped at Pepper's door and studied it. She gently knocked on the door.
"Pepper, dear? Are you in there?" she asked. This woke Pepper up. He had passed out under the bed. What was strange was that he hadn't dreamt of anything. Perhaps all his anxiety wouldn't allow him too. There was another knock and the slight jiggle of the handle. Ghost Pepper balked and kept quiet. "Pepper, please talk. At least let me know you are alive." The colt darted his eyes before tenderly tapping his hind hoof against the wall. Mother Wisp's ears flicked and she gave a relieved slump. He must have been in bed all day. The mare furrowed her look. "Pepper, in the morning, would you like a piece of apple pie or fritter? We've all worked hard to make it. At least eat something before I have Funnel buck down the door to pull you out." Pepper silently thought to himself. He hadn't eaten all day and he certainly was hungry.
The colt listened as the sound of Mother Wisp's hooves stepped further and further away. "Goodnight, children!" Mother Wisp called out.
"Goodnight, Mother Wisp!" the children said in unison from their rooms. The orphanage then fell quiet. Pepper could hear the grandfather clock down the hall ticking each second as the night progressed. He heard his stomach growl. The colt rubbed his stomach and sighed softly. There would be no way he was sleeping on an empty stomach. Perhaps he can grab a quick snack. The colt quietly crawled out from under the bed and unlocked his door, peeking out from behind. Looking both ways, he could see a couple of candle lights from some of the rooms. But there was not a single sound made, save for the grandfather clock. The colt held his journal under his wing closely and crept along the ground as he made his way to the kitchen. When he arrived, he looked up at the counter. The sink was full of baking utensils. The floor recently cleaned. He spotted the apple fritters and pies lining the other side of the counter. He licked his lips as the tantalizing food sparkled in the moonlight. He had thought about it, but then the image of a stern looking Mother Wisp berating him for grabbing a bite early froze him in his spot. His stomach growled and he sighed.
He'd rather not get in trouble. Perhaps, some left over apples? He quietly opened the pantree, seeing that it was stocked with baking ingredients. Mother Wisp is smart. She hid the usual snacks in the higher shelves and cabinets so the children wouldn't get at them. Again, Pepper didn't want to get in trouble for making noise with his wings. He frowned before an idea came to his mind. The shed! Applejack and the Cutie-Mark Crusaders had stuffed a delivery of apples in the shed. He quietly crept out of the kitchen and towards the front door. He frowned as carefully dragged the stool against the wall. Climbing up, he opened the door and put the chair back as to hopefully not ensure no pony knew somepony was creeping around. He closed the door just enough to where he could just push it open as he softly trotted down the steps and over to the shed. The cool, night breeze blew past him. Something about a nightly walk seemed pleasing. He trotted softly over to the shed and looked up to see it, to his chagrin, that it was locked.
Swearing quietly under his breath, he looked around. Maybe there was another way in? He was outside, so he might be able to hover at least. The colt held his journal with his hooves as he flapped his wings and peeked through the window of the shed. He gave it a slight tap and frowned. He floated to the other side. With his ways no longer open, he sighed and landed on the ground. The colt walked around to the front of the shed, only to quickly leap back and crouch, peeking out as he saw a wagon riding up and parking across the street. Funnel spat on the ground as he unlatched the wagon. He trotted around and opened the door for two familiar ponies.
Pickle Rind and Shanty stepped out. Shanty was wearing a tan coat and a cap to cover her mane. Pickle wore his brown business suite, reaching into his pocket and checking a pocket watch.
"We better make this quick. If this place has caught the attention of Princess Luna, it's only a matter of time before things start to gain too much attention." Pickle grumbled. Shanty scoffed and whipped out a flashlight.
"Told you he is unreliable. Spent two years digging dirt in a garden rather than a grave." She frowned. Funnel reached into the back of the wagon and pulled out shovels, tossing one to Shanty, who let it drop.
"Then perhaps you can give your back a rest and work those magic hooves stallions keep talking about." Funnel glowered. Shanty looked at the stallion in disgust.
"Can we stab him and leave him in the grave?" Shanty asked Pickle without so much as looking at the stallion.
"Shut up, you blabbering idiots! The night is still young. Funnel, you've seen where Weiss buried the casket?" Pickle asked. Funnel shouldered the shovel and nodded.
"This way." He spoke. The three began to trot around the side of the orphanage. The young colt eyed the three. Curiosity was getting to him. He asked himself the same question. What would Sherclop do? Pepper nodded to himself quietly, scampering out of cover and keeping quiet and low as he crawled quickly to where the trio had disappeared to. When he peeked around the corner, he saw the beam of the flashlight heading out into the field. He stayed a good distance away as he followed the trio down the field for a good three minutes before they turned down a pathway leading towards a small patch of woodland. Pepper froze and looked around. There was no where for him to really take cover. He then blinked, looking down at his hooves to see a shadow of clouds brisk past him.
He looked up and beamed. He took ahold of his journal again and took off into the sky, disappearing into the cloud and poking his head out from the top. He found it a little fun to be on a cloud. In fact, this was the first time he's actually been on one. Most pegasi originate from Cloudsdale. But Pepper only ever heard of what it is like there. Yet, seeing Rainbow Dash bust clouds in Ponyville before, he nodded to himself. He carefully positioned himself behind the cloud and pushed with his shoulder, grunting a bit as the cloud was a bit heavy for him.
When the cloud was just above the patch, then pushed it a little lower so he could hear the trio, who were already at work at digging. Pickle held the flashlight this time while Shanty and Funnel dug. Pepper buried himself in the cloud and peeked out enough to keep himself covered.
"...The old fool had it coming." Pickle spoke. Funnel sighed as he tossed dirt behind him.
"The royal army isn't for everypony. Sucks what happened, but you gotta' respect a pony for chasing the dream." He said. Shanty smirked slyly at Funnel as she as well tossed dirt behind her.
"Pot meet kettle." Funnel glared at her.
"And what about you? Huh? Mrs. Stock, baroness of the Stock family name. Widow of the late Shirly Stock. Inheritor to her family's and playpony's top model! Oh yeah, you are living the dream alright. From top of the world to the bottom of stallions." Shanty stabbed her shovel into the ground and snarled at Funnel.
"Keep believing lies all you like, traitor! At least I didn't run away and faced my difficulties proudly!" Funnel tossed his shovel down and got into the pony's face.
"Keep running the mouth and you'll find your teeth being added to the casket!" He shot back. Pickle groaned and kicked dirt at both of them.
"The night is still young! Funnel, you are very adamant on Shanty's troubling time in her life. We all have our darkest lows. Mine was being a butler to one of the Riches's distant family members in Manehatten. Just an awful pair. Shanty had it easy. But she is right, traitor. We didn't run from our problems. Only made it a better opportunity." His eyes glinted as Funnel growled at Pickle. "We continue to serve our Equestria. Hehe, well, if I didn't know better, I'm surprised you didn't just shit yourself while the Princess Luna was in town. Worried she would figure out you betrayed their faith?" Funnel roughly picked up the shovel and began digging furiously, tossing big chunks of dirt out.
"You high society ponies make me sick. I don't give a damn about the Princesses's faiths. I'll shove it down their throats if I have to! No way I'm serving a bunch of cold-hearted tyrants!" He snapped. "What they did to Weiss was sickening." He had hit something hard and tossed aside the shovel, leaning down and brushing away the dirt. The colt tilted his head at the conversation. Tyrants? The princesses? But the children had been told nothing but good things about them. Even Mother Wisp made it clear that the decisions the two sisters have made in their upbringing have been less black and white than most think. The history books have recorded them so. The colt narrowed his eyes. These ponies definitely were not right, that much he knew. But Funnel has been working at the orphanage for as long as he could remember. Yet, why is it only sounding like he recently had met these ponies?
Funnel pulled back and dusted his hooves off his shirt. Pickle shined the flashlight over a wooden casket buried into the earth. Shanty sighed and shrugged.
"This'll have to tide our client over. Until you can stop tending to Mother Wisp's gardens and find that nanny's inheritance will, we'll continue to monitor this hick village from getting any wiser. Which is going to be a lot more difficult now that the Princess Luna has taken an interest in one of the brats here." She snarled. Funnel sat down on his haunches and rubbed his muzzle.
"It's not my fault. Don't know what the alicorn saw in that squirt. Colt hardly talks and is always getting pestered by his own playmates. He even wet himself at the mere sight of seeing the princess and even bolting to his room just to avoid any social interactions." He snorted. "Yet, apparently, the kid has the ability to lucid dream freely. If you even call it that invasion of privacy." Shanty pointed at Funnel.
"It shouldn't matter. He's just a brat. Nopony believes him anyway. Should be stealing candy from a filly." Shanty grinned smugly. Pickle pulled out his pocket watch and clicked his tongue.
"Let's get what we came here for and get out." Pickle suggested. Shanty hummed and rubbed her chin.
"Hold on... that gives me an idea..." Shanty smirked. She looked to Pickle. "Do you two even know what lucid dreaming is?" Pickle sighed and rubbed his muzzle as Funnel began hacking away at the casket with the shovel.
"Since we clearly have time to waste, I'll humor you. No, I don't know." Pickle said. Shanty leaned coolly against the shovel.
"It's a form of dreaming that allows one to take control of their dreams. Usually, if the pony is aware they are in one, they can do whatever they want freely." She then glanced at Funnel. "You even mentioned that Luna gave the colt a journal that allows him to record dreams he goes into?" Shanty motioned with a hoof. "What if we get the colt to lucid dream into the nanny's dream? Perhaps he can record where the blasted bitch keeps her inheritance will." Pickle raised a curious brow. Funnel slowed his pace. As if the dawning realization of the idea hit him like a wagon. Ghost Pepper shrunk back, his anxiety beginning to rise. Shanty grinned smugly. "Somepony is more than just a 'mare down on her luck'." She glanced slyly at Funnel. Funnel snarled and hacked at the casket. Pickle tapped his hoof as he glanced at his pocket watch.
"You and I will need to go over that plan a bit more. For now, let's speed things up. Come on. Night is-"
"Still young." Both Funnel and Shanty said in annoyed unison. Funnel broke through the casket and ripped open the hole. Pepper gasped, quickly covering his mouth as Pickle looked up and scanned the skies at the sound. He narrowed his eyes at the cloud before looking back to the two. A skeletal pony in a decayed, blue dress grinned back at the trio as Funnel reached in and yanked the jewelry from the pony. He tossed it to Pickle, who caught it and held it up to examine it. Shanty ripped the peal necklace from the skeleton and snorted.
"Mrs. Marigold is such a nice mare to give away her riches to ponies in need." She smirked at the skeleton. "Thanks, ya' old bitch. Give my regards to my father in Tartarus." Funnel took a golden tooth out of the skeletal grin and tossed it over to Pickle, who once again, caught it and wrapped it up in a hoofkerchief and pocketing it. Shanty was helped out of the hole by Pickle, the former dusting herself off before looking back at Funnel, who was looking up at the two miserably. Shanty grinned and waved a lazy hoof at him. "Don't look so down, Funnel. You want out? You better get your hooves deeper than a flower garden. Or out of one. You'll be doing Mother Wisp a favor that way." Funnel growled. Pickle turned and nodded to Funnel.
"See you at the old pub, sport. Give the late Mrs. Marigold my regards." And with that, the two trotted back over the field, leaving Funnel to stare down at the skeletal remains of Mrs. Marigold. Ghost Pepper had no idea Mrs. Marigold, one of Mother Wisp's old friends, had passed away. He vaguely remembers the mare coming over and helping out around the orphanage. It wasn't clear what happened, but Mother Wisp had cried int he same way for Weiss. The colt continued to find this confusing. Why does it matter to her? There was the sound of a growl and the colt shrunk back into the cloud as Funnel looked up and scanned the sky. He stood up and gave one final look at the remains.
"Hmph." Was all he said before he spent the next ten minutes reburying the mare, trotting over the field when he was done. Ghost Pepper looked horrified. What was going on? Why the cloak and daggers? The colt peeked out from the cloud again, watching the stallion reach the shed and unlocking it. Stuffing the tools inside, he closed the door and locked it before heading inside the orphanage. Ghost Pepper took off from his cloud and descended carefully to his window room. He opened his window and floated in before closing it. He sighed and turned to his bed. He wasn't sure exactly what was going on. But that night, the colt wasn't able to sleep. The constant image of the skeletal grin of the pony kept popping back in his head.
The next morning at breakfast, the children and Mother Wisp eyed Ghost Pepper, who looked out of it. Bags under his eyes and looking miserable than ever. She didn't show it so much, but the nanny was worried about the colt. He looked pale and sickly. She cleared her throat.
"Pepper? Can you please finish your fritter and pie?" She asked. The colt tiredly blinked and stared at his plate. His stomach growled and the colt gave in. He buried his muzzle into the pie and began eating it inside before working on eating the crust. Newfound energy flowed through the colt as he hungrily dug in. The ponies watched with stark awe as the colt ate his breakfast, the colt only stopping to drink his water before continuing. With a full belly and a satisfied smile, the colt then found tiredness catching up to him and his head drooped down onto the table, banging his head against the table slightly before quietly snoozing. Alabaster grumbled as the other children began whispering amongst themselves. Mother Wisp finally caved and her look showed worry. She trotted over to the table and shook the colt gently. He groaned and blinked tiredly. He then shot up when he saw Mother Wisp over him and straightened himself, something he did when he knew he was in trouble with Mother Wisp.
"Pepper. Are you feeling alright?" The nanny asked. Pepper didn't say anything. He was still certain he was in trouble in some way. As if a strange, divine intervention, Funnel walked in and cleared his throat.
"Mother Wisp. We have some more visitors. The Princess of Friendship this time." He said. Pepper shrunk back in his seat, his eyes staring horrified at Funnel. The stallion narrowed his eyes at the colt. He didn't think much of it. The colt was skittish. It still didn't help that Princess Luna saw something in this child that rubbed Funnel the wrong way. Mother Wisp tilted her head.
"What is it this time?" She asked with a slight bit of annoyance. All this attention was starting to build up stress on the nanny. The two trotted out of the room, leaving the kids to whisper and look out the window.
"The Princess of Friendship?!" Tea Stout gasped as she stared out the window with Pallet and two other fillies. Merriweather tapped Alabaster on the shoulder.
"A-Alabaster? Can we go see them?" She asked meekly. Alabaster blinked and looked at her. Pepper took the moment of distraction to creep out of the room without anypony noticing. Is what he thought. Alabaster stood up, pointing at Pepper.
"Thinking about seeing the Princess of Friendship, Pepper? Not on my watch." She said sternly as the colt froze in place. Merriweather beamed. The other children began to file out of the room, bringing the unfortunate colt along. Alabaster held out a hoof to Merriweather and smiled. "That's better." The two followed after the crowd and began to walk out of the orphanage, remaining on the porch as they oohed and ahhed at the sight of six ponies. The children recognized Pinkie Pie, who was waving excitedly at the children. The white pony with the beautiful mane and fashionable aura would be Rarity, as the colt remembers. Then there was Applejack. A yellow coated and shy looking pegasus with a long pink mane smiled at the children. Pepper narrowed his eyes. Fluttershy was the name of the pony. He then noticed a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane hovering over the others. Of course, everypony knew Rainbow Dash. And the last, who was talking to Mother Wisp and Funnel, a lavender coated alicorn mare with a purple highlighted mane, looked past the two and smiled.
Mother Wisp and Funnel looked back and the nanny waved a hoof.
"Go back inside, children. I'll be with you all shortly." She said. The kids couldn't hold their excitement. They rushed down and began chattering as they crowded the six. Ghost Pepper remained on the porch, thinking about retreating back into the orphanage, only to be stopped by Alabaster eyeing the colt stoically from the door. He winced as Merriweather pushed past Alabaster and him to canter over to the six.
"Where do you think you are going?" Alabaster asked, staring down the colt. The colt shivered, but he gulped and stood his ground.
"G-g-going back in the orphanage like Mother Wisp said." He stuttered. Alabaster shook her head.
"Why aren't you joining the rest? We'll just only end up doing some chores after this." She frowned. "Which reminds me. Don't you have a duty to handle with Princess Luna's request? Did you even carry it out last night?" She narrowed her eyes questioningly at him. Pepper kicked the porch softly and bowed his head. Alabaster nodded. "Fulfilling a request from the Princess should be of your highest priority. Yet, you completely disregarded it. You are a very rude colt. I'm almost inclined for you to go to Canterlot and apologize to her." Pepper was baffled by this. Why does it matter so much to Alabaster? He shook his head.
"W-w-we aren't allowed past the oak tree..." He muttered. Alabaster leaned in.
"Come again?" Pepper sighed before repeating himself. Alabaster scoffed. "That didn't seem to stop you last night." Pepper stiffened and looked at her with surprise. Alabaster leaned against the door coolly. "I happened to have stepped out to use the washroom when I saw you disappearing around the corner." This was true. She had just seen the colt's scarf flutter around the corner. She had followed out of sight, seeing the colt scrounge the kitchen. She wanted to bust him for taking the apple pies and fritters they made, but seeing as the colt didn't do so frustrated the mare. When she followed him outside, she had to stop and hide in a bush as the colt began trailing three ponies in the far-off distance. She wanted to follow, but seeing the field held no cover, she waited until the colt came back through his window. Pepper then looked over his shoulder towards Funnel and then quickly pushed Alabaster back into the house softly, causing her question the colt. "What do you think you are doing?"
The colt held up a hoof to his muzzle and closed the door just slightly. Making sure the coast is clear, he sighed and rubbed his foreleg. Alabaster maybe a tormentor to him. But seeing as she had tried to stand up for him back in Ponyville, he could at least hint something is wrong.
"I... I don't think Funnel is a good pony." He said. Alabaster arched a skeptical brow.
"Considering he's been a godsend to the nanny. I hardly doubt that." She said. Pepper bowed his head. It was an expected response. But the colt looked her in the eyes.
"I... do you remember Mrs. Marigold?" He asked. Alabaster studied the colt before shaking her head.
"I remember some of our playmates talking about her. But I wasn't around during that time. Why do you bring that up?" She replied. Pepper winced and looked towards the door. He then leaned in and whispered.
"Funnel robbed her in her grave." He said. Alabaster's expression frowned.
"You must be so sleep deprived that you think there is a graveyard around here." Pepper shook his head in response.
"You'd think that, but from what I saw... she is buried out in the field in a patch of woodlands. I... I don't know why she's buried out there but..." Alabaster narrowed her eyes at the colt as he suddenly gave a terrified look. "I... I think they want to use me to hurt Mother Wisp." Alabaster then began laughing. Pepper slumped in defeat. She had to support herself against the wall.
"You? Hahaha! Why would they want to use you? Hehehe! As if you have any use to harm anypony." She wiped a tear from her eye. Pepper frowned. He tried. That's all he can really tell himself. He then stiffened as he watched Funnel walk in and stare down at the two. Alabaster took a moment to gather herself before she smiled up at Funnel and waved at him. "Hello, Mr. Funnel. You wouldn't believe the joke Pepper here told me." She snickered. Funnel remained stoic, but he arched a suspicious brow at the colt.
"You can tell jokes now." He stated in a non-questioning manner. Pepper looked horrified. He was about to bolt when Funnel reached down and bit on his scarf, pulling him around and nudging him out the door. "You are being asked about, kid. Don't be rude." Pepper froze, but Funnel pushed the colt across the porch and over to the crowd. Funnel nodded. "This is Ghost Pepper." He said to them. Pepper shivered and looked on in horror as all eyes focused on him. He started to feel his breathing heavy and his ears began ringing. A wild sense of vertigo overcame him. He looked to see the alicorn smile and say something to him. The world was beginning to get greyer and greyer. The look of worry then spread across her face as Ghost Pepper reeled forward, clutching his chest and breathing heavily. The ringing wouldn't stop. Why must the world torment him so much? What has he ever done to deserve this kind of hell? No pony seemed to raise a hoof to help.
Soon, the world began to blur and fade. And before the colt knew it, the world melted to black.
Princess Luna was pacing at the foot of her's and her sister's throne. Celestia watched amusedly as Luna spouted her fears and worries.
"I worry so much about the state of that colt's mind. It's been deteriorating more and more. What's worse is that he didn't dream a single dream last night. Something must have happened. I just know it." Luna grumbled. Celestia hummed softly before addressing her sister.
"Luna? Do you want to discuss the matter more? We have time before the representatives of Dodge City and Manehatten show up." She stated. Luna stopped and looked towards the regal alicorn, who had finally stood and began walking towards her. Luna sighed.
"Doth thou remember the colt I mentioned at the orphanage?" She asked. Celestia nodded as she reached her sister. "As the Princess of the Night. It is my duty to ensure the safety of our subjects while they sleep. Yet... I've noticed that the plane has began to... shimmer? As if it is calling out for help." She looked worriedly at Celestia. "I've followed the trail and found a crack. A young colt's psyche. From it, a dark aura has been spewing out and infecting other dreams. I've... tried my best to triangulate the source, but this is more than the Tantabus. It is not of my creation." She sat on her haunches and sighed frustratedly, rubbing her muzzle. "I've worked tirelessly. I need the child's help. But he cannot seem to find a moments peace to himself." Celestia looked worriedly at her sister.
"Is there anything I can do to help? I... know I cannot help you in the dream realm. But I will do my best to ensure that you fulfill your own duty to this child. What is his name?" She asked. Luna tapped her hoof worriedly.
"His playmates call him Pepper. He's rather... skittish. But I have seen his dreams. He's not normally like that. He's a very bright and imaginative young one. He's even quite the little helper without asking. But that light seemed to have faded." Luna then furrowed her look. There was whispering in her mind. Celestia looked worriedly at Luna, about to ask what was wrong when Luna's eyes began to glow. Her horn being traced through the grooves.
Luna found herself having to recover from tumbling through the sky. She looked around as she floated in the air. This was strange for the princess. Never has she been forced into a dream. She gasped as the night sky started to ripple and shimmer. She looked around again, seeing the orphanage below her. She floated down, sensing she was being called to a window. When she leveled with the window, she balked, seeing Ghost Pepper laying on his back in the bed. Gripping the sheets and looking horrified as distorted, mass of shadows surrounded him. These creatures... they aren't normal nightmares she could combat. These are the very creations of the dream realm. Luna had to try something. She spun around and bucked open the open, causing the shadow creatures to shudder and bob around the room. Floating in, she trotted over to the colt, ignoring the threatening whispers around the room.
Ghost Pepper was breathing heavily, his eyes darting in panic. Luna closed her eyes and unfurled her wings, throwing out a barrier that pushed the creatures back into a corner of a room. She has to make this quick. She looked back to the colt and began to pet his head, smiling.
"At ease, young one. I am here." She said soothingly. Ghost Pepper had tears in his eyes as he managed to shut them and began to calm his breathing. Luna glanced challengingly to the shadow blobs bouncing in the corner. "Pepper, listen to me very carefully. If you are to break free of these creatures, you must do as I say. Close your eyes. Calm your breathing. And push with your mind. Push against the presence. It cannot harm you. It cannot have power over you. You are in control. Push the darkness back. Will it if you must so." The colt steadied his breathing, doing as the princess told him. As the colt began to will himself to push the heavy presence off of him, the shadow blobs in the room began to fade. The colt glowed as an in-equine screech shook the place. Pepper shot open his eyes in fear, but Luna shushed soothingly and pet the colt in a motherly way. She even began to hum a small lullaby.
Pepper found himself relaxing now, whimpering, but steady. He pushed again, glowing brightly as the shadows began to fade back to where they came from. The area around her began to ripple and shimmer again. Luna felt something pulling her back. Fighting it just a bit longer, she leaned over the colt and put her horn to his head.
"Sleep easily, child. I will return when you require aid once more. Remember, these creatures cannot harm you if you remain calm and push them aside. You are not alone either. The gifts I gave you will help you avoid them entirely. Remember this." Luna felt herself being pulled back as the area began to fade. Yet the colt had a peaceful look on his expression before fading away. Luna found herself back in the throne room, a concerned sister eyeing her.
"Luna?" She asked worriedly. Luna shook her head and rubbed it.
"It's... worse than I thought. It appears the dream realm is wanting to rid itself of the crack that it began to make creatures to haunt the poor child." She then looked sternly up at her sister. "Celestia, if this keeps going, more than the dream realm will be in trouble. I... I have to stop this. The spell isn't ready yet." Celestia gave an understanding nod.
"Do what you must, sister. I will aid as best as I can." There was a small pop and a scroll fell at their feet. Celestia took it in her magic and unrolled it.
Dear Princess Celestia. We would ask to begin an investigation into the Honeywood Orphanage on the outskirts of Ponyville. There is something I can't help but find off about the area. I'll keep you updated with anymore info as we progress. Yours, Twilight Sparkle.
Celestia smiled softly before turning to Luna.
"I have full faith in you, sister. Please, be careful on your way to the orphanage. Do not worry about attending today's meeting." Luna smiled kindly at her sister before hugging her.
"I'll let you know what I find into my own investigation." She said before trotting off down the two heavy doors that opened as two ponies in well-dressed business attire walked in. Luna excused herself around them, heading out to the balcony. She tossed on her hooded cloak and nodded to the two royal guards who quickly latched themselves to the chariot. As they soared across the sky, Luna tapped her hoof impatiently. She needs to act fast. Or else, the colt might end up more than broken by the dream realm.
The young colt found himself swinging on a tire swing. Rather, he was in a place he wasn't familiar with. Yet, the colt non-chalantly swung. Next to the tree he swung on was a yellow cottage. The chimney smoked high above of a newly lit fire. On the porch of a cottage sat a pretty, violet mare with ruby eyes and chestnut mane. She wore a purple dress with a pearl necklace around her neck. She was on a swinging bench, looking fondly out into the distant field. It was a nice overcast day. The angel rays making this quite a moment that even Pallet would stop to draw. Pepper blinked as he stopped swinging, seeing an approaching wagon. The mare smiled and stood up, walking down the dirt path to meet the wagon. Pepper watched as three ponies funneled out. A stallion earth pony in grey coat and royal blue mane with emerald eyes, dressed in a brown trench coat, smiled as he hugged the mare that threw herself on him. The other ponies, a young but familiar looking earth pony mare. Rustic color and a silver mane. She wore a bright green sundress and seemed be a little plump in the belly area. A young earth pony colt then pushed his way past her and over to Pepper. The colt balked and quickly hurried off the swing, dodging just in time as the colt laughed and threw himself into the tire swing. His brown mane and cream and caramel, two toned coat matched the happy personality of the child. His sunflower eyes sparkling brightly.
Pepper tilted his head before looking over to the grown-ups. The mare laughed at something the other mare said as the stallion put a foreleg around her.
"It's great to see you two!" The violet mare smiled. The rustic mare gave a bashful hoof wiggle.
"Please. If I had known you recommended such a lovely place earlier, we would have come sooner. I can already tell River is going to love it here." She said. The mare nodded.
"And I am more than proud to be a neighbor. Has the move been easy?" She asked. The stallion spoke.
"So far so good. It's going to take some time, but I think it was the right call. Need more open space for the little one and our new member of the family." He said, giving a soft kiss on the rustic mare's head. The latter rubbed her belly softly.
"We still have yet to come up with a name." She said. The violet mare hummed.
"What about Sunflower Wisp? During the summertime, this field is full of sunflowers." she suggested. The rustic mare beamed and looked to the stallion.
"I think that sounds perfect! After all, we did move from the riverbank! It's only seems like fate would have us name him in a manner. River and Sunflower Wisp..." The mare seemed to glow at the idea. Pepper blinked and looked down to his side when he heard the sound of a thud. The plain, leatherbound journal lay at his hooves. He sat on his haunches and opened the book.
I can't remember the last time I was so happy with a move. I came from a rich household, so imagine my surprise when my dear friend recommended me to move to Ponyville. The outskirts are quite breath taking. I knew our family would be happy here. We bought out a cottage about a mile down from Mrs. Marigold. It will require a lot of work, but nothing my husband, Light Wisp, couldn't handle. I've never been more satisfied with a move. A peaceful, quiet scene away from all the hoity toity elites in Dodge City.
Pepper looked up and watched as the three spoke happily with each other.
"You know, I really did like it here." A voice said, causing the colt to drop his journal and spun around quickly in surprise. The young colt on the tire swing slipped out and began to walk over to the tree. He stuck his tongue out as he began to climb it. "A lot of open space for me to play in. Couldn't you have imagined it? I could have thought of a lot of things! And I did! A king! And the field my land!" The colt smiled down at Pepper. "Hey! You could be my loyal knight! To serve your king and protect my land! To save the princess and slay the dragon! I think you'd make a great knight!" Pepper looked on in awe as the pony sat on a branch and chuckled. "Why the long face? This shouldn't surprise you at all. I'm showing you this dream after all." The area around them began to ripple and Ghost Pepper flinched as they found themselves in the orphanage. Only... things were different. It was much more... homey. The wallpaper had cute flowers that weren't peeling off. The wooden floors neatly varnished and smooth. It was as if the place had been recently built.
The colt that was once on the tree, poked his head out from around the kitchen doorway, waving to Pepper before ducking back in. Pepper tilted his head before cautiously following the colt. He poked his head around the corner and he could see the colt on a stool and stirring a whisk into a bowl. The rustic mare, looking a bit more plump than last time, hummed a tune as she cut some carrots. The mare looked over her shoulder and smiled.
"How's the batter coming along, River?" She asked. The colt had his tongue out in concentration, stirring just a bit longer before smiling and showing his mother.
"Look! I did it exactly how you would!" He beamed. The mare giggled and walked over to the colt, petting his head proudly.
"Good job! Are you ready to use the cutters?" She asked. The colt beamed and looked over to Pepper.
"Can't my new friend help?" He asked. The mare looked over and her eyes fell on Pepper. Yet, she seemed a little confused at the proposition before her look turned to recognition. She then smiled and nodded.
"Of course! What is your friend's name?" She asked. He happily rested his head on his forehooves against the counter.
"Ghost Pepper! He's my knight! And I'm the king!" He grinned. The mare giggled.
"My, sounds like the king has gotten himself a stalwart ally! What kind of feats has he made?" She asked. River blinked.
"Err... nothing yet. But, I know he can do some amazing things!" He chuckled. The mare nodded and poured the batter on the pan, flattening it with a roller.
"Such a bright, imaginative mind! You both don't cause too much trouble for Light." She said. "Speaking of. Where is that stallion? He's supposed to be back from work." She looked out the window and smiled as she saw the wagon pull up. "There! Right on cue!" The mare turned to River. "Keeping flattening the dough batter and I'll be right back, dear." She said before trotting happily out of the kitchen. Ghost Pepper wasn't sure what to make of everything he witnessed, but he looked to see River smile at him.
"Mom doesn't think you're real. But that's okay. I would have myself a new playmate very soon!" He said excitedly. The area rippled around them and Pepper found himself sitting outside an ER room with River next to him. They watched as the stallion trotted back and forth in a pace, looking grizzled and worried. Pepper tilted his head quizzically. River smiled. "Dad was really worried. And he had every right to be." River watched his dad pace before there was a sudden cry of protest from inside the room. He gasped and rushed over to the door, opening it.
"Amber?" He asked. Pepper peeked around the stallion, seeing plenty of ponies around a screaming rustic mare. Two nurses began to push the stallion to the side, preventing him from entering. "No! I need to see my wife! What's going on!?" He cried out. A shrill cry from the mare came from the room as the doctor and nurse ponies crowded around an area, seemingly in a rush over whatever was happening. River bowed his head sadly. Now that the colt noticed, River was holding onto a small gift. On the tag read:
From big brother To little borther
River's dad was arguing with the nurses as everything began to drone around the colt. Pepper looked worriedly at the colt.
"Why did it have to be this way? I could never understand why. No matter how many times the question ran through my head. It always was the same." River looked ahead sadly and the colt followed his gaze. A doctor had stepped out and confronted the stallion. The stallion then gave a pain-stricken expression and sat on his haunches, his eyes tearing up as he then, what the colt would imagine, a guttural cry of anguish. The doctors and nurses looking solemn and grim. The area rippled around them and Pepper found himself sitting on a stool next to a hospital bed. River sat on the bed, an IV stand at his bedside as well as plenty of tubes hooked up to him. He held the leather-bound journal in his hooves, looking up and smiling at him. "This is a pretty neat book. You should really hold on to it. You never know when the brave knight needs to save his kingdom."
Pepper took the book as River held it out to him. The journal opened to a page:
River seemed to be managing quite well. Yet, I couldn't help but still worry that something might go wrong. I'll do everything I can to ensure he is quite comfortable. His birthday is today and my husband and I had quite the surprise for him. I hope he'll like it.
The area began to ripple again. River sighed and looked at Pepper with a small smile.
"Seems you are wanted back in the real world. Take care, Pepper. I always cherished our friendship." The colt then laid on the bed and closed his eyes. The last thing the colt heard was the steady, droning sound of the heart monitor. A straight line from one side of the screen to the other.
~~~oooOOOooo~~~
Pepper opened his eyes, groaning tiredly.
"Hey, I think he's coming to!" A muffled voice stated. Pepper shifted his head slightly, seeing his room crowded with ponies. The Princess of Friendship and her friends, Mother Wisp and Funnel. The kids were peeking in from outside, only to have the door closed gently by Fluttershy.
"Oh, thank goodness you are awake." Fluttershy stated.
"Are ya' alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asked the colt worriedly. His eyes then fell to Mother Wisp, who looked distraught. Seeing as the colt was looking at her, Mother Wisp gave a relieved, quiet sigh. Rarity put a hoof against the colt's head and hummed.
"Well, it isn't a fever." She said before smiling at the colt. "You gave us quite a scare, dear." Pepper sat up in the bed and rubbed his muzzle. His head was pounding. Twilight walked over, putting a hoof to her chest.
"It's good to see that you look fine. Though, just to be sure." She closed her eyes and put her horn to his forehead. Pepper felt his pounding head start to clear and his slightly pain stricken face softened. Twilight pulled away and nodded. "Now then. Are you okay to talk?" She asked. Pepper didn't say anything. All these ponies in his room is strange to him. In fact, he was missing the quiet comfort of his lonely room. Pepper studied the alicorn. She smiled as Pepper softly nodded. "I've heard from Princess Celestia herself about the concerns of Princess Luna regarding this orphanage." Mother Wisp balked and stood up.
"C-concerns?" She quickly stated. Twilight waved a hoof at the nanny.
"Nothing negative. It's more of a... well... magical matter." She responded. There was no real way to describe the feeling of this orphanage. But it kept sending red flags for her. "I've also heard from Applejack that Luna had recently visited, requesting the aid of Applebloom, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo. Would you mind explaining to me on what happened during that time?" Funnel snorted.
"An invasion of privacy. The princess thinks this colt has a special talent. To go into pony's personal dreams and able to walk around freely." He stated. Twilight furrowed her look.
"Lucid dreaming?" She questioned, more to herself. Pinkie Pie, bouncing in place, tilted her head.
"What's that?" She asked. Twilight explained to the group the very definition of lucid dreaming. How it can be an open plane of existence that. Something that they all had dealt with before with Princess Luna and the Tantabus. Rainbow Dash smiled and crossed her forelegs over her chest.
"Heh, so that is lucid dreaming? I thought it was Luna just allowing us with her own magic." She said. Twilight shook her head softly.
"Princess Luna can force ponies into a lucid dreaming state in order to communicate with them. But doing it naturally is something entirely different. Only a few accounts of ponies lucid dreaming have been documented." She looked to Pepper with concern. "If Pepper here ends up doing it wrong, I don't know what would happen, but it would have a massive consequence on his psyche." Pepper looked horrified and began to shiver. Twilight realized what she had said and gave a nervous smile and wave of her hoof. "B-but that's all just theory talking. No real harm has ever happened to anypony that has messed up lucid dreaming." She hoped it would reassure the colt, but it seemed to not work. Mother Wisp shook her head.
"This... is all so much for a young child. Princess Luna and now the Princess of Friendship? What on earth is going on here? Why is this child so special to be burdened with so much?" This was frustrating for the nanny. Ghost Pepper never does well under pressure. Even with the change in behavior. She was at a loss as to how to handle this. Never once did any of the children give her so much stress before. But Pepper glanced at the nanny, knowing otherwise. Funnel sighed.
"So... what now? Are you going to whisk him away on some grand magical adventure to save the world?" He frowned. Twilight shook her head.
"We are not inclined to borrow anypony from anywhere. If Peper wants to join, we would be glad to help him, but it's all his choice in the end."
"No!" Pepper shouted. All eyes focused on him and he shrunk back into the corner of his bed. "N-no! I-I can't..." He wasn't sure what compelled him to say this so suddenly. It must have been instinct. But thinking about it more, Pepper knew why. He had kept asking himself, what would Sherclop do? He wouldn't back out from an investigation. Pepper shook his head. "Th-there's something... something I have to do here. Err... I mean..." He whimpered as the six began to smile.
"It's alright, dear. You can tell us." Rarity nodded kindly. Pepper immediately shook his head. No pony would believe him. Mother Wisp sighed and rubbed her muzzle.
"I must admit, this has all been so tiring. And I am afraid visiting hours are up. The child needs rest and he cannot do so with a full room." She frowned. Twilight hummed before nodding softly to the nanny.
"That sounds reasonable. After what happened, we need to ensure we have all the facts." She smiled at Mother Wisp. "You wouldn't mind us doing a quick search around the property?" Funnel immediately shook his head.
"Don't think about it. Nothing out here but coyotes." He said sternly. Twilight blinked quizzically while some of her friends narrowed their eyes suspiciously. Mother Wisp shook her head.
"I am afraid I had enough visitors for one week. In fact, I will have to ask that you all can come back when the adoption fair arrives. Then perhaps I'll be inclined to show you all around." She said sternly. Mother Wisp didn't want to put her hoof down to a princess, but this was all so sudden and felt a little intrusive. Just because they are heroes doesn't give them the right to bury their noses in a place such as an orphanage. Twilight nodded softly.
"Very well then. When will the fair take place?" She asked.
"Four days from now. The children need to prepare to work on their talents. And they can't do that with all these distractions." Mother Wisp replied. Pinkie Pie beamed.
"Oooh! I have an idea! We can spread the word about the adoption fair! Get everypony to have a party here and give a chance to show off their talents to potential parents!" She squeed. Both Mother Wisp and Funnel protested.
"No! It is the children's idea and they will host it. We do not have the funds to buy balloons, confetti and other stuff. This is meant to show off how special they are and go to a good home. Not a birthday party." The nanny exasperated. Applejack put a reassuring hoof on a concerned Pinkie Pie.
"It's alright, Pinkie. We'll let the children handle their fair. But, maybe we can help to draw a crowd." She tipped her hat forward and crossed her foreleg over the other. "'Ah agree with Pinkie Pie. We draw a crowd to the orphanage. No party throwing. No shenanigans. Just git the message out to the crowd." Rarity beamed and clapped her hooves together.
"Oh! I can make the fliers! Even get Sweetie Bell to help out with it!" She said. The colt stiffened. Did this mare just mention Sweetie Bell? Rainbow Dash grinned.
"I'm sure Scootaloo would place those fliers around no sweat! Ten seconds flat!" She grinned. Scootaloo as well!? The colt remained silent. He eyed the ponies, catching the attention of Mother Wisp, who began shooing them with a wave of her hoof.
"We'll talk about this outside. Right now, the child needs to rest. Out you go." She said sternly. The six ponies filed out of the room, the exception being Pinkie Pie who bounced out. Mother Wisp followed behind, stopping to look at the colt. "Pepper. we will speak later. And you will not get out of it. Funnel, can you watch over him? I won't be long." Funnel nodded stoically as Mother Wisp closed the door. The colt eyed Funnel suspiciously, the stallion studying him. As the hoofsteps became distant and the voice outside, Funnel reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a pocket watch. After checking the time, he made a silent scoff before putting it back in his vest.
"You know, kid. I've been noticing the way you've been eyeing me lately. Those suspicious glints. Do you take me for somepony bad?" Pepper froze. Funnel didn't remove his look as he walked over to the door, opened it just slightly to see if the coast was clear. He then closed the door and locked it. Pepper felt the terror rise inside of him as he crawled over to the other side of the bed, keeping his distance from the stallion. Funnel cast a sideways glance. "I don't know what the princess sees in you or why she is even bothering to waste time on a skittish creature like you. Hmph. Lucid Dreaming? What the hell kind of talk is that?" He sighed before turning to him. "You have a lot of high ponies looking at you. A mere street urchin. Almost overwhelming, eh kid?"
Pepper shivered. Funnel shook his head.
"Relax, kid. I'm not going to hurt you. In fact, I've been meaning to ask a favor of you." Funnel walked past the colt and over to the window. Pepper narrowed his eyes, wondering if the stallion was looking out towards the patch where Mrs. Marigold was buried. "Mother Wisp has been nothing but kind to you children. Always taking time out of her day to ensure you are all stable and ready to be adopted. I think she'll be a lot less stressed if she can manage to find every single one of you a good home. She plans on retiring once every child is adopted. Don't you want to go to a good home?" Pepper didn't say anything. Only eyed the stallion with suspicion. Funnel ignored his look before continuing. "You know, most children would be happy to have special attention from the princesses. We all figured you'd be a bit more excited to help out with this request of her's. That journal she gave you. It allows you to see other ponies' dreams?" He pointed at the leather-bound journal on his bed. "I know you are probably busy enjoying dream land, but maybe you can help out the nanny in her's? See, there's a certain... letter that she has acquired from her family from Dodge City. An inheritance letter.
"The nanny is pretty rich despite living in a run down cottage like this. It's a mystery as to why she wanted to live out here and not in a luxurious mansion that rightfully belongs to her. Regardless, I want to make things pretty clear here. There is a group of ponies. Bad individuals that mean harm. I'm here under orders to ensure the safety of Mother Wisp and I figured if I can get a hold of that inheritance letter, she'll be a lot more safer. That way, the bad ponies don't go doing anything bad. Understand?" Pepper only nodded softly. He understood clearly. Funnel is not a good pony. All this time, he thought Funnel was just a hired help. But seeing his actions last night solidified his justification.
The only issue is, no pony believes him. How can he expose Funnel to Mother Wisp if she is completely unaware of the ponies intending to rob her? If only Sherclop was here. He'd put a stop to it. But the colt knew better. This isn't a story book. A threat has been made. If he tried to expose him now, his entire freedom would be lost. Or probably worst, he'd be resting alongside Mrs. Marigold out in the field. The atmosphere began to change. Funnel eyed the colt and the colt looked back at the stallion, terror in his eyes. Funnel then walked past him and unlocked the door, opening it just in time as Mother Wisp rounded the corner and sighed.
"They are gone, finally. Maybe now, the kids can focus on their activities. Also, Trove began digging into your garden again. I've already given him his cleaning punishment. I figured I should tell you." The nanny said. Funnel groaned and shook his head.
"That colt, I swear..." Funnel stormed out of the room, leaving Mother Wisp to close the door and look at Pepper. She eyed the colt curiously.
"Pepper... I know you are quite overwhelmed with all the attention you've been getting. And I won't lie, all of it is just too much. You are a child. You need to go to a good home. This isn't a fairytale story book." She faced the colt, who bowed his head. He was beginning to grow frustrated. He knows all of this already. But why him? Why did he have to be picked? Why was he given the special ability to walk in other's dreams? Why did it all matter? He couldn't help but think back to the two ponies in his attempt to rewrite a happy ending. He could just never get it right. Mother Wisp sat down next to his bed and smiled tiredly. "You are a bright child. I've always known this. But lately, your behavior has been out of line. What happened to you? You used to be so helpful. Always picking up what the others couldn't." Pepper remained quiet. What can he tell her? Every attempt at explaining his actions have always been brushed away by Alabaster or written off as child imagination. And now, after all the attention he is getting, Mother Wisp wants to listen? Pepper shook his head. The one thing he does know is that not only is some of his playmates potential threats, but Mother Wisp could also be one too.
Everypony was out to get him. He couldn't trust any pony. Not even his own caretaker. He brought the journal close to his chest and hugged it, narrowing his eyes at the nanny. Mother Wisp looked a bit hurt by the action, but she had to remind herself that the colt has been dealing with a little too much lately. She stood up and sighed.
"Alright, Pepper. You can rest for as long as you like today. But I hope to see you during lunch. If not to mingle, then at least let me rest easy knowing you won't be starving yourself. And hopefully, again at dinner." Mother Wisp turned to the door, opening it and giving one last concerned look at the colt before closing it. Pepper held the journal close, sniffling just a little. He opened the book and found that his dream had been recorded. There was one last line added into the journal.
I must do what I can for the children. For my family’s sake.
Sweetie Bell yawned as Scootaloo finished up drawing a diagram. Applebloom stood behind a small podium and looked over some child like drawings. Scootaloo smiled, satisfied with the design of the diagram before looking to her friends.
“So… is no pony going to mention that strange flash of images we had earlier?” She asked. Sweetie Bell and Applebloom furrowed their looks.
“‘Ahm not sure what that was all about. But… maybe it had to do with Pepper dreaming?” She asked. Sweetie Bell yawned again, feeling exhausted out of nowhere.
“Could be. I don’t know why it’s taken it out of me. I felt like I haven’t slept at all. But I slept fine last night.” She then rubbed her chin in thought. “As for those images, Princess Luna did state that anytime Pepper dreamed, it would record it and we would be able to tell what he dreamt about.” Applebloom looked at her with concern.
“‘Ah dunno about you two, but that dream was… off putting. What were we even trying to see from that?” She asked. Scootaloo walked over to the wall behind Applebloom and tacked the diagram up.
“Your guess is as good as mine, Applebloom. But I had an idea after it happened.” She turned and presented the diagram. Three circles overlapping at the edge. “I figured we would be able to break down what the dreams mean into several categories.” She pointed to the one at the top. “That would represent the emotional undertone the dream portrays. How it would possibly affect us and Pepper.” She pointed to the right circle. “That category would represent the symbolism of the dream. Questions that it would bring up and how can we piece together to make an answer for it.”
She then pointed to the left circle. “That one would represent the stability of the dream. Would it make sense in pacing. How quickly we would transition from one to the other scene.” She then motioned to the middle. “We would have stability and emotion together to form a definitive impact. Emotion and symbolism together would make a driving reason. And symbolism and stability would form a guesstimation of the state of mind.” She then pointed to the three combining in the middle. “Of course, at the center of it all would be the psyche. With these categories, we can probably get a good read on the situation.” Applebloom and Sweetie Bell stared in awe at Scootaloo.
“Since when did you think this far ahead?” Sweetie Bell asked, completely baffled. Scootaloo gave a nervous but quizzical look in response.
“N-not sure. It was like… something compelled me to think of it.” She replied. Applebloom hummed as she studied the diagram.
“So, these would help us triangulate whatever Princess Luna is hunting, is what you are sayin’.” She asked. Scootaloo beamed.
“Exactly!” Sweetie Bell smiled and rubbed her chin in thought.
“You know, that’s actually a good idea. If we can read the dreams, we’d be able to stop whatever is causing this… dark aura?” She shrugged at them and the two responded in kind.
“Tis glad to know that you three have been hard at work.” A voice said. They turned and gasped as Princess Luna looked in from the window.
“Princess Luna?!” All three exclaimed in unison. The princess removed her hood and nodded softly with a motherly smile.
“Mind if I come in? We have much to discuss.” She spoke.
Princess Celestia sighed softly as she walked a little tiredly down to the throne room. The meeting lasted longer than she would like. Which was odd as usually her meetings would breeze by. The absence of her sister has gotten the best of her. The regal alicorn understood the task Luna has been tackling. Yet, Celestia wishes she could do more.
If only she had the same power to traverse the dream realm like her sister. Something she has never accounted for in the thousand long years they had been a part. Who knows what kind of dangers or tasks she has had to tackle. Celestia walked up the stairs to her throne, studying the midnight throne next to her’s. Sighing dejectedly, she turned and sat down, facing the door as she readied herself for the next order of business. To quell the disharmony between two elite families.
The door opened and she unfurled her wings in a majestic display as two ponies were escorted down to the foot of her throne. The guards bowed along with the two neatly dressed ponies. One, a chapped pegasus pony with a burly brown mustache, chestnut hide and blue eyes. The other, a unicorn stallion in a cerulean hide, handsome curly sandy mane and stubble. The former wore a penguin tux and the other a rolled up white shirt with a caramel pin stripped vest over his coat.
“You may rise.” Celestia said with a regal smile. The two rose and the guards turned to leave. As the door closed, Celestia nodded to the two. “Now, what’s this dispute over land?” The stallions cleared their throats and the one in the penguin tux went first.
“Your majesty, we come before you in hopes of telling the stuck up Morgue family to back off from the Honeywood fields in the outskirts off of Ponyville. That land belonged to the Stock family for generations! It is only fair we are granted rite to do with as we please.” He said. The representative of the Morgue family rolled his eyes.
“And that is where you are losing your money’s worth. That field is acres of untouched land save for a couple of property owners in the area.” The stallion stated. Celestia tilted her head.
“And have you both talked to the property owners before hoof?” Both ponies nodded, but the Stock representative chimed in.
“One has been abandoned by the previous owner. A one late Mrs. Marigold. Her son and daughter still own the property and both have been willing to let the Stock family buy it off of them. The papers have already been signed and everything!” To make the point, the stallion withdrew a few scrolls from his pockets and rolled them out. Celestia took them in her magic and scanned the words. Indeed, the signatures of both owners have agreed. The Morgue sighed.
“Then there is the other property owner. A lone widow in a cottage full of orphans. I have spoken to Mrs. Wisp a deal in retiring once the kids have been adopted.” Celestia’s eyes widened as the Morgue pony continued. “Doing some research, it turns out these two properties were shared in a mutual agreement. As it happens, the only property owner is currently still on site.” The pony cast a sideways glance at the Stock pony.
“While you may have the papers of one side, the other has yet to make her choice. And as it has been stated before, we have been open to bargaining a deal towards the Stock family in buying those papers off of you.” The Stock pony harumphed.
“Turning the field into a shopping mall is the worst kind of idea to happen to Ponyville!” He stated. “Why would they go to a modernized place when they have everything already?” The Morgue pony rubbed his muzzle.
“It’s to aim for the residents in the Valley. Believe it or not, you stubborn oaf, some of the ponies in Ponyville have a lot of connections to celebrities and even royalty. The Princess of Friendship? May I also dare say that it is home to the one Rarity?” He motioned with a hoof. “It’s not just them. The egalitarian community is also host to a special kind of history in Equestria. One of the current founders live there. You would know that Granny Smith is still kicking.”
Celestia studied the two as the Stock pointed at the Morgue pony.
“Preposterous. That hick valley couldn’t handle the next one hundred years! It’s only fair to make a new Ponyville. One to last forever!” He turned to Celestia. “The Stock family plan to turn the field into a neighborhood. Filled with modern quality of life living and a brand new tomorrow! It is also farther away from the Everfree Forest! Wouldn’t the safety and comfortable living be enough to consider having the Morgue family to hoof over the Honeywood deal?” Celestia hummed before looking to the Morgue pony.
The pony bowed. “Your majesty, if I may?” He then levitated out a scroll from his pocket and over to the princess. She took it in her own magic and scanned the words. Her look furrowed quizzically.
“If I am not mistaken, this is an inheritance letter. From the Bell family?” The stallion nodded.
“It is, your highness. The Bell family originate from Vanhoover. Yet, they make up most of the real-estate throughout Equestria. Their daughter had recently come into inheritance to several hundred acres of untouched land. At the bottom is a list of signatures of ponies that have agreed to own parts of the land unowned and many projects have been invested into them. If you’ll observe, Mortigue Morgue’s signature is one of the many. Agreed to the Valley property. Honeyfield included. By all accounts, the property is pending under the Morgue name.” He looked to the Stock pony.
“Which means, a lot of bits and paperwork has been thrown in to claim the area.” Celestia blinked.
“How much?” She asked. The stallion rolled his hoof.
“Ten billion.” Both the Stock pony and Celestia balked. The Stock pony looked at the pony in concern.
“T-t-ten billion bits?!” He exclaimed. Celestia was no stranger to money being thrown about. If anything, she’s taken aback by the fact that her subjects can manage so much. She furrowed her look. Perhaps she should give Raven Inkwell a bit of a break every now and then. The Morgue pony bowed to Celestia.
“Your highness. With these facts, I would ask for your seal of approval to give the Honeyfields over to the Morgue family. It’ll be beneficial for both you and the Princess of Friendship. The economy would even out and prices would be fairly taxed.” Princess Celestia studied the two. Stock has yet to make a counter point. In fact, the pony was sweating a little too much. Was the contestant overwhelming? She looked to Stock and nodded.
“Well, do you have a counter point?” She asked. The Stock representative sighed and nodded.
“Refurbishment and expansion. The Valley can host so many ponies. So much so that the elites would find the time to relax away from the struggles. A Valley of retirement and vacation homes. We would even house new opportunities for the ponies of Ponyville. New housing. More jobs. A better, egalitarian society. It’s just like Ponyville, but newer! And the Apple family would be able to expand their business far beyond Appleloosa. Same thing with Rarity For You. Plus, with the elites vacationing or retiring to someplace such as Honeyfields, The Princess of Friendship would be able to have more funding for any kind of projects she wants to invest in for the benefit of pony kind.”
The Stock pony bowed. “You will still get the same benefits of Morgue’s deal, but through expansion of more neighborhoods, upping the value of everything.” The Morgue pony shook his head.
“An admirable, but albeit, waste of land and opportunity.” He began. The Stock pony flared and was about to speak when Celestia unfurled her wings out to silence the bickering. When the two bowed, she brought her wings back and closed her eyes in thought.
“I have heard both sides make their points. Yet it feels that the decision cannot be fully made until this Mrs. Wisp signs over the last bit of property. Please, allow me to talk it over with my sister before I can make a final judgement in the matter. Thank you for your time gentle-stallions. Feel free to stay in the guest rooms for a spell while we await my sister’s return. You’ll both be treated as guests of honor under this castle.” The ponies glared at each other. But the Morgue pony made Celestia narrow her eyes slightly.
There was a strange vibe radiating off of the stallion. It probably didn’t help that the stallion seemed to hide such spite behind his eyes despite showing a calm emotion. The two turned and approached the guards that would escort them to their rooms. When the door closed, Celestia brought the scrolls up and swirled them around her. Scanning the contents to get all the facts straight. She couldn’t hide it. A small smile formed.
Perhaps there is a way to help her sister after all.
Lunch was peanut butter sandwiches with jelly jam and sliced apples. Pepper chewed his food happily, savoring the taste of the meal. It was one of his favorites. The only other memory of his old life. It has been a long while since he thought of his old home. But he was so young he couldn’t remember any specific details. Let alone understand what had led him to live here. It didn’t bother him as much. It was a quiet place for him to enjoy some peace.
Of course, the glare from a certain filly wasn’t helping that peace at all. Merriweather eyed Alabaster with a curious look. She then tapped her shoulder, causing the filly to turn to her.
“Do you like Pepper?” She asked. Alabaster gave a concerned look at the filly in response.
“What ever gave you that idea?” The filly replied with a hint of genuine confusion. Merriweather fidgeted uneasily in her seat.
“W-well, you are always looking at him. Torque told me that if you like a pony like reaaaally a lot, you just stare at them. Like you are.” Alabaster narrowed her eyes and looked over to a grape coated filly with a end braided posh raven mane and an oversized lab coat too big for her as she tinkered with an appliance that Mother Wisp had given up for the filly to play with.
Granted, the doohickey hasn’t worked in forever, that didn’t stop the filly from taking it apart and reassembling it. Alabaster never understood why she wasn’t one of the first to be adopted. She’s insanely smart for her age and yet, every now and then, the child her likes to come out when she is unable to bide her time with tinkering. Pallet, who was sitting next to Pepper, pushed his uneaten sandwich to him, causing Pepper to look between him and the meal quizzically. The artist smiled.
“You must have been really hungry last time. My dad once said that you need plenty of energy to face the day.” He flushed and rubbed the back of his head. “It always helped me to remember that when I draw.” Pepper narrowed his eyes at the colt. Could this be a bribe? Because it was working a little bit. Pepper slowly reached for the sandwich, keeping his suspicious gaze on the colt. Pallet blankly looked at the colt in confusion as he took the sandwich and moved it to his plate, sliding his plate away from the colt cautiously.
Pallet smiled. “It’s alright, Pepper. I’m not that hungry. Still full from the left over pies.” Pepper swallowed and looked at the sandwich. From what he has read, a sign of friendship is usually a shared meal. The colt suddenly felt less hungry and pushed his plate back towards Pallet, eating the last of his own food. Pallet arched a brow and found this interaction to be strange.
But this was to be expected when interacting with Pepper. As reclusive as he is, it’s only right that he may have trouble socializing with others. This couldn’t be far from the truth, however. Pepper had no qualms about interacting before. It was his tormentors making it hard to get anything in. So why bother talking at all? Let actions speak louder. What has words ever done for him? The colt felt they were better on paper than spoken.
There was a sudden cry that caused the children to look over. Mother Wisp wasn’t in attendance. She had stepped away to handle a certain matter away from lunch. She told them she’ll be back in an hour or so. The kids gathered by the doorway, only to step aside as a terrified tan colt with black straight mane and big rimmed glasses over his magenta eyes stumbled through, pointing over to the doorway.
“I-I-I saw it! A ghost!” He cried. The children began to mutter to one another before Torque spoke up without removing her gaze from the appliance.
“Ghosts? Please. You must have been eating too much paste, Macaroni.” The filly stated. The colt, Macaroni, shook his head terrified.
“N-no! I swear it! I-I was washing my hooves when I saw it peeking around the door!” He exclaimed. Tea Stout rubbed her mane.
“You sure it wasn’t any of us?” She asked. Macaroni nodded.
“Does anypony here have a cream and caramel two toned coat?” Pepper stopped chewing and furrowed his look at the colt. Macaroni seemed to notice this and quickly hurried over to Pepper, causing him to flinch. “Pepper! You believe me don’t you? I can see that look! You have seen it too, haven’t you?!” Pepper shivered and shrunk back in his seat.
“Mac, Pepper most likely has an imaginary friend. Maybe you saw them instead?” One filly from the group stated, causing most of the kids to laugh. Pallet frowned.
“And what’s wrong with that?” He asked. Macaroni shook his head.
“I swear to you all! I saw it!” He turned to Pepper. “You have to believe me!” Pepper didn’t know how to respond. Macaroni has been a colt that likes to make up games with eraser tips. Pepper would sometimes catch him pretending to treat the eraser like an avatar and a pencil as a sword. He was awkward, if anything. But it’s because of that imaginative normalcy that he has been the most interviewed and highly likely to get adopted. It surprised Pepper that the colt hasn’t already.
He remembered how the parents were quite taken with his expressive imagination. He did had a hobby in reading ghost stories and cryptids. Perhaps, that’s what kept making the parents change their minds. Pepper felt bad for Macaroni. The colt saw the defeated look in Macaroni’s eyes.
Pepper felt a nip in the back of his mind. He had told himself not to trust anypony. But, for some strange reason, Pepper believed him. Pepper withdrew his journal and opened it, scanning the recorded dream he had.
“D-do you think ghosts are real?” Merriweather whimpered the question at Alabaster. Alabaster closed her eyes in thought, the filly recounting something within her memories. She opened her eyes and stepped forward towards Macaroni.
“Perhaps, it could be another one of us we have yet to meet? There are fourteen of us. Maybe one more has joined and Mother Wisp hasn’t gotten around to showing the pony.” She waved to Merriweather, the shy filly taking meek steps out to stand next to her. “As the activity monitor’s right hoof, what say we greet our new playmate?” Macaroni shook his head in disbelief.
“I-I don’t think they are. You have to believe me!” He stood up and trotted over to a nearby book shelf, pulling a black leather book. Pepper narrowed his eyes at the book. Macaroni opened to a page as the kids gathered around. The title read:
Beyond the Magic Realm. A book on the paranormal occult.
“Huh. I don’t ever remember seeing this book.” Pallet stated. Alabaster frowned.
“Have you’ve been sneaking into Mother Wisp’s room and reading her books?” She asked. Macaroni darted his eyes.
“N-no?” He lied, hoping that his demeanor didn’t give him away. Ignoring the suspicious look from the filly, he turned through the pages. Pepper was stunned by the illustrations. Horrors he couldn’t even begin to comprehend. Wereponies, Wendigos, Thestrals, Ghouls, Ghosts, Zombies. Pepper eyed Macaroni with concern now. He stopped at a page.
Black Eyes. Macaroni pointed to the picture of a drawn colt and filly with a foal at their hooves. Their eyes hollow and blackened heavily.
“I-I think it’s a Black Eyed colt.” He said. Tea Stout tilted her head.
“Black Eyed colt?” She asked. The colt held up the book as he read a passage.
“Black Eye children, or Black Eyes, are supernatural beings that take the form of colts, fillies or foals between the ages of four or ten years old. The powerful ones take the ages between eleven and fourteen. These supernatural beings are said to aggressively want to enter your home, pretending to be lost and hungry. It is said that these creatures bring bad luck and a plaguing curse that’ll spell tragic ends to anypony unfortunate to invite them in. The greatest tell of these creatures is their hallow, black eyes and pale coats.” Torque clicked her tongue as she crossed her lab coat sleeved covered forelegs across her chest.
“Mac, there is always science and logic behind everything. Ghosts aren’t real.” She stated. Alabaster nodded.
“Which is why, it has to be a new pony in the orphanage. It only makes sense. This place is old, but nothing bad has ever happened here.” Ghost Pepper darted his eyes, hoping to see if anypony thought otherwise. He slumped when he found it was only himself. Torque smirked as she then reached into her lab coat and withdrew a copper wire.
“I have an idea. Let’s say it is your ‘Black Eye Colt’. I’ve done some theory reading myself. Come along, everypony! As I will present to you the wonders of science!” She waddled shuffled a bit due to her sleeves being too long as the tail of the coat dragged behind her. The kids muttered amongst themselves as they followed the filly down the hall. Pallet smiled at Pepper.
“Wanna play along? I think it is pretty interesting, to say the least.” He said. Ghost Pepper eyed Macaroni, who was looking quite uncertain and jumpy at the moment. He has never been so pale in his life. That was when Pepper saw Alabaster glaring at him.
“Don’t think you can sneak away from recess, Pepper. You must be nice and greet our new playmate.” She said sternly. Pepper bowed his head and sighed. He began to follow the rest with Pallet, Alabaster and Merriweather following him. Pepper didn’t show it, but his curiosity was rising. Macaroni mentioned a cream and caramel two toned coat. He furrowed his brows in confusion at the thoughts flowing through him.
For the longest time he’s been here, he doesn’t remember encountering any paranormal events that he could think of. Save for Nightmare Night a few years ago when an older filly decided to play some nasty pranks on the already long adopted children before them. But it was all pranks, right? This is too much of a coincidence. How does Macaroni know to describe a pony such as that? The colt couldn’t be the only one with a cream and caramel two toned coat, could he? Alabaster narrowed her eyes at Pepper suspiciously at the struggling colt.
“Behold! I call it, the Realm Box!” Torque said proudly as she brought out a stool and a bulky, white box that looked strangely like a radio. She grunted as she heaved the box onto the stool with her head, wiping her brow before patting it.
“A Realm Box?” One colt asked quizzically as they tapped it. Torque frowned and waved a sleeve at him to shoo him away before clearing her throat.
“It’s a working title. But! This is the result of theory testing. All thanks to a certain pony who freaked out about hearing voices at night.” She eyed Macaroni, who flushed and nervously avoided eye contact. Merriweather and Pallet walked around the stool to study it.
“What does it do?” Merriweather asked with the tilt of her head. Torque beamed.
“I’m glad you asked, Merriweather!” She motioned with a sleeved hoof out to Macaroni. “I am still missing a component, but this bad boy, in theory, would be able to read the ether waves around us. Meaning that it’ll pick up the very realm which the souls of the dead rest.” Pallet adjusted his artist barrette curiously.
“Ether waves?” He asked. Macaroni chimed in, stammering a bit.
“I-it’s the flow of space between magic and limbo. I’ve read that it is the very space where we are guided to in death.” He rubbed his chin. “It is theorized that in order for ponies to return to the ether, they must give up their memories and past life. That way, they can be reincarnated into a later life.” Pepper found this rather disturbing. So much so that his gaze glanced in the general direction where a lone patch of woodlands were.
Torque unrolled a tool belt and bit down on a screwdriver, tinkering with the box. She just needed to adjust some more variables before adding the last component. She then looked to others.
“Does anypony have a crystal?” She asked. The children exchanged glances with each other. One filly spoke up.
“Do we look like we have crystals?” They asked sarcastically. Then, a raven coated filly with a white and grey streak mane in pigtails and with a heterochromia of ebony and ivory eyes, stepped forward with a laid back smile. She reached into the satchel around her neck and withdrew a white crystal. The children gasped and oohed at the crystal. Pepper tilted his head in confusion.
Echo Heart was always a laid back filly. She was more into the occult practices. She has said before that she practices white magick, whatever that means to the colt. It’s a wonder why she is having trouble getting adopted. It’s a shame. Pepper always found she handled plants better than Funnel. Torque smiled and took the crystal.
“Thanks, Heart! Now then… we just tie this copper wire around the crystal… attach it to the connectors… tune the wave frequency and… there!” The filly pulled back and the kids couldn’t make heads or tails of the design. It looked completely strewn together. Torque proudly held up her hooves. “Fillies and gentle-colts! I present to you, theory testing at its’ finest! The Wave Reader!”
“But I thought it was the Realm Box?” A colt chimed in. Torque frowned.
“Working title! Now then.” She turned the knob and the box made a distant, echoing click. It buzzed for a moment before quieting into a droning static. The children waited expectantly. Awe and curiosity washing over them. Merriweather then rubbed the back of her mane.
“So… what now?” She asked. Torque crossed her forelegs across her chest and hummed.
“Well, the theory is correct. But to really see if it is true as to what studies have documented, we just… ask questions to the box.” She stated. Macaroni stepped forward, eyeing it cautiously before tapping the black speaker.
“Hello? Is anypony there?” He asked. No response. It was strange. The children felt a little uneasy as the quiet droning of distant static was the only thing keeping them company. Echo Heart looked around.
“Our playmate says he saw you when he was washing up. Was that you?” She asked. Again, no response. Alabaster sighed.
“I hate to break this achievement of yours, Torque, but I fully believe we are taking this a little too ridiculous.” She said, motioning around them. “It’s a new pony. We just have to find them.” Torque grinned.
“Glad you can volunteer for it! I one hundred percent agree with you, Allie. But I can’t leave this unattended. Somepony might break it.” She shot a glare towards the same colt that had touched it prior to her unveiling. The colt ducked behind another and nervously smiled. Alabaster nodded.
“Alright, then. But when we come back with the new pony, you all better apologize to then for thinking they were a ghost. You specifically, Mac.” She stated. Mac slumped and shook his head.
“I keep telling you. It’s not a new pony. If you see the Black Eye colt, I can only tell you to run and hide. They love playing hide and seek. If they can’t find you within the hour of being seen, you are safe. But if they catch you.” He reared up and flailed his forelegs at them in a waving manner. “You’ll disappear without a single trace.” Pepper heard Pallet and a few other children gulp. A couple of them shivered. Alabaster spun on her flaks before walking past them.
“You’ll be joining me. I’m not going to have you sneak off again.” She said, eyeing Pepper sternly. Pepper slumped while Pallet gave him a reassuring pat on the back. The two began to follow her while everypony else gathered around the box, asking questions to no response. Alabaster peeked in room after room on one side while Pallet did the other side. Pepper walked a little further down, looking down the hall.
For some strange reason, Pepper felt a chill run up his spine. He adjusted his scarf and tried to warm himself from the uneasiness. Ever since Torque turned on that box, the atmosphere had drastically changed. As if dread had washed over the place. The colt froze upon hearing a door creak to his right. He looked over and saw a door on the left at the end of the hall slightly open. The sunlight from the room blinked for a second, causing the colt to do a double take with his ears dropping in terror.
His ears dropped as Alabaster and Pallet met up with him. They saw his gaze and followed it. Pallet tilted his head.
“That leads to the attic. That’s strange. Mother Wisp always has that locked.” He said nervously. Alabaster narrowed her eyes.
“Rule breaking? Perhaps that new pony is stills little loss. I better go correct that.” She said, trotting casually over to the door, much to the two colt’s awe at her bravery. They nervously followed after her as Alabaster knocked on the molding of the doorway, opening the door more. “Pardon me. If you are the new pony, then I have to ask for you to come down. That area is off limits.” She called out.
No response.
Back where the rest of the children were, Torque was messing with the knob, wondering if the frequency was a bit off. Macaroni sighed.
“Now that I think about. Should we really be asking a being that can potentially curse us all?” He asked. Torque didn’t remove herself as she replied to the colt.
“For the last time, Mac. This is theory testing. It’s not going to be perfect right off the bat. Our greatest minds in Equestria have failed more than they have succeeded. Progress is the knowledge and key to victory.” Mac shook his head before placing the occult book down on the ground, turning to the page.
“It says here not to go looking for them. Avoid at all cost. Do not invite them in and ignore their aggressive threats of weakness.” Tea Stout rubbed her chin.
“But then… wouldn’t that mean that Mother Wisp may have taken in a lost child before us? I remember Daisy Whistle being abandoned at the porch. She was your age at the time, Torque.” She said. Torque nodded.
“I vaguely remember her. But yes. There was also Chicken Foot.” She said matter-of-factly. One filly chimed in.
“Oh, I remember them! He always had that funny waddle.” A few of the kids giggled at the memory of seeing a funny looking colt waddling past them for recess. Merriweather rubbed her chin.
“What about Choco Berry?” She asked. The room grew quiet. Merriweather flushed and shrunk back. “R-right…” Torque pulled away from the box and furrowed her look.
“You know, Tea. That does bring up a fair point. Putting aside my genius mind for a moment to humor you all, Mother Wisp has taken all of us in. But lately, it seems she hasn’t been accepting anymore.” This was true. Some of the children have noticed that Mother Wisp has been helping lost children by, what the kids assume, taking them to a different orphanage. In fact, the reason she had stepped out was because of this fact.
“What if, she had unintentionally invited your ‘Black Eyed Colt’ without realizing it is one? In a state of either sleepiness or frazzled frustration.” Torque suggested. The box began to pop as something that sounded like a voice had come through. However, no pony could pick up what it said. Macaroni’s eyes widened.
“H-hello? A-are you trying to reach us?” He asked. It took a moment, but what sounded like voices were beginning to crackle through. Yet, no pony still could make out what is being communicated. Torque beamed.
“Progress! Well, Macaroni. Since you are the expert in this whole thing, why don’t you try asking if it is a spirit out to curse us?” She smirked in a teasing manner. Macaroni frowned but took a deep breath.
“What is your name?”
Further down and out of sight, Alabaster tapped her hoof impatiently. Pallet squinted his eyes.
“Do you think they are hiding? Afraid that they’d get in too much trouble?” He asked. Alabaster frowned.
“Too much of it is not complying to the demand. I’m being nice here and not reporting it to Mother Wisp. Come on down! We won’t bite. Just want to see our new playmate!” She called up to the attic stairs. There was a loud thunk above them and what sounded like hoofsteps above them. Even the kids around the box heard the commotion and looked up. Dust fell from the ceiling as it trailed down the hall and over the kids. It then stopped just above them.
The kids began to look at each other worriedly. Torque sighed.
“It’s probably just the raccoon again. Mr. Funnel has been trying to catch it for a while now.” She explained. That didn’t help the uneasiness the atmosphere was giving the children. Further down the hall to the three, Alabaster sighed.
“Well, I hate to do this, but you leave me no choice. As activity monitor’s right hoof, I’m coming up to get you!” She called out, shocking the two colts. Pallet put a hoof on her shoulder to stop her.
“Alabaster! Are y-you sure about that? Wh-what about it being off limits? And what if it is th-th-the Black Eyed colt?” Alabaster narrowed her eyes at the artist and shook her head.
“Pallet, I don’t believe in that stuff. This whole joke has gone on long enough. Everypony here is being rude to the new kid. When this is over, I’m going to ensure Mother Wisp gets you all to apologize to them.” Pepper gave a skeptical look at the filly, which she ignored as she then began to ascend the steps. “You two stay here and I will end all of this.”
The two watched her as she disappeared around the spiral of the staircase. The creaking wood of her hoofsteps over them. The two followed her hoof steps as she went further in, though not as quick as the previous. There was some scrapping and small thumps, as if she was moving things aside. The hoof steps quieted. Pepper looked worriedly at the ceiling.
Further down, the box was crackling and popping from the speaker. As if something was trying to break through the reverberating static. The unnerving echo of the box sending chills through the children. Torque frowned as she adjusted the wires and crystal a bit. The moment she held onto the crystal to adjust it, she suddenly felt drained and a voice, clear as day, echoed out of the box with a distant reverb.
“Filly.” It was the voice of a child. Yet, hard to make out if it was a colt or filly. The kids gasped and began whispering amongst themselves. Merriweather supported Torque as she seemed to slump onto her haunches and rub her forehead.
“Are you okay, Torque?” She asked. The filly nodded.
“Just have a headache suddenly. It’ll pass. But did you hear that?” She smiled. Macaroni tapped his chin and proceeded to place a hoof on the crystal. The colt began to feel a little ill, but he pushed through it.
“Was that you in the attic?” He asked. Torque frowned, unhappy with the colt touching her device. With her head pounding, she didn’t fight it. The kids quieted as the box popped and crackled. There was a loud thump above them and a couple of the kids yelled in panic.
Pepper and Pallet further down heard it as well and peeked around the hall. The dust was puffing around the children, as if somepony was stomping around above them. There were multiple sounds of hoof steps. Pepper shivered as he looked back towards the door.
Ensure the safety of your playmate. The stern tone of Princess Luna echoed in his mind.
‘Why me…?’ Pepper gulped as he timidly walked back towards the attic stairway. Pallet looked at him with nervousness.
“Wh-what are you doing, Pepper?” He asked. Pepper’s ears dropped as he eyed the stairs. Adjusting his scarf and taking a deep breath, he cautiously ascended the steps one at a time. “Pepper? Pepper, you’ll get in trouble with Alabaster!” Pallet rasped quietly at him, hoping not to draw attention to themselves. The colt ignored him, as much as he wanted to listen to Pallet’s warning.
When the colt reached the top of the stairs, he saw the light in the attic on and flickering. The constant hum of the light overhead made the attic feel bigger than it looked. Stacked boxes of various items on one side of the attic, trailing out and looking cluttered further in. The colt scanned the area fearfully.
“A-Alabaster?” He asked.
Further down, the box popped and the same voice echoed distantly from the speaker.
“Colt.” Macaroni, who was waiting for a response from the box, balked and looked to the others.
“You hear that? It said colt! I knew it! We are dealing with a Black Eye! Oh nonono!” He began to panic. The voice broke through again, almost drowned out by another that sounded like music.
“Friend.” The voice was then followed by a guttural voice.
“Fear.” It rasped through the box. Merriweather curled at the ground, covering her ears and closing her eyes as she shivered.
“I-I-I don’t want to play this game anymore…” she whimpered. Torque looked worriedly at the terrified children. The filly frowned and walked over to Macaroni..
“Not funny, Mac. You’re scaring everypony.” She said sternly. Macaroni looked pale, shaking his head.
“Torque… you may have actually connected to the other side. What I’m doin… is allowing my energy to be used for communication.” He slumped. “I feel sick. But we gotta’ know if we are in dan-“ Macaroni brought his leg back as the loud thump and crash overhead caused the kids to shriek. Tea bumped into the stool and the box tipped over, breaking upon impact on the ground. The box fizzled and popped. The children looked at it, Torque looking mortified.
“My box…” she shuddered.
“What is going on in here?!” Mother Wisp’s voice sounded as she stepped in upon hearing the kids scream. She rounded the corner to see them gathered around the destroyed box. The nanny eyed the children, making a head count before narrowing her eyes. “Where is Alabaster, Pallet and Pepper?” The kids nervously glanced down the hall, the nanny following them. Pallet balked and ducked behind the wall a little too late.
“Young colt, don’t hide from me.” She called out. Pallet meekly stepped out from the wall and dragged his hooves over to Mother Wisp with a bowed head. The nanny arched a stern brow. “Where is Alabaster and Pepper?” Pallet opened his mouth to say something, but stopped. What should he say? He’s already in trouble. Should he take the fall?
“Right here, Mother Wisp.” The voice of Alabaster said behind him. They looked to see a disheveled and dusty filly with Pepper looking a bit bruised and dusty as well. Mother Wisp looked worriedly at the two.
“What happened to you two?” She asked. Alabaster sat on her haunches and crossed her hooves. She explained to her how Macaroni had freaked out about a ghost. Torque showed them a new invention she made that led to Alabaster stating that she thought they had a new kid in the orphanage who was poking around in the attic. Alabaster glanced at Pepper.
“I told Pepper not to follow, but he did so anyway.” She frowned. Pepper bowed his head, feeling frustrated. Why did the wedding dress wearing mannequin had to fall on him? It surprised him to see Alabaster poking her head around the boxes to see who had entered, causing the crash. Macaroni looked to Alabaster with relief.
“You guys are okay! Did you see the Black Eyed Colt?” He asked with worry now. Alabaster sighed and reached behind her, withdrawing a ragdoll of a brown pony with black button eyes and a light brown mane.
“Behold, your ghost.” She stated as she placed it in front of her. Mother Wisp blinked and looked at the children with concern. Torque smirked and pointed at Macaroni.
“Hah! I knew it! You were just making something up! Well, as fun as it was, I must thank you for allowing me to put a theory to the test!” She looked at the box and tapped it. “The possibilities are always endless!” Mother Wisp cleared her throat and the children stood to attention. She looked between all of them in disappointment.
“If I had known you all wanted to play ghost hunters, I should have made some ground rules appropriately. Torque, clean up your mess. Alabaster, Pepper. Go get washed up and then start cleaning the rooms top to bottom. Take Pallet with you. Everypony else is to clean the kitchen, dining room and sweeping the porch.” The kids groaned and she waved a hoof. “Tut-tut. If I hear any protests coming from any of you, you’ll be cleaning again tomorrow. Anymore and it’s a whole week. Understand?”
“Yes, Mother Wisp.” The kids said in unison. Mother Wisp sighed and rubbed her muzzle as the kids dispersed to start clean up time. Alabaster turned and proceeded to walk towards the wash room, closing the door, leaving Pallet and Pepper to wait outside. Mother Wisp looked to the ragdoll and picked it up. She brushed the ragged mane, her look softening.
‘What am I going to do with these kids?’ She asked herself.
Princess Luna looked out the window of the Cutie-Mark Crusader clubhouse. Her sister had lowered the sun, nearing her turn to raise her moon. She looked back to the three fillies. They were snoozing quietly. A small smile spread across her face.
Children were always at peace when asleep. More so than full grown ponies. They should be waking up any moment if they followed her directions. She took a moment to look around the small space. Many child like drawings with X’s crossed over activities, almost making a collage of memories. She then saw the diagram Scootaloo had drawn.
It appeared that Scootaloo had dabbled in some lucid dreaming herself, much to the surprise of her friends. It worried Luna just a bit, as attempting to lucid dream intentionally would have great consequences upon waking up. Her thoughts fell onto the young pegasus colt in the orphanage. She made a quiet prayer for the colt and his little playmates’s safety. Her gaze fell back to the stirring of the three young fillies.
They rubbed their eyes and yawned before looking at each other, their tiredness turning into victorious smiles.
“That was awesome!” Scootaloo exclaimed excitedly. Sweetie Bell looked up at Luna.
“All that was created by you?” She asked in awe. Princess Luna giggled and nodded. Indeed, the princess had discussed much with the three upon her visit. They bounced ideas and solutions to aid the princess in her spell. There best bet was to practice controlling their dreams via triggers they can point out. Once again, Scootaloo has shown to be a bit more adept with lucid dreaming. So long as she sees a light cyan feather land on her snout, anything was possible.
Sweetie Bell is still struggling with finding her trigger, despite Luna directing the dream they were in. Applebloom believes she may have seen her trigger unintentionally, for she was able to control the dream out of nowhere. Luna had asked her to try again and retrace in the dream, only to have her be directed into the path.
Once the three were calmed and focused on Luna, the alicorn nodded.
“You three did exceptional. Of course, we will continue to keep practicing. Tonight, I will be accompanying you to Ghost Pepper.” She smiled. Applebloom scratched her head with the tip of her hoof.
“So, princess. ‘Ah’ve been meanin’ to ask. Why us?” Luna nodded.
“A fair question. One that can simply be stated that the minds of the young are bright and imaginative. They are full of wonder and curiosity that the Dream Realm will make possible.” She replied. Scootaloo chimed in.
“So, you must know a lot of the Dream Realm. Like how it works from the inside and all?” The pegasus filly asked curiously. Luna chuckled.
“More or less. Tis a task I was given as a filly. I do not know where the Dream Realm originates. But it’s sole purpose is to acquire imagination and memories. To shape them into a connection that allows creatures of all kinds to partake in. It is said that even those that have passed continue to dream.” A serious look darkened her face, causing the three to listen intently. “But while it does nothing but provide, it does not discriminate from beings. Evil hearts and minds create horrors for the Dream Realm, creating what is called Nightmares.”
She turned to look out the window, seeing the sun meet the horizon. The cue to raise the moon. Luna closed her eyes and willed the moon to rise. The beautiful blue glow beginning to shine down across the land. The fillies couldn’t help but feel giddy at the sight. Their attention quickly turned to focus as Luna returned to her serious expression.
“We are all familiar with Nightmares. They haunt and terrorize every creature. As Princess of the Night, it is my duty to best these nightmares to ease the troubled minds.” She sighed. “We wish to best all forces in the Dream Realm. But alas, tis not something easily achieved. There are times where some nightmares are too much for us to handle. Sometimes we get thrown out of the dream or not even allowed in. If we do not do our best to give peace of mind to ponies, it’ll have a grave consequence on their psyche.” The three fillies exchanged worried glances.
“So, how can we truly help you?” Sweetie Bell asked. Luna stood up.
“Sleep. And I will guide thee to Pepper.” She smiled. Applebloom looked over to the door worriedly.
“Won’t Applejack and the others come lookin’ for us?” She asked. Luna rubbed her chin and smiled.
“Ah. I did indeed forgot about that. Do not fret. I will let them know personally.” She replied. Applebloom looked to the other two.
“Alright, you two! You ready to dream dive?” She grinned. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo returned the grin and nodded. The three high hoofed each other.
“Cutie-Mark Dream Crusaders!” They cheered in unison. Luna giggled at the sight.
“Get comfortable now, Crusaders. I do not know how long we have. And do not fear. I will be by your sides.” She said soothingly. The three fillies curled into comfortable sleeping positions before exclaiming ready. Luna then closed her eyes and washed her magic over them. The room melted as glowing, white strings slithered out of her horn and connected to the Crusader’s minds. When Luna opened her eyes, the Cutie-Mark Crusaders looked around at the many, sparkling orbs dotting a dreamy night sky.
The three had their breath stolen from the sight as Princess Luna unfurled her wings in a display of majesty. The orbs around them began to glow and sink below them. Then, a row of doors rose in front of them and began to quickly blur by. When the doors came to a stop, they stood in front of a tarnished, hickory door. Luna willed the door open. Upon doing so, the four found themselves standing in front of the orphanage.
“I hope Pepper won’t be too surprised to see us.” Sweetie Bell snickered, remembering how skittish the colt could be. Luna hummed and looked around. The three exchanged glances.
“So… is something supposed to happen?” Applebloom asked. Luna nodded.
“We are in the right plane. Yet, the colt appears to not be dreaming yet.” She said. Scootaloo knocked on the door.
“Perhaps we are a bit early?” She asked. The door then swung open and all four yelped as they were pulled in by an invisible force. Luna stumbled forward while the three rolled along the orphanage floor, crashing into the wall. The three shook away their daze and rubbed their heads as Luna looked around, her look aware and cautious.
“Stick close to me, little ones. I fear something else is dreaming.” She said. The three quickly cantered over to her and stayed close as Luna proceeded to walk down the hall. It appeared to go beyond what their sight could make out. Luna’s eyes darted around, taking in every minute detail. Luna then stopped in front of one of the doors.
She reached with her magic and opened the door. The Crusaders looked in with awe as they saw a stout filly looking over a bow of the ship. The beautiful sunset backdrop sparkling against the ocean. Not too far from them on the side, was a skinny colt inna artist barrette, happily drawing the filly as well as the surroundings. The Crusaders shrugged at each other quizzically. Luna, however, gave a quick look around, seeing that the colt’s dream is in stable condition.
She closed the door and went to the next one. When she opened it, she had to duck back as a spark of electricity struck the door. Taking a careful peek from the door, they saw a small filly in an oversized lab coat, shaking hooves with a wild grey mane pony with a mustache. She looked rather pleased as the giant contraption behind them sparked wildly.
“Is that even safe?” Sweetie Bell asked.
“Tis a dream that the filly portrays. Her glorious achievements being recognized by the greatest minds in Equestria, even though she has no clue what it could be.” Luna explained. The four ducked back and closed the door just in time as the machine began to rev up to a certain intensity that would for sure spell dangerous. Luna went to the next one and opened it.
The same dream as previous. The sunset sparkling across the ocean water and the stout filly looking over the bow. This time, her mane longer and prettier. She took in the sight before looking back to a handsome and muscular version of the colt, giving her a handsome wink. She playfully waved at him. Applebloom and Sweetie Bell snickered while Scootaloo felt a little uncomfortable at the sight.
“Err… let’s move on from this one.” The pegasus filly said. Luna smiled softly before closing the door. The door behind them opened, causing them to turn and study it. Sweetie Bell walked over and opened it with her magic. When she did, the four found themselves pulled into the room, only to be standing in a woodland patch. Luna cautiously looked around before her eyes fell onto Pepper, staring at a cracked open casket.
His look curious as well as nervous. The leather journal in front of him and open to a blank page. Sweetie Bell tilted her head.
“Pepper?” This caused the colt to yelp and quickly turn around, fearful at first before it turned into recognition. The three fillies smiled softly and waved while Luna nodded with a motherly smile.
“We’ve been looking for you, little one.” Luna said. Pepper eyed the four, remaining wary. Applebloom looked at the grinning skeleton in the casket with concern.
“What’s goin’ on here?” She asked. Pepper looked down at the journal and then to the skeleton. Luna hummed as she stepped forward.
“A curious idea thy certainly has thought of.” She said. “Pray tell. This plane is a memory. Was this something you’ve seen?” Pepper didn’t say anything but nodded softly. Luna furrowed her look in grim concern. Scootaloo studied the skeleton uneasily.
“Creepy…” she muttered. Pepper sat down in front of the skeleton with the journal at his side. The three fillies exchanged glances. Applebloom then spoke up.
“Hey, Pepper. Mind if we help?” She asked. Pepper studied the filly. He was still uncertain if he should trust any of this. But after the whole Black Eyed Colt incident and the mention of theory testing, he could ‘t help but have the idea pop into his head, as morbid as it was. He just hoped he’d be able to wake up in time to make it back to the orphanage. He gave a small nod as the three sat beside him.
Luna watched the four carefully, her eyes occasionally glancing around their surroundings. The presence was known, but it was hard to pinpoint exactly. Pepper closed his eyes and began to imagine Mrs. Marigold exactly how she looked like in the dream before. The Crusaders balked as the wind around them picked up suddenly and a ghostly visage of a mare appeared like a flickering flame, smiling down at them over the skeleton.
Luna looked surprised. This colt is truly something. The ghost of Mrs. Marigold vanished into the wind as the world around them shimmered and wobbled before steadying into a different area. Pepper opened his eyes and they found themselves, to the colt’s familiarity, in front of the lone house in the field. On the porch in a swing bench, sat Mrs. Marigold in her purple dress and jewelry. She was looking out towards the field with a small, blue blanket wrapped around her.
Sensing visitors, she turned and smiled warmly at them.
“My, my! I wasn’t expecting company so early!” She stood up and walked down the steps, stopping to then bow towards Princess Luna. “Must I say, it is quite an honor to see you, Princess Luna. To what pleasure do I owe this visit?” The mare asked. The Crusaders looked to each other and shrugged. Sweetie Bell believed she might have an idea.
“W-well, miss err…” She began. The mare smiled kindly.
“Mrs. Marigold is fine. But Mari is easy to remember.” She replied. Sweetie Bell nodded.
“R-right. Mrs. Mari. We were… well… we aren’t sure why we are here. I think we were just trying to test something out.” She explained. Pepper had to agree. He didn’t know what to expect with his theory. But seeing as they are here now, it’s now trying to figure out what can and cannot be done. Mrs. Marigold snickered.
“Ahh, to be young. I remember being just as curious as you four. The fields were vast and endless. The fond memories of me playing with my friends out here. I can’t help but remember all the fun I’ve had.” She said, looking out to the field. Applebloom smiled as they followed her gaze.
“It really is quite a sight, Mari.” She said. “Have you’ve lived here your whole life?” Mrs. Marigold nodded.
“Born, raised and passed. These fields have been ever so kind to me.” She chuckled. “I once had the curious ambition to build a hamlet here in the fields to share with my friends and neighbors, but alas, was only a filly’s dream.”
“Well, why couldn’t you?” Scootaloo began. Mrs. Marigold smiled at the pegasus. “I mean, this place is huge! You could create an entire town in this field!” The mare chuckled.
“Unfortunately, there are powers beyond that prevent simple dreams such as that. Sad to say, it is the world in which you all live in.” Princess Luna gave the mare a concerned look. Mrs. Marigold looked to Pepper. “You must be that colt. You have to forgive me. One cannot do anything to the elements. The bad ponies haven’t hurt you, have they?” Pepper, realizing he was being addressed, shook his head softly. She smiled and got on his level. “You were very brave. It must have been terrifying.”
Sweetie Bell scratched her head with the tip of her hoof.
“Wait, what happened?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold adjusted the blanket around her and sighed softly as she looked towards Princess Luna.
“This colt had witnessed my desecration. I am laid to rest in the fields. But it appears somepony has taken the liberty to grow adventurous with malicious intent. I was stumbled upon by mere accident.” Applebloom balked.
“W-wait a minute. Does this mean… we are actually inside the dream of a dead pony?” She asked with shock. Sweetie Bell frowned and nudged her.
“Don’t be rude.” She said sternly. Applebloom grew pink in the cheeks before nervously smiling.
“S-sorry…” Mrs. Marigold giggled.
“Quite alright. I’ve already made peace with my fate. Natural causes, fortunately.” Scootaloo looked around.
“So… does that mean we are in… that place?” The filly asked. Luna shook her head.
“I am afraid tis much more complicated than that. Mrs. Marigold, forgive my asking, but by chance, doth thou happen to have seen anything… peculiar?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold tilted her head quizzically.
“I am afraid I am not sure what you mean, your majesty.” She replied. Luna gave a small sigh before smiling and waving a hoof softly.
“Tis nothing then.” Mrs. Marigold turned to the four children.
“It’s been so long since I have had visitors. What are your names, little ones?” She smiled. Applebloom grinned and put a hoof to her chest proudly.
“We are the Cutie-Mark Crusaders, ma’am! ‘Ahm Applebloom. This ‘ere is Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo.” The filly stated happily. The two others greeted in unison as Mrs. Marigold beamed.
“My, how adorable! What is it that you three do?” She asked curiously. Sweetie Bell chimed in.
“We created the group to discover our talents!” She said. Scootaloo chimed in after.
“We’ve even helped some of our classmates with their own problems!” She said. Mrs. Marigold giggled and pet Applebloom on the head.
“What brave little fillies. Is Pepper your new member?” She asked. Pepper stiffened as the three looked to him.
“Well, not exactly. But he’s welcome to join!” Applebloom nodded to him. Pepper felt anxious suddenly. Joining a club? No pony has ever asked him to join a club before. But then again, the colt doesn’t know anypony in the orphanage who made a club. Maybe his old tormentor had before. But that was one he wholly wanted to avoid. Luna’s eyes widened as she sensed a heavy presence. She looked around cautiously, her eyes scanning the area.
Mrs. Marigold suddenly stood up and gasped.
“You all need to leave. Now!” She said suddenly, her voice matching her terrified expression. Luna and the children looked at her, the children quizzical.
“What?” Scootaloo began. Mrs. Marigold looked to Princess Luna.
“Your highness, please take the kids and leave! This is no longer a safe place! They cannot know about the children!” She said in a panic. This unnerved the children. Pepper looked around, terrified as he backed over to Princess Luna with the Crusaders. Luna stood her ground.
“Wh-what about you?” Applebloom asked. Mrs. Marigold gave them a nervous, reassuring smile.
“Do not worry about me. They do not care for me. You must hurry. Please!” The field began to have an overcast. The wind picking up as distant whispers surrounded them. Pepper shivered underneath Luna. His journal then opened before him and he looked to see words scribble onto the page:
Look behind my happiest memory. There you will find what you need to put my soul to rest.
Pepper looked over to Mrs. Marigold and the mare gave a kind smile. Suddenly, her eyes widened and she let out a pained scream. Luna balked and used her wings to gather the four under her.
“Remain calm and quiet you four. They know who I am. But they will harm you if they see you.” She said with a low, serious voice. Luna’s horn glowed and bats descended from the sky, squeaking wildly as they conjoined at the neck of the alicorn. The bats formed a cloak that Luna quickly draped around her, enshrouding the four children in darkness under her. She thrww her hood on and watched as a terrifying transformation turned Mrs. Marigold into an mangled abomination.
Luna kept her head low, the children unable to see what was going on. But the movement of the mare could be heard with sickening cracks of her bones. The four held their breathes, shivering and huddling together. Luna always found these creatures despicable. Pygmies created by the passing nightmares of the demented. Luna has tried what she could to best these creatures, but even though they can be quelled, so long as demented dreams exist, they too will continue to do so.
She watched as the creature got low and faced the alicorn. Luna narrowed her eyes challengingly at the creature.
“Forgive the intrusion. But tis it not my duty to walk the dreams of others? Especially the passed?” She arched a brow at the creature. It only responded with a agonized moan, studying the princess. Luna didn’t miss a beat. “Do not begin to test our patience, abomination. Thou knows full well who I am and what I am capable of. Unless thy want to test your challenge?” The creature breathed slowly and loudly, as if gauging the might of the Princess of the Night.
Luna remained focused on the creature, hiding her worry of the children under her. She cannot let this creature know. It is here because it sensed a pure mind. The creature let out a guttural cry before turning and limp crawling into the house of Mrs. Marigold. The door that opened by itself to let the creature through slammed shut, leaving Luna to let out a soft breath of relief. The wind died down and the overcast faded.
Luna closed her eyes and called to the previous realm. The scenery blurred past her before they stood outside the door they had entered in. Luna used a foreleg to toss her cloak back, letting the four shivering children peek out from under her. She smiled kindly.
“It’s alright to come out now.” She said. Sweetie Bell cautiously looked around.
“A-are you sure?” She asked. Luna nodded as the Crusaders stepped out from under her. Pepper remained, shivering and terrified. Luna stepped over the colt and sat down next to him. Her wing bringing the colt into a comforting hold.
“Tis alright, little one. The danger has passed.” She said soothingly. Pepper looked up fearfully at Luna. The colt took a meek step out from her wing.
“What was that?” Applebloom rasped, taking a moment to calm her panicked heart beat. Luna bowed her head apologetically.
“Forgive me, young ones. I did not realize the danger was wandering. I sensed the presence but could not find it.” She said. “Listen well. I have told thee lucid dreaming can be harmful if done incorrectly. The creature thou has heard is the byproduct of such effects. Abominations created by troubled and demented minds that dared to lucid dream themselves. They are very rare to encounter as they do not invade normal dreams.
“However, if thou doth encounter such creatures, they will manipulate thy dreams, twisting it to seek their entertainment pleasure. By directly involving themselves, they will not stop until thy psyche is broken.”
“How can we stop then?” Sweetie Bell asked. Luna smiled.
“A strong heart and will. They will do everything to break thee. Remain strong. Unbroken. They will yield to thy might.” Pepper bowed his head sadly. That’s easier said then done. The colt wasn’t at all ready to do any of this. Why does Princess Luna want him to ensure safety among his peers? He is anything but a brave pony. He shut his eyes in frustration. The area began to melt around them, causing the four to look around.
They were by a lake bed. The pier hanging just a bit beyond the lake edge. A tall tree shading the area. Past it, a tall grass and field leading to a run down shack.
“Where are we now??” Scootaloo asked, her eyes cautiously looking around. Luna looked to the colt, who was now wearing a red flannel and a poorly slung together overalls. Two other ponies had appeared behind him. One kicking back under the tree with a wheat stem in his muzzle. The other, a tall and laid back looking pony that was holding onto a makeshift fishing rod.
The pony under the tree looked up and smirked.
“Well, I’ll be. Welcome back, Pepper. Was wonderin’ where ya’ went off too.” He smiled. Scootaloo looked at him as Pepper turned to face the pony.
“Who are you?” She asked. The pony swished the wheat stem in his muzzle.
“Name’s Constance. That there is Tussel. He ain’t the brightest. But his heart is always on the right place.” He nodded to the bigger pony. Tussel smiled lazily and waved. Constance looked down at the colt. “So, kid. Ya’ wanting to try an’ catch Monstroso again?” Pepper eyes the stallion. He looked back to the others. Constance nodded. “Yer’ friends can join to.” Applebloom smiled.
“Fishin’ by the lake? Count me in!” She stated excitedly. The filly was suddenly wearing overalls and a straw hat with her bow lashed around the rim. Sweetie Bell blinked.
“How did…?” She asked. Scootaloo nudged Sweetie Bell. The pegasus already wearing an outdoorsy vest and tee.
“C’mon, Sweetie Bell! This lake is perfect for speed boating!” She said happily. It took a bit for Sweetie Bell to notice that Scootaloo was floating in the air. Her wings flapping at a steady pace. Luna stood beside Sweetie Bell and the princess smiled down at her.
“We are safe here, Sweetie Bell. You are free to think of whatever you like.” Sweetie Bell balked as Princess Luna was already wearing a tropical shirt and sunglasses, her mane styled into a pony tail. She walked forward, a sun chair shimmering in front of her along with an umbrella shading the seat. She sat down and laid back in a relaxed manner. Sweetie Bell was a bit dumbfounded.
“But… I thought we were learning about lucid dreaming?” She asked. Luna nodded.
“We are. But thy cannot learn without hooves on.” She said, lifting up her sunglasses to give the filly a playful wink before going back to relaxing. Sweetie Bell looked to the others, seeing that Applebloom sat next to Tussel and tacked a worm to the hook. Scootaloo was rubbing her temples, staring intently at the lake. A boat shimmered in front of her and she beamed. Sport skies and a harness shimmered onto her back as she looked over to Sweetie Bell.
“Come on, Sweetie Bell! I wanna catch the waves!” She said excitedly and a little impatiently. Sweetie Bell hummed and rubbed her chin. The boat suddenly shimmered into a tall goose. It honked and looked at the startled filly. Sweetie Bell smirked and the goose dawned sunglasses and a motor slung to the sides. The unicorn filly cantered over and hopped onto the goose, smiling happily as Scootaloo laughed and hooked the harness on. Putting on a helmet, the goose honked and took off from the edge of the lake, pulling Scootaloo in. The filly skimmed the water before cheering along with Sweetie Bell as they went further out to the lake.
Pepper had observed all of this, but sat by himself next to Constance.
“Ya’ know kid. I appreciate everythin’ yer’ tryin’ to do for me an’ Tussel. And while you can make a right, sometimes ya’ gotta’ learn to let go.” Pepper looked up at the pony quizzically. Constance nodded. “I wouldn’t replace Tussel with anypony. What he would do for me. I can’t let the ol’ fool think he failed. Not after all of that. In a way, you are givin’ me a peace of mind. And that’s really all I can ask fer’.” Pepper studied the stallion. Understanding beginning to wash over him.
He always asked why. And while it is a correct question, it wasn’t the appropriate. He should have asked how. How these two are able to go through thick and thin. Appreciating each other til the very end. Constance stood up and pat the colt on the back.
“Think yer’ majesty is wanting you. Take care, kid.” Pepper watched Constance trot back to his tree, returning to his kick back position, this time with a smile. Whole the Crusaders were having the time of their lives, Pepper walked over to Princess Luna, who only flicked her ear in acknowledgment of the colt.
“Tis a pleasant dream, Pepper. Of Spice and Ponies is one I never truly appreciated at the time.” The colt didn’t say anything but say down next to her sun seat. She lifted her sunglasses over her head and smiled softly at the colt. “I can tell thou art nervous.” Pepper finally nodded and spoke.
“How am I able to keep everypony safe? How can I know for sure that I am doing any form of a good job?” He asked without looking at her. Princess Luna studied the colt and kicked back into the seat.
“Thy special talent of freely walking among dreams. Even those that aren’t thou’s. You have even shown me tonight that thy can even walk with those that endlessly sleep.” She then turned her head to the colt, meeting his eyes. “Tell me. What has thy learned of the moment?” Pepper was unsure. He couldn’t really put it into words. He could only tell how it was.
“I… learned that Mrs. Marigold loved the Honeywood fields more than anypony. She even convinced Mother Wisp to live there as well.” He furrowed his look. “She’s a nice mare. How can Funnel do that to her?” Princess Luna did her best not to make her smile come off as proud at the colt.
“Tis something that thy will have to study more on. Have thy read the passage she left thou?” Pepper reached into his overalls and withdrew the journal, opening to the page.
“Look for my happiest memories. There you will be able to put my soul to rest.” He read. Princess Luna nodded.
“Dreams are always affected by what is experienced in the real world. Mrs. Marigold knows what thou hath seen and she is trying to help thee. I hadn’t realized that pony I used as a volunteer would cause so much unrest for the poor dear.” She replied sadly. Pepper couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty himself. But what could he do? He’s not a strong pony. They might have done something much worse than graverobbing if he was found. Pepper rubbed his foreleg sadly, leaving Luna to worry about the colt. She then had an idea. Closing her eyes, she thought of the best memory she could think of that meant so much to her. Pepper saw a flash within the pages of the journal. He opened it curiously.
It was so dark and lonely being trapped as such. When I came to, I hadn't realized how much I've missed my dear sister. It was thanks to six special ponies to guide me back to her.
The colt tilted his head before a flash of memories entered his mind. Twilight Sparkle, not as an alicorn, stood before Nightmaremoon. With her friends showing up by her side, they bonded together to create a powerful rainbow that banished the nightmare of Luna, leaving her terrified till her sister appeared. The colt blinked and shook away the daze. He looked at Luna quizzically, only to gape softly as Luna had a tear trickle down her cheek. She sniffled and wiped it, smiling to the colt.
"Tis a lesson all ponies then learned. Powerful magic lies within friends. With that kind of magic, thou most definitely be able to bring good dreams to everypony." Luna stated confidently. Pepper wasn't so sure. He had thought his playmates were friends until Alabaster came along. He frowned at the thought of the filly just making his life turn around. It was bad enough when Blackheart was around. Alabaster was never for Blackheart's sake. She's made that clear many times to him as he tried to recruit her. But it still confused him to no ends why she continues to be so frustratingly annoying towards him. Luna sat up on her sun seat. "Thou cannot find it just yet, little one. But with the help of these three, I trust well enough that the dreams will be peaceful." There was the sound of a loud boom and a ripple around the area. Princess Luna stood up and stretched her wings a bit. "Tis time to wake up. Stay strong and chin high, Ghost Pepper. Thou art more important than anypony states."
The world began to stretch as Luna, along with the CMC, swirled into the air, the colt opening his eyes with a gasp. He looked around in a small panic before realizing where he was. The freshly stirred dirt mound in front of him. The sun slowly peeking the horizon. The colt scrambled to his hooves and put the book under his wing, taking a couple of steps and froze, looking back at the small mound. His look turned solemn, the colt taking a small deep breath before galloping off towards the orphanage.
Funnel stirred awake, feeling just as miserable as ever. He stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts wandering off to a memory from ages pass. Funnel felt the space next to him stir. Looking over, Mother Wisp rose from her slumber, rubbing her eyes tiredly. She threw off the sheets and stretched. She glanced at the stallion, blushing just a little. Funnel feigned a soft smile. He had failed this night. The nanny certainly wasn't bad looking either to the stallion. Average, but not bad. Aside from this, he still felt disgusted. Mother Wisp was a rather clingy mare. It has been a long while since the mare had done so much. Mother Wisp certainly felt better than usual. When she had finally passed out, Funnel spent a good two hours searching the room for anything that might lead to that inheritance letter.
The most he found was old photos of her late family and what appeared to be her rich mother and father. Which sickened the stallion even more. He sat up and got out of the bed, shuddering.
"I'm going to wash up." He said. Mother Wisp was fixing her mane and sighed in relief.
"Very well. Don't take too long. We have to get the kids ready for their fair." She sighed and frowned. "I just hope those six don't do anything so over the top that'll distract them from getting adopted." Funnel frowned in annoyance. There was nothing more irritating than all the attention this place was getting. He had another idea as he stepped into the porcelain tub with hot water. Scrubbing off the filth from the night, he leaned back and closed his eyes. What could he do to accomplish this task? He wanted to get out of here. To leave this damned place of Equestria. Start fresh somewhere new. Too many bad memories. He heard Pony Land might be a nice change of pace. Tropical and less likely to be ruled by two celestial beings. He opened his eyes as he had another idea. The colt. He wondered if the colt managed to find anything in that journal of his.
Stepping out of the tub, he dried himself off and stepped out as Mother Wisp gave him a playful wink before stepping into the washroom. Funnel dressed himself in his work clothes and left the room. The kids would be waking up soon. As he trotted by the rooms, he stopped as he heard the sound of a window opening behind a door. Pepper's room. He leaned down and looked through the keyhole.
The colt drew the curtains, yawning a bit as he placed his journal on his desk. Funnel noticed the colt looking a bit dusty with dirt. The colt must have snuck outside. Nothing unusual about it as it isn’t the first time the colt has done so. Funnel stepped back as the colt reached his door. Pepper looked startled at the sight of Funnel before quickly scampering past him into the wash room. Funnel narrowed his eyes before looking back towards his desk.
He quickly glanced around, seeing that no pony else stirred. He trotted inside and flipped open the journal, flipping through the pages before stopping on the recent passage. His eyes narrowed. Why is the colt dreaming of the day Princess Luna returned? He flipped over to the next page. Funnel frowned at the passage. As vague as it sounded, it does seem to ring with the stallion.
‘Find my happiest memory. There you will bring my soul to rest.’ The colt did it. Funnel felt a renewed sense of purpose. He is almost there. He trotted out of the room after closing the door slightly. Funnel began to walk towards the back door, a little pep in his step. Not even last night could weigh him down. He has to keep going. Just three more days until the adoption fair. There is still plenty of time. He stepped out into the bright rays, thanking Celestia's warming embrace this day.
Mother Wisp gathered the kids outside the front of the orphanage. Making a quick head count, she was relieved to see Ghost Pepper had managed to be present, albeit further behind the kids. Nevertheless, Mother Wisp looked to the children.
“Today we will all be working on your presentation to your potential adoption pair. That means you will all be able to show off what your interests are as well as any hobbies or special talents. I will be heading into Ponyville with a list of things that you all will request. But, I need to ask that you all think long and hard about this. This is meant for an opportunity to have you all show off what makes you special. No requesting stuff that is not relevant to your special talents.”
The children began muttering amongst themselves. Mother Wisp held up a hoof.
“To those that do not have a cutie-mark, do not worry about being excluded. This is for everypony. Your talents will come to you. Do what you do best. Now then, I’ll be going around to each one of you and asking what you need. We’ll start with… Torque.” Mother Wisp might as well get the elephant in the room out of the way. The children began to chat amongst themselves as Torque stepped forward. Mother Wisp brought out a note pad and a pencil, writing down the filly’s materials. Which, to no ponies surprise, was a lot of electrical stuff.
Pepper watched as one by one, the kids were interviewed, some taking a bit to decide on what they could possibly think of. Mother Wisp seemed a bit irritated by some requests and quickly suggested something much more down to earth. When it came to Merriweather’s turn, she asked couple of rubber balls, a couple of bowling pins and three rings. She also shyly asked for a couple of plates from the orphanage. Mother Wisp found this to be quite an interesting request, but shrugged and wrote it down.
That just left Ghost Pepper. The kids grew quiet as Pepper nervously stepped forward. Either for curiosity's sake or what other, Mother Wisp studied the colt. With the attention he has been getting, it was hard to make out quite what should be expected. And Pepper knew this. Princess Luna states that his special talent is lucid dreaming. But in the ways of adoption, what parents would want to have a kid be able to sleep a lot and walk freely in dreams?
Parents would want their children to make something of themselves. Sleeping is just lazy. Mother Wisp put the pencil into the spiral of the notebook and sighed softly, sitting down on her haunches.
“Pepper. You must understand that I want nothing but the best for you. This is your chance to show ponies that you are not a skittish colt. You may have certain… privileges at the moment. But that should not distract you from going to a good home. Just do your best, Pepper, and you’ll be golden.” She brought out the pencil and waited for the colt to request. Pepper felt all eyes on him. What should he do? He has honestly never really put much thought into what he wanted to do or be.
The colt thought long and hard. Maybe a writer? While still a newbie at writing, he did find enjoyment in writing just a bit more than anypony here. He rubbed his foreleg before looking up to her.
“M-maybe an empty book and some pencils? I-I want to try writing.” He muttered. Mother Wisp couldn’t help but find it a simple, but surprisingly normal request. She wrote it down and nodded with a soft smile.
“Very well. With that in mind, you all are free to play whatever you want while I’m away. But remember, no going past the oak tree, out in the field or give Funnel trouble. And especially don’t make a mess or else everypony will be on chore duty again.” She said sternly.
“Yes, Mother Wisp.” The kids said in unison. Mother Wisp picked up her saddle bag and trotted over to a waiting wagon that had pulled up during the interviews. Mother Wisp always had time to contact the taxi wagon puller. A close friend to janitor Weiss for convenient travel. As the wagon took off down the road, the kids began to chatter amongst themselves, eventually leading up to a free for all game of tag.
Pepper sat on the porch with his journal open. He re-read the passage that Mrs. Marigold left behind. Where would her happiest memory be? And how could it help him? No matter how many times the colt read it, it just didn’t make sense. As the colt closed his eyes for a brief moment to think, when he opened them back up, he felt a presence that made him turn with a startled expression. Funnel was leaning against the post pillar connecting the stair railing to the porch. He watched the kids play before casting a downward sideways look at Pepper. He then motioned with his head and began to walk to the side of the orphanage. Pepper's ears dropped, gulping softly before putting his journal under his wing and following Funnel, unaware of the attention it brought to a young filly.
Funnel led Pepper towards the side of the gardening shed and looked over to see if any of the kids were getting curious. He then brought Pepper around sternly, causing him to hiss in a bit of pain.
"You've been busy, haven't you?" Funnel began. He let go of Pepper, he rubbed his foreleg. Funnel noticed the journal under the colt's wing and he yanked it out of his hold. Pepper balked and reached for it, only for Funnel to put a hoof on his head and hold him back, despite the colt trying to push back.
"Give it back!" He said with a raised voice. Funnel shushed him and put the book on the ground, flipping open to the passage. Pepper was then pushed away, the colt shivering as he shrunk back at the stallion's cold glare.
"Keep your voice down and I promise to not tell Mother Wisp where you were last night." He stated. Pepper's eyes widened in surprise. Funnel shifted his frown before pointing at the journal. "Do you know what this passage means?" The colt eyed the journal and then back to Funnel. Pepper shook his head softly. Funnel looked down at the journal and scanned the page. "Happiest memory, huh? I wonder what kind of happiest memory the nanny has?" He muttered under his breath. Funnel looked to the colt. "Were you able to get anything else out of nanny's dream?" He asked. Pepper's terrified look turned to that of slight confusion. Mother Wisp's dream? The colt looked at the journal and his eyes glinted in realization. Pepper racked his brain, coming up with a small idea.
"I-I wasn't able to understand most of it. J-just a memory about her late husband and kids." He replied. Funnel rubbed his chin.
"Late husband and kids? Hmmm... And are you sure there was nothing else?" The stallion frowned as the colt tried to come up with another excuse, only for the stallion to take it as the colt being scattered brain. He clicked his tongue and batted the journal over to the colt. Pepper quickly closed it and hugged it close to his chest. "So much for being a bright child. Regardless, it's something at least." He sighed and scrapped the ground with a small kick of his foreleg. Pepper balked. He had to do something. The colt stood up.
"M-Maybe at the neighbor's house?" He suggested. He wasn't sure if it was good enough. But the stallion froze and looked at him, narrowing his eyes.
"Mrs. Marigold's?" He asked. The stallion's look transitioned to that of a victorious smile. "Of course... the nanny was great friends with that old bat. It's only right she would keep some secrets with her neighbor..." He then grinned at the colt. "Good work, kid. But that can't be all there is. I expect you to probe the nanny's mind a bit more. Remember, her safety is on the line. You do this favor for my job and you'll be a hero. Just like in your fantasy novels." He pat the stunned colt on the shoulder. "Dunno what Mother Wisp was thinking. You are a pretty great helper." With that, he brought Pepper around and gently pushed the colt forward, making him stumble a bit. "Run along now. I gotta' tend to the gardens here. And don't worry. Your little night trot is safe with me." Pepper looked down at the ground worriedly. He hoped he had done enough to throw off the pony's trail of that inheritance letter.
As much as his trust was towards his playmates and the nanny herself, Princess Luna's words kept resonating in the back of his mind. He had to ensure the safety of the others. But... does he have to ensure the safety of Funnel as well? Princess Luna seemed a bit off when the colt mentioned Funnel in his dream. The colt sighed and adjusted his scarf. His look furrowed into a thought. He held up a tail of the scarf and studied it. It was only twice, but he remembers his scarf coming to life into massive, long extra limbs that seemed to brutally handle a situation. Once in the dream and the other was what ever happened to the orphanage. Another thought came to his mind. Taking a look around, seeing that Funnel was digging through the shed, Pepper held the book under his wing and began to canter around the side of the house, darting just close to the shrubs and flowers planted by Funnel by the porch and entered inside the orphanage. He made his way towards his room, retracing the steps that led to that activation.
When he climbed out the window and floated up to the roof of the orphanage, he crept low as to not make himself visible to the others. Finding a good spot, he sat down and examined his scarf tails. How did they work? What could he do to trigger it again? He opened the journal and laid it out next to him. He then began to flail the tails out in front of him. Seeing as that wasn't working, he scrunched his muzzle in thought.
"Okay... then maybe it's... voice activated?" He asked himself quietly. He stared determinedly ahead and took a deep breath. He tossed out his hoof outstretched in front of him. "Go forth!" He commanded. Nothing. The colt looked quizzical. He waved his hoof. "Err... I call upon thee?" Still nothing. He frowned a little as he then unwrapped his scarf around him and put it down at his hooves. He tapped it.
Does it require to be in a certain environment? Perhaps the dream plane? The colt hummed softly to himself in thought. He took his journal and flipped to an empty page. He brushed the page softly and furrowed. He then closed his eyes and began to imagine his scarf coming to life. He imagined it standing up on the tails and began to walk around him. He chuckled as he imagined a small little dance it would do too.
When he opened his eyes, he found that nothing has changed. Pepper frowned. He sighed and tossed his scarf back around his neck. The only piece of clothing that was from his home. He couldn’t quite remember his home anymore. He doesn’t even remember his parents at all. Who they were or what they did. It felt strange to feel homesickness despite the colt having already accepted the orphanage as his residence for now. He then heard a “psst” call out to him from behind.
He looked over his shoulder and tilted his head slightly. He saw a hoof wave at him before ducking behind the other side of the roof. Pepper gave a concerned look. Did he intrude upon somepony else taking refuge on the roof? Most of the children here are earth ponies, save for a couple that were unicorn or pegasus. The only other pegasi he knows of is a colt named Puffle Cloud.
Curiosity got the better of him. Pepper crept over to the top of the roof and peeked over. He could see the kids down below playing. He heard another “psst” that made him turn to his left. He saw the top of somepony’s head duck under the roof. That’s odd. Pepper shimmied and crawled over to where the head had ducked behind, only to see that it led down to the side of the orphanage. Pepper frowned. Is Puffle messing with him.
Pepper looked back to the playing kids. He squinted his eyes and spied the pegasus colt talking with two other kids. Pepper’s ears flicked as he heard muttering from below. He looked over the roof, only to duck back and peek out. Funnel is talking to the two other bad ponies, Pickle Rind and Shanty. Pickle wore his usual brown suite while Shanty was now clad in a casual Rarity dress. Yet, despite the lady like looking appearance, she was boredly twirling what appeared to be a small knife around her hoof.
“… He’s been kind enough to accept those collections we made. But we need to get that letter now or all of us will be put to the gallows!” Pickle growled. Funnel sighed.
“And I told you I have it taken care of. The colt has been a major help.” Funnel replied unimpressed. Shanty scoffed before stabbing the knife into the side of a tree.
“You think a little brat is going to help? The snot ridden bastards are the most brutally honest insects known to pony kind. Keep in mind that now both princesses are involved in this dispute.” She hissed coldly. “And with Princess Luna being favorable to the younger populace, what’s to say that colt hasn’t given away our plans?” Pepper’s eyes narrowed as he continued to listen.
“Because I made him believe I’m an agent working to protect the nanny and the others. I know it worked because he showed me a passage in that little dream journal of his giving a clue as to where it could be kept. The very pony we borrowed from.” He explained. Pickle rubbed his muzzle.
“You better be right. Because if you mess up this time, it’ll be your head.” He growled. “The heroes of Equestria. Princess Luna and Celestia. This place has been getting much more attention than it deserves. Our client will not have any more delays. You have three days left, Funnel.” The stallion adjusted his suite collar and nodded. “Good day.” Shanty smirked at Funnel, taking out the knife, twirling it before flicking it down in front of his hooves.
“If you feel the pressure is too much, just save us the trouble. Ta-ta!” She trotted over to Pickle, helping her into the wagon before stepping inside. Funnel spat on the ground and picked up the knife. He studied it before flipping it closed and pocketing it. Pepper ducked back as the stallion made a motion to scan the sky. The colt listened as he heard the hoof steps of the gardener trot back around the orphanage. The colt darted his eyes in thought.
Pepper stood up, only to slip on a loose tile. He yelped as he began tumbling down the roof. The colt panicked as he felt he was close to falling off the edge but was stopped, his hindlegs dangling over the edge. The colt scrambled to righten himself, whimpering. He then felt something around his neck a little firm. He looked back to see that the ends of his scarf had become familiar looking claws that dug into the roof.
Pepper took a moment to calm himself before tugging on his scarf. He saw the claws reform back into the tails of the scarf. The colt looked dumbfounded as his scarf draped in front of him. It actually happened. But… how did it happen? Ghost Pepper cautiously tapped his scarf. No reaction. The colt then sighed.
"Pepper! Get down from the roof!" A voice called out. He froze and looked down to see Alabaster frowning disappointedly at him. A couple of the kids looked up from what they were doing. Pepper narrowed his eyes spitefully at the filly. Rule or not, he doesn't want to deal with his tormentor. The colt turned and scampered up the roof to the other side. "Hey! Don't ignore me! I'm going to tell Mother Wisp!" She called out. The filly groaned in frustration and scrapped the ground with a fore hoof in a kick. "Why does he have to be so frustrating?!" She frowned. Merriweather looked worriedly at Alabaster.
"M-maybe just let him be?" She asked. Alabaster turned a glare to her, and Merriweather panicked. Alabaster has done a lot to help Merriweather's confidence. But as much as Merriweather admired Alabaster, any mention of Pepper would leave her agitated. Merriweather never understood what caused her to start picking on Pepper so much. But she can't really disagree with her. Pepper was once a great helper around the orphanage. But one misstep caused Alabaster to call him out.
And ever since, they have been noticing the colt cutting corners.
"Now, class. I hope you all have your science project essays ready! I'll be going around and doing a run through of your projects before we will present them in the science fair." Ms. Cheerlie said. The kids began chattering excitedly amongst each other. Ms. Cheerlie held up a hoof. “Settle down and get with your science partners. I’ll be coming around to hear about what you’ll be presenting.” The children paired up. Applebloom and Sweetie Bell together. Scootaloo with Pipsqueak. All four sat with each other, papers in front of them.
“What’ll ya’ll goin’ to do?” Applebloom asked Scootaloo and Pipsqueak. Pipsqueak held up a paper as Scootaloo presented to them.
“A replica of Mount Vahoovious. Figured we just try something simplistic but fun.” Scootaloo smiled as she pointed to Pipsqueak. “Pipsqueak made some minor tweaks though.” The small colt nodded.
“Made a special compound that’ll wow even Princess Twilight herself!” He said excitedly. Sweetie Bell snickered.
“I think Twilight would be impressed with anything science-y.” She spoke. Scootaloo motioned to the two.
"What about you two? What are you planning on doing?" She asked. Applebloom pointed at her paper.
"We are plannin' on using the many ways you can use apples. More than just cider and sauce and pie, mind you." The filly stated. There was a loud snort and the four turned to see Blackheart kicking back in his desk. The four frowned.
"Sounds like a whole load of boring." The colt said boredly. Scootaloo crossed her forelegs.
"I bet Featherweight's is much more interesting then. Since clearly you both worked on it." The filly replied sarcastically. Blackheart had been a recent addition to the schoolhouse. Yet, it hasn't been three months in when the colt already made a big impression towards the children. Manipulative and cold. A bully to the bone. And for some strange reason, Ms. Cheerlie is oblivious to it. Which baffled the kids as Ms. Cheerlie is usually so much better at catching bad behavior. Even Diamond Tiara is finding it annoying. The reformed bully has made it a war with the colt, who gladly had accepted the challenge and the two had been getting into plenty of petty situations. The Cutie-Mark Crusaders and the kids tried their best to stay on Diamond Tiara's side, but Blackheart always seemed two steps ahead of her. Diamond Tiara remains ever vigilant, however. Blackheart shrugged.
"Colt is smart enough to handle it. Never was good with science. Now, athletics, is more my thing. Featherweight did most of the thinking. And I did the walking." The colt smirked smugly. Sweetie Bell shook her head disapprovingly.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" She asked with an arched brow. The colt waved a hoof lazily.
"Featherweight is making an obstacle course for me to run in. Each obstacle being a representation of inertia. And so on and so forth." He pat his chest proudly. "Might involve a couple of collateral projects, but I aim to win." He grinned slyly. This didn't sit well with the group. Knowing it was going to be no good, Applebloom motioned with her head to the others.
"C'mon, guys. Let's find someplace quiet without any distractions." She said. Blackheart waved at the group as they walked over to the other side of the classroom, chuckling softly to himself. With the group ignoring the colt, Scootaloo sighed.
"What is that colt's deal? I swear, he's just so... abnormal." She stated. This wasn't at all wrong. This wasn't the usual type of stereotypical bullying. The colt seemed to know his strengths and weaknesses, using both to somehow turn everything to his favor. Some of the kids feel it was dumb luck and happenstance. Blackheart eyed the kids as they went about their talks. He hummed to himself with a smug smile on his face. It all came to him in a dream. The science fair project that'll crush the other competition, leaving him the top dog of the schoolhouse. The colt found that all his ideas came from his dreams. Something he noticed when he was an urchin back at the run-down orphanage.
As much as the twiggy pegasus wanted to do something entirely different, the colt made sure that they went with his idea. Who would have thought? Being able to run and crush things would be a good project for science? The colt could just relive it now. He closed his eyes and imagined it. Monkey bars, see-saw, swings and many other things so happily provided by Diamond Tiara for the new playground. He imagined the other children's own projects. How they were perfectly aligned with his trajectory and motions. Each project being crushed under his hooves. Yes, a perfect thought. But when the colt opened his eyes, he gasped at the sight in front of him.
A cottage up in flames. The smell of ash and burnt wood. The smoke rising high. And the colt stood in soot covered coat and mane. He wasn't crying. He wasn't even sad. The memory flowed into him as quickly as the fire had started. A small smile crept on his face as tears began to trail down his face. The many times this has come back to haunt him, he could only chuckle at it. Such vindication welled up inside of the colt. The colt blinked once, knowing that if he did, he would be back in the real world. Yet, it didn't happen. And this puzzled the colt immediately. He began to look around before his eyes fell onto a familiar colt.
The light cyan pegasus looked on in horrified awe at the burning cottage. Blackheart's mind wasn't able to comprehend the sight of the colt until he met his look. Blackheart expected the colt to tremble at the sight of him. It was to be expected. The many beatings, including the recent one, should have stuck with the colt for as long as he lived. Yet, he only looked at him in apologetic worry. Once again, Blackheart was puzzled by this.
"Pepper?" He finally spoke.
"Pepper?" a voice spoke, waking the colt up. Ms. Cheerlie looked at the colt in stern worry. "Would you care to explain how peppers will be implemented into yours and Featherweight's science project?" She asked with an arched brow. Blackheart blinked and tapped his chin.
"Not sure. I just felt a strange craving for peppers. But, if you think about it, maybe Featherweight can work something out." The colt replied in a non-chalant manner. This came natural to the colt. Roll with the flow was his motto. The teacher mare looked to Featherweight. Blackheart hadn't noticed the colt. Featherweight glanced fearfully at Blackheart before nodding.
"Y-yes. I-I can probably figure something out. A-after all, Blackheart is going to run the course." He replied. Blackheart put on a feigned smile and nodded. This swayed Cheerlie to shrug and shake her head softly.
"As long as the topic remains true, I just hope it doesn't take up too much time. Each child is to present their project within a ten minute timeframe." She said. Blackheart smirked challengingly and pat his chest.
"I can clear it in three." He stated. This satisfied Cheerlie, the mare turning to trot over to the next group. From afar, Applebloom narrowed her eyes.
"Did he just say, Pepper? As in, the name Pepper and not peppers?" She asked the others. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo exchanged glances and nodded. Applebloom rubbed her chin in thought. Pipsqueak stopped what he was writing to chime in.
"I hear Blackheart was an orphan. Adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Stock that moved in two years ago." He said in a low voice as to not draw attention to them. The three fillies' eyes widened slightly in realization. The bell rang and Ms. Cheerlie tapped her desk.
"Now remember, my little ponies! We will all meet at the front of the Town Hall when you've all gathered your projects. Don't be late!" She said over the children gathering their stuff and filing out of the schoolhouse happily. Blackheart snorted and looked to Featherweight, grinning.
"Lucky for us, everything is all set. Just need to make a few adjustments. You can also forget about the peppers." He said with disgust. Featherweight saluted, zipping away from the colt. The fillies and Pipsqueak watched as Blackheart crossed his hooves and frowned, as if struggling with a thought. When he noticed the fillies staring, he grinned. "Take a picture. It'll last longer." He said, standing up and trotting past the group, shoulder bumping into Scootaloo to knock her on her haunches. She glared at the colt as he walked by. Sweetie Bell hummed in thought.
"I've got a bad feeling about today." She said. The three fillies suddenly had a flash of a burning cottage and a soot covered colt looking puzzled. The three rubbed their heads and shook them. Pipsqueak looked at them worriedly.
"Are you girls alright?" He asked. Applebloom nodded.
"'Ah think so." She replied. Sweetie Bell furrowed her look.
"At some point, we should check up on Pepper.” She said. Applebloom smiled and nodded.
“After the science fair, let’s race on over to the orphanage!” She stated. Pipsqueak motioned towards Ponyville.
“Wouldn’t it be dark by the time you three make it to the orphanage?” He asked. Applebloom nodded.
“That’s okay though! We have somepony that can get us there likity split!” She grinned. “Ain’t that right, Scootaloo?” The pegasus filly grinned.
“We’ll be there before the sun hits the horizon!” She stated. With that settled, the four cantered towards Ponyville. As they raced by in the directions of their homes, fliers were posted almost everywhere about the Honeyfield Orphanage Adoption Fair. The flier read:
Honeyfield Orphanage Adoption Fair!!
Potential parents, come meet the talented adopts wanting a good home! There will be cake!
Mother Wisp had returned from her trip to Ponyville. Funnel helped her unload the wagon and pass out the requested items for each kid. She personally handed Ghost Pepper, who was snoozing quietly on the porch chair, a blank book and a couple of pen, quill and quill ink. Pepper stirred as Mother Wisp nodded to him.
“I’m a bit curious, Pepper. Whatever did you have in mind to write?” She asked with genuine curiosity. Pepper has thought about it a bit. But he soon came up with an idea. He wanted to make something similar to Of Rice and Ponies, but with a western take. The characters would be a mix of Sherclop and Wattson. Constance and Tussel. The title he had thought of was something that just popped into his head.
Brisket County and The Whoppers. The colt smiled and opened the book, taking a pen to the page and began scribbling the title. Mother Wisp tilted her head at the chicken scratch but found the name of the title rather silly. She left the colt to his devices, giving a stern look at Pallet nearly dropping a paint bucket against the house. As Mother Wisp went around to each children regarding their presentations, Ghost Pepper’s head began to fill with ideas.
Brisket County would be an orphan, like him. But he’s a do gooder sharpshooter, accompanied by his three companions, forming a gang called The Whoppers. The colt thought it a fitting name. Brisket, the heart of gold, rugged sharpshooter. Sesame, the strong and brave genius with a love of all things rustic. Prickly, the hot headed and sharp-tongued slash disgraced sheriff. And lastly, Crumbs. The lovable oaf who isn’t the brightest, but a loyal friend to the end. The colt hummed as he drafted out the ideas in his head.
His journal next to him shuddered, catching the colt’s attention. He blinked and opened the book.
I could relive this moment forever. Let it be known that I will take control of my own life. Rest in peace, Glitter Hope. You will not be missed.
The colt furrowed his look in concern. He turned to the next page and his jaw dropped a bit. His journal had jotted down his ideas into the pages. The colt cautiously tapped the page, wondering if anything else would be written. But seeing as nothing did, he warily went back to thinking of more ideas. Throughout the remaining time the children had and in between chores, Pepper thought of more things for his book.
He would start with Brisket saving one of the companions. The two would then later meet the other companions down the line. When the four would meet, they would handle a few jobs before getting caught up in a land dispute from a rich baron and a rival gang. The colt thought about it a bit more. With some minor changes, he could come up with something worthwhile in this matter. He had another thought.
Maybe Brisket would be guided by a mysterious figure that only he could see? The Mare of Limbo. Perhaps? The colt shook his head. He’d have to come up with a different name for the figure. As the day progressed and it was wind down hours, the kids would idle in their rooms or chat amongst each other, even a couple helping each other out with their presentations. Alabaster and Merriweather were well under way with it.
It seems the filly took inspiration from Pinkie Pie. She tried juggling the balls, wanting to see if she could sing along with Alabaster’s song. But the clashing genres seemed to not work out as they intended. Merriweather decided to pass on her requests to a young filly with a frizzy sapphire mane and a light purple coat. Ferris Wheel loved all things carnival. It didn’t take long for Ferris to teach Merriweather a bit of juggling, leaving Alabaster to practice her violin.
Pallet and Tea Stout were the picture-perfect partners. One wanting to be a mane stylist model while the other wanting to do nothing but fill in blank canvases. Pallet waved to Pepper as he walked by, but the colt was too engrossed in his book to notice. As the colt trotted into his room and shutting the door, he turned around and froze. Something felt off about his room. A heavy presence lingered around him.
The colt looked around cautiously, feeling a sudden panic that caused him to feel his heartbeat. Pepper warily went back to thinking up ideas for his story, sitting at his desk and lighting the candle. When the colt sat back, he continues to ignore the heavy presence that now seemed to send a shiver down his spine. Sensing it was behind him, he took a moment to calm himself and focused on writing. It helped to distract him from it all.
As the colt began writing down his first ever paragraph, using the ideas from the journal earlier, he made it to the next paragraph when he froze. The presence was heavy. Much heavier than usual. The colt looked down at his book terrified. Why is this happening to him? Why is this presence choosing him? Why is it always him? He was unable to move. He could hear something creak from the adjacent bed next to his. Heavy hoofsteps beginning to walk around his room.
They eventually came to a stop behind him. Pepper’s ears began to ring as he felt his breathing being held. He was afraid to turn around. Afraid to see what was waiting for him to do so. The colt shut his eyes tightly, making a small prayer of help.
As if the very divine beings answered, there was a loud clack against his window. The presence immediately vanished and the colt spun around, glancing around his room. The clacking turned into a knock. Pepper quickly darted over to the window and peeked out from the side. He gapped as he saw a familiar yellow and red filly balancing on a small brick to look in.
When she saw the colt, she smiled and waved. A feeling of relief and curiosity replaced his fear. He opened the window and Applebloom saluted coolly.
“Hiyah, Pepper! May we come in?” She asked as Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo poked their heads up and smiled. Pepper eyed the fillies. He shouldn’t do it. Allowing other kids outside of visiting hours is against the rules. While there is no harm in having outside friends, Mother Wisp made it clear that some things will drastically change. It’ll be better if the outside children were back at home and shouldn’t be out after curfew.
But being told that it was rude to refuse aid, the colt nodded and stepped aside. They did scare off whatever was in his room, after all. The fillies climbed in and looked around, Sweetie Bell shivering.
“Brrr… You need to have some sort of heating in here.” She stated. Pepper tilted his head. Spring evenings are cool if anything. Applebloom took a seat in front of the side of his bed while Scootaloo took a seat on the window edge. Sweetie Bell turned to the colt and smiled. “Bet you are wondering why we are here at this time of hour.” She said. The colt held up a hoof in a shush manner. He crept towards the door, putting his ear against it for any sounds. Thankfully, it appears that the sound of a violin was making it hard to hear anything right now.
He turned back to the three and nodded. Sweetie Bell cleared her throat and continued.
“Well. We wanted to check up on you. Have you’ve been napping lately?” She asked. Pepper scratched his head with the tip of his hoof quizzically before nodding. Scootaloo hopped off the window edge and walked over to the desk, scanning the page of his journal.
The colt balked and quickly dashed over, closing the journal and hugging it close to his chest. The fillies arched brows at him.
“Are you alright?” Applebloom asked. They knew it was going to be a bit tricky to get the colt to respond appropriately. But Pepper did shake his head.
“D-don’t look in it…” He muttered. Scootaloo rubbed the back of her head.
“Alright? I guess?” She shrugged to the others. Applebloom motioned to the journal.
“Can ya’ at least tell us what that burnin’ cottage was about?” She asked. Pepper’s eyes widened in recognition. How could he forget. Luna had told him the fillies are tied to his dreams. He bit his lip, trying to think of a good way to explain it.
“I… I don’t know. I-it wasn’t a dream. I-it felt like a memory.” He stated. “B-but I’m not sure how. I… I don’t want to go back there.” Scootaloo crossed her hooves and hummed in thought.
“Was it that traumatizing? That colt didn’t seem too upset. Though, it was hard to tell.” She said. Applebloom nodded.
“It didn’t look like a Ponyville cottage either. I wonder where it was?” She asked more to herself. Sweetie Bell saw the concerned knowing look in Pepper’s expression.
“Do you happen to know that colt, by chance?” She asked him. Pepper quickly balked in surprise before shaking his head furiously, hugging the floor and burying his face as he shivered uncontrollably. All the horrifying memories of his tormentor coming back to him. Applebloom went over and pat the back of the colt.
“Relax. No need to be frightened. It’s just somethin’ we saw. We don’t have to get too into it.” She said with a reassuring smile. The two others nodded in agreement. Pepper peeked out from under his hooves and eyed them cautiously. His ears flicked as he noticed something was off. It was quiet. And the sound of hoofsteps and child chatter were beginning to reach closer. Pepper stood up immediately, panic in full swing.
He looked around and saw his wardrobe. He dashed over to it and opened it up, motioning for the three to hide in it. Just as they were going to ask, they heard Mother Wisp.
“Alright, children. Roll call. Please come out and wish each other goodnight.” She called out. The fillies nodded to each other and squeezed into the wardrobe. Pepper shut it just in time too as Mother Wisp knocked on his door. “Pepper. Please come out and say goodnight.” He quickly moved over to the door and unlocked it. Mother Wisp eyed the colt as he stepped out, taking a quick glance into his room. The window was open, but that was the norm with the child.
He looked to his sides, seeing the other kids, some in night caps as they lined up in front of their doors. Mother Wisp smiled softly before trotting down to the end of the hall.
“Goodnight, children!” She called out.
“Goodnight, Mother Wisp!” The children replied in unison.
“Tomorrow you will all be practicing for your presentations, so get plenty of rest. Funnel will be checking up on everypony and if they aren’t in bed, you will hear it from me. Understand?” She said sternly.
“Yes, Mother Wisp.” The children replied in unison. She nodded, satisfied with the night routine, turning to enter her room. Pepper looked around, seeing the kids begin to walk in. His gaze fell onto Alabaster, who gave him a sideways glance as she turned to enter her room. He frowned and turned around to enter his own, locking the door and sighing. He trotted over to the wardrobe and opened it as the fillies nearly stumbled out of it.
Applebloom dusted herself off while Sweetie Bell disgusted shook off a spider.
“Ewewew!” Pepper held up a hoof in a shushing manner. Applebloom nodded.
“Pepper’s right. Keep your voices down.” She whispered. Scootaloo looked out the window as the moon began to rise.
“What now? We won’t make it back to Ponyville.” The pegasus filly whispered back. Sweetie Bell hummed and shrugged.
“We’ll just have to make up an excuse right now. Let’s say…” she smirked. “We were invited to a sleep over and forgot to mention it.” Pepper froze and looked at the filly in horror.
Princess Luna stood over the balcony of the highest tower in the castle, watching as her moon rose. She looked over her shoulder, sensing Princess Celestia walking through the arch way to the balcony. Her smile kind as she nodded.
“Will you be visiting the colt again?” She asked. Luna gave a quiet sigh.
“Tis something I would have to do at some point tonight. But I cannot just focus on one child. I must see to our subjects before anything. Tis my duty, after all.” She replied. Celestia saw the concerned look on her sister’s expression. Celestia stood beside Luna and wrapped a reassuring wing around her.
“Fret not, my dear sister. I may not be able to help you in the Dream Realm. But I have managed to set up something that might.” She motioned to the door. “Two ponies have been staying in the castle to await my decision on a certain dispute. I’ve been purposely delaying as it coincides with your interest in the orphanage.” She began. Luna’s eyes widened a bit.
“Barons?” She asked. Celestia nodded.
“That property and land has a lot more value than I can begin to describe. Yet, the only thing preventing any further transactions is that orphanage.” Celestia closed her eyes in solemn prayer. “This spell you are casting will aid more than just the children and nanny.” Luna shook her head.
“I am afraid tis more than just a counter spell. The dark aura enveloping the area has been increasing and I… I doth not know how to prevent it.” Celestia looked worriedly at her sister. “I am afraid… I may have to cast a ritual spell to dispel it.” Ritual casting is an uncommon practice, but one that the two are no strangers to. Celestia smiled softly and lifted her sister’s head by the chin gently to meet her gaze.
“I fully trust in your judgement, Luna. I will do what I can to keep the two contested until you have settled your ritual.” Celestia stood up and walked to exit the room, leaving Luna to dart her eyes in thought. She turned to look back at the moon and closed her eyes. The world melted around her into a black abyss before a small spark from her horn flashed the world, bringing her into sparkling, dreamy night sky.
Luna opened her eyes and called upon the Canterlot star. An orb floated up and many doors began to zip by in front of her. One by one, the Princess of the Night opened door after door, watching each dream calculatedly. Aside from the usual ambitious dreams of wealth, power and occasional quelling of insecurities, nothing eventful happened. Luna called upon the Manehatten star. Luna found several nightmares from ponies with induced trauma and had to console many sickly ponies. The hard parts of the job of ensuring good dreams to ponies is the ones that were to bring comfort to those that would soon meet the afterlife. Guiding them to acceptance. Luna had to take a moment to gather herself for the next round of dreams. She patrolled the Dream Realm with the fortitude you would expect of anypony ready for anything.
Yet, there were some that she just wasn't prepared for. Having come across several demented minds, she did her best to ensure that it would bring grave consequences in their psyche. That is all she could really do. As the night went on, she finally called upon the Ponyville star. The doors zipped by her, coming to a stop at a new door that had appeared. She opened it to see a light purple mare with a purple and light blue highlighted mane buckling under the pressure of voices and the circling heads of Twilight and her friends. Each head grinning smugly down at her, throwing insults and tackling her insecurities. The mare trembled as she curled into a ball. Luna entered the dream and dispelled the heads. The mare looked around in confusion before looking up in awe at the majestic alicorn.
"Who... who are you?" She stammered in fear. Luna smiled kindly and helped the mare up.
"Some call me the Princess of the Night. Others refer to me as Princess Luna. But you are free to call me Luna." she replied. The mare rubbed her head and looked around. They were standing back into the starry, dreamy night sky.
"You're Princess Luna?" She asked in awe. The alicorn smiled and nodded.
"And you must be Starlight Glimmer. Twilight's new pupil." she responded. Starlight gave a worried and nervous look.
"I-I am..." Luna studied the mare. Her posture betraying her fear. Luna waved a hoof softly.
"No need to be frightened. I am merely here to ensure thee a pleasant sleep. Now tell me, doth thou fear that those who have accepted thou will give up on trying?" She asked. Starlight Glimmer took a moment to think about it before she sighed and sat down. She told Luna how much she had screwed up and how everything came to be. How she feared that the future would be bleak and uncertain for her. As grateful as she is about a second chance, the fear of messing it all up is too great a risk for her to prevent. Luna listened to mare's plight and provided reasonable responses when given. After a bit, Starlight began to open up more and felt a bit better by the end of it. The Dream Realm began to ripple, telling Luna she had prolonged her stay. She felt herself being pulled back, but not before Luna called out to her.
"Be strong, Starlight Glimmer! Have faith in yourself as your friends do!" Starlight melted before Luna and the alicorn found herself in front of the door being shut forcefully in front of her. Luna furrowed her look at the door. She hoped that her words would at least ease the mare into a peaceful slumber. She began to go through the remaining doors. When she came to Applebloom's, she was surprised to see Pepper sitting next to her along with Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo. She looked further down the remaining doors. She then looked around, seeing that they were in a western bar. Applebloom sipped happily at apple juice while Scootaloo had root beer and Sweetie Bell enjoyed a sundae. Pepper studied the journal in front him. Each child dawning western attire.
Princess Luna couldn't help but smile softly. Deciding to observe the dream further, she sat and watched just outside the door. Applebloom finished her apple juice before tipping her hat.
"That's some mighty fine juice! Thanks for the drink, pardner." Applebloom grinned at the bartender pony, who tipped their bowler hat in kind. There were sounds of voices and clattering silverware as well as an old timey piano being played, yet there were no ponies present aside from the four children and the bartender. Sweetie Bell licked her lips before turning to the others.
"Neat dream you made up, Pepper. I can almost taste this sundae!" She smiled. Pepper didn't say anything but only nodded. Pepper wanted to make up ideas for his story. He wasn't expecting for the three to follow him into it. But seeing as this could probably help him out with it, he might as well try. Scootaloo slammed the mug on the table and gave a relieved sigh.
"That's the good stuff! So, what should we do next?" She asked to the others. Pepper hummed in thought. If Brisket County and his companions were to be celebrating something like this... what would they be celebrating? Perhaps a successful escape? From a rival gang? Yes, that's it.
"Brisket County! 'Ahm callin' you out!" A sudden voice called out from outside the bar. The four turned with surprised looks. Pepper could imagine it. Four ponies gathered around a table playing cards, had stopped and looked out the window. A grizzled earth pony stallion stood up. His brown and white two-toned coat was covered by a brown bandana around his neck and a cow hide vest. His white mane covered by a desperado hat and black, bovine vest looked to the others. Their faces covered by their hats and bandanas. The stallion, Brisket County, looked over to Pepper and smirked with a small tip of his hat. The fillies looked between each other with curiosity before they hopped off their stools and looked out the window of the bar. Pepper grabbed his journal and followed suite, only to stop and stand by the pub entrance. There were other faceless ponies off to the side and taking cover behind objects as Brisket County leaned against the banister support pole coolly. Pepper wasn't sure who called him out, but he imagined it being the baron from Of Rice and Ponies. A stout, bowler hat wearing stallion with an angry look in his eyes stared down Brisket. What would Brisket do in this situation?
Pepper thought about it. He then had an idea. Brisket smiled and tipped his hat.
"Baron. Been a while, hasn't it?" He spoke. The Baron growled.
"I have no time for your games, County! I want you out here with your iron at the ready!" the pony snapped. Brisket sighed and stepped down onto the dry, arid road.
"Is it about one upping you in a game of Blackjack? Or perhaps the many love poems I keep sending to your daughter?" He grinned. "She ain't going to be married off to somepony she don't like." The Baron pointed at him.
"That is not your right, outlaw! My daughter will marry Count Cristo for the family business! Now iffin' you done spouting, get to your position and face me." He snarled before trotting down to one end of the road. Brisket looked back to Pepper and winked.
"Sit tight, kid. This'll be quick." he said before trotting to the other end of the road. The two faced each other, staring down one another, their eyes narrowing. Pepper has read a western tale before, but vaguely remembers the title of the book. The one thing that stood out to him was the showdown. The suspense the town felt as well as its' fate being decided by two ponies on a mission of their own accord. It was just bad luck they ended up facing each other. In the end, no pony won. But Pepper didn't want that ending. Brisket is the hero of his story. And to him, the hero will always win, no matter the struggle. As they watched on, Pepper noticed something off about their surroundings.
He looked down to where the Baron was and saw a familiar looking colt, sitting on top of a barrel. Pepper tilted his head. The pegasus colt blinked once, seeing the familiar colt vanished. Is what he had thought. Pepper was startled to see the colt now standing next to him, looking on in childlike awe at the stare down. The fillies noticed the colt as well yet found it a little odd. Just something about him was different. They exited the bar and smiled.
"Well, howdy there. Never seen you aroun' before." Applebloom waved at the new colt. River turned to them, smiling.
"This is so cool! Pepper, why didn't you tell me you wanted to play cowcolts!" He began, looking at Pepper. Pepper shivered in slight terror and hugged his journal close to him, saying nothing. Scootaloo grinned.
"I'll say! I've always wanted to see how the old timey western settings were! Don't you Applebloom?" She asked. Applebloom frowned at her.
"'Ah've been ta' Appleloosa, Scootaloo. 'Ah think 'Ah have a good idea." She replied sarcastically. Sweetie Bell smiled and studied herself.
"I like the outfits! Pretty neat stuff!" She spoke excitedly. River looked to them and smiled.
"You must be Pepper's new friends! I'm River! What are your names?" the colt asked. The Cutie-Mark Crusaders didn't skip a beat.
"'Ah'm Applebloom!"
"Sweetie Bell!"
"Scootaloo!"
The three then brought the hooves together before speaking in unison. "And we are the Cutie-Mark Crusaders!" River's eyes widened in awe.
"That's so cool! What do you guys do?" He asked. Applebloom pat her chest proudly in response.
"We founded the Crusaders in search of our very own Cutie-Marks." She spoke. Sweetie Bell chimed in.
"We did end up getting them. But..." The fillies then furrowed their looks and looked at their flanks.
"We... aren't sure what to do next." Scootaloo finished for them. River rubbed his chin.
"Crusaders? That kinda sounds like knights on a mission. Hey, that gives me an idea!" River turned to the colt. "What if we spice this up a bit? How about a western town that is being overlooked by a kingdom! The mighty king tasks you and your friends to aid the great hero, Brisket County and his companions on a quest to save the princess!" He motions to the fillies. "They meet the Crusaders and together they all band together and fight the evil demon that has felled the realm in darkness!" Pepper looked dumbfounded at the colt. But... this is his story. He wanted it to be his way. The colt shook his head, River looking at him sad and disappointed. "Really? But it sounds like fun..." He said. The fillies exchanged glances before Sweetie Bell got an idea.
"Well, how about this? We start with Pepper's idea first. Then after that, we can do River's. And I think we can combine the two settings appropriately if we build up both individually. Since this is Pepper's dream, he should have the first go." Sweetie Bell smiled. Pepper winced as he was addressed. River rubbed his chin, thinking about it a bit more. He then smiled and nudged Pepper.
"What do you think, Pepper?" He asked. Pepper studied the four for a good moment, their smiles finally making the colt buckle under the pressure. He sighed and gave a small nod. Pepper wasn't too fond of the idea, but it couldn't be that bad, could it? Sweetie Bell nodded.
"It's settled then. Alright, Pepper. Show us what you have in store for Brisket County!" Pepper looked nervously at the filly before turning back to the stare down. The Baron “harumphed”.
“Done talkin’? Good. No distractions! Jus’ you an’ me, County!” Brisket County narrowed his eyes, readying himself to draw. Pepper hummed. He couldn’t help but think of giving Brisket a unique contraption that would only KO ponies and creatures? Pepper always got queasy with the gore, but he didn’t mind a little violence so long as it isn’t too gruesome.
There was a small flash of him being beaten by Blackheart and the colt quickly shook his head to rid himself of the memory. Princess Luna, who had been observing as a disguised patron amongst the watching crowd, narrowed her eyes as she saw a distorted field around Pepper. Her senses on high alert, she remained cautious as she continued to observe the dream. Pepper felt angry. Frustrated with himself for not being strong enough to at least escape from his torment.
As if on a switch, the whole setting changed. Brisket County looked on in shock as The Baron began to grow, increasing in size. The three fillies and River gasped in shock as The Baron was now a behemoth image of Blackheart. Pepper trembled and took several steps back. The giant Blackheart grinned evilly down at him and with a single swish of his hoof, he destroyed several of the town buildings. The faceless ponies began to panic and flee, leaving the five children to take cover inside the bar.
“Hehehe! Oh Pepper~ Where are youuuuu~?” Blackheart sang in a cold, evil tone, his eyes scanning the ground. Princess Luna threw her disguise off and took to the air, swishing her horn and casting her dispel. She gasped as she saw her spell fizzle before it could hit the giant colt. The area around the giant colt rippled and began to crackle. Luna quickly evaded with a roll in the air as something dark whisked by her. Taking a look at what sailed by her, she saw it crash into the bar. The kids inside ducked behind the counter as the ceiling broke apart and the dark shade puffed into smoke. Applebloom looked at the others in worry.
"Wh-what happened!?" She asked. River looked to Pepper, seeing the colt breath heavily and hug the journal close to his chest. With River's expression turning into concern, he put a hoof on the colt’s shoulder.
“Pepper. You have to get control of your dream. If you don’t, you’ll end up hurting everypony here.” River spoke. Pepper met his gaze and gasped as he began to see black veins form onto the colt’s body, his eyes turning pitch black and his coat turning pale and ash. The three fillies looked on in horror as the colt began to peel apart into the air from the hooves up. He never let his gaze fall from the colt. “See you again, soon.”
As the colt vanished into black ash, the four saw a giant eye looking in from the hole.
“Found you!” Blackheart’s voice echoed. The roof of the bar was ripped open, causing the fillies to scream in panic and huddle together. Pepper’s eyes widened in terror. Princess Luna heard the children’s cries of distress and in a blur, Luna zipped down and landed with a hefty crash of her hooves against the counter, shattering and splintering it. She quickly swished her head and a spark of electricity crackled from her horn. The giant colt hissed in pain and pulled back his hoof, shaking and sucking it before glaring down at them.
“That hurt! Didn’t anypony tell you it is rude to harm your subjects?” Blackheart growled. Luna threw out her wings to shield the children.
“Stay behind me, young ones!” She ordered, not taking her eyes off the nightmare before her. This is something rare to happen. She has only dealt with this at least twice in her life. There was only one thing she could do to aid in this horror. The four ducked behind Luna and she called upon the Dream Realm. The sky around them began to shimmer and flicker. Luna’s eyes widened as the colt reared back, a forehoof aimed at them.
She called upon the Dream Realm again, but nothing responded.
“Wh-what’s happening?!” Sweetie Bell trembled. Luna reacted quickly with a different spell. She dug her hooves into the ground and grunted, creating a barrier around them. The colt’s hoof crashed down on them, causing the children to lose their footing. Luna’s eyes darted around, her mind racing with ways to get these four safely out of harm. Her eyes fell upon Pepper, the outline around him distorted like heat waves. His eyes widened in horror.
Luna grunted as she refreshed the barrier, another hoof came crashing down on them. Blackheart let out a mischievous laugh as he brought down another. Luna looked to the four.
"Thou art lucid dreaming! Though can do whatever! Aid me, I will not let harm come to you!" Luna said this in direction to Pepper, but the Cutie-Mark Crusaders looked between each other. Scootaloo nodded.
"Princess Luna is right! It's just a big, scary ol' nightmare! We can take it!" She said with a smirk. Luna held up a wing to halt them from moving.
"Nay, children! Young one, thou must dispel this nightmare!" Luna grunted as she refreshed her barrier once more. "My magic hath no effect! I cannot will us out of here! Thou need to control it!" Pepper trembled, hugging his journal to his chest as he began to feel tears in his eyes. This was getting out of hoof. How is Pepper able to do any of that? The colt shook his head, shut his eyes tightly, wanting this entire thing to be done and over with. Luna grunted as she refreshed another barrier. She gasped as the area around them began to shimmer and ripple. She was being called out of the dream. She can't do so now. Not with this nightmare still rampant. She silently swore under her breath. "Give me more time! My duty hath not been fulfilled!" She called out as the sweat began to form. Applebloom balked and looked to Pepper, the colt sobbing softly in terror. The filly looked determinedly before putting a reassuring hoof on his shoulder.
"C'mon, Pepper! You can do this! This is your dream! You can control it freely! Just imagine yourself a strong and brave knight! Or heck, maybe think about what Brisket County would do in a situation like this!" She smiled as the colt looked up tearfully at her. Sweetie Bell shielded herself as Luna refreshed another barrier, Blackheart unrelenting in his aggression.
"You shouldn't be scared here, Pepper! You're stronger here! Whatever torture Blackheart has given you; you can dish it back out tenfold!" Sweetie Bell stated. Pepper looked at her. He sniffled and wiped his muzzle. Scootaloo hovered next to him and nodded.
"You got us out of another dream before, Pepper. You can do it again! We'll back you up too!" The CMC nodded in agreement. The colt looked between the three. He wasn’t sure how to react to this sense of encouragement. This was new to him. He never had ponies root for him before. He gasped as he saw Luna buckle at the knees from a devastating lash from the colt. Yet, she stood strong and threw up another barrier. Pepper wavered.
What can he do? He’s aware this is a dream. He could control it. But everything just felt so real to him. What if he ended up hurt? He imagined it being painful to wake up with the pain lingering. Or worse, it kills him. Pepper couldn’t stand the thought of dying in his own dreams. The visceral image of the mangled Mrs. Marigold flashed into his mind along with her destroyed casket. No pony deserved that kind of fate.
The fillies screamed as Luna was pushed back from the next lash, causing her to fall to her stomach, exhausted as it was taking all she could to keep herself from being pulled away. Pepper’s eyes widened. No pony deserved any fate. Not even Tussel.
“S-stop it…” Pepper whimpered. The CMC gathered around Luna, trying to help her up. They looked up and gasped, bracing themselves as Blackheart laughed and pulled back a foreleg.
“Night night, Pepper.” Blackheart grinned. Pepper braced himself, shutting his eyes tightly and throwing up his hooves to cover himself as the hoof fell down over them. He waited for the inevitable pain that would follow. And waited. The colt opened up one eye in a tearful confusion. He looked up and balked as he saw his scarf’s tail having expanded into a claw and holding back the hoof. The other tail slithered around and wrapped around the foreleg of the giant colt and in a surprising awe of brutal strength, Blackheart’s foreleg was ripped from the shoulder, causing the colt to scream in pain. White, wispy smoke bellowed from the injuries.
The fillies and Luna looked up in awe as the giant colt stumbled back, clutching his missing foreleg injury. He glared down angrily at them.
“You’ll regret that!” He barked before rearing back and bringing down his other foreleg. One tail wrapped around Luna and the fillies, bringing them back as Pepper shielded his face with a hoof. A strong, resounding boom bellowed throughout his dream when the free tail stopped the foreleg. Pepper looked on in awe as the tail pushed back and grabbed the colt’s foreleg, this time ripping it from the hoof. More white, wispy smoke bellowed from the injury.
The colt screamed in pain again. The tail around the fillies and Luna released them behind Pepper and came back around.
“What’s happening?” Sweetie Bell asked. Luna panted and stood up with a small wobble.
“I… doth not know the extension of this power. It is one I hath bestowed upon the colt. It used to belong to a different child. One who shared similar insight into their dreams and nightmares.” She looked up to the tail claws as they elongated towards the colt and one gave a hefty punch across the cheek, causing the colt to stumble and fall back onto their side while the other came down and pounded against the side of the colt. “I did not expect it to be this powerful, even beyond my understanding of the Dream Realm. But one thing I doth know. Tis powerful magic that is fully capable of getting us out of this nightmare.” Scootaloo shook her head in disbelief.
“No way. So, you’re saying that Pepper is stronger than even your magic in the Dream Realm?” She asked in awe. Luna finally caught her breath and smiled.
“The colt is capable of many feats here. I was right to bestow upon him the gifts of the Dream Realm.” They watched as the scarf began tearing away at the nightmare colt. As if a vicious beast ripping into their prey. Eventually, the white smoke began to turn black. Luna threw out a wing in front of the fillies, her eyes focused on the appearance of the very thing she hunts. Luna couldn’t help but shift her frown. “It shows itself.” She stated to the fillies without taking her eyes off of it.
Pepper looked on in horror as the motionless, giant colt was being ripped apart before one of the claws dug into the chest and pulled out a wriggling wisp of black smoke. Blackheart began to vanish into smoke as the creature was helpless to the tight grasp of the scarf tail. Luna walked over to stand next to the colt with the CMC standing next to Pepper on the other side.
The scarf brought the strange entity before the princess, her eyes studying it. Sweetie Bell gave a disgusted look at the entity.
“Ech! It’s like a smoky slug.” She shuddered. Luna nodded.
“A proper visage for an entity that spawns from the very Dream Realm itself. Tis not a Pygmy nor a nightmare. Tis but a monster that attracts to aware minds. And it seems to have taken an interest in Pepper. For the very sole reason what we hath seen.” Scootaloo reached out a hoof to the creature, only for Applebloom to swat her hoof and frowned.
“Don’t touch it! Who knows what else that thing can do?” She said as Scootaloo rubbed her hoof. Luna nodded.
“I am afraid Applebloom is right. I have only encountered these creatures twice. They are not affected by my magic. And since these creatures are considered parasites, getting rid of one has only ever been done once.” She sighed. “Twas a long time ago. I vaguely remember how unfortunately.” Sweetie Bell hummed as she rubbed her chin.
“But… if Luna can’t really fight these monsters, does this mean Pepper is the only one who can?” She asked. Pepper froze and looked at them in shock. Luna smiled.
“The power he holds is special in the Dream Realm. Since now I can confirm my theory, I do have a favor to ask of thee, young one.” Luna looked down at the colt, who shrunk down before the princess. She held out a hoof to the colt, who winced. Pepper studied the princess. This was the pony that was solely responsible for his ability. Yet, her kind gaze and motherly smile called to the colt. He hesitated as he then took her hoof and she gathered the fillies with her wings. Finally letting herself be pulled along with the children, they found themselves back into the starry, dreamy sky of the Dream Realm. Strangely, the creature, still wriggling in the unrelenting hold of the tail scarf, went with them. Everypony gathered around, studying the slug like smog. Pepper tilted his head curiously. He gasped as on the scarf's own accord, crushed the slug. It let out a strange squeak and deflated before vanishing into a wisp.
The claws retracted and the colt's scarf became still and normal. Luna hummed, a thought invading her. She still doesn't know much about these creatures other than what she had explained through observation. But if this borrowed power she bestowed upon the colt could be key to properly managing the Dream Realm's accumulation of demented memories and dreams, then perhaps she would look after the colt in a mentor manner similar to how Celestia undertook Twilight. She looked to the CMC. These three would do well to guide the young colt into his confidence. Luna couldn't help but smile as the fillies chatted amongst themselves while Pepper awkwardly stood between them. The colt still has a lot to learn about the magic friendship could have. If he can master that, then the Dream Realm would be his to conquer. Luna closed her eyes in thought.
'Tis a tale as old as the creation of our great land. Like all things. The Dream Realm was born into this world for one purpose. To store and archive memories and dreams of those tied to the earthly realm. In it, a special group of creatures developed an ancient ability to traverse the Dream Realm in order to act as its' scholars and protectors. These creatures are now called Lucid Dreamers. Yet, while those that wield this special ability can only master their own dreams. There is one champion of the Dream Realm, one who can rule it as a king.' She opened her eyes and saw the fillies have vanished. It was time to wake up. Pepper looked up at Luna quizzically. His journal close to his chest. Luna smiled and bowed her head, her horn tapping the colt's own. The Dream Realm melted and flashed as both ponies had their eyes closed, the bright light engulfing them into nothing. But Luna left one message to the colt before he awoke in his bed, the sun peeking just slightly over the horizon. Her words echoing through his mind, the journal taking note of it.
"I look forward to your journey, my pupil. May you have a pleasant sleep."
Mother Wisp sighed tiredly as she waited in line to buy vegetables. The orphanage had run out of greens and the field mice had gotten into the dry foods. Funnel spent the whole morning capturing and setting up traps for the field mice. At some point, she would need to stop by Fluttershys and see if she can do anything humane with the pests. The line moved and she was the next one up.
A pretty vanilla pegasus mare in a walnut colored mane tussled into a bun smiled in recognition to the nanny.
“Mother Wisp! How are you this afternoon?” The mare asked. Mother Wisp gave a tired smile.
“Afternoon, Sunny Springs. I’m doing well enough. The usual order please.” Mother Wisp replied, passing a scroll from her saddle bag to the mare. Sunny laid it on the counter and scanned it, nodding as she turned and began to gather the order.
“So, how are the children?” She asked.
“As imaginative as usual. They believe there is a ghost now. A ‘Black Eyed Colt’. Macaroni had freaked out this morning having heard voices coming from Pepper’s room. I’ve done a run through, but nothing out of the ordinary.” She replied. Sunny chuckled as she placed the orders into a brown bag.
“Adorable. Any adoptions?” She asked. Mother Wisp nodded.
“Just one. Caboose went home to a family from Las Pegasus. They plan on moving to Manehatten.” She smiled. “Lovely couple. Caboose would fit right in.” Sunny smiled.
“That’s great! I hear there is an adoption fair the kids plan on doing? Have you figured out where you’ll host it? Not many ponies go out that far.” She said as she passed the bag to Mother Wisp, who proceeded to place it in her saddle bag. She stepped aside to let Sunny multitask handling the next one as well as chatting with her.
“Mayor Mare was kind enough to offer Town Hall for the kids to display their talents. I am surprised Princess Twilight and the others were able to get the word out so fast.” Mother Wisp furrowed her look. “But I just can’t shake the feeling something might go wrong. I don’t know how to describe it, but something is telling me that I may need to ask more than Princess Luna to chaperone.” Sunny passed the order of the customer before helping the next to reply.
“Oh dear. That sounds ominous. But you shouldn’t worry. If things go wrong, we Ponyville ponies are capable of handling things.” Sunny said in confidence. Mother Wisp gave a feigned smile. While true that Ponyville ponies are capable of many things, safety isn’t one of them. Being only several hoof trots away from the Everfree, it’s only luck that the Elements of Harmony are around to keep everything at bay. This is one of the major reasons Mother Wisp doesn’t want to move in or closer to Ponyville. That and the fact that the neighbors are a bit... chaotic in nature. She feared they would be too impressionable on the children and ruin any chances of adoption. Mother Wisp only ever wants the children to stick to their own talents and shine for their potential parents.
Mother Wisp bid Sunny good-bye, only to be stopped by a her.
"Just a moment!" She called out after passing a bag to a stallion. She trotted over to her and withdrew a parcel. She held it up to the nanny. "Do you think you can give this to that handsome stallion that helps around the garden? It's a special... item of mine that I think he will like." She gave a flustered smile, leaving the nanny to narrow her eyes in response. She took the parcel and Sunny beamed. "Thanks!" She trotted back to her kiosk and Mother Wisp frowned. She dropped the parcel into her saddle bag without care and proceeded to the next bit of business on her list. She trotted over to the potato kiosk, ordering a bag of them. The weight of her saddle bag was normal for her as she proceeded. The ponies of Ponyville have always been friendly towards Mother Wisp. They have even expressed their admiration for taking in children who have been through so much.
She would only respond with a nervous smile with the amount of attention. It usually hindered her shopping. Being in a town is not her ideal form of living. Honeyfield is the perfect place. The thought of the home made the mare sigh sadly. Taking a bit of a breather as she was now pulling a wagon full of groceries, she thought back to the orphanage. How her simple little dream home turned into a sanctuary. She couldn't quite remember how she came to accept stray kids. But she could only recall back to the many walks of seeing children out on the streets of Dodge City. When she wanted to grow up, she wanted to use her inheritance to create shelters for the children. If only it were that easy. Her family home back in Dodge City is too busy with disputes that has lost them more bits than her grandfather would care to enjoy. It became ugly to the point that they resorted to extortion and increased taxes.
Mother Wisp took the chance to leave home the moment the opportunity showed. She doesn't regret it. She had closed her eyes to rest a bit, finding exhaustion catch her. However, the peace didn’t last long.
“Oh my Celestia! Is that Amber Wisp?” A voice said in front of her. The nanny opened her eyes to see a familiar looking mare. One that she has seen hanging around Funnel with another stallion. A sense of annoyed dread fell over the mare.
“Shanty… How… delightful.” She responded to the mare with her best smile she could manage. Shanty smiled in response, her sun dress hugging her figure and an umbrella to shield herself from the sun. She then reached back into her saddle bag and withdrew an extra umbrella, passing it to the mare. Mother Wisp blinked quizzically at the gesture.
“Come now, Wisp. Haven’t you heard? Cloudsdale is scheduled for rain today. Don’t want your groceries to be drenched. The poor children would starve.” Shanty said with a condescending tone that made Mother Wisp disgusted with the mare.
“I’ll be well enough, thank you. Just needed to rest my eyes a bit.” She grumbled. Shanty spun the umbrella on her shoulder.
“I completely understand, what with you being so busy with… how many children? Twenty?” She asked with a small glint in her eyes. Mother Wisp shook her head.
“Thirteen. One went home to a family this morning.” She replied. Shanty smiled.
“Adorable. I’m sure they will be happy with their new life. Dull or interesting as it might be. But dear Amber, I thought you wanted to hurry and give the kids homes so you can be free of your burden?” Mother Wisp sighed softly.
“If you mean the property, then I am unfortunately not ready to decide just yet. I’m sure Morgue has been kindly patient, but the children come first.” She said sternly. Shanty smirked.
“I mean, that is fair. Speaking of.” She pointed to a wall of a cottage. Mother Wisp looked to see a flyer for the Honeyfield Orphanage Adoption Fair. Designed exquisitely to draw in attention with the design that Mother Wisp could only assume was Rarity’s doing. “How many children will be left after the fair? Why, I can only think of a couple would be staying at the orphanage. It’s sad really. All this effort and there is a high chance of the children not getting adopted.”
Mother Wisp frowned.
“Not every pony is ready to be parents, biological or otherwise. Children are a big responsibility in the lives of the parents. Even if they do not get adopted after the fair, then things will proceed as normal. I’ll ensure they all have a good home to go to. Once I can ensure the children are satisfied with their new lives, then I will decide.” The nanny responded. Shanty hummed and sighed.
“Of course, ‘Mother Wisp’. I was just merely checking on a client when I saw you. Figured I’d say hi. Isn’t that the Ponyville etiquette?” She grinned. Mother Wisp narrowed her eyes as Shanty turned, waving a hoof. “Ta-ta for now! Give Funnel my regards.” Mother Wisp crossed her foreleg and arched a brow as she watched Shanty trot daintily down the street.
Morgue always kept awful company. Mother Wisp regrets having let slip about her property value. But then again, even if she didn’t, her grandparents would have made it known one way or another. The many letters she had tossed into the fire for kindling from home brought sour memories. Mother Wisp blinked as she felt something wet hit her snout. She looked up and saw the Cloudsdale pegasi moving grey and darkened clouds en mass.
Mother Wisp stood up and latched the small wagon to herself. She had to get moving if she was to make it back before it got worse. Yet, that was easier said then done as she was stopped by two Canterlot guards. This caught her completely by surprise. What are Canterlot Guards doing here? Is Princess Celestia visiting? Did Twilight hire security this time? The two stallions eyed the mare.
“Are you Mother Wisp?” One asked. The nanny meekly nodded, unsure of how to respond to the sudden confrontation. The other stallion nodded and unfurled a wing towards the Hayburger joint. “Right this way. You are requested by Princess Twilight.” Mother Wisp furrowed her look. Of all the rotten luck. The nanny groaned in annoyance before nodding and following the guards. Little did they know they caught the attention of a young colt who had taken a walk from home and saw Mother Wisp shopping.
Blackheart took a final huff of the white bud before tossing it down and crushing it. Adjusting his hood, he slipped out from the alley and tailed them. This fascinated the colt. His old care taker being brought in by the request of the Princess Twilight. What trouble did she cause for a personal audience? The guards helped the nanny with the saddle bags and groceries, keeping them covered with their wings at the side as Mother Wisp stepped in.
She looked around and spied Princess Twilight indulging herself into a hayburger messily. As Mother Wisp approached, her jaw dropped at the amount of food the alicorn had. Her assistant and helper, Spike, sat next to her and helped himself to hayfries. Mother Wisp gave a small clear of her throat to announce her presence, causing Twilight to look up from her burger and beaming.
“Mosther Wisps!” The princess said with a full mouth. She stopped herself and took a moment to swallow her food, wiping her muzzle with the burger and placing it down. Twilight cleared her throat and motioned to the seat across from her. “Join us?” Mother Wisp felt a little sick to her stomach with the amount of food. How is this mare able to keep a good looking figure with this amount of food? Mother Wisp shook her head but sat down.
“I-I’m good, thanks.” She said nervously. “F-forgive me for the sudden question, but I was requested by you personally? Whatever for?” Twilight nibbled on a hayfry and took a sip of her drink before replying.
“I wanted to talk to you about the fair. I know it is a special and important time, especially for the children. I was wanting to ask if you need anything in particular to be provided?” She smiled. Mother Wisp was taken slightly aback by the offer.
“However do you mean?” Mother Wisp asked with a slight narrow of her eyes. Twilight motioned towards the Town Hall.
“We could help out by getting things set up for the kids before they show up. Ease a bit of stress from you and having the kids more time to prepare.” Twilight proudfully pulled out a scroll with her magic and unrolled it on the table. “I have a good scheduling regimen as well that will make sure things go smoothly as well. Kids will arrive in the morning to enjoy breakfast provided by yours truly, practice and going over their talents by ten, head to the Town Hall around eleven where Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash will draw in the crowd, letting them into the hall by eleven thirty no later, lunch provided by Pinkie Pie and free time for the potential parents to get to know the children better, after lunch is recess for the kids and interviews with you leading into one on one interviews by one and headcount by two. Day completed and fair a success!”
Mother Wisp looked at the alicorn dumbfounded. She looked at the scroll and scanned it. Twilight definitely had an organized and thought out time for the event. Something Mother Wisp hadn’t had time to plan properly. The thought of the children being treated with such recognition couldn’t help but increase her worry that things still felt off for her. Twilight saw the struggled look on the mare.
“I-I’m sorry. Did you have something else in mind?” She asked with worry. Mother Wisp shook her head.
“No, no. I… appreciate this, Princess Twilight. I’m just… worried about a different matter.” The nanny stated. Spike chimed in.
“Does it have to deal with that one colt that Princess Luna has taken an interest in?” He said casually. Twilight frowned at Spike at the same time Mother Wisp looked quizzically at him. Spike looked between the two and shrugged. “What?” Mother Wisp sighed.
“Yes and no. I cannot play favorites with the children. I have full faith they can be their best in this fair. It’s just… with all the attention we’ve been getting over one colt, I fear that the fair maybe blindsided to ponies who are here to only see Princess Luna and Ghost Pepper.” She motioned to the Town Hall. “I want what is best for the colt, but if his only special talent is dreaming, he will never get adopted. And I am sure Princess Luna isn’t ready to be a mother either.” Twilight tilted her head.
“What makes you say she isn’t interested in adopting Pepper?” She asked. Mother Wisp slumped. The thought of one of the sisters adopting a child would be a godsend. They would be well off in life for the rest of their time on this mortal plane. But the issue lies in their immortality. The thought of the children unable to out live their parents sounded wrong to her. But there was also another reason she noticed. She shook her head to the alicorn.
“Princess Luna is not just visiting the orphanage out of want for a child. I’ve seen how she is always scanning the fields and house. It’s… as if she is hunting something. And from what the kids told me what happened to Ghost Pepper on the roof of my house, she proceeded to ‘teach’ the colt to properly dream. I do not know what is happening and I feel all this attention has been damaging for the colt. You saw him faint when you asked for him.” Twilight winced and began to sweat a bit.
“O-oh yeah… I… I have to apologize. I didn’t think he would.” She said. Mother Wisp crossed her forelegs sternly.
“Ghost Pepper has never been one to handle stress well enough. He always kept himself busy with house work before his attitude about it changed. I don’t know what happened, but Pepper needs to have ponies who will treat him well and take care of him. Not to be treated as a student for whatever strange adventure that might hurt him even more. He’s still a child and he needs to be raised to better handle stress.” Twilight sighed and nodded sadly.
“I understand your concerns, Mother Wisp. And I am sure Princess Luna has good intentions when it comes to Ghost Pepper. If you want, I can discuss it with her when she arrives to overlook the fair.” She replied. Mother Wisp rubbed her muzzle.
“I only want this to go off without any trouble. No over the top parties. No main character attention seeking. And most certainly no wild distractions. The fair is hosted by the kids for their own benefits. It is their special hour to shine. I can only ask you all to respect that decision.” Mother Wisp stood up and nodded. “I appreciate the preparations, Princess Twilight. Pray, forgive this mare for her behavior this afternoon. I wish you good day.” As Mother Wisp began to trot towards the exit, Twilight stood up.
“Mother Wisp, wait!” The alicorn trotted over to the nanny who had turned to look at her. “Err… would you like to save some time of travel to the orphanage? I can teleport us there with everything you have on you.” Mother Wisp studied the princess.
“I do have a ride but…” she looked out the window and the rain was beginning to hit the window. “I have a feeling he’ll be a bit late than I would like. If you see a stallion in a taxi wagon, please tell him I have already made it home.” Twilight smiled and nodded.
“Of course.” Without further ado, Princess Twilight and Spike escorted Mother Wisp out, the guards saluting. As Twilight popped into a purple bubble along with Mother Wisp and her groceries, the guards proceeded to trot off, giving Blackheart enough space to come out of hiding. He rubbed his chin and grinned.
“The adoption fair huh? Guess I am overdue for my reunion.” He grinned mischievously.
Sweetie Bell watched boredly as her big sister trotted about the boutique, muttering to herself on how to present the Town Hall.
“I know Mother Wisp wouldn’t want something grandoise. But I feel what the crowd needs is something to draw them towards the Town Hall needs to be something with some pizazz!” Rarity levitated fabric and ribbons here and there, tying them into fashionable knots and placing a decoration on them before redoing it to something else. Sweetie Bell sighed and motioned to no general direction.
“Don’t you think you are overthinking it just a little bit, Rarity?” She asked. Rarity didn’t take her eyes off the many floating ribbons and fabric in the room as she replied.
“Sweetie, darling. I am not overthinking this. This is to be a special day and it cannot be left without care. These children need to go to a good home.” She said with determination. Sweetie Bell smiled softly but shrugged.
“That’s admirable, sis, but I think just simple ribbons for the banner would do. We are working on this together, remember?” She asked. Rarity looked to her sister and in a posh manner, wiggled a hoof.
“Don’t be silly, darling. Simple maybe fine. But pizazz is the moment to shine!” She beamed at an idea that formed in her head. “And I have the perfect solution!” She smiled as she quickly levitated over silk and fabric, working them together to form a flower design. Sweetie Bell couldn’t help but “ooh” at the design. Rarity levitated it over to her younger sister. “Would you be a dear and paste this onto the velvet ribbon?” She turned to make several more as Sweetie Bell happily trotted over to the banner on the ground and began to work at aligning the design to the banner, pasting it before going to the next one.
The two worked diligently at the banner, taking it in stride. After ten minutes, they pulled back to see their work. Simple, yet with pizazz as Rarity envisioned. The flower designs dotting the stitching to make the woven words pop out to the reader. The words read:
Honeyfield Adoption Fair
The two sisters high-hoofed each other as Sweetie Bell squeaked excitedly as she spoke.
“I can’t wait for the others to see this!” Rarity hummed and looked at her sister in slight worry.
“Sweetie Bell. Mind if I talk to you for a moment?” She asked. Sweetie Bell sat on her haunches and smiled.
“Shoot!” She replied. Rarity bit her lip before sighing.
“It’s about this… task Princess Luna assigned to you.” She began. Sweetie Bell arched a brow. “Well, I’m not saying that I am not proud, in fact, I am extremely proud that my sweet little sister is being recognized by the princesses. I’m worried at the… vagueness of the letter.” Rarity pulled a scroll with her magic from a nearby table and read the passage. “To Rarity and Sweetie Bell. I must ask of thee, Rarity, to allow Sweetie Bell a task that is of utmost importance in regard to the fair. Please allow her and her Crusaders to move unabated. Princess Luna.”
Sweetie Bell shrugged. “I’m not quite sure either. But if it is on the fair, then I am assuming we’ll find out when the time comes.” Sweetie Bell replied. Rarity furrowed her brow and pointed at the scroll.
"It doesn't have to do with that... ahem... unusual colt?" She asked. Sweetie Bell frowned slightly.
"He's not unusual, Rarity. He's just skittish and needs a little confidence." She stated. Rarity smiled nervously.
"R-right, of course. Forgive me it's just... I worry that it might be a bit... dangerous?" She tried to find the right words, but something was telling her it wasn't as fine as it was made out to be. Sweetie Bell laughed.
"Now whose the one being silly? Relax, Rarity. I'm sure everything is going to be fine. If anything goes wrong, we have Princess Luna in attendance. That and you are just as capable of handling it." Sweetie Bell stood up and trotted out of the room, wanting to head out to meet up with the others, leaving Rarity taken aback.
"Wha? Sweetie Bell! That's not what I mean! I... oh what's the use?" Sweetie Bell left the boutique and began to gallop down the street and into Ponyville with an umbrella over her head. She splashed through a couple of puddles, giggling happily. When she arrived to the Clubhouse, she shook her umbrella before placing it at the side. Scootaloo and Applebloom were looking over a recently hung poster that Applebloom had drawn. They smiled as their friend trotted over.
"What did I miss?" She asked. Scootaloo motioned to the paper.
"Nothing much. We were just brainstorming on how we can help out at the fair. It's going to be a little crazy from how Princess Luna worded it." Scootaloo said. Applebloom nodded.
"As vague as it is, ‘ah do wonder if Luna has something special in mind. After that whole ordeal with that dream monster, ‘ah jus’ think she might be a tad worried about nothin’.” She said. Sweetie Bell shook her head.
“Did everypony forget about the Tantabus? We had to stop it from escaping the Dream Realm. That took the whole town to manage. I’d say Luna has every right to be worried.” She stated. Scootaloo nodded.
“Fair point. So, what should we do?” She asked. Applebloom hummed along with Sweetie Bell as they thought of what to do. It sounded like they were tasked for security in a way. But then, Scootaloo’s eyes widened a bit before smiling.
“Pepper! I think that’s who she is worried about.” She stated. The other two arched their brow at her. Scootaloo pointed at the drawing in front of them. The strange, childlike misshapen drawing of the slug creature sprawled out at their hooves. “Luna says that these things are parasites for lucid dreamers. If it’s anything similar to the Tantabus, maybe these things are trying to do something parallel?” Sweetie Bell hummed.
“That… makes some sense. But we aren’t going to be walking around the Dream Realm at the fair. If anything, I think it’s just monitoring the orphans. Making sure things go off smoothly.” She stated. There was a knock on their clubhouse trunk, causing them to exchange glances. Who would be out in the rain to visit them? The fillies opened the door to the house and they saw a cloaked figure at the bottom of their ramp. Applebloom recognized the figure and she beamed.
“Oh, hey Zecora! What’re you doin’ out here?” She asked. Zecora smiled under her cloak.
“It’s good to see you three. Are you all free?” She asked. Applebloom nodded.
“Sure! C’mon in.” Applebloom and the others stepped aside to let the zebra in. Her cloak darkened from the rain. She threw her hood back and smiled kindly at them.
“Thank you, Applebloom. I was not expecting the rain so soon.” She said. The fillies sat down as they looked at her quizzically. “I understand the visit being a surprise. So let me reprise. I bear a message from Princess Luna. A task to keep on the down unda’.” The three fillies exchanged glances.
“I guess Princess Luna is pretty worried more than we thought.” Sweetie Bell stated. Zecora nodded solemnly.
“I ask of you three to come and see me. At my hut, a potion I’ll prepare. With some ingredients to spare.” She replied. Applebloom rubbed the back of her head.
“Oh. Uh, when?” She asked. Zecora smiled.
“I will guide you through the woods at night, to keep at bay the frights. Tonight, when the princess’s sun falls to the horizon.” She then threw her hood over her head and nodded. “Be well, you three. When we arrive, I’ll prepare some tea.” And with that, Zecora’s brief visit concluded. The three watched the zebra mare grow smaller and smaller over the rainy hill. Scootaloo rubbed the back of her head.
“Anypony thinking that the day feels a little… off?” She asked. The three nodded in agreement, just as quizzical with the visit.
The surprises just keep piling on as Mother Wisp, along with Twilight and Spike, were stopped by a guard in front of the orphanage. The mare sheltered the groceries on the porch and groaned in annoyance.
“What on earth happened now?” The nanny asked, hoping the kids didn’t do anything troublesome. The guard bowed in the presence of Princess Twilight before speaking.
“Forgive me, your highness. You. Are you the current residence of this place?” The mare guard asked. Twilight looked worriedly as Mother Wisp rubbed her muzzle tiredly and nodded.
“I am.” She replied. The guard removed her helmet and nodded.
“The children are safe. Your gardener, Funnel, was caught injured on the property of Mrs. Marigold.” She said. Mother Wisp’s eyes widened a bit as she looked to the mare for any sign of jokes. When the mare didn’t change her expression, the nanny furrowed her look.
“Funnel was at Mrs. Marigold’s? Whatever for??” She asked, the thought baffling her. The property was quite the trot, but not that far. The house is currently owned by her children. No pony has lived in it after she had passed in her sleep. The guard cleared her throat before speaking.
“He states he saw a trespasser prowling out in the fields. He told the kids to stay in and lock the doors and windows while he was out tracking down the pony. He tracked the pony going into Mrs. Marigolds and began ransacking the place. He proceeded to engage the intruder in a struggle and a shelf fell onto him. A passing mailpony heard the commotion and was lucky enough to encounter Princess Luna on her way to visit Ponyville.” The guard finished her exposition and Mother Wisp was dumbfounded. An intruder wandering so close to the kids? The nanny couldn’t help but wish her heart out to the stallion for being brave, but she was also angry that he would leave the kids unattended and would have gotten killed.
“Did you catch the intruder??” Mother Wisp asked. The guard shook their head.
“When we arrived, the perpetrator was long gone. We found Funnel and tended to his injuries. He’s currently resting in his shack.” She replied. Twilight gave a relieved sigh before smiling softly.
“Thank goodness. I’m glad everypony got out okay. You did your duties admirably.” She said. The guard bowed.
“My thanks, your highness.” Mother Wisp sat on the garden bench and buried her face into her hooves in an exhaustive, frustrated groan. Twilight and Spike exchanged glances.
“Mother Wisp…” Twilight began, only to be hushed by the nanny raising a hoof.
“It’s been a long day, princess. Forgive me for the behavior, but I must kindly ask that you return to what you were doing and allow me a moments peace. I must calm the children.” She said with her eyes shut. Twilight nodded understandably.
“Very well. If you ever need anything else, feel free to stop by and let me know.” Twilight replied. As she turned, Mother Wisp opened her eyes.
“Just a moment, princess.” Mother Wisp called out. Twilight looked over her shoulder as the nanny sighed. “This morning… Funnel has been working hard to handle an infestation of field mice. I wanted to ask if Fluttershy is available to manage it? They are the reason we are running out of food so quickly.” She stated. Twilight smiled softly and nodded.
“Anything else?” She asked. Mother Wisp shook her head.
“That would be all. We will see you on the day after the morrow.” Twilight nodded and with that, she popped into a purple bubble with Spike, leaving the guard to bow to the nanny before taking off. Mother Wisp sighed and laid back onto the garden swing bench, resting her eyes. Today had just been an uphill battle with stress. The nanny took several minutes to rest before she took a deep breath and opened her eyes. She looked towards the shack. Why would Funnel be resting in the shack?
He has always been able to stay inside in the other bedroom. And after a certain event one night, she wouldn’t have minded him in her own bed. Mother Wisp gave into her worried curiosity and stood up, covering herself from the rain as she cantered towards the shack. She knocked on the door loudly, looking around as the rain was beginning to pick up. When no pony responded, she knocked on the door again, hearing some slight shuffling from inside.
The door opened and Mother Wisp looked at a beaten and disheveled Funnel. His eyes narrowed.
“You’re back so soon.” He said. Mother Wisp stepped inside, shivering just a bit from the rain. She expected the stallion to drape a blanket over her, but he just stood by the door, looking sour.
“Had a bit of a run in with the Princess of Friendship. And a couple of other… pleasant company.” Mother Wisp stated with a defeated sigh. Funnel cast a sideways glance at the mare.
“Oh really? That explains your arrival.” He said. The nanny furrowed her brows. Funnel must be pretty sour about having today happen to him. Mother Wisp may have had a stressful day, but nothing life threatening like Funnel. Her look softened and she walked over and put a reassuring hoof on the stallion.
“Funnel. Would you care to tell me what happened?” She asked. Funnel looked out into the rain and shifted his frown slightly.
“Not much to say. Got caught up in a tussle and lost.” He stated with a shrug. Mother Wisp wanted to say more, but no words came to mind. And Funnel certainly didn’t feel like expressing anything else further. Mother Wisp felt her mood beginning to wane at this. She wished she could provide more. She but her lip and put a gentle hoof under his chin, turning him to meet her gaze.
“Don’t stay out here tonight. Let me keep you warm. I can tend to your wounds. You need a proper bed anyways after all you’ve been doing to help.” She said. Funnel studied the mare. Deep down, he was disgusted at the gesture. Another night with the nanny? He’d rather catch a cold in the rain. But, this maybe another opportunity. Perhaps he can get her to open up about her ‘happiest memories’. His time was running out and he needed to act quick.
Funnel’s look softened and he put a hoof to the mare’s cheek, caressing it softly as Mother Wisp nuzzled it softly. He then pulled her into a small kiss, his eyes closing at the tilt of his head. Mother Wisp returned the gesture in kind, bringing herself closer to him. The two embraced and Funnel turned to close the door with his hind hoof.
The two held each other as Funnel began to remove the fabric of her clothing. Mother Wisp flushed, wanting to keep this stallion in high spirits. She looked up to the stallion, the bed against her back, his sharp gaze meeting hers in a trance. They shared another kiss, hooves exploring. As time progressed their sounds were drowned out by the rain.
From the house, Pepper noticed the orphanage door open slightly. The guard must have forgotten to close it properly. He walked over to the door and was about to close it when he noticed a red wagon full of bagged groceries and a saddle bag that belonged to Mother Wisp. This was odd to the colt. Mother Wisp wouldn’t leave out the food for fear of flies and other rodents. The rain began to pour, causing Pepper to balk and quickly bring the wagon in, struggling to pull it as it was heavy.
When he finally pulled in the wagon, he went for the saddle bag and began to pull, only to stop and blink as he heard something fall out of the bag. A small parcel. The colt tilted his head. He looked around, seeing that the coast was clear. He knows it is rude to open up something that isn’t his, but something compelled him to do so. He carefully untied the rope and unwrapped the brown wrapping, seeing a silver locket with a red X crossed over it.
The colt turned it in his hooves, tapping the locket. When he pressed the top, it opened to a picture of a very beautiful mare in a sundress, smiling up at him. The color was faded. Next to the picture was an etched out message.
Pepper sat back in his chair, his forelegs crossed and his eyes closed in thought. The sound of the rain tapping against his window left a soothing ambiance that actually helped the colt to finish a few chapters of his book. His jaw and neck numb from the writing left the colt feeling a bit peppy. He had a good train of thought going.
Brisket County had fought off bandits with a hoof sling shot that his father had invented when he was a colt. He had changed up a few things from his previous ideas and now it was just fleshing out Brisket’s motivation and ambitions properly before he would save his next companion. He had taken some inspiration with their little fight with his nightmare, adding in some magic into his story.
He even thought that at some point, he would implement the idea that River gave him then. Pepper had to admit, the more he thought about the idea, the more he wished they would have gone with it. The sound of a violin began to play, signaling that Alabaster was going all out to get everypony adopted. The colt’s went back to this morning’s event.
“You don’t want to get adopted?!” Merriweather balked as Alabaster stood in the center with the gathered kids. Alabaster held up a hoof in dismissal.
“I do. But everypony else comes first.” She stated. Torque looked at her dumbfounded.
“But Allie, what if you end up getting adopted before anypony else? Have you’ve been turning down every interview?” She asked. Alabaster didn’t answer, but she motioned to the rest in the room.
"It doesn't matter to me. I want to have everypony a good home to go to just as much as Mother Wisp." She said. "That includes you too, Torque. You should have been adopted ages ago. Regardless of you being late to them or not. A brilliant mind such as yours needs to be cared for!" Torque blushed and shrunk back at her words. Alabaster wasn't wrong about Torque, but the filly still felt Alabaster wasn't treating herself properly. Alabaster turned to Echo Heart. "And you, Echo. You have a natural gift of taking care of plants! Ponies shouldn't freak out at your wicken hobbies! We are in a world of magic and they don't care to look at the beauty you bring to life!" Echo Heart bowed her head and looked sadly at her hooves. She turned to Macaroni. "Mac, you need to stop procrastinating about your choice of parents. We don't have the luxury to pick and choose! Ponies should accept you for who you are. We may not care to believe in your interest in the paranormal, but you still belong to a good home!" Mac frowned slightly but gave a slight, sad nod. She looked to the others.
"That goes for everypony here. You all have such amazing talents! And we are going to show the ponies of Ponyville that we can shine brighter! If we can't get adopted there, then we keep trying." Her eyes fell onto Ghost Pepper who was sitting in the corner, writing in his book. Pallet was next to him, drawing into his sketchbook. However, Pallet sensed the looks and he looked up, balking and nudging Pepper. The colt looked up from his book and shrunk a little at the stare of Alabaster. "Including you, Pepper. We may not know exactly what you are gifted at, but I will not give up until you have found your purpose or gotten adopted." She then hummed and rubbed her chin in thought. "What about getting you adopted to Princess Luna?" Pepper's eyes widened. "She's personally taken an interest in you. It only seems right she's interested in adopting. Plus, you've already made friends outside of the orphanage. Maybe they can take you in as an adopted sibling?" Pepper felt so overwhelmed by the suggestion.
Being adopted to one such as Princess Luna?? That is farfetched for anypony. Pepper knows he has no chance of getting adopted by Luna. She's only seemed to treat him like a student if anything. Princess Luna is far too busy to even manage a child he would assume, what with all the princess duties. Alabaster narrowed her eyes at the panicking colt. "You need to have a bit more confidence in yourself, Pepper. The world isn't that scary. We even have the Elements of Harmony and the princesses keeping watch."
"U-umm... Alabaster?" A meek voice replied. They looked to see Merriweather rub her foreleg nervously. "I-I understand where you are coming from. B-but the Elements of Harmony can't handle everypony... N-not even the princesses." Alabaster arched a brow, studying the shy filly. As much as she tried to keep the spirits high, she agreed with Merriweather. Alabaster sighed and nodded.
"Okay, maybe not the entire world. But you don't find danger unless you go looking for it. Which is what I've been trying to prevent you from doing, Pepper. You need to focus on your talents and helping out rather than going off into dream land or somewhere you aren't supposed to be. I only want to help." Pepper slumped and looked sadly at his book. "The fair is around the corner and we need to show the world out there that we are more than just orphans. We are ponies who can use their gifts for the good of Equestria! Just like the Elements of Harmony." The kids remained quiet. Everypony knew Alabaster was right. Every child here has been interviewed in one way or another. But something always dissuades the parents from adopting. A certain habit. An unusual interest. Even just shyness. Those that had gotten adopted already had something normal about them. "Normal" being a word used loosely around the children currently in the orphanage.
They were adopted for one reason or another. But what reason do the parents have for the unusual ones? Alabaster frowned. She has been interviewed multiple times out of popularity with the kids and the other potential parents. But she didn't want to be adopted for popularity. The price she vowed to pay for it was to ensure she would be the last one to get adopted. Alabaster sighed.
"Whatever happens at the fair, we keep our heads held high and looking towards the next tomorrow. For better or worse, no matter what." The kids looked at each other with worried and concerned looks. Merrieweather shyly stepped forward and stood next to Alabaster.
"I... A-as head activity monitor, I second Alabaster on this. I-if that is okay." She said. This caught the kids attention more than they thought. Their looks now filled with confident determination. Pallet looked to Pepper, who had a longing look to him. Pallet smiled softly.
"Don't worry, Pepper. I'm sure you'll be at a great home. Even if the princess won't, there is always going to be somepony else." He said. He then tore a paper from his sketch book and passed it to Pepper. The colt blinked and studied it. It was a drawing of Brisket County. Almost like how he pictured in the dream. Pepper looked to Pallet quizzically, who rubbed the back of his head. "J-just something I thought would help you with your book. I-I kind of read some of it while you were drafting. I thought it was cool." Pepper studied the colt before looking back at the drawing. A strange feeling overcame him. He wasn't sure how to describe it, but whatever it was, it made the colt wonder. What if some of the kids didn't want to get adopted because they would have left the better part of themselves behind? Their friends? He looked over to the mingling children, Merriweather smiling as Alabaster smiled proudly and complimented her. Merriweather caught his glance and she gave a small wave and smile. Alabaster turned and her look became stoic. Tea Stout walked by them and over to the two. She waved happily.
"Hey Pallet! Hey Pepper! Are you just as excited for the fair? I can't wait to show off my mane styles!" She placed down a magazine that was in her hoof and opened it, pointing to a select base styles of manes. "I figured I'd try some of the mane styles on some of the ponies here when we arrive at the fair! Alabaster was going to announce to the adopters who did their mane. Spoiler! Yours truly!" The stout filly put a hoof proudly to her chest. Pallet smiled and pointed at a style.
"Oh, I like that one! I bet you'd look amazing in that!" Pallet said with a smile. Tea Stout blushed and twirled her straight mane.
"Y-you think so? Because I think I have the perfect one for you, Pal!" She then looked to Pepper. "Oh, and I have one just for you too, Pepper!" Pepper felt a sudden dread overtake him. He saw her point to a strange, princely mane style. Pepper flushed and covered his head, shaking it furiously. Tea shrugged. "Aww, c'mon Pepper! It won't be so bad! Your mane always seems to go back to normal anyway no matter what happens! I can never know how some natural manes just bounce back. But I like a good challenge." As she said that, she twirled a comb in her hoof. Both the colts wondered where it came from, but the glint in Tea's eyes told Pepper to run. And he did. Tea chasing after him not far behind. The kids began laughing as they watched Pepper scurry about, avoiding a comb waving Tea Stout. "Why do you always gotta' be a mouse, Pepper! Just let me practice!" She exclaimed. Pepper batted at the comb before dashing around her. He booked it to the door, only to crash into it and tumble onto his back as it opened.
Funnel peeked his head in, confused as to what he hit. When he saw Pepper shaking away his daze, his look became stoic.
"Mother Wisp will be back soon. It's high time you kids attend reading. You'll be picking up where you all left off." He said. The kids groaned, much to his chagrin. As the kids filed out, Alabaster casting her sideways glance at him, Pepper stood up and quickly gathered his book. He was about to trot past Funnel when the stallion leaned against the door and eyed him. Pepper froze and looked up at him. Their eyes met. There was an uncaring look in the stallion's eyes. But Pepper saw desperation. It was as if he was pleading for the colt for help. Which Pepper found odd.
Pepper opened his eyes back into his room. The rain had picked up. Pepper leaned forward, finding the bug to continue on for his writing. He lit the candle next to him when it got a bit dark than he'd like. The colt scribbled away, the violin playing a haunting melody. One he recognized when he had ended up in Alabaster's dream. The filly confused Pepper to no end. She started to call him out on everything and now she's saying she's trying to help? Whatever this price is, the colt felt a little annoyed. A price.... The colt froze in his writing, his eyes darting in thought. Was that the price Tussle paid to keep towards his supposed best friend? Constance's words resonated within his mind.
You've given' me a peace of mind.
The pieces were beginning to connect for him. And there it was. The ambition. Brisket County's ambition. The price he vowed to pay doing what he does. The colt scribbled down into the book, the pencil never leaving the page until he had finished a chapter and a half of the next one. The night had gotten darker and darker. It was now hard to see anything out the window. Pepper leaned back and rolled his neck, rubbing it to ease the numbness. He thought back to Funnel's desperate, uncaring look. What was he trying to tell him? Should he even be concerned with a bad pony? He did leave when the kids were reading and it shocked them when a Canterlot guard had arrived with an injured Funnel. It was Echo Heart who had answered and was startled at the sight of the towering guard.
Funnel had painfully told the kids to go to their rooms and handle their practices for the fair while he went to rest and recover. Pepper was curious as to what did that to him. But maybe he shouldn't be too concerned. Perhaps karma had finally caught up with the bad pony for ruining Mrs. Marigold's rest. Pepper sighed and closed his book. He had gotten a lot of writing done for today and it was high time he went to bed. Alabaster had stopped playing two hours ago. Pepper blew out his candle and got into his bed, throwing his blankets up to him. Getting into a comfy position, he faced the wall and closed his eyes, sleeping taking over him. Tomorrow is another day.
The Cutie-Mark Crusaders had met up with each other in front of the Everfree. The dark, unkempt forest had matched the scheduled rain. The fillies had worn a modified version of their capes. Their hoods thrown over to cover them from the rain. Scootaloo held a lantern up and scanned the forest entrance.
"Isn't this where Zecora was supposed to meet us?" She asked. Sweetie Bell scanned the dark area around them, her worry turning into panic.
"I-I don't know. But let's hope she finds us soon. I don't think we should be this close to the Everfree at this time." She shivered a bit. Applebloom gulped and tried to look reassuringly to her friends.
"M-Maybe we just wait a lil' longer." She said. There was a loud crash of thunder and a flash of lightning that caused the fillies to shriek and huddle together. They screamed even more when they saw a cloaked, hooded figure step out of the woods with a lantern held high on a walking stick, glowing eyes staring down at them. The pony held up a hoof and smiled reassuringly to them. Applebloom's eyes beamed in recognition. "Zecora! Thank Celestia! I thought we were in the wrong place." She said. Zecora chuckled and turned, waving her lantern stick towards the woods.
"Follow me, you three. I have tea prepared. Don't worry, I've already given the nasties a scare." She said. The three followed Zecora into the woods, sticking close as a wild wind began howling through the trees. The fillies remained alert, caution and worry in their eyes. Yet, Zecora remained close to ensure their safety as they soon arrived at her hut. A fire already brewing inside along with a strange odor. Zecora opened the door and when the three stepped in, they gasped as they saw Princess Luna stirring the cauldron in the middle of the hut. Her cloak drenched from the rain. She looked up and smiled at the four.
"Welcome, Cutie-Mark Crusaders. And welcome back, Zecora. No trouble, I presume." She asked. Zecora closed the door and hung her cloak and lantern.
"Not at all." Zecora said simply. Luna nodded welcomingly to the three.
"What is going on here?" Scootaloo asked as she placed her lantern at the ground. Luna hung the ladle over the bubbling cauldron and stepped towards the three.
"Thou art aware of me mentioning a dark aura in the orphanage?" She asked. The three took a moment before remembering and nodded. "I hath wanted to cast a spell to dispel that aura. But having walked through the dreams with me, thou hath seen the terrors enshrouding the orphanage. A dark magic that has been brewing for a long while. The property is cursed and I hath discovered it hath been used as an old cultic gathering field." Luna stated. Sweetie Bell scratched her hooded mane.
"A cultic gathering?" She asked. Luna nodded sadly.
"Long ago, my sister and I have heard rumors of a cult in this area. Before Ponyville was founded, there was a small hamlet that doth not exist any longer nearby. Rotted with age and decay throughout the moons. That hamlet had a superstition. An evil entity that hath plagued them, casting many lives into death. It would visit them in the night, haunting their dreams and creating a psyche plague that caused many to have gone mad. It hath even been told to feast upon children." Luna turned back to the cauldron and began to stir it again, the fillies looking at each other in small terror. "This entity was called the Nightfeaster. A malformed figure that would prowl the hamlet, looking for food. Scholars have recorded through eyewitnesses that it hath believed to feed off of dreams to sustain long life, while feasting on the flesh of ponies to sate an unquenchable lust for power. The magic within the ponies was vast and bountiful. It was only right for the Nightfeaster to terrorize the hamlet. From this superstition, a cult was created. The Cult of the Feast. Every month, the villagers would dawn brown garbs to cover their features as to not be recognized by the Nightfeaster as they sacrificed young fillies and colts to please the creature from ever having to plague their dreams again, while keeping the beast well fed to prevent a slaughter." Luna looked over her shoulder and looked sternly at the fillies, a flash of lightning and crash of thunder resonated outside of the hut, causing the fillies to huddle together and shiver horrified at Luna.
Luna's gaze softened and nodded to Zecora, who nodded in kind and trotted over to a stove.
"But, tis a filly's tale to be told to bad children from wandering off at night alone. From what we've hath found, tis was a story to inspire fear into a village to do the bidding of a power-hungry tyrant. Which, my sister hath long since banished. No such creature has been accounted for in the realm of Equestria. We need not worry about it. No, for tonight, you three will be aiding me in a ritual." Zecora placed three tea cups in front of the fillies and took a sip of her own. The fillies eyed the tea before taking small sips of their own. Luna smiled as the contents within the cauldron have turned a different color. Zecora trotted over to a shelf and pulled out a couple of gourds. Luna dispelled her cloak, the bats flying off into an open window and out into the rainy dark. The fillies gasped as they saw strange markings on her coat. Zecora poured something thick onto her hoof and drew a sigil on the princess's forehead, just underneath her horn before marking her bottom lip and chin. Finishing with stripes across her cheek, Luna dawned several accessories of makeshift nature.
"You three. Please stand exactly where Zecora will tell you to. You are to get on thine knees and bow your heads as if in the presence of my sister and I. When I hath finished the dance, you are to throw your hooves up into the air. Understand?" She explained. Zecora began leading Scootaloo to her spot while Applebloom rubbed her head.
"Err... why are we doin' this again? This feels a little... taboo." Applebloom said as Zecora led her to a spot in the hut around the cauldron. Luna chuckled slightly.
"Ritual casting is an old practice. Tis only taboo for necromancy. We won't be doing any of that. This is merely trying to dispel the dark aura from plaguing the orphanage. Your dear friend Pepper would be saved of the plight as well." She said. Sweetie Bell stood in the last spot, seeing her friends on both sides of the cauldron. Zecora took the other end and brushed a hoof under her. When she did, the floor began to glow under her as a rune began to flash into an intricate design that the three couldn't make heads or tails of. Yet, Princess Luna reared up, her wings unfurled, striking a readied pose to dance. Zecora nodded to the three fillies.
"Just follow my lead. You little ones will see." Zecora then prostrated herself into a bow and began humming. The crusaders looked unsure of this but followed suite. With everything in place, Luna began tapping her hind hooves on the hut, the clacking of her hooves creating a tempo. She ruffled her wings, her body bouncing in a jitter before she turned and used her wings to bedazzle the glowing hue of the hut. Swishing her wings to and fro, pirouetting on her hind hooves as she danced around the hut. The boiling cauldron began to change color into a lighter purple hue. Luna spun and took the ladle in her magic, taking a small sip of the concoction. Her eyes opened and they dilated. A sign that the ritual was working as intended. Despite the concerns from the fillies, they continued to follow Zecora's lead. Luna began to see images of the orphanage.
The history of it being built. The land being cultivated by the small village nearby. The images faded as Luna began to recite a prayer in old pone-ish. Dancing around the cauldron once more, the cauldron began to change to a green hue, Luna taking another sip. Visions once more. The orphanage being a nursing home during a war. The ponies that lived there after the war. The ritual continued and once more, the cauldron turned to a hue of pink. This time, Luna didn't take a sip. Instead, she threw her hooves out into the air, Zecora doing the same and letting the fillies follow suite. Zecora hummed an ancient dialect in her language while Luna began to recite a prayer once more in old pone-ish. Fog began to pour from the cauldron and creeped along the ground. The cauldron began to glow brightly and a hazy wisp began to flow out of the cauldron. IT swirled around Luna and her eyes began to glow. She could sense the connection. Many images flashed through her mind, causing her slight pain. Bearing through it, she weaved the connection and in a bright flash of light, the cauldron shone a beam of light through the hut. The light could be seen from the Everfree. And from further away from Ponyville in the Honeyfields, the sleeping children stirred and shifted over onto their opposite sides.
The rainclouds above the orphanage began to swirl and form a small funnel. The dark presence from within the orphanage stirred and answered the connection. Luna gasped as she found herself looking at the cauldron. Whatever she was seeing, the others couldn't. The alicorn stared at a young colt. His pale, dark veined coat and black eyes looked up at her. A desperate expression for help on his face. Images of the child's family flashed through her mind. The mare she recognized as the nanny. Luna blinked and found herself standing in the middle of a wooded area. She looked around and her gaze fell onto a young colt humming happily to himself as he balanced on a fallen tree. Luna furrowed her look and began to follow the colt. He sang a small song to himself, hopping off the fallen tree and trotting through the trees.
She observed the colt as he traversed further until he came to a stop and looked up at what looked to be a cave entrance. There were obscure constructed objects that resonated with dark magic. Luna's expression became aware and cautious, the colt's curiosity causing him to wander into the cave. Luna followed the colt, descending into the cave. How could a colt decide to brave such a place as this without a single care in the world? The cave opened up into a chamber. One she was not expecting. The chamber had strange markings drawn in chalk or rock scratches. Animal bones littered the floor and a stone table shrine rested at the far end of the chamber. A broken and rotted shelf and several baskets laid strewn about. The colt looked around in awe as he began to poke through the clutter. He found several strange trinkets that he put aside before his attention fell onto a book that tumbled out from the broken shelf. The colt coughed and waved away the dust before studying the book.
A black, leather hard cover book with a sinister looking red design etched into what appeared to be writing in an unknown dialect and a slit eye on the spine. The colt tilted his head and opened it. The atmosphere changed drastically as a cold wind blew through the cave. The pages of the book flipped wildly before stopping onto a mishappen drawing of a creature. Elongated limbs, glowing eyes and a shadowy complex that looked similar to thin trees. The words scrawled onto the page was ancient pone-ish. But Luna knowingly shook her head in disbelief. Perhaps the rumors were true. But there was no accounts or sightings of a creature. Mayhaps, a book created to instill the fear that the cult had towards the village. Regardless, the presence and aura emanating off the book was all she needed to know. The images thought so too as she found herself being forcefully thrown back, the world melting around her. Luna gasped and was thrown back, crashing into a shelf of collective relics Zecora had gathered. The fillies sprang up and gasped.
"Princess Luna! Are you alright!?" Sweetie Bell exclaimed. Luna quickly held up a hoof to the fillies.
"Do not step out of the circle!" She shouted, her Equestrian voice booming. Sweetie Bell froze and remained still where she was. Luna stood up and shook her daze. "We must complete the ritual appropriately... Do not step out of the circle until the cauldron stills!" As if on cue, the ponies looked to see the cauldron glow brightly, boiling wildly inside. The ghostly image of the colt looked around in a panic before an elongated claw reached over the colt and pulled him under, the colt screams echoing before the cauldron rattled and stilled the boiling. The silence was deafening to the ponies in the room. Luna painfully pulled herself from the shelf and walked over to the cauldron. Zecora removed her hood, a look of concern clear across her expression.
"I hope you have found what you need, princess." She said simply. Princess Luna nodded solemnly, returning a soft smile to the fillies.
"You three did wonderful tonight. Pray, forgive the involvement of this activity. The ritual required four to pray and one to offer." She explained. Scootaloo threw her hood off and looked worriedly at her.
"What even happened?" She asked. Luna shook her head.
"An attempt to quell the darkness surrounding the orphanage. But instead, a lost soul has shown me something of importance that may help me in my endeavor." Luna sighed. "This is more than just dark magic now. I didn't think it would be possible. I must hurry. Time is of the essence." Luna levitated a towel over to herself and wiped the markings off, removing her accessories and returning them to Zecora before calling upon her cloak. Applebloom balked.
"Where are ya' goin'?" She asked. Luna threw her hood over her head and nodded to Zecora.
"Please, return the children home. They are needed for the morning in preparation for the fair. I must end this hunt." Luna nodded to the three. "Until the marrow, children. I will ensure pleasant dreams when I am finished with my task." And with that, Luna took off into the rainy night, leaving the Cutie-Mark Crusaders and Zecora exchanging glances. Applebloom frowned.
"Whatever she saw, we have to help too. We can't just sit idly by while the orphanage is in danger." She said. Scootaloo rubbed her mane.
"Then what do you suggest?" She asked. Applebloom rubbed her chin and beamed at an idea.
"We'll meet at the clubhouse first thing in the mornin'. I'll explain everythin' there." She replied.
Pepper watched closely as Brisket County was sitting at the table of bureaucratic barons and baronesses somewhere in Old Manehatten. The rough outlaw kicked back in his seat as the faceless elite looking ponies began to mutter amongst themselves. At the end of the of the opposite side of the table was The Baron. The pony eyed Brisket with cold, uncaring eyes. Brisket, however, was also giving an uncaring look. In fact, he looked bored being here. Which is no surprise to anypony. But that didn’t mean his presence wasn’t interesting in the slightest.
“County. I invited you into my home as a guest of honor. You could at least show some signs of common manners.” The Baron began, looking at the stallion in disgust. Brisket peeked out one eye from under his hat and smirked.
“You should at least expect this much manners from your own enemy, Baron. But, if it’ll help with negotiations…” Brisket pulled his hind legs off the table and leaned forward, his forehooves together and covering his muzzle. “Speakin’ off. We just sittin’ here all day or are we goin’ to start talkin’ about the release of Sesame?” He arched a brow. The Baron returned it in a challenging manner.
“Yes… of course. Very well then, County. What do you offer?” The Baron asked. Pepper thought about it. What would he offer? Brisket cast a glance at Pepper. The colt crossed his forelegs and came up with a response.
“A small game of clay pigeons. Best out of three. If yer’ mouth is as sharp as you dress, then it should be an interesting one.” Brisket suggested. The Baron replied with an intrigued look. His mustache wiggling a bit.
“Hmm. Interesting offer. But what will I receive when I win?” He asked. Brisket chuckled and tipped his hat up a bit.
“Confident in your skills, eh? If I can’t meet up to yer’ standards in the game, you get to have my head.” Brisket eyed The Baron, who narrowed his eyes in kind to a calculative manner. The Baron would pull tricks to his advantage. He just needed to figure out what. Brisket would return the tricks in kind. These are bad ponies and Brisket is trying to save a good pony. He wants the hero to win, but the villain should be as competent. The Baron smiled slyly and nodded.
“Very well. We will begin the game now, should it please you?” He stated. Brisket stood up and nodded.
“After you.” He responded. The elite ponies muttered amongst one another as The Baron stood up and motioned for Brisket to follow. The stallion looked over to Pepper and tipped his hat down with a confident smirk. “Don’t make me look too bad, kid.” Pepper nodded and got off of the chair, trotting next to Brisket as they made there way out into the courtyard. Before Pepper exited, he froze and looked over his shoulder, sensing a heavy presence. His darted in concern, scanning the foyer.
Nothing. Pepper shivered and adjusted his scarf around his neck before turning back and walking down the steps. When he reached the bottom, he was surprised to see River drawing on the ground with a stick. He looked up at him and smiled.
“Things are starting to get intense! Hope Brisket makes it out of this one!” River said. Pepper didn’t respond. In fact, the colt had a certain idea that popped into his head immediately upon seeing the colt. River found himself dressed in a regal cape and white armor, a crown perfect for a king. The elite ponies began to mutter excitedly as The Barone and Brisket passed by River.
“Now the stakes are even higher, Baron. Don’t worry. I won’t make you look too bad in front of the young king.” Brisket grinned slyly at The Baron. The Baron grumbled and a pony handed him a hoof rifle, attaching the contraption to his hoof and loading it. River looked down at himself and smiled. He then looked up to the two and nodded.
“Let the games begin, gentle-stallions!” He said. The two nodded and took their places. Pepper smiled as things were playing out perfectly. River had thought of a throne to sit upon, creating another and patting the seat. Pepper walked over and sat on the other throne, feeling a little heavy. The colt looked down at himself and saw he was wearing knightly armor, a basket helm over his head with the helm open. The white and light blue matched the scarf perfectly. River grinned and raised a hoof.
The two stallions readied themselves. River brought his hoof down and, in the distance, several clay pigeons were launched high into the air. Brisket loaded his own hoof sling and in rapid succession, fired off metal pellets that shattered the pigeons in the air. Brisket hit five out of seven. The Baron snickered.
“With aim like that, it’s no wonder you got yourself caught.” The Baron said. Brisket shifted his frown slightly. He stepped back to let The Baron go as he made a quick adjustment to his hoof sling. River raised his hoof once more and brought it down. The Baron shattered four out of seven. River smiled.
“I think The Baron might tie with Brisket. What do you think, Pepper?” He asked. Pepper hummed and rubbed his chin. A tie would be good. But what if The Baron won and Brisket had to fight his way out? Or perhaps use a bit of cunning? The Baron would win by cheating. That’s a start. Brisket took stand and readied himself. River repeated his motion and the pigeons were launched. Brisket shattered seven this time. This made the elite ponies stamp their hooves in applause, much to the chagrin of The Baron.
The Baron then reached into his coat for more pellets while at the same time, he nodded to the pony that releases the pigeons. The pony nodded back and when The Baron was ready, the pigeons were released. The Baron hit three, but the remaining shattered as if all of them were hit. Brisket caught this but the ponies applauded him. River smiled.
“Brisket in the lead by one! Last round!” River said. Brisket stood at the ready, aiming his sling. The pigeons were released. However, one of them fell a little short and Brisket could only hit six. The ponies muttered in disappointment. River furrowed his brow.
“Do over.” He said. Pepper blinked and looked at him. The Baron scoffed and gave a nod to the pony. As the ponies loaded the pigeons, Pepper noticed three extra ponies in the crowd. He squinted his eyes and saw Applebloom trotting around the side of the courtyard and over to him while Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo took the time to explore the area. River smiled. “Oh hey, Crusaders! We were just getting to the good part!” River said. Pepper narrowed his eyes at the colt. Applebloom smiled.
“Was wonderin’ where we ended up. How ya’ holdin’ up, Pepper?” She asked. Pepper studied the filly. She seemed her normal self. And from what he could tell, she was lucid dreaming. He then looked over to the others. Applebloom rubbed the back of her head. “‘Ah believe they missed their triggers. Wanna’ help me get them to lucid dream?” River beamed.
“Sure! The more the merrier, right Pepper?” Pepper nervously shrugged before following after the filly, River right behind him. The scene before them is at a standstill. As if time had frozen. They walked by The Baron and Brisket, coming up to Sweetie Bell who was glitching out for them. Applebloom looked worriedly at her, but River gave a reassuring smile. “She’s fine. That’s just the effect of somepony unaware of a dream. They can see what we see but have no control over it.” He explained.
Applebloom rubbed her chin.
“Sweetie Bell still doesn’t know her trigger. ‘Ah don’ think we can get her into this one tonight.” She said. Pepper tilted his head. What if they created one? Pepper furrowed his brows in thought. What would be a good trigger? Something she would have to notice out of it. Pepper has noticed Sweetie Bell is pretty observant. Pepper beamed at a thought. River and Applebloom looked up as they had saw something yellow zip overhead. It flew down to the bushes and began to chirp. A canary with a green hue on the chest.
It chirped more and upon closer hearing, it was a small tune. A familiar one. Sweetie Bell began to glitch less and before they knew it, Sweetie Bell blinked and looked around.
“Whoa… trippy.” Sweetie Bell said as she examined herself. Pepper looked over to Scootaloo, who seemed to be just wandering and glitching out. Pepper looked up and a cyan feather flittered down from nowhere and landed softly on Scootaloo’s snout. The filly froze and the glitching stilled. Scootaloo blew the feather off and smiled. She immediately began to hover in the air and turned to them.
“So, what brings you three here?” River asked. Pepper looked over to the frozen, sensing the presence once more as Applebloom spoke.
“Had a bit of a long night and figured we’d jus’ check up on ya’ll.” Applebloom looked worriedly at River. “How are ya’ feelin’ after the last time we met?” River tilted his head.
“Last time? Why, this is the first time I’ve been in a dream with you three.” He said. The four looked at him quizzically. Scootaloo rubbed the back of her mane.
“Errr… you don’t remember the giant Blackheart that terrorized us?” She asked. Pepper’s ears dropped at the mention of the colt. No, he mustn’t think about it. Blackheart can’t hurt him here. River rubbed his chin.
“Noooo? I think I would remember something like that.” He said. Sweetie Bell was bewildered by this response. Pepper shrugged in disbelief. He had one theory as to why the colt couldn’t remember despite recognizing Pepper. But it was too soon to tell. Pepper’s eyes scanned the area, sensing the presence once more. This caught the attention of the others.
“What’s wrong, Pepper?” Applebloom asked. Then, they saw it. A dark smog beginning to form in the sky. River looked worriedly at it and turned to the others.
“You have to leave this plane. Now.” He said hurriedly. The fillies gave a quizzical look, but soon turned to recognition. River turned to Pepper. “Don’t let it see you! You have to make it back.” The area around them began to glitch and contort. River nodded. “I’ve made an exit. Just look for the eye. Go, now!” River said desperately.
“What about you?” Sweetie Bell asked. River shook his head.
“It can’t harm me. But it will stop at nothing to hurt you guys. Go! Go!” He waved at them. Even nudging Scootaloo along before they all cantered up into the entrance of the building. When they entered the foyer, they looked around.
“Where do we even start?” She asked. There was an in-equine scream from behind them. The smog was growing thicker. A limb began to emerge. Scootaloo looked horrified before pointing up the steps.
“Let’s get away from it first!” She stated. The three followed after her in a gallop, turning a corner and barreling down the hall. The hall felt endless as they continued to gallop down it. Eventually, they stopped and panted, looking around. The scream could be heard just outside the wall next to them. Pepper quickly bolted to a door and opened it. The Crusaders weren’t watching as Pepper had stopped in his tracks, only to have all of them tumble down into a twisting slide.
They yelled in panic as they sped trough the rubbery and morphing environment of the building. They eventually hit the end and fell on top of one another in a daze. Sweetie Bell shook away her daze and looked around, her jaw dropping.
“Aww, come on!!” She protested. They were back in the foyer. The sprang to their hooves as they heard the scream. It sounded from everywhere. Applebloom pointed down another hall.
“This way!” They galloped down the hall, doing their best to keep up with one another. They arrived at another dead end. They looked around desperately for a way to escape. They then saw a door about three doors down open and Sweetie Bell pointed. The rest followed her and barreled into the door.
The four found themselves in a ball room. Faceless and neatly dressed ponies were mingling amongst each other as a soothing violin flowing around the room. The inaudible chattering of the ponies, accompanied with clinking glasses and silverware complimented the large and fancy room. Pepper looked around and pointed to one of the tables with a cloth over it. Exquisite silverware placement circled the table with a vase full of multicolored flowers.
“Under there!” Pepper stated before cantering over to it. The fillies followed and crawled in after him, finding the moment to catch their breath finally.
“A-are we safe?” Scootaloo asked hesitantly. Sweetie Bell peeked out from under the tablecloth. Her eyes scanned the room. Nothing stood out, save for the glitching out filly by the orchestration stage to the side. She pulled her head back.
“I-I hope so. I-I think we went into another dream. There’s a filly glitching out at the other end.” She said. Pepper tilted his head. A small dawning realization hit him as he began to pay attention to the tune of the violin. He’s heard it so many times before going to bed. Pepper gasped in shock as they heard an in-equine scream somewhere in the room. They huddled together, shivering in fear. Pepper couldn’t help but curse their luck.
Whatever this thing was, River looked dead serious about it. The four peeked their heads out from under the covers. Looking to the ceiling, they could see the black smog beginning to form. Black droplets of liquid pooled at the ground, staining the elegant tiling with black veins. Pepper gave the area a quick look over and gasped when he noticed the filly Sweetie Bell mentioned. Alabaster had her eyes closed and strumming her violin. Unaware of the nightmare being formed in front of them.
What should they do? Pepper racked his brain, trying to shift through the panic. They are lucid dreaming, so they might have a chance to at least chase it away. But… the way both Luna and River’s tone when it came to these nightmares, it was in their best interest to avoid it entirely. He had to do something. He reached into his wing and withdrew his journal. He scanned the entries, hoping to find something quick they could escape into.
Most of it was Brisket County notes with dream recordings mixed in from nap times. Pepper frowned, unable to find anything that he could piece together. He has never been able to do well under pressure. Applebloom gasped and pulled the others back as an elongated limb reached out of the smog. She put a hoof to her muzzle after mouthing “It’s coming” to them. The children held their breaths. Laid himself down flat and lifted the cloth just a little.
He froze as a loud thump of the limb stamped down in front of him. Crawling out from the smog, a malnourished and mangled, elongated creature gurgled. The Pygmy looked around with hollowed eyes. It’s features neither equestrian nor other. It had no mouth or muzzle. The children remained still. The creature turned and began to stamp slowly with a distorted sway over the faceless ponies that were still mingling.
Pepper looked horrified as the creature began to study the ponies. It knew they were here. But it appeared to not know exactly. The colt continued to watch the creature as it scooped up ponies like they were dolls and dropping them. Studying each one before finally coming to a stop in front of Alabaster. The filly still unaware of the danger. The Pygmy leaned down and stared at her. Applebloom peeked out and whispered to the others.
“What’s it doin’?” She asked. Sweetie Bell peeked out and studied the situation.
“I think it’s trying to see if Alabaster is lucid dreaming?” She suggested. Scootaloo looked terrified.
“I-it’s a good thing she isn’t right now… I can’t imagine…” she shivered. Pepper agreed with her. He looked around the room again. They still need to find the door with an eye. The colt bit his lip. He couldn’t see any other doors save for the one next to the stage that had exit over it. The one they had come in from had disappeared. Pepper quietly began to creep out from hiding, surprising the three.
"Pepper?? What are you doin'?" Applebloom whispered a little raspy. Pepper tip hoofed across the ball room, glancing at the creature to make sure it was still preoccupied with Alabaster. He slipped under another tablecloth and began to move quietly through the tables. He reached one of the end tables near the exit door and saw that it was a bit of a gallop to get to the door. Pepper worriedly thought if he should make a break for it.
Protect your playmates...
Luna's words resonated through him and it caused him to freeze. The colt thought about it a little more. He looked back to see the Crusaders whispering amongst themselves, eyeing the creature. Pepper slumped in defeat.
Have a bit more confidence in yourself.
Pepper bit his lip again in frustration. 'But... I'm just not! I... I can't protect ponies... I'm not confident at all...' Pepper bowed his head, only to quietly gasp as the face basket of his helm flipped closed, making an audible clack that caught the creature's attention. Pepper held his breath and quietly crawled back under the table, doing his best to steady his breathing. He was paralyzed with fear. The Pygmy gurgled and shifted over to the table. Pepper heard his heart pounding in his chest.
The creature reached over and pushed aside tables. Pepper was fortunate that the table he was hiding in, despite being pushed aside, was replaced with the other table the creature was pushing. The creature swayed, scanning the area before relenting and going back to watch Alabaster. Pepper painfully let out a soft breath of relief before crawling back under the tables towards the Crusaders. However, he froze again when he heard an audible gasp, causing him to turn. His eyes widened. Alabaster was no longer glitching.
Alabaster looked horrified at the creature as it tilted its’ head at her. It gurgled loudly and its’ head began to gyrate, the area where the mouth is supposed to be began to peel into a disjointed grin. Alabaster screamed and ducked as the creature swiped to grab her. She scampered off the stage past the Pygmy and began galloping down the room. The creature turned and let out an in-equine scream. Pepper crawled back, panic over taking him.
What can he even do to help? He clutched his head, uncertain of what he can do.
“We have to do something!” He heard Sweetie Bell say not too far away. He looked out from under the table and saw the three fillies look at each other. Seemingly coming to an understanding, they darted out from the table, much to the colt’s awe.
“Hey, ugly! Over here!” Scootaloo shouted. The creature stopped. It had froze, as if registering the other presences in the room. The sickening sound of bones cracking as the creature inverted itself to turn around and screech at her. Scootaloo balked and flew out of the way of the creature swiping at her.
Alabaster looked dumbfounded as she had turned to watch the filly swoop over and under the creature. Sweetie Bell galloped over to Alabaster and pulled her along.
“We have to go!” She said to her. Alabaster went along, still perplexed by the situation. The creature eventually swatted Scootaloo, causing her to crash into a couple of tables. Applebloom hopped out of hiding and spun a lasso over her head. She threw it out and entangled the creature around the limbs. It fell over nearly onto Scootaloo, which the filly had quickly scrambled to her hooves and took off into the air to avoid it. Pepper couldn’t help but look on in awe as the Crusaders sprang into action.
How are they able to jump in so bravely? Their entire psyche is in danger, yet they didn’t hesitate to save Alabaster. The colt felt frustrated, but the panic was too great it made him hesitate. The creature, while inconvenienced with the lasso, broke its’ limb, slipping out of the hold and grabbed hold of the rope. Applebloom’s eyes widened.
“Uh oh.” She said, right before the creature pulled her off her hooves and swung her around, knocking her into Scootaloo and sending the pegasus filly tumbling through the air.
“Look out!!” She yelled, sailing towards Sweetie Bell and Alabaster. Pepper winced as he saw the collision of the fillies, knocking them down in a small pile. Applebloom yelped as the creature brought her back around and released her, sending her crashing into the others, the lasso tangling them together. Shaking their daze away, they began to try and break free. The Pygmy screeched and gurgled, stamping towards them.
Pepper shivered, his legs unable to move. He swore under his breath, trying to break free. But it was no use. Tears began to well up in his eyes under the helm. What can he do? What should he do?
'I… I want to… I want this to stop… I want to stop this… h-help…’ He thought. He heard the screams of the fillies as the creature stood over them, the mouth unhinging wider and the hollowed eyes glowing at the center a sinister white. Pepper couldn’t stand it anymore. As if time slowed down, his body sprang into action on its’ own. Fear in his eyes as he galloped and slid in front of the fillies. He braced himself, time speeding up right as the scarf came to life and socked the creature under the unhinged chin.
The creature stumbled back, shrieking loudly. The scarf pulled back and one tail formed into a cloth shield while the other straightened out into a sharp sword like visage. The creature stopped and stared down at the colt. Pepper was breathing heavily, tears flowing down his cheeks. He wanted this to stop. He wanted this thing to leave them alone. The creature tilted its’ head, the eyes narrowing before it got low and began to crawl towards him.
The scarf reacted by shoving the shield into its’ chest as it bore down on the colt. The sword side then stabbed the side of the Pygmy’s head, black smog and smoke erupting from the injury. It shrieked in pain as the shield bashed the creature back. The scarf then turned into claws and began furiously and brutally clawing at the creature. He could hear the Crusaders cheering him, but Pepper found it hard to really celebrate anything. He was terrified. He didn’t want these ponies to suffer for his own mess ups again.
The creature found itself crawling away from the colt. Pepper stepped forward, the scarf unrelenting in its assault. One claw grabbed ahold of the Pygmy’s limb and ripped it off, a sickening crunch followed by black smog and smoke erupting from the injuries and proceeded to club the creature over its’ head. He wanted this creature to be gone. To never return back to him or the Crusaders. Alabaster included. In fact, he wanted no pony to suffer the creature's terror.
The colt grit his teeth, terror turning to anger. Flashing images of Blackheart returned to him. The Pygmy suddenly morphed into a beaten colt. It had hoped it would stop the attack, but the scarf grabbed the creature and began slamming it into the ground over and over, resounding thuds echoing throughout the room. Not too far behind the colt, the Crusaders watched with awe as Pepper fended off the creature in a less than ideal way, but effective, nonetheless. Alabaster was just as dumbfounded.
She had no idea what was going on. However, the living scarf gave it away. Is this really the same Pepper she knows? Alabaster couldn’t believe it even if it was in front of her. Pepper would have booked it to the nearest exit in the face of danger. The scarf slammed the creature hard into the ground, cracking the tile floor.
Pepper looked angrily through his tears at the creature. Images of Funnel flashed through his mind. The uncaring stallion looked back at him, his expression horrified.
“P-Pepper… don’t do this… I’m only trying to help!” Funnel cried out in pain. Pepper froze. It could talk? Funnel’s eyes gleamed as it took the colt’s hesitation as a signal to attack, only for the scarf to come around and grab the stallion by the head completely. The scarf tail rose the stallion high into the air, the creature morphing into several entities to escape. Pepper growled angrily. This thing is disgusting to look at.
The other tail reached up and grabbed ahold of the creature’s lower body and with a good pull, the creature ripped apart over the colt. The scarf released the creature, a sickening plop as it hit the ground. Pepper looked down at the weakened nightmare. The head rolled over to his hoof and the distorted, hollowed eye Pygmy grinned up at him. Pepper removed his helmet and glared tearfully at the creature. The fact it was still gurgling up at him angered the colt.
The creature’s head morphed between Blackheart and Funnel’s head. Cries of agony echoing throughout the room from it. Pepper raised his helmet and brought it down hard. A sickening crunch sounded. Pepper brought his helmet up again and brought it down once more. And again. And again. And again. Over and over, as if in a trance of angered bliss. The Crusaders and Alabaster watched the colt unleash his frustrations on the nightmare, their attempt to untangle themselves lacking progress.
Pepper huffed, tossing aside his helmet with a clatter and fell onto his haunches. It felt good to let out all the built-up frustration. However, he was left empty. The colt bowed his head and began to sob. The Crusaders exchanged worried glances. Pepper has had enough of this dream. The Crusaders found the lasso to have vanished, allowing them to stand up. They walked over to the colt, seeing the nightmare in a pile of smog and smoke. Applebloom put a reassuring hoof on his back and smiled softly.
“Thanks for the save, Pepper. That was really brave of you.” She said. Scootaloo beamed as she swooped around them.
“Did you see me swooping around?! I was like ‘woosh’ and then I was like ‘bam pow’!” Scootaloo grinned and landed next to them. “And then Applebloom came in and was like ‘swoosh’ with her lasso! And then Pepper came in and was-“ Applebloom rolled her eyes eyes playfully.
“Yes, Scoots. We were there.” She said with a small smirk. Scootaloo flushed and rubbed the back of her head.
“S-sorry. I just… we actually stopped a nightmare together without the help of Princess Luna! That has to be, like, an achievement of some kind!” She said. Sweetie Bell walked over with Alabaster and gave an arched brow.
“Stopping maybe an understatement…” she said, glancing between Pepper and the bent helm not too far off. Alabaster looked with concern at Pepper. She shook her head and rubbed it.
“What… is going on here?” She asked. The fillies looked back at her and Applebloom gave a nervous smile.
“Errr… well… you uhh…” She began. Sweetie Bell chimed in.
“It’s all a dream, Alabaster. And you just lived through a nightmare.” Sweetie stated. Alabaster blinked rapidly in question to this statement. Applebloom nodded.
“I-I know it’s a lot to take in. We promise we aren’t settin’ you up for anythin’.” She said. Pepper sniffled and sighed softly. He stood up and quietly walked towards the exit door. The Crusaders exchanged nervous glances. They were uncertain if the colt was angry at everypony or everything else. They decided to give him some space as they followed close enough behind him. Alabaster narrowed her eyes at the back of the colt's head. She then studied the garb. The light blue weaving complimented the white, regal design, the scarf completing the look in a stylish way. The armor hoof gauntlets clattered with Pepper's steps. Alabaster, for once in her life, actually thought he looked pretty decent. In a way that if he was ever adopted to be a knight and built up some backbone, he could pull off the look really well. Alabaster froze at her observation wide eyed and shook her head. Pepper reached for the handle and opened it.
The five walked into the main foyer and Scootaloo groaned.
"Where did River put that door?!"
Lightning flashed, followed by thunder ran through the wooded area of Honeyfields. The orphanage a silhouette in the distance, enshrouded by heavy rain. A cloaked Princess Luna trotted hurriedly through the mud, her eyes determined and staring straight ahead. It was very early morning, but hard to tell with the weather. She had to stop after a bit and squinted her eyes, scanning the area. Seeing a familiar landmark from the vision, she followed in the direction, stepping over tree roots and around a couple of stumps. Luna came to a halt right in front of a stone covered cave. The alicorn tilted her head quizzically. It must have caved in at some point over the years. Luna readied herself and reached with her magic. The stones began to shudder and shake in reaction before crumbling into smaller rocks. With the way clear, she adjusted her hood and stepped in, lighting the tip of her horn. She descended, being careful with her footing due to the slippery mud caked on her hooves. Reaching the bottom, she increased her glow, illuminating the cave. It was partially flooded with puddles on some surfaces of dry areas. The smell of rotten wood and other undesirables made Luna sick to her stomach. Covering her muzzle, she looked around, walking towards the shrine at the opposite end.
Taking a moment to cough and taking a deep breath to hold it in, she dropped her hoof and began to shifting through the rotted bones, books and what appeared to be other assortments of old and dead herbs and plants. Several dead rats fell to the floor, causing Luna to go green in the face. Unable to take the stench anymore, she closed her eyes and called upon a mask, popping it into existence from somewhere. Making sure it was covering her muzzle completely, she found relief in her breath. Luna spent the next hour and a half turning the place upside down, even breaking and shattering some of the rotted decorations to look for anything that might be a familiar black book. The thought of the colt having taken it to the house did pop into her mind, which was why she had snuck in quietly to search the attic and even ensuring the nanny was in a deep slumber.
She was much more careful there than here. Luna was just about to give up when she had an idea. There is a spell that is about as ancient as Equestria itself. One that has dire consequences if used incorrectly. She closed her eyes and began to search with her magic, tying into the Dream Realm. The world greyed and time stood still. The quiet, faint sounds of whispers surrounded her. She had to make it quick. She conjured up the image of the black book, down to the minute detail. She could sense it. The dark aura reaching back out to her. She concentrated, ignoring the ever-increasing whispers. Any broken concentration would lead to her being dealt a serious and unreversible, unforeseen damage to her person. Sweat began to form on her brow, grunting as she reached with all her will and might for the book. It hovered inches away as the whispers began to turn into screams. Agonizing, painful screams. She couldn't tell if it was her own or the spell's. From the ground, a dark, swirling magical rune opened up before her and slowly, the black book rose from the solid ground. Luna felt her legs begin to buckle, but sheer will was causing her to fight it.
This needs to happen. For the good of this orphanage. For this land. She must make it back to her sister. Luna opened her eyes, painful determination taking over the struggle. She quickly swished her head and the book flew towards her. She caught it in her mouth and the world regained color, the agonizing screams quieted, and Luna felt weakened. She let her body collapse onto a puddle, the book held tightly in between her teeth. Her entire body screamed at her. She had done it. The life-threatening spell is taboo in nature. Requiring your very soul to reach out and call upon the desired object. Most would just use a simple 'call to me' spell. But the pony needs to know exactly where they had seen it, where it would be and had a general understanding of foresight. This spell is a direct approach to that matter, requiring a lot of magic, the soul of the pony and the iron will to brave the realm of sleep. Some may call it 'forced astral projection', but Luna knows it as a lucid spell. Borrowing the very power of the Dream Realm for selfish and personal wants.
The very thing she has sworn to never do when tasked to manage the Dream Realm as a filly. She could hear it. The angered cry of the very realm she wanders every night. She would suffer a punishment for breaking the rule. Hopefully, this would be the first and last time she would need this spell. Luna's body refused to move and she gave an annoyed roll of her eyes. Time is of the essence. But a quick rest would do wonders for her to begin her next phase.
The cleansing and destruction of the cursed item in her very grasp.
Sweetie Bell rose from her slumber, her mane bed ridden and bags under her eyes. She groaned and looked towards the clock at her bedside. It was nearing the afternoon. She had slept in more than she would like. Kicking off her blanket and hopping off of her bed, she yawned loudly, walking down the stairs to the kitchen. To her surprise, Rarity was sitting at the table, cooking herself up some early lunch.
She looked over her shoulder and smiled at the sight of her sister, only to lower it unto worry at the state she was in.
“Sweetie Bell? Did you sleep alright, darling?” Rarity asked as she levitated a brush over to her and began to brush out Sweetie’s mane. Sweetie batted at the comb and overwrote her sister’s magic to brush it herself.
“I slept fine enough. Just… slept longer than I should have.” She replied tiredly. Rarity glanced around nervously. She wasn’t unaware of what was going on. In fact, last night she had checked up on her in the middle of the night due to the heavy rain. She has never seen Sweetie Bell toss and turn so much in her sleep, a look of exasperated struggle on her face. When the morning came, Rarity had an idea. However, she wasn’t expecting Sweetie to sleep in so late.
“Sweetie Bell?” Rarity began as she proceeded to make her little sister some lunch. Sweetie Bell rested her head tiredly on her hoof with her eyes resting.
“Hmm?” She replied.
“Well… I’ve been noticing you’ve been… working?… really hard lately and I figured you could use an easy day of relaxation.” She said with a smile. Sweetie Bell was too tired to arch a quizzical brow at her sister. Work? Easy day? What was she talking about? Rarity finished making her sister’s lunch and laid it out in front of her. Carrot sandwich with oats. Rarity chewed politely on her own sandwich, swallowing before speaking.
“With the adoption fair right around the corner, and what with you and your friends being err… royally excused to some degree, Rainbow Dash and Applejack have decided to just spend the day of uhh… ‘chillaxing’ as Rainbow would put it lightly.” Sweetie Bell, chewing her sandwich quietly, finally raised a questioning brow. Rarity then threw on a rain hat and nodded. “That’s right! A nice, relaxing day at the Ponyville Spa!” Sweetie Bell slumped.
As nice as it sounded, she would rather be at the club house and going over what had transpired in their dream. The image of the elongated Pygmy flashed in her mind and she shuddered sickeningly. Rarity noticed the look from her, trying her best to hide the nervous look.
Scootaloo awoke to the sound of rough rapping at her door. The pegasus filly groaned and turned over in her bed.
“Squirt? Hey, are you in there? Come on! We’ve got a big day ahead of us and I can’t do it without you!” The voice of Rainbow Dash called from the other side. The filly was finding the knocking annoying, finally giving in after a moment and dragging her hooves to the door. She opened it and yawned tiredly.
“Rainbow Dash? What time is it?” She asked, rubbing her eyes. Rainbow Dash swooped in and smiled.
“A special day planned just for you and your friends! And we need everypony in attendance! Time to rise and shine!” As Rainbow Dash said “shine” she threw open Scootaloo’s curtains and was greeted with the murky and grey weather of heavy rain. Scootaloo tilted her head a tad annoyed, Rainbow Dash realizing the timing. “Ehehe… errr… despite the weather, trust me, today is going to be way awesome! But we have to go now to get a head start!”
Scootaloo yawned and climbed back into her bed. “Mmm not today, Dash. I don’t feel like going anywhere…” The filly fell forward onto her blanket and began to snore a little. Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs and frowned.
“C’mon, Scoots. It’s almost lunch time and I’d rather we get there before we are late.” She said, pulling the blankets away from Scootaloo. Scootaloo groaned, tiredly rubbing her eyes before laying down with her chin resting on her forelegs. Rainbow Dash sighed. As much as she liked the kid, this needed to happen. Rainbow Dash scooped up the filly and had her rest on her back. As she reached the door, she grabbed her umbrella hat and put it on Scootaloo before taking off over towards the Ponyville Spa.
Applebloom dragged her hooves through the mud of Ponyville. Applejack holding the umbrella over them as they walked down Sugar Cube corner. Applejack looked worriedly at Applebloom. The filly looked awful. Her bow disheveled in her bed ridden mane. Her eyes having dark shadows under them. Last night was excruciating for Applebloom. It took them way longer to leave the dream they would have liked. It only made it frustrating to realize that the door had been directly in front of them in the foyer.
River couldn’t had made it obvious. The eye was embedded above the door. They wouldn’t have been able to see it in the state of panic they were dealing with. The only thing that made her not entirely annoyed with rising from oversleeping was that Applejack had mentioned a special day at the spa. Something Applebloom wanted to do more than she thought. She could use a bit of a break.
Applejack finally gave into her curiosity. “Listen, Applebloom. ‘Ah know it’s not my place to pry, but ‘Ah can’t stand it any longer. What has Princess Luna been taskin’ ya’ll with every night?” She asked. Applebloom yawned and tiredly responded.
“Nothin’ that is too bad. Jus’ helpin’ her hunt down a certain creature from makin’ life a livin’ Tartarus in the Dream Realm.” Applejack arched a brow.
“Is the Dream Realm really a place for us to mingle in? ‘Ah know that durin’ the Tantabus ordeal, Luna was in control unintentionally. What’s it like without a parasite?” She asked. Applebloom shook her head.
“Oh, there are still parasites in the Dream Realm. Pepper’s killed one already and we somehow managed to fight back a creature called a Pygmy.” She stated. Applejack’s eyes widened.
“Killed? Fight? What in blazes?” Applebloom couldn’t help but feel she might regret mentioning all this. But being the little sister to the Element of Honesty, and just plain stubbornness, she had to give in.
“It’s… complicated. Let’s jus’ say, we aren’t entirely in danger and it’s jus’ the natural law of being in a dream world.” Applebloom said with a tired and nervous smile. Applejack narrowed her eyes. There is still not much known about the Dream Realm. But no pony really ever questioned it due to Luna being the sole pony to walk it. Not even Princess Celestia knows much of it aside from what was probably explained to her before.
Applejack had been trying her best to check up on Applebloom ever since Princess Luna had requested her a few days ago. She was stuck between having faith in the princess that nothing bad would happen. But at the same time, the state of Applebloom having to wake up annoyed and unable to sleep properly couldn’t help but make her worry a lot. The best thing she could do was show appreciation to the hard worker Applebloom has become after being tasked by Princess Luna.
Mixed pride aside, they came to a stop in front of the Ponyville Spa. She waited for Applebloom to enter first before following after her, shaking the umbrella outside and hanging it up a rack. Applebloom saw Scootaloo tiredly sitting next to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash smiled and trotted over to Applejack.
“What took ya’?” She asked with a grin. Applejack wringed her hat out before placing it back on her head to respond.
“Rough start to an early afternoon.” Applejack stated matter-of-factly. Rainbow Dash looked over to Scootaloo, who was greeted by Applebloom.
“Tell me about it. I had to pull Scootaloo away from her bed.” She said. Applejack leaned in and spoke in a quiet tone.
“‘Ah don’t want to be a bit… how would Rarity say it… crass? But ‘Ah’m startin’ to have second thoughts about Princess Luna askin’ for their help.” The mare said. Rainbow Dash sighed and reluctantly nodded. At least they were on the same wave length on the matter.
“Did somepony say my name?” Rarity chimed in from behind, startling the two. Rarity was a little drenched from the rain, but she shook her parasol outside before hanging it up on the rack. Applejack nervously smiled.
“Oh, uh, jus’ discussin’ the whole…” they watched as Sweetie Bell shook her mane and coat like a dog before trotting over to her friends. Applejack leaned in. “The whole Princess Luna task.” Rarity furrowed her look. All three mares watched the three converse with one another.
“Sucks we can’t really go to the clubhouse today. I wanted to go over what we’ve experienced.” Sweetie Bell said. Scootloo was snoozing just a bit as Applebloom rolled her neck.
“That’s good an’ all, Sweetie Bell. But ‘Ah could really use a nice, relaxin’ massage for my stiff neck. All that runnin’ around made me sleep wrong.” She yawned. Sweetie Bell arched a brow at Scootaloo and nudged her. The filly snorted awake.
“Wha? Huh? I’m awake!” She said, looking around in a daze. She blinked when she saw the blurry images of her friends. Taking a moment to yawn and wipe her eyes, she smiled. “Oh hey. Didn’t think you two would show up. I’m exhausted…” The two nodded in agreement.
“At least we got out of there eventually. Poor Pepper though. He looked like he had it rough.” Sweetie Bell stated. Applebloom sighed.
“Wish we knew what was goin’ on in his head. But ‘Ah don’ want to push it with him.” She said. Scootaloo nodded.
“And Alabaster had to start lucid dreaming at the worst time possible.” She grumbled. Sweetie Bell shook her head.
“That’s not what I saw. I saw the Pygmy force her into it. Almost like Princess Luna would with us.” She said, rubbing her chin. “I think it was trying to feed.” Applebloom shuddered.
“The Dream Realm is a whole other world. It’s overwhelming to say the least.” She said. “We should check up on them just to see how they are faring afterwards.” The other two smiled and nodded. The three mares trotted over to them, having overheard most of their conversation.
“Alright you fillies! Who's ready for a good ol’ day of chillaxing?” Rainbow Dash grinned. Rarity bounced the bottom of her mane with a hoof.
“Been ready since this morning.” She stated happily. Applejack crossed a foreleg over the other.
“Shucks, why not? It’ll kill time to let the rain pass.” She said. Applebloom sighed with a small shake of her head and a smile.
“Let’s first try an’ get through this first before anythin’.” She said to the other two.
It was a harrowing time to return to Canterlot. Luna needed the aid of her chariot escorts to help her into the chariot. When they arrived at Canterlot, Luna was a bit surprised to see Princess Celestia waiting for her with a pony in a well-groomed mane and vest and collar shirt. Princess Celestia smiled and hugged her drenched sister.
“Welcome back, dear sister.” She said happily. Luna tiredly returned the hug, pulling away. Celestia and the pony walked with Luna into the castle. Luna threw her drenched hood off and Celestia’s eyes widened. It even took the other pony by surprise. Luna, despite looking exhausted and weakened, had a drastic difference about her. Her mane was no longer flowing and wavey along with her tail. Her blue mane was that of a normal pony. Her midnight hide pale and her complexion darkened.
It was as if she had gotten into a fierce fight with something. Celestia looked worriedly at her.
“What happened?!” She asked in shock. Luna sighed and shook her head.
“Time is running out, sister. I cannot chat for now. I need to dispel the curse immediately. Pray, forgive my hurry. I will explain everything in due time.” She then gave a courteous nod to the pony before trotting hurriedly down the steps and further down the hall. Celestia called out to her.
“Luna! Just a moment! We need to… discuss…” Celestia wavered. The Morgue pony eyed Luna suspiciously before looking to Celestia.
“As gracious as a host you’ve been to me and my business competitor, we would like to hear an answer today. I am a busy stallion and have fallen behind tremendously.” He said with a hint of annoyance. Celestia gave a nervous smile.
“I-I’m sure Luna has everything under control. We just need to give her a bit more time to finish up.” She said hopefully. Today has become inconvenient. Celestia was hoping to explain the situation to Morgue, who has been hounding on her for the past couple of days for an answer. She had stalled to the best of her abilities. But even she was running out of ways to keep them distracted. As much a she wanted to help Luna, she had to keep herself distanced to let Luna handle her tasks.
If the orphanage is in danger and if the Dream Realm is being corrupted by its’ effects, then Luna is the right pony for it. Yet, the state her sister is in made her dread the day further.
Princess Luna, having walked up to her chambers, shut the door and closed the curtains. To dispel a curse, it must not have any means of escape. She gathered the candles in her magic and lit them in a circle around her. She levitated a book off of the shelf. A worn, hand me down book. She placed the black book at her hooves from under her wings and flipped through the pages of the other book.
‘Tis ancient magic. Therefore, ancient blessings must be used… but which?’ She thought to herself, her eyes scanning the pages. She noticed movement out of the corner of her eyes, causing her to stop and scan the dark room. Her mind must be playing tricks. Yet, she bit her lip and continued to read passage after passage. The shadows moved around her, increasing her paranoia. Over and over she had to reassure herself that it was nothing and to continue on.
Her entire redemption rides on this working. The shadows moved again and this time, Luna couldn’t deny them any longer. The very same creatures that had tried to torment Ghost Pepper circled her like predators. Yet, unlike the colt, Luna can defend herself from them. But that is not the priority. She had thought to herself that they were merely observing. The Dream Realm keeping a very close eye on her for breaking the rule.
Finding a promising passage, she held the book in her hoof and began to read the passage in old pone-ish. The candles began to flicker and a cold wind blew through the room. Luna continued to recite the passage, her Canterlot voice beginning to break through. She needed to command authority. Whatever curse the book held cannot intimidate her. She must not waver. Standing firm, she held out her other hoof, balancing on her hind legs as the cold wind began to circle around her.
Throughout the castle, the guards and several maids and butlers muttered as the atmosphere of Canterlot Castle began to change drastically. In the throne room, Stock and Morgue were arguing once more, but came to a stop as they felt a sudden chill run down their spines. Celestia stood up and her look became serious.
“Guards. Protect these ponies. I will see to this disturbance.” Celestia ordered. The royal guards saluted as Celestia trotted quickly down her throne and out the door, leaving behind a speechless Stock and a narrowing eyed Morgue. As Celestia turned a corner, she began to pick up her pace into a gallop. Instinct was kicking in. The desire to protect her sister on high as she turned down halls and made it to the courtyard, where without hesitation, took to the rainy skies and soared towards the tower.
When she landed on the balcony, she reached with her magic, only to find the door locked. She knocked roughly against the door.
“Luna! Luna, it is Celestia! Are you alright!?” She called out. From inside, Luna could not hear her sister’s call, for she was staring down the black book that had began to rise in reaction to her blessings. The book opened and began to flip rapidly through the pages before coming to a stop on a blank page. Luna continued to recite as the book began to write itself.
By the blessings of the Nightwyrm, thou shall heed my call. Rise from your slumber and bid these ponies your gift. Within the eye of the beholder, thou shall be blessed with lucidity.
Luna flipped her own book and continued to recite, only to be cut off as she felt a sharp and cold sting graze her cheek. She stumbled back a bit. Remembering not to waver, she stood firm and returned to her position, ignoring the trickling metallic liquid running down her cheek. The black book flipped to another empty page and a bloodied letter fell to the floor, landing at Luna’s hooves. Before the princess could react appropriately, the book glowed brightly and Luna shielded her eyes.
When the glow dimmed, she tossed her cloak back and looked around. The world around her was blurry, her body transparent. A forced astral projection. This time not of her own doing. Luna had a brief moment of panic, only to calm herself when she heard a mare call out to her right. She looked over and gasped. The orphanage, in a newly fresh and painted glory loomed over her.
From the porch, a young, rustic mare leaned boredly over the railing and scanned the fields. The mare shifted when she saw the young colt canter up from the fields and over to her.
“River Wisp, what were you thinking being gone for so long? I called you for dinner an hour ago.” The mare said sternly. The colt lowered his head and ears apologetically.
“Sorry, mom. I was just exploring around. Guess what I found!” The colt beamed as he withdrew the black book up to the mare. The mare studied it and looked at him in concern.
“Dear, where did you get this?” She asked. River pointed in the direction he came from.
“I found it in a cave! It was full of bones and all these weird little trinkets. I found the book there. I thought it was interesting.” He said. The mare flipped open the book and her concern grew. This mare wasn’t stupid in the slightest. She could already tell this book was bad news. The horrifying drawings and the hard to read pone-ish made her come to an immediate conclusion.
“River, go inside and eat your dinner. I will give the book back to you when you are finished.” She said. The colt slumped.
“Awww…” the scene flashed in a blink of an eye. Luna noticed that it was winter instead of summer like in the last scene. The mare was sitting in front of a fireplace, a blanket draped around her. She was shifting through her mail and began tossing letters into the fire. An annoyed and bored look on her expression as she did so. When she came to one letter, however, her eyes widened. Placing aside the pile she was planning to burn, she opened the letter and read it.
Luna could make out the words:
”To Amberlina Willow Wisp III. It is with heavy heart that your parents have unfortunately passed away in a fire. In their will, they have left their entire residence to you in Dodge City as well as their fortune. Arrive to the courthouse in **** ******** to discuss your inheritance. We hope this letter finds you.
- Dodge City Judge Brownie.
The mare slumped back into her seat, her expression horrified. She looked to the other pile of letters. All from relatives. She brushed aside several before pulling out one with a seal. Ripping it open, she unrolled the scroll and scanned the contents:
It is with heavy heart that I must write this letter to you. Amberlina Willow Wisp the II has perished in a fire with that fruit seller you call a father. We had arrived at Dodge City Courthouse to discuss the inheritance left to you. We expect your presence by the end of this week. Do not be late or otherwise, you will be labeled as no contest by the court.
Yours, Duke Boulder of House Wisp.
The mare’s expression turned to sheer anger and she crumpled the scroll in her hoof and threw it in the flames. She stood up and dumped every letter into the fire. The fire rose, causing the mare to take a prong and poke the burning paper. The world around them flashed in a blink of an eye and Luna found herself sitting next to the same mare, dressed in a neat business dress. Next to her was a stallion and between them, River. They sat behind a table, staring up at a stern looking grey stallion with a greasy slick black mane. His black eyes cold and bored as he read out from a scroll.
“To each side of the will, all business inquiries will be handled by both or a singular party. To Duke Boulder. Your inheritance consists of all properties belonging to the Wisps to maintain the financial stability of House Wisp. You will also be acquiring the products produced at Wheaton Bay Factories. To Amberlina Willow Wisp III. You will inherit all value bits under the House Wisp account and all personal belongings held by Amberlina Willow Wisp II and Rutabaga Patch. You will also receive a sum total of business profits made under Wisp brand properties. Do you object to these conditions?”
The mare stood up and cleared her throat.
“No objections.” She said. Duke Boulder stood up.
“I object.” He said. The silver bearded fox of a stallion in a penguin tux eyed the judge sternly and stood up. “Accepting the properties and maintaining the financial stability of a washed-up company is beyond my help. I would like to contest Mrs. Wisp’s inheritance in exchange for a different proposition.” He turned to the mare, the latter frowning and staring down the duke. “House Boulder would like to acquire all profits, property and personal, in exchange for ten billion bits.”
This caused the courthouse to erupt into chatter. The mare was stunned along with the stallion and the colt. The Duke nodded.
“That is enough to start a fresher and better life than being given half of profits. Both parties' benefit in the matter.” The judge knocked on his podium with a hoof gavel.
“Order! I require order!” He shouted. The room grew quiet as the judge looked to the mare. “It is your choice, Mrs. Wisp.” Luna watched the mare dart her eyes, as if an inner struggle was battling out inside of her. The stallion put a hoof on her’s and she looked to him. The stallion smiled and nodded. The mare sighed and thought about it a lot longer.
“A kind offer, Duke Boulder.” She said, turning to him. The Duke smiled. “But I feel we need to renegotiate that deal a little more. Ten billion is… honestly overwhelming. I don’t even know where to begin with it.” She said. The Duke tilted his head.
“Is that an indecisive response?” He asked. The mare shook her head.
“No. It’s just… it’ll take some time to process everything. Your honor, I would like to hold the decision of Duke Boulder in interest. We will proceed with what is provided for now.” She nodded to The Duke. “When I have come to a decision, I will proceed with the exchange. However, I must ask you to be patient and allow me some time to get to understand what I want with it all.” The Duke didn’t seem too pleased by the response, but he bowed and looked to the judge.
The judge knocked the hoof gavel on his podium.
“Tenants will hold the deal until a party agrees to the decision. The inheritance stated will be in effect until further notice. Court adjourned.” The ponies began to mingle and murmur. Luna couldn’t help but overhear some of the chatter.
“Ten billion bits? Is such a thing possible?”
“I hear the princesses aren’t even near that amount in wealth.”
“The Duke really is something. Quite the hard bargainer.” Luna furrowed her look as she watched The Duke and another pony stand up and proceed to walk out of the door, but not before stopping by the mare’s table.
“I look forward to your decision. Your family has been too kind to mine. I’d hate to see anything bad happen to you and your family.” The Duke bowed his head and trotted away with the pony following him. The three watched The Duke exit before turning to each other.
“Mom? The Duke is lying, isn’t he?” The colt asked. To Luna’s interest, the mare nodded.
“I am well aware of the matters The Duke handles and how he bargains in deals. Mom and dad didn’t raise no fool.” She said with an annoyed frown. The stallion looked worriedly at her.
“What should we do then?” He asked. The mare sighed and leaned against him, hugging the colt in between them.
“I… I have to think about it. I just hope we have plenty of time to do so. The Duke can be patient, but it’s a matter of when he will lose it.” She replied. “We will continue to live as we are now. I just have to think about what I should do going forward.” They then looked up as they saw the judge walk towards them. He produced a letter from his robe and passed it to the mare.
“This letter is very important. You must not lose it or else the contest will be invalidated and the decision final. I bid you all good health.” He said before trotting down the aisle to the exit doors. The stallion held onto the mare as they looked at the letter. Luna could see the struggling regret she would face later in life.
The world flashed again and Luna found herself back in the orphanage. The mare was dressed in black, tissues bundled and tossed aside. She stared at a family photo of her pregnant self, the young colt and the handsome stallion. Luna looked worriedly at the scene. The mare looked dead inside. Her eyes dried and red from possibly crying so much. She was tossing letters into the fire. The black book was open in front of her.
Luna saw it was on the passage of resurrection. Luna couldn’t help but dread what had happened here. Or perhaps… has it happened yet? The mare read the passage and silently closed the book. She leaned back and watched a letter fall to the ground. She leaned forward to pick it up and read the writing. The inheritance letter. The mare began to ponder. She looked towards the book and then to the fireplace. It was hard to tell the inner struggle with the cold and uncaring look of the mare.
Luna then watched as the mare sighed and place the letter in the book and pushed it away. The world flashed and Luna found herself back in the courthouse. A different judge this time on the scene. The mare stood before the judge as she looked over the papers. Luna couldn’t help but notice several children in attendance behind her. The judge looked up behind her half moon spectacles and leaned forward.
“Just so you are aware, Amber Wisp, you are currently in contest with an inheritance decision that needs to be approved by you. Have you come to a decision yet?” She asked. The mare frowned.
“I will take that up with Judge Brownie when he is back from his vacation. Pardon my abrasive retort, Judge Posey.” She said. The judge shook her head.
“You are not in the wrong. I do apologize. As for your approval of officially making Honeyfields a registered orphanage, you are free to proceed with the choice as you see fit. Under the direct strict rules of the ECP Services and Housing Regulations. Breaking any of these rules will have you on trial for any reasons of abuse, neglect, unsanitary care of the children or other. Do you abide by these terms?” The mare nodded determinedly.
“It has been a childhood dream. I gladly accept.” She said, remaining stern and focused. The judge smiled softly and knocked her hoof gavel.
“I will like to announce that the house in Honeyfields is now a recognized orphanage. May the sister’s blessings guide you and your younglings into a better future and care.” She said. The children behind her couldn’t help but cheer as the mare looked exhausted. The world flashed again and this time, Luna found herself in the orphanage. The children were mingling about as the now Mother Wisp washed furiously against the wall to the point of the wall paper being peeled a bit. The childlike drawing of a smiley face fading from the work.
Luna noticed a very young-looking foal with an artist barrette making small hoof prints onto a paper, seemingly enjoying himself as he was nearly covered head to hoof with paint marks. Mother Wisp sighed and shook her head. There was a knock on the door and one of the older children opened the door. A royal guard removed her helmet and smiled at the child.
“Is Mother Wisp available?” She asked. Mother Wisp heard her name and stood up, trotting towards the door.
“Yes, may I help you?” She asked, fixing her mane. The guard gave her an apologetic look before stepping aside as another guard bearing a blanket covered foal on his back approached. Luna watched with interest as Mother Wisp gave a worried look. “Oh dear. Is he hurt?” She asked. The guard shook his head.
“No missus. He actually fell asleep on the ride over. Poor kid. He has no idea what is happening.” He replied. Mother Wisp took the bundled up young foal into her foreleg and studied the child.
“Does he have a name?” She asked a little softly. The mare guard withdrew a scroll.
“He is named Ghost Pepper. He was home alone when we picked him up.” She said. Mother Wisp balked.
“Who leaves a foal home alone??” She asked in horrified shock. The stallion guard rubbed the back of his helm.
“We aren’t sure. We have no idea what happened to this kid. We were tipped by somepony that there was a child home alone and after doing some digging around the house, we could only find small belongings to what would be a caretaker. No family photos. No decorations or anything. The house had very little to offer. But there was food and bedding. Guess whoever lived there with him didn’t spend much on anything other than necessities.” The guard explained.
Luna was just as baffled as Mother Wisp. What did happen in the colt’s life to end up like this? He is too young to even remember anything at this point in time. The mare guard sighed.
“We could only think of one place he would be cared for. The one closest to him is currently under investigation. Are you able to take him in?” She asked. Mother Wisp nodded.
“Four were adopted today, so we have room. I’ll do my best to care for the child.” She replied. The guards looked relieved before giving her a bow and taking off. Mother Wisp watched the two fly further and further before looking back at the colt. Ghost Pepper was fast asleep. So young and unaware of everything around him. Mother Wisp turned and balked as she saw a couple of the kids around a black book, curiously tapping it.
“No! Get away from that book!” She called out as she quickly cantered over to them. The children stepped aside as Mother Wisp reached down and hissed, pulling back her hoof. She had felt a sharp sting. The nanny suckled her hoof and examined it, seeing the blood trickle onto the book. She frowned and looked to an older filly. “Bell Flower, can you please hold Ghost Pepper for a moment?” The filly nodded and held Pepper while Mother Wisp took the book and herself to the kitchen.
She washed her hoof and wrapped it up in a bandage before looking to see it open to a page. The resurrection passage tempted her. The letter of inheritance stained with her blood from before. The mare panicked and quickly shut the book. She cursed under her breath, questioning why she had kept it still. She hurried to a corner of the kitchen and leaned down. She would have to get rid of it properly. But for now, a temporary hiding spot.
She removed a loose wooden board from the bottom molding of the wall and the book slipped inside of it like a glove. She covered it back up before securing it and stuffing miscellaneous stuff to cover it.
Luna could sense it. The dark aura emanating from the book. She then found herself being pulled back as the world around her melted. In a blink of an eye, Luna found herself being thrown back along with a drenched Celestia. Luna coughed and sputtered.
“Ack!… C-Celestia?? How…” Luna looked and gasped. The balcony door had been bucked open. The black book hovered, black smog veiling it. The book fell to the ground and the creature began bounding towards the exit. “No! I forbid it!” She cried as she lashed her magic out. The doors slammed shut along with several heavy decorations blocking it. The smog bounded around like a fly to a window before dispersing at the ground. Luna stood up with Celestia, the latter looking on in horrified shock. The two watched as an elongated limb reached out and plant itself on the ground. Another came out in the same manner.
“What is going on?!” Celestia cried out as another limb emerged.
“The Dream Realm is punishing me for breaking a rule. This is my punishment. However… it is in my favor.” Luna readied herself, weak as she was, she remained firm. Celestia gave a challenging look as the creature sickeningly pulled itself out of the smog. A tall, slender and malnourished, horned figure. A wide, bloodied grin across its’ features and sunken, hollowed eyes faced the two. “Do you recall about the story of the Nightfeaster?” Luna said to Celestia. Celestia looked puzzled, but it was quickly overshadowed by a readied expression.
“It sounds familiar. But if the Dream Realm wants to punish my sister for deciding the best for Equestria, then it will answer to not just her alone.” Celestia scrapped the ground with a hoof and lowered herself. The Nightfeaster gurgled and took one massive stamp that reached the two in a second. They separated as it swiped at them, aiming at Luna who scurried around and under the creature.
Celestia fired a beam of sun at the creature, but it phased right through it. Celestia growled, but the creature flinched when Luna had flapped once and fired point blank into the malnourished chest of the creature. Celestia swore under her breath. She may not have any power over the Dream Realm. But damn herself if she lets it harm her sister. She looked at the book and had an idea. Luna distracted the creature, showing off nimbleness and a skillful display of spell slinging as the Nightfeaster approached her.
The Nightfeaster swiped the back of its’ claw, catching Luna as she had avoided a stomp. Luna slid across the ground and crashed into a bookshelf that fell on top of her. Luna couldn’t fight the exhaustion much longer. She struggled to pull herself free from the heavy object. The Nightfeaster took two massive stamps towards her before bending down on all fours and getting up right into her face.
“Leave my sister alone!” Celestia’s Canterlot Voice boomed, catching the Nightfeaster’s attention. Celestia stood in defiance, the black book held up high. “I am Princess Celestia! I am the ruler of Equestria and I command you to obey my orders! Yield and prostrate yourself before your majesty!” Luna looked worriedly at Celestia.
“No, Celestia! The Dream Realm does not care for titles or status! You need to run!” Luna cried out. Celestia snorted.
“So be it.” She then tossed the book up and unleashed a massive sun beam that broke through the ceiling of the roof. The beam parted the clouds as the book’s silhouette vanished into nothing. The Nightfeaster screeched and fell forward, puking out black liquid and reaching painfully towards Celestia. Celestia swished her head back, canceling the spell and watched the creature crawl towards her. Luna shook her head.
“Celestia! Please! Do not underestimate them! Please, Celestia! Run!" Luna called out. Celestia wavered a bit, but stood her ground, taking several steps back at the crawling creature.
"I... I will not. You are my sister and I will not let this consume you any longer!" Celestia stated. Luna struggled under the shelf. Celestia had no idea what she was facing against. The curse has been dispelled, but the creature still lingers. If only she could stop it completely. Her eyes widened in realization.
‘Wait… Tis my punishment… I can no longer sense the dark presence…’ Luna knew what to do. She grunted, using her magic and whatever strength she had left to heave the shelf off of her before standing up. Using her Canterlot Voice, she ordered in old pone-ish towards the creature, causing it to stop and turn around. Celestia looked at Luna.
“What are you doing??” Celestia asked with worry. Luna stepped forward as the creature crawled back towards her.
“Celestia… please do not interfere. I hath finished my hunt thanks to you. Now, let me accept my punishment.” Luna then gave her sister a reassuring smile as the creature stood up. Celestia was about to move when Luna shook her head. “It’ll be alright, sister. I promise.” Celestia watched as the creature towered over Luna, melting into black smog and smoke. Luna felt a sharp pain course through her. Celestia felt herself being pushed back, shielding her from the fierce winds.
Luna screamed as the pain became greater, the smog enveloping her, her silhouette showing her hovering in the air. In a matter of seconds, the smog and smoke fell to the ground, dispersing when it landed. Celestia lowered her hoof and gasped. She looked around desperately.
“Luna?! Luna!!” She called out. There was no response. Luna had vanished.
It was the middle of the evening when the scheduled rain had finished. The pegasai were hard at work moving rainclouds to other areas of Equestria and busting stray clouds. Down below, the ponies of Ponyville wandered about to finish up their last parts of their day. Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and the CMC exited the spa, feeling lighter and refreshed. Rainbow stretched and rolled her neck.
"I feel twenty percent lighter. That felt amazing!" She exclaimed. Rarity sighed happily and nodded in agreement.
"Nothing like a good three hours of rest and relaxation, wouldn't you agree you three?" She asked as she turned to the CMC. Applebloom kicked out her legs, feeling major relief and newfound energy.
"Works wonders, Rarity." Applebloom replied with a pleased look. This could be said the same for the other two crusaders. Scootaloo felt like she could take on the whole world and Sweetie Bell hasn't felt so relieved in a long while. Applejack smiled.
"Glad ya' liked it. Now then, we were hopin' you three would tag along and help finish up the preparations for the adoption fair. What do ya' say?" She asked with a hopeful smile. The three looked at each other. They were feeling well rested that this afternoon's oversleep didn't bother them that much anymore. The three nodded and Rainbow Dash smiled.
"That's the spirit! Let's bring a little a bit of light to the lives of fillies and colts in need of a good home!" She said confidently. They began to make their way towards the center of Ponyville, arriving at the Town Hall. The three mares blinked and looked towards the porch of the hall, seeing Twilight speaking with a concerned looking Mayor Mare. The three mares exchanged glances before trotting over to them.
"Hey, Twilight. What's up?" Rainbow asked with a hint of concern. Twilight looked over her shoulder and looked relieved.
"Oh, thank goodness. Rainbow, did you get the letter from Spitfire?" She asked. Rainbow arched a brow.
"Err... no, I've been at the spa all afternoon with the kids. Been trying to get them to relax after a few days of hard work from Princess Luna." She replied. Twilight winced and looked to Mayor Mare. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity exchanged glances. Twilight willed a scroll to appear next to her and she held it up to them. Rarity took it in her own magic and read it. Applejack and Rainbow read over her shoulder. Applejack balked.
"Princess Luna has gone missing!?" She stated. The Crusaders looked up in shock, but Twilight quickly held up a hoof to shush her, looking around. Thankfully, the ponies around them were too busy with their own ordeals to really pay much attention. Twilight waved for them to get closer.
"I received the letter from Celestia not too long ago. Apparently, Luna was dealing with a cursed item and it caused her to go missing. She has The Wonderbolts and her royal guards searching for her everywhere!" Twilight looked around nervously. Rarity shook her head in disbelief.
"This is awful! What was she doing handling a cursed item??" She stated. Sweetie Bell's eyes widened and looked to the other two. The Crusaders nodded to each other in understanding. Scootaloo quickly spoke up.
"Uhhh, seems to be a bit of an adult kind of issue. Just remembered we have somewhere to be! We'll handle the preparations later!" She said before zipping away with the others. Applejack held out a hoof to stop them, but they were already booking it down the road. Applejack furrowed her look before turning to Twilight.
"Tell us everythin'." She said. Twilight nodded.
"At the castle. We need to be a bit discreet here. Can I trust you on that, Mayor Mare?" She asked. Mayor Mare nodded.
"Of course, Twilight. I'll keep ponies unaware for a time. I just wish I could do more to help." She replied. Twilight smiled before galloping off down the road with her friends at her tail.
Pepper stared at his leather-bound journal. The orphans had just finished lunch when the journal started to jitter and act like it had come alive. Pepper did his best to ensure the others were unaware of it, not wanting to be ridiculed to hounding by Alabaster. Mother Wisp was thankfully preoccupied with cleaning the dishes and the rest of the kids were in recess. Pepper had scurried away behind the shed and looked at his journal with concerned curiosity.
Is this supposed to be something new for the journal? Was it meant to do this at some point? Gaining enough courage to muster, he opened the journal and shielded his eyes as the pages glowed and scribbles began writing themselves. When the glow dimmed, Pepper blinked rapidly at the words:
The one who walked through us has made an unforgivable sin. You, who hath been deemed an apprentice, must not repeat the mistake made. We are watching. We are law. Thou will abide by them or suffer punishment of both mind, body and soul.
Pepper furrowed his look. The journal pages glowed again and it flipped to a new page, elegant cursive being written out before him:
Pepper. This night is crucial and I need thou aid to redeem us. In my haste, I hath made a grave error in my hunt and the item haunting thou orphanage and thyself is still active. Follow these rules with utmost care, or else we all will fall into an endless sleep.
1. Look in the kitchen in a corner. There is a loose under molding in the wall. Carefully extract the item with protective gear.
Pepper tilted his head. As the instructions were being written out, Pepper peeked out from behind the shed. The children were playing tag once more. Alabaster was talking to Echo and Merriweather by the porch. Pepper frowned. Scooping up the journal, he carefully trotted around the house and opened the back door by pulling the rope fashioned for the kids just in case of emergency.
He snuck in and quietly closed the door. Creeping through the hall, he peeked into the kitchen, seeing Mother Wisp humming quietly to herself as she scrubbed the dishes. Pepper felt a bit of anxiety in fear of being caught. He wasn’t sure why he was compelled to follow the direction. Something about the way the cursive writing was felt familiar. That and he was genuinely curious as to what his dream journal was asking of him.
Like a mouse, he crept past Mother Wisp ducking behind the end of the counter. With her back to him, he began to scan the corners. Nothing stood out except for the corner in front of him. He narrowed his eyes as he studied the corner. A molding did stand out as a lighter shade than the other parts. Making sure Mother Wisp was still preoccupied, he carefully shimmied the molding out.
He shivered as he felt a cold and dark heavy presence when he did. He had to stop as Mother Wisp reacted to the sudden change in atmosphere as well. Mother Wisp shivered and rubbed her hooves together before walking off, Pepper assuming she was to mess with the furnace. Pepper unwrapped his scarf and carefully extracted the black book, using the scarf as protection. The black book gave him an uneasy feeling. One he was not fond of in the slightest.
He wrapped up his scarf around the book and quickly put the molding back before sneaking out of the back door again. He gave a relieved sigh as he trotted back to the shed. He placed the wrapped up book in front of him and studied it more. Why would there be such a thing in the orphanage? The dark aura it gave off was enough to make any sane pony to avoid it or outright destroy it. Pepper brought out his journal and opened back to the page, seeing new directions:
2. Ensure you are in a secure room. Preferably the attic. Ensure you have a set of six candles and matches to light them.
Pepper slumped. The attic? That was the last place Pepper wanted to be. Not after that Black Eyed Colt incident. He looked to the next set of directions:
3. Place item in center of lit candles that are placed in a circle. Ensure all areas are secured afterwords.
4. Recite the prayer that I will write to you. Be firm and commanding in your voice. Thou cannot show weakness.
Pepper frowned again. The journal does realize who it is writing too? This is already starting to be a lost cause. Yet, Pepper continued on.
5. Ignore the shadows and continue to recite until item has been cleansed. Thou will know it has with the change in atmosphere.
This must be done when the night is high. I have complete faith in you, my little apprentice. Do this task and I promise you and your playmates will have a better life moving forward. If you feel this cannot be done alone, take those that you trust. I believe you know three already.
Pepper was dumbfounded. This journal was asking a lot. And apprentice? He pondered on that word a bit more before a look of realization dawned on him. Panic took him and he looked around. Was Princess Luna watching him from somewhere? Pepper’s ear flicked, hearing what sounded like a putter from the distance. He poked his head around the shed and saw the kids looking down the road.
He balked, seeing Scootaloo pulling a red wagon with Applebloom and Sweetie Bell along. Scootaloo pulled up and looked to have flown a marathon. She panted and nearly rolled off her scooter, supporting herself with wobbly hooves. Sweetie Bell leaned against her to support and levitated her water bottle to her. Applebloom hopped out and looked around.
“Has anypony seen Ghost Pepper? It’s urgent we speak with him!” She exclaimed. To no pony’s surprise, Alabaster walked up to them with Merriweather next to her. The kids gathered.
“Why the urgency?” Alabaster asked. Sweetie Bell shook her head.
“It’s for Pepper to know alone. Trust us. It’s a… Crusader matter.” She said. Alabaster arched an unamused brow.
“A Crusader matter?” She repeated. Pallet stepped forward.
“If you’re looking for Pepper, I saw him by the shed earlier.” He replied. Pepper ducked back quickly and hurriedly stuffed the black book under his wing. He held his journal in one leg before stepping out, seeing Applebloom trot over to him.
“There ya’ are. Listen, we have a problem.” Applebloom leaned in and whispered into his ear. “Princess Luna has gone missin’.” She said. Pepper’s eyes widened in shock at the news. She nodded solemnly. “Twilight and the others are already on the investigation. Do ya’ remember if Luna ever came to you earlier today?”
Pepper turned to her and shook his head.
Take those that you trust.
Pepper reflected on those words. He doesn’t fully trust the Crusaders, but after everything they’ve been through, he can give them some respite. He wished he could handle his stress better. Pepper then held up a hoof and let Applebloom follow it as he pat his wing. She noticed the way the wing was shifted. Applebloom nodded before trotting back over to the other two with Pepper in tow. Alabaster arched a brow.
“What is going on here? Clearly, something this urgent and no explanation has to be more than just a dream issue.” She said. Scootaloo rasped in response.
“Not now, Alabaster.” She turned to the others, ignoring the shocked look from the filly. “What’s the plan?” Applebloom rubbed the back of her head.
“‘A-Ahm not sure. Pepper might know, though.” She said. Pepper hesitated, but pulled out his journal and flipped to the pages with the instructions. The Crusaders read the passages and exchanged glances.
“At least we know now she isn’t entirely gone. Would following this bring her back?” She asked.
“Bring who back?” A voice said, startling the children. They looked to see Funnel with a shovel over his shoulder and eyeing the kids with bored interest. His eyes fell to Pepper and the colt shrunk. His eyes were showing desperation once again, but now filled with hate. The Crusaders gave nervous smiles.
“Oh, uh… my dog Winona. She… Err… She didn’t show up this morning and we’ve been lookin’ all over for her. We were err… hopin’ Pepper here would know where she went.” She lied. Funnel hummed to himself quietly before nodding.
“Then this is a perfect time. Been looking for Pepper to give me a hoof here.” He said. Pepper squinted distrustfully at him. Sweetie Bell chimed in.
“Oh, uh… He’d be glad too, but we do kind of need him to help out.” She said nervously. Pepper felt Funnel wasn’t buying any of it. Yet, he sighed and shook his head.
“I’m goin’ to look for the traps I’ve set. Raccoon traps. With any luck, your dog might have stumbled into one.” He said matter-of-factly. The situation became tense. At this point, Funnel has called their bluff. Applebloom slumped and nodded.
“A-alright then. Lead the way.” She said with a motion of her hoof. Funnel shifted his frown before turning to the others.
“Don’t give Mother Wisp too much trouble while I’m gone. We’ll be back before she knows it. Understand?” He said. The kids muttered to themselves. Alabaster narrowed her eyes before glancing at Pepper. The colt looked terrified. While she would usually write it off as just plain skittishness, she wasn’t quite so sure after seeing Funnel leave his shack with Mother Wisp hugging to him closely.
After becoming aware of Mother Wisps night visit to the shack, it made a little more sense to Funnel having pulling aside Pepper out of the blue behind the shed. She was in the bushes when she overheard that Funnel had been secretly an agent to protect Mother Wisp. But those eyes say differently. Alabaster shifted her own frown.
“We’ll let Mother Wisp know you’ve gone out with help.” She said. Funnel smirked and nodded.
“Atta’ girl.” He then dropped his smirk and eyed the four, motioning with his head before trotting off towards the field. The four exchanged worried glances. Pepper looked back to Alabaster, their gaze meeting. She returned his plea for help with a narrowing suspicion. Not only were the signs leading to something bad, but the dark aura that the kids could notice emanating off of Pepper made them watch as they trotted towards the field. Merriweather leaned into Alabaster.
“A-Alabaster? I don’t know about this…” she said, eyeing Funnel with worry. Pallet nodded.
“Funnel looked… off.” He chimed in. Alabaster looked between the two and then over her shoulder to the others. The kids were silent. Watching the five grow smaller and smaller in the fields before disappearing into the wooded area.
The sun had lowered to the horizon and the moon began to rise up. They had been trotting through the woods for a while, helping Funnel check the raccoon traps he had placed around the woods. The stallion had told them there was a lot that had recently moved in thanks to a certain mare. It didn’t help the orphanage much that the raccoons had been going out of their way to be pests towards the orphanage.
But one thing made the four question him. Why so far out? Granted, they haven’t gone too deep into the woods, but they were for sure lost. Funnel had reassured them they aren’t and he proved to them with picking out the raccoon traps in specific places. However, that didn’t prevent them from looking around in wariness.
Funnel led them to an opening in the woods and proceeded to check the remaining cages. Pepper looked around. This was beginning to scare the colt more and more. Not to mention they are with a very bad pony. Remaining cautious, Pepper trotted over to a cage and placed a hoof on it, leaning down to see, once again, another empty cage with bait. Funnel grunted as he tried to pull out a cage that seemed to have been buried a bit in the mud.
“Mfhh! Argh! Hey, you three, care to give me a hoof?” He asked towards the Crusaders. Scootaloo snorted.
“We have names, you know.” She said, feeling already annoyed with the whole evening. The three walked over and Pepper looked with wide eyes. He saw the cunning glint in Funnel’s eyes. The three yelped as something rose up around them from the ground as well as the ground beneath them opened up. The three fillies were now suspended together via a heavy net. They grunted and tried to wriggle out of it, but it was hard to move with them being stuck a little together.
Funnel stabbed the shovel in the ground and waved a hoof.
“I wouldn’t move around too much. I had to use what I could from the orphanage to make that net. But funny how mother nature can provide even the deadliest of incidents.” He said with a sly smirk. The three looked down and gasped. Jagged sticks stuck out from the ground in a hole. Funnel shook his head. “I didn’t want to do this to you kids. But Pepper has left me no choice.” His eyes then fell to the colt, who shrunk back, shivering uncontrollably with his ears down as the stallion tossed the shovel over his shoulder.
“Why are you doin’ this?!” Applebloom grunted as she tried to shift inside the net. Funnel sighed.
“You kids wouldn’t understand. I’m with my back to the wall and I needed to have this handled weeks ago. Pepper. I’ve given you plenty of chances to help me out here. But it seems that no matter what I do, you just never seemed to trust me.” He said.
“He doesn’t trust you now!” Sweetie Bell retorted. Funnel just laughed.
“I have to hoof it to ya’, kid. You are quite the observant one. Unfortunately, lala land is going to stop here. Now, I’m a forgiving stallion. And I know how you can make it up to me. Your lucid dreaming.” Pepper backed away and Funnel grinned. “I’m not really in the mood to play a game of hide and seek. So, I’ve thought of an incentive.” He then pointed to the very top of the net. The kids looked up and saw what looked like an axe on a springboard above the branch the net was hooked too.
Connected to a string from the release mechanism was a cage at the base of the trunk. Funnel picked up a rock and chucked it into the cage. There was a loud click and the springboard moved slightly. Funnel tossed another rock up and down on his hoof. “Every time you disobey or hesitate, I keep filling the cage with rocks. When the cage gets too heavy…” He then made a swishing sound with his mouth and a motion of a swing before making a cartoonish falling whistle sound and a motion of his hooves fluttering down. He finished it off with a disperse of his hooves and a mimicking squelching sound.
Pepper began to tear up. Scootaloo grunted as she leaned against the net.
“You won’t get away with this! My big sister is a Wonderbolt! She’ll take you down!” She shouted. Funnel shrugged.
“There is a reason we are out here anyway. If you all just play along, I’ll let you all go.” He said. Sweetie Bell growled.
“Doubt it! We already know you’re a bad pony!” She said. Funnel made a pained expression with his hooves.
“How hurtful.” He said sarcastically. He then looked to Pepper. “Listen, kid. I don’t have much time. And neither does Mother Wisp or your little playmates.” Pepper’s eyes widened. “At this moment, my colleagues are keeping the entire orphanage preoccupied from looking for us. And… to be honest, I don’t want to go back empty hoofed. So for both our sakes, and the orphanages, lay yourself to rest here and get to searching.” Pepper didn’t say anything. He is terrified of this sudden attack against him.
Scootaloo spoke up. “You can’t just force somepony to lucid dream! There are serious consequences to the psyche doing so!” She stated. Funnel gave an uncaring glance at the three.
“Shut yer’ trap, kid. I’ll get what I want, one way or another.” He replied, chucking a rock casually into the cage. Pepper panicked, looking between the net and Funnel. He couldn't handle it any longer. He quickly brought out his dream journal and placed it down in front of him. Funnel eyed the colt, tossing up a rock again on his hoof. Applebloom called out to him.
"Don't give 'em what he wants, Pepper!"
"Yeah! Get out of here! Don't worry about us!" Scootaloo shouted. Sweetie Bell gave an uncertain smile and nod.
"Just go get help!" Funnel chuckled to himself, shaking his head.
"Hehehe. Ahhh, kids are adorably naive. Unable to grasp the dire situation of adults. Not a care in their tiny little heads. The innocence just making their eyes glow with the future of Equestria." Funnel's eyes glinted as he looked at Pepper. "But with hardships, that glow will eventually fade into adulthood. Where we are put on this realm to be nothing but subjects to two regal alicorns who do not know death naturally. Why should they stand upon a throne so high and mighty with their longevity?" Funnel spat at the ground. "Why should we follow the words and praise the might of ones so oblivious to death? Well, it's simple. We are a herd. Without somepony to lead us, we would be running around like chickens with their heads cut off." He looked to the three fillies. "Have you ever thought about how your friendships would last throughout your lives? They'll fade away all the same. You may try to keep it going as best as you can, but the moment you gain any form of a future, you start to lose any bonds of friendship, replacing that bond with work, bits, a good drink or two and nothing but disappointment and intrusive thoughts." Sweetie Bell shook her head.
"What are you even trying to say? That the reason you are doing this is because you have no friends?" She asked. Funnel tossed his head back and laughed.
"That's rich. How can I be friends with ponies if I was never around any to begin with?" Funnel leaned forward against the shovel and stared down the colt. "I am a full-time orphan myself. The first and last one to a recently opened orphanage at the time. The nanny wanted to take in more, but... the location was inconvenient. Now, you would think that by default after a while of no kids to take in, the only orphan would be adopted by the ones who took him in." He snorted and mindlessly chucked the rock into the cage, causing the springboard to move again. Pepper panic flipped through his journal as Funnel continued. "Well, when you get bought out by a hoity toity elitist pony from Dodge City and are forced to live on the streets, with no pony to lift a hoof at all to help you, is it not within my right to at least get some form of compensation for my own existence?" He nodded to Pepper's journal. "Years of searching for the right mark led me here. That inheritance letter. The very thing needed to get me out of this hell hole and off to Flutter Valley. I hear the weather is nicer in Pony Land than it is here." The Crusaders exchange concerned glances.
"Well... have you ever thought about just doing honest work?" Sweetie Bell suggested. Funnel waved a hoof lazily at them.
"Been there, done that. Not enough to get me off my hooves, sadly." He said. Scootaloo gave a worried look as Funnel picked up another rock. She quickly motioned to Sweetie Bell, who was trying to think of another thing to keep the stallion occupied.
"O-okay, so, honest work didn't... work out. But... err... have you ever thought about becoming a royal guard?" She asked. "I'm sure Celestia and Luna would have taken you in despite your... opinion on their immortality." Funnel chuckled quietly to himself, waving the tip of his hoof at them.
"Now that... is a brilliant suggestion. Were it not done already." Funnel kicked his shovel and twirled it around skillfully, getting into a stance of a pony who is familiar with a long weapon. He then did a marching salute similar to the routines the royal guards go through. This stunned the fillies as Funnel finished his salute and grinned at them. "Funnel Cake, Royal Guard to protecting the throne, sixtieth platoon within the Thunder Cloud regime. At your service, 'your highnesses'." He then did a mocking bow and kicked a rock into the cage, causing the springboard to inch closer to release. "Haven't done that in a long while. Don't make me do it again." He then looked back to Pepper and walked over to him. Pepper was freaking out, tears trailing down his cheek. "Aww, no need to cry now. All I'm asking is a favor. Once you help me find that inheritance letter, I'll let everypony go. Promise with all my heart." Pepper sniffled and turned to the page that was last filled with words from Princess Luna. Flipping it over was revealed to have nothing else written to it. Funnel clicked his tongue.
"Ahh, such a shame. Perhaps we need to get you back into the Dream Realm and continue searching." He said. Pepper sniffled and wiped his eyes, looking up at him.
"I... I can't sleep..." Pepper whimpered. Funnel gave a kind smile and pat his shoulder softly.
"That's okay, Pepper. This is why I'm going to help." He pulled back and adjusted his shovel. Pepper gasped as Funnel quickly brought the shovel up and the world quickly faded to black. The last thing Pepper could hear before consciousness faded were the three fillies calling out to him.
Pepper stood in front of the massive, towering castle. The black stones giving it a sickening look as a spiraling storm cloud swirled at the very top of the tower. This is the one. After spending a good ten minutes going from dream to dream, he felt this was the one. He had stumbled into this dream after going through several doors, all of which provided nothing but just simple dreams. Arriving in this one, he could feel a presence.
As if it was calling to him. He had to find her here. Without Princess Luna, things will go from worse to devastating. Three fillies are counting on him. Pepper gulped as the overwhelming castle loomed over him. First, he needed to cross a long bridge. Which looked to have seen way better days. He looked back through the dark, dead forest behind him. He shivered in terror as he could see shadows moving and predatory eyes looking at him.
Pepper took a deep breath and looked back towards the bridge, taking a cautious step forwards. The wood creaked under his weight. He applied a bit more to see if it would actually hold. Fortunate he did as the wooden step broke under him, causing him to step back.
‘How am I going to reach the castle at this rate?’ He thought to himself. The colt then blinked and looked to his sides. His wings opened and a leather bound journal fell. Embarrassingly forgetting he’s a pegasus aside, he picked up the journal and brushed the dirt off of it. The pages inside the journal glowed and it opened on its’ own, flipping to an empty page where words were being written out:
Tis unfortunate of the circumstances. I am sorry I cannot do much, young one. For the safety of everypony involved, I hath gathered you and the others to this dream. The rest must be accomplished by you. Have confidence in thyself, Ghost Pepper. We are watching.
Pepper tilted his head slightly. He took another look up at the castle, lightning flashed and thunder crashed from the clouds. Pepper held onto the journal with one foreleg before flapping his wings. He hovered over the bridge, doing his best not to look down into the dark chasm below. Reaching the other end, he landed and walked up to the massive gate. It was closed off. However, it was big enough for him to squeeze through.
He let his journal through first before he crawled and squeezed himself through the gate, nearly stumbling as he did. Picking himself and the journal up, he cautiously began to walk into the castle. The courtyard was expansive in that both sides had tall hedges that split into gardens. Pepper walked further, taking in his surroundings before coming to a stop in front of a statue. It was depicting a beautiful mare with a long flowing mane.
A sharp and petrified stoic gaze stared off towards the castle. Pepper saw a plaque and brushed away the vines:
Time is running out.
Pepper furrowed his brow. He flipped through his journal and found the pendant he had picked up from Mother Wisp’s saddle bag. Pepper couldn’t help but think it was important enough for him to hang onto. That and it wasn’t addressed to any pony in particular. He was planning on asking the others in the orphanage, but the fear of being berated convinced him to stuff it in the journal for safe keeping. He had thought about it in hindsight before putting it back in the journal and closing it, Pepper continued on, taking quick skipping strides up the stairs leading to tall, heavy oak doors.
He pushed with all his might, the doors creaking open into a dark foyer. Slipping through the small opening he made, he took a few steps forward before the doors closed, getting a terrible jump and yelp from the colt. He was swallowed into darkness, unable to see anything. That is until the wall scones came to life. One by one, the scones lit the hallway. Pepper looked back to the door. He didn’t want to admit it, but there was no going back.
Pepper walked cautiously down the hall, his ears flicking when he got halfway, hearing metallic clinking further down. He approached an opening and stepped out into a grand foyer. Pepper looked around in awe, the lighting a bit dark, but lit enough to see everything. His eyes then fell to a red and shining clad knight swinging a sword skillfully at approaching skeleton ponies. They swiped and stabbed, but the knight riposted and countered each one, besting them all into a clatter of pieces.
When the last one tried to crawl away, the knight stomped on the skull, crushing it. Pepper looked at the knight in awe. Intimidating, but posing confidently and heroically. A white cape bellowing behind him with a gold weave of a lion design. The knight turned to face the colt, his hooves removing the helmet. Pepper gasped in recognition. Familiar eyes, two toned coat and a neatly groomed mane.
“Welcome back to dreamland, Pepper.” River said with a handsome smile. Pepper was stunned. When did River grow up? River chuckled. “I know that look. Wondering why I’m all grown up?” Pepper couldn’t help but nod. River motioned to himself. “It’s a dream. This is how I imagined myself to look like if I didn’t… err… get sick.” He then hummed and rubbed his chin. “Though, something about you is missing… aha!” Pepper felt a little heavy. He looked down at himself. The same white and blue knightly garb.
However, instead of a basket helmet, Pepper had a circlet this time. River smiled.
“Don’t want a repeat of the Pygmy from last time. Though… where’s your scarf?” He asked. Pepper sighed and bowed his head. River gave an apologetic look. “Sorry to hear that. I uh… know it’s a little strange but… do you have any idea where the Dark Prince would be?” Pepper looked up and tilted his head quizzically. River sighed. “Right. You came in through the front door. Well, my valiant knight is here now! What do ya’ say Pepper? Take upon the quest with me to save the princess and stop the Dark Prince!” River held out a hoof to him.
Pepper hesitated. This was asking so much of the colt. Yet, if he were to wake up now, the Crusaders would be killed and Funnel would probably do something way worse to him. Pepper has to do this. He can’t go back. River beamed as Pepper reluctantly shook his hoof. River put his helmet back on and turned down a hall.
“We got a lot of ground to cover! Let’s make haste! And watch our steps along the way! The Dark Prince is deathly skilled in laying traps.” He explained, looking around. Pepper looked over his shoulder. Making a small prayer to Princess Luna inside his head, he scampered after River, the two beginning their search for a means to stop this nightmare.
Mother Wisp was starting to lose it. She emerged from the wooded area, lantern in hoof and looking quite disheveled.
‘What was Funnel thinking taking kids into the woods!?! How could he think it was a good idea?! They were supposed to be back hours ago!’ Mother Wisp is livid. She found it odd when the children had mentioned Funnel asked for Pepper and the Crusader’s help to check raccoon traps. Yet, when they haven’t returned after two hours, Mother Wisp began to worry. That worry became frantic panic after another hour. Eventually, she began to feel angry. The kids had watched her out on the porch swing, looking quite frantic and trying to calm herself down.
As the moon began to rise higher, they found her out the back yard with a flickering light. She turned on and off the switch, hoping that the group would find their way back home. She would have stern words with Funnel when they got back. But when they still didn’t show up, the children had taken to trying to calm down Mother Wisp, who was now hyperventilating in a brown bag. Tea Stout and Merriweather pat the back of Mother Wisp while Torque, Macaroni, Pallet, Echo Heart and a couple of other kids helped out in the search for the group.
Alabaster was out on the side of the house, holding up the lantern and scanning the area. The clouds were small and the moon’s light illuminated enough for her to see. Echo Heart stepped outside and over to Alabaster. Without a word, Echo scooped a small hole out from under her hoof and dropped a seed inside of it. After covering it, she closed her eyes and brushed the dirt. Alabaster arched a brow at her.
“Echo, I don’t believe this is time to be playing druid.” She said. Echo shushed her softly, Alabaster sighing in annoyed response. The filly began walking forward, waving the lantern around as she scanned the fields. It got to the point where the shadows were beginning to move. A little too vividly. Alabaster froze and squinted her eyes. A sudden dread took her over. She could see it. A dark fog beginning to creep out from the woods. Alabaster quickly took several steps back, turning and dropping the lantern as she began to gallop back towards Echo.
She pulled the filly away, Echo confused as to why. Alabaster pushed her inside before slamming to door shut and locking it. Echo gave a miffed look at her.
“What was that about?!” She stated. Alabaster turned to her and Echo’s look softened. She hasn’t seen Alabaster terrified before. Alabaster slipped past her before heading to the other children. She tapped her hoof down on the ground to get the children’s attention.
“Everypony! I require your attention!” She shouted. The children quieted. The distraught Mother Wisp looked at them all. Torque lifted her goggles up to her head and arched a brow.
“What’s wrong, Allie?” She asked. Alabaster opened her mouth to say something, only to hesitate. Merriweather’s eyes widened. Alabaster hasn’t been one to hesitate before. Taking a deep breath, the snow white filly spoke.
“We… we need to lock all windows and doors. Now.” She said. Mother Wisp looked at her in concern.
“What are you talking about? They haven’t come back yet!” The nanny exclaimed. Alabaster gave her a pleading look.
“I… I don’t know. But we are in danger right now! Please, everypony! Gather any light sources too!” Alabaster pleaded desperately. This took the children by surprise. And since Alabaster’s attitude has changed drastically, it had to be an emergency. The kids began to scramble, locking their windows and doors, even throwing the curtains closed. Macaroni and another filly saluted to Alabaster as the kids had finished, having accumulated their candles and a couple of lanterns.
Mother Wisp was baffled.
“Alabaster, what is going on??” She asked. Alabaster was about to respond when the atmosphere of the house changed. Everypony froze. Quieting their breathing as they heard the house began to creak. The sound of soft scraping from behind the walls and the sound of whispers began to reach them. The lights began to flicker. Pallet balked and reached for the matches, lighting his candle before passing it on to another filly.
One by the one, the kids lit their lights, sticking close to Mother Wisp and themselves. Mother Wisp stood up and her eyes widened, a knowing look on her face.
“The book…” she mouthed. As if several years of memories flashed back to her, she quickly hurried to the kitchen and reached down into the lower molding. Tea Stout and Pallet watched her open the molding, only to scream as something dark and wispy seeped out of the hole. She quickly closed it back up and looked to the two. “Get the apple bags over here! Please!” She said. Pallet and Tea Stout quickly hurried to the pantry, opening it and grunting as they dragged the heavy bags over to Mother Wisp.
The nanny held the molding with a hind hoof, reaching for the bag and heaving it to block the molding in place. She proceeded to stack it with three more bags, taking a moment to calm herself. The house began to shake, the children beginning to scream and panic. Mother Wisp sprang into action.
“Children! With me! Stay close! Do not run off!” She called out as she hurried into the hall with Tea and Pallet behind her. The children did as they were told, huddling around the nanny. Some of the children began to sob, Echo doing her best to comfort them. Alabaster went over to the back door, standing on top of a chair to peek out of the window. From the woods, in-equine shadows began to shamble towards the orphanage.
Shapeless figures advancing with the dark smog behind them. Alabaster closed the curtains quickly and braced the door with the chair. She quickly cantered back to the others, fear in her eyes. Merriweather began to tear up, hugging Mother Wisp’s leg. The nanny shushed the crying children and did her best to reassure them it will be okay. Alabaster fell to her haunches, shaking her head in disbelief. It was happening so fast. No pony understood exactly what was happening. But in a land of magic and mythology, even orphanages are not safe from the ever unannounced arrival of fate.
And for once in Alabaster’s life, she wished Pepper was here currently.
River felled skeletons one after another in skillful display. Pepper has never seen a pony be so nimble in full armor before. He is glad he ran into him. River seemed to make sense of this whole place, leading them from room to room, searching for anything that might lead them to this “Dark Prince”. The two traveled down a long hall, the walls decorated with strange pictures of black and white.
Pepper saw one as they passed by, showing a group of kids, dirty and smiling with missing teeth, as if not a single care in the world was around them. He narrowed his eyes at the picture. One of the ponies in it looked familiar. Pepper looked ahead, realizing he had lagged behind a little and cantered to catch up to River who had just stopped at a door.
Pepper looked up at the door and gasped. There was a dark fog seeping out of the cracks. River remained quiet, but underneath that helm, he braced himself. He opened the door cautiously and when they looked in, Pepper’s eyes widened.
“Somepony?! Anypony?! Help!!” Scootaloo cried out. She was dangling from a hanging cage directly over a boiling… tiled floor? Pepper saw the mosaic tiles bubble and hiss, heatwaves radiating off from it. River took off his helmet and tossed it in. The helmet sank almost immediately. Scootaloo saw them and relief over took her. “Oh, thank Celestia! Pepper! Get me out of here!”
Pepper’s ears dropped as he looked around desperately. There was nothing in the room that was a safe passage through or any form of escape. River rubbed his chin.
“Are you able to fly?” He asked. Scootaloo winced and looked to her sides. She turned to show them that her wings were missing. River frowned.
“Damn. Hoping to cut the cage and she would fly out. Seems we have to go with plan B. Pepper?” River smiled at him. Pepper balked and pointed at himself. River leaned down to him and put a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. “You can do it, Pepper. You’re stronger here. You can do anything. And save anypony. You just have to believe yourself to do so.” Pepper studied his gaze softly.
River was right. Pepper looked over to the boiling tiles and thought about the situation. Currently, this dream isn’t his own. Princess Luna from the journal states she had gathered them here. So, this is a dream constructed specifically for testing. But… that can’t be all there is. This dream just doesn’t feel like one. Nor close to a nightmare. Pepper couldn’t help but feel that they are stuck somewhere in between.
He looked at his gauntlet hoof and furrowed his look. But even so, this was still a plane of existence. One that he could manipulate. Pepper took a deep breath and put a hoof over the boiling tiles. He closed his eyes and reached within his mind. Grasping ahold of a string, he brought it to him and whispered “freeze” to it. River’s eyes widened along with Scootaloo’s as the boiling tiles popped into solid ice.
Pepper opened his eyes and exhaled, his breath visible from the change. He then took a meek step forward and the ice held. He looked to River and gave a nervous grin. River beamed and with a determined look, he unsheathed his sword and rushed forward, hopping high and making one good cutting motion that broke the cage. Scootaloo smiled and crawled out of the hole, nearly stumbling over herself only to be caught by River.
When she finally touched ground, Scootaloo kissed the ice, her expression relieved to be free and regretting kissing the ice. She shivered.
“G-g-great to finally be on solid ground… for once.” She said. River leaned down towards her.
“Scootaloo. Do you know where The Dark Prince is?” He asked. Scootaloo arched a brow.
“Err… I don’t know… who is the Dark Prince?” She asked. River shifted a small frown but smiled.
“I’ll explain later. It’s good to see you okay. Where are the other crusaders?” He asked. Scootaloo shook her head.
“I… I don’t know. One moment we were captured by Funnel and witnessed him hit Pepper across the head and the next thing we knew, a bright flash happened and I ended up here.” She said. Pepper looked down and had a sense that something wasn’t right. He motioned for them to follow him and when they exited the room, the door closed shut behind them. Pepper looked around. They were back in the hall, but a lingering presence was around them.
River led the way down the hall with the two next to him. Scootaloo smiled.
“Nice armor, River. Bet you are some awesome knight in the real world.” She said. River smiled and shook his head.
“I wish I was. But I’m no longer around.” He said. Scootaloo’s smile faded into concern. River nodded solemnly. “It was a long time ago. Got real sick. Which was strange for everypony, even my mom. I was the peak state of health before I found that Black Book.” Pepper looked up to him, listening intently as he continued. “My mom knew it was a bad idea to keep that book around. But she had been so busy managing her old accountant job and dad was busy selling fruits in Ponyville, none if them had the energy to deal with it.
“The passages that I read didn’t make a lick of sense to me. But there was one passage that I was able to understand. And… I think that’s what caused our home to be cursed.” He sighed and bowed his head. “I’m the sole reason my little brother died. Why my father passed in a freak accident with a runaway wagon. Why my mother is now a childless widow.” Scootaloo and Pepper exchanged worried glances. “I just… I just want my mom to be okay through it all. She’s already pushed through enough grief already. I can’t let the Dark Prince use her. He’s a bad pony. And I plan on giving him no mercy.”
Pepper had a feeling this was the case. It all made sense from what he could piece together. Sherclop really pulled through for him. Yet, he still couldn’t help but feel worse than when he had initially came up with the conclusion. It was just so… wrong. River deserved better. And so does Mother Wisp. Scootaloo froze and looked to the end of the hall.
“Sweetie Bell??” River and Pepper froze as well. Indeed, the unicorn filly could be seen walking further ahead. Yet, she is glitching like before. River balked and quickly galloped over to her, pulling her back just in time as a swinging blade appeared and disappeared quickly. The blade swung back and forth in front of them. Sweetie Bell was aware of the force holding her back, for she hesitated and looked worriedly at the swinging blade. Pepper and Scootaloo rushed over, stopping as more traps began to spring alive further down.
River lowered his expression. “The Dark Prince is aware of us. Step cautiously, you two. Pepper, can you create an off switch?” He asked. Pepper blinked, rubbing his head in thought. He then closed his eyes and imagined a standard lever. As he pictured it vividly, Pepper was hit with flashing images of distorted faces that made him yell in panic, falling to his back. He quickly scrambled back and bumped into River, who looked down at him in concern.
He didn’t need to say anything. A knowing, guilty look replaced his concern, sighing.
“Sorry, Pepper. Didn’t think it was going to be that bad.” He said. Scootaloo helped Pepper up and pat his back, looking up at him in confusion.
“What do you mean by that?” She asked with a slight frown. River motioned around them.
“We are limited to what we can do here. We are in a state of controlled lucidity. Something is testing us. For what, I don’t know. With Pepper being a special case in the Dream Realm, whatever is testing us must have put a lot of dissuasions against him from going overboard.” Pepper shook his head in disbelief. He reached under his wing and withdrew his journal. The pages had glowed. Opening it, he saw a new passage being written out:
I am afraid that we hath no choice but to quell your imagination, Pepper. Please, be careful. Use what you deem is necessary to imagine. I cannot say more.
Scootaloo read the passage with him and arched a brow.
“Who is this ‘we’?” She asked. Pepper spoke up this time.
"D-Dunno." He said. Scootaloo’s eyes narrowed at the passage. Pepper closed the book and stuffed it back under his wing. He then shook his head towards River, who nodded in response. The colt took a deep breath and readied himself.
“I’ll see if I can find a lever on the other side. Keep watch of Sweetie Bell. She can sense us, but she doesn’t know who it is.” He said. Without a moment to lose, River sprang forward, skillfully dodging, twisting and turning himself under and around the traps. Scootaloo whistled.
“He’s pretty cool.” She said.
Twilight Sparkle frantically skimmed through several books, tossing them aside in a haste. Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were all present, watching Twilight work. It got to the point that Rainbow Dahs finally spoke up.
“Geez, Twilight. I know this is a serious issue with Princess Luna missing, but when we do find her, you won’t be in a stable mind to save her.” She said bluntly, catching the frowns of Rarity and Applejack. Pinkie Pie bounced over to the observation telescope that Twilight had constructed over the week to specifically look at the stars. Now, it was repurposed to search for a missing princess. Pinkie looked into the scope, making “oohs” and “ahhs” as she playfully scanned Ponyville and the valley around it.
Twilight groaned and tossed her book into the air.
“I just don’t get it! The way Princess Celestia described the events just doesn’t add up!” She said. Applejack arched a brow.
“In what way?” She asked. Twilight levitated over a letter and held it up.
“The Nightfeaster. I’ve never heard of a creature in Equestria! It is also supposedly powerful enough to best Celestia! Luna couldn’t defeat it and only willingly let herself get taken to save Celestia! We don’t know where it could have taken her.” Twilight buried her head into her book. “I’ve tried every cross reference and everything pertaining to mythos and the new and old bestiaries. Nothing shows up!” Applejack furrowed her look. She then looked to the others.
“‘Ah… ‘Ah think ‘Ah have an idea…” She began. Twilight looked up from her book, looking down in the dumps as Applejack continued. “‘Ah remember talkin’ with Applebloom about her and the other’s nightly tasks with Princess Luna. She told me that the very same Dream Realm Luna manages is a whole other world with laws and such. And with Princess Celestia mentionin’ some sort of punishment, maybe… Luna broke a law and the Dream Realm… took her??”
Even as Applejack explained it, it sounded strange to even think of for herself. But the conversation she had with Applebloom earlier did bug her. She motioned with a hoof in no particular direction. “It’s the only thing ‘Ah can think of.” Twilight scrunched her muzzle in thought, quickly turning to realization.
“That’s it!” She exclaimed, hopping to her hooves. She then reached with her magic, pulling books from the shelves and circling them around her. “Princess Luna manages the Dream Realm. What if this Nightfeaster isn’t an actual creature, but a visage of a nightmare that broke through?” She explained, skimming through one of the books. Fluttershy rubbed her chin.
“But… then wouldn’t it have a devastating effect in the real world? If we had let the Tantabus out, it would have put us all into an eternal nightmare.” She stated. Twilight nodded.
“Exactly. But it only took Princess Luna and left. If it was trying to come into the waking world with a name like the Nightfeaster, it would have done just that. But it didn’t. Which means something took the visage of the Nightfeaster. If that’s the case, we have to explore a little more inside the mind.” She said. Pinkie chuckled.
“Nice one, Twi! But I think you don’t have to look too far.” She said. Her friends gave her arched brows in response. “There is this nasty black smog swirling around where the orphanage used to be.” Everypony’s eyes widened.
“Used to be?!” Rarity said horrified. Everypony gathered around as Twilight looked through the glass. Her jaw dropped. In the far off distance, beneath the bright moonlight, a swirling sphere of dark smog swirled around what would be the orphanage. Twilight’s mind clicked the pieces together.
“The orphanage! Luna has to be there! If that curse item she was hunting had been found near the orphanage, then it only makes sense!” She stated, her look grim. Rainbow Dash growled.
“The kids are in danger too! We have to help them!” She stated. No pony disagreed with her. They gathered around her and in an instant, all were teleported. However, Twilight was aiming for the orphanage inside. The dark smog had kicked up a fierce wind that nearly blew everypony off their hooves. They had to retreat a bit, looking up in horror. They could hear agonizing screams and loud choruses of whispers from the smog. Then, an in-equine roar shrieked from inside.
Twilight stood firm and swished her head, aiming her horn and firing a dispersal spell. Nothing happened. Rarity shielded herself, looking around.
“What do we do?!” She shouted over the wind. Rainbow Dash dove into the smog, only to be blown back out and crashing into the fields across the road. She shook away her daze and flew back to the others, rubbing her neck.
“Brute force isn’t going to cut it!” She stated. Twilight stared up at the dark sphere of smog, her mind racing with ideas she could try. But they were running out of time. Whatever this kind of magic is, she could already tell it’s at its’ peak. She didn’t want to think about what the morning would bring if they don’t do something soon.
The group found themselves in another open room. Though, room would be an understatement. It was almost like a small orchard. Yet, it was not outside. It was a bedroom in the small field of an orchard. The group looked around, their awe and confusion clear across their face. Sweetie Bell looked to Pepper.
"Are you sure this is the right way?" She asked. Pepper shook his head before pointing straight ahead. They looked to see a bed. In it, to their surprise, was Applebloom. She had a pained and struggling expression, her eyes shut tight.
“Applebloom!” Both said in unison before galloping over to her. Scootaloo shook her to try to wake her, but Applebloom began tossing and turning. They looked back to River and Pepper. “How do we wake her up?” River looked around. Nothing stood out of the ordinary for a dream. Pepper, however, saw the journal glow. He opened it and read the passage:
There are times in mah’ dreams where ‘Ah can just feel them watchin’ over me. ‘Ah wish ‘Ah can at least see ‘em again. Mah’ sis an’ big brother always told me that they always pulled through together no matter what.
Pepper tilted his head. Was Applebloom dreaming inside of a dream? The thought felt confusing to understand for the colt. But when the howling around them froze them in their thoughts, confusion turned to panic. Pepper looked to his right and yelped, falling back onto his haunches and scrambling away as yellow, predatory eyes stared the colt down. From the shadows of the tree emerged a wolf like creature, with bark and sticks for a body.
Four more had appeared, surrounding them, Pepper scrambling over to hide behind River, who had his sword at the ready and aimed at the creatures. They growled and snarled, low to the ground as if they were ready to pounce. Sweetie Bell turned around and began to shake Applebloom harder.
“Come on, Applebloom! Wake up! We need you!” She exclaimed. But the filly grumbled and began to sweat. Pepper looked around in panic. They have to do something. Maybe a creature they can use as their own to help? Pepper shut his eyes and began to imagine a friendlier Timberwolf to them. A loyal companion willing to stand up against the face of evil. He was then stricken with flashes of disturbing imagery that made him fall onto his haunches. He shook his head, feeling his head starting to pound.
‘I can’t even help us defend ourselves? What good am I if I can’t think of something to help??’ River swished his sword at the creatures, preventing them from getting to close, but refusing to back away as they circled them. Pepper looked to Applebloom, her friends trying to wake her. ‘Wait… help them…’ Pepper flipped through his journal to Applebloom’s passage.
‘Sometimes, she thinks of them. But… who exactly is that? Maybe her siblings?’ He thought about Applejack, the strong willed and honest to goodness, hardworking mare. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo yelped as Applebloom began to glow. Everypony, even the timberwolves, looked to see a white, wispy mare with a hat rear up and kick her forelegs out defiantly over Applebloom. Pepper’s eyes widened in realization.
Of course! This is her dream. So, if he can’t make something up, perhaps he can think about the things close to Applebloom’s heart. ‘Let’s see… The Crusaders are very close with each other. That could work.’ He thought. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo suddenly began to glow, floating up into the air. River beamed and nodded to Pepper.
“Brilliant, Pepper! Just like Princess Luna would do!” He cheered. He wasn’t entirely sure if this was the correct way to handle this, but it’s better than having to go back and suffer a fate worse than what Funnel has planned. The wispy image of Applejack began to bound around them as Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo floated back down. Each bearing long, flowing capes with their crusader insignia. Sweetie Bell’s regal and elegant while Scootaloo’s torn but cool. They each wore a knightly outfit each with their own representative colors.
The two blinked and looked down at themselves.
“Coooool…” Scootaloo marveled. In her outstretched hoof, a bright light flashed and an ivory saber appeared. Scootaloo hovered in the air to compensate her posture with it, but she smiled and gave it a test swing in the air. Sweetie Bell reached out her hoof in mimic to Scootaloo and a similar flash happened. A purple and white wand staff with a sharp spear at the end. Pepper saw Applebloom’s expression relieve a little. Scootaloo smirked and flew towards an unknowing timberwolf and with a hefty swipe, the creature splintered into smoke.
The wispy image of Applejack galloped down and tackled two more, shattering them before disappearing. River slashed the one he was facing, shattering it. Sweetie Bell, with her basic knowledge of some magic, could only think of one thing. She waved her wand and pointed a the last creature, causing it to erupt in flames, howling in pain. All that was left was ashes. With the beasts felled, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo looked to Applebloom, only to see she hasn’t woken up.
However, respite wasn’t long. Before they knew it, more timberwolves appeared from the darkness of the room. More of them than the last. The group found themselves backing up towards Applebloom’s bed. Two wolves snapping at River who swiped his sword at them. Pepper, in panic, quickly reached out to Applebloom, a wispy image of Applejack appearing once more. She bounded around them, sailing down and crashing into three of them, yet upon them shattering, more appeared.
Again, Applejack was summoned and she felled three more. Pepper thought again, only this time, it wasn’t just Applejack. It was a stallion as well. A tall and bulky one wearing a worker’s harness around him. He split from Applejack and the two worked to take down several. Again. And again. And again. Pepper wasn’t thinking about it anymore. He was watching in awe as Applebloom was seemingly aware of what is going on.
A third pony appeared. This time, an elderly one. Her mane tussled into a bun as she bounded in a circle around Applebloom with Applejack and, what he would guess, her big brother. Pepper saw his journal glow and he opened it to see a passage being written out.
Apples are stronger together. An’ ‘Ah couldn’t be happier an’ proud to be one. If only they could see us now. If they could see me. How proud would they be for me gettin’ my cutie-mark?
Pepper arched a brow quizzically, only to change it immediately upon having wooden teeth snap at him. He cantered up towards the group as the wolves began to circle.
“Wh-what do we do now?” Sweetie Bell asked, tossing a fireball in a direction, missing a timberwolf. Scootaloo looked over her shoulder.
“C’mon, Applebloom! Wake up!” She exclaimed in desperation. Applebloom had a pained look, struggling with something. Pepper blinked and noticed a tiny black hair wriggling from her forehead. Pepper looked around. With no other option, he bit down on the hair tip and pulled. To his and everypony’s else surprise, a slug like creature surrounded in black smog and smoke shrieked in Pepper’s hold. He instantly dropped it and crushed it under his hoof multiple times.
Yet the creature was like a cockroach. Refusing to die, it scurried out from under Pepper, who tried to crush it on its’ way out. It dove straight into a nearby timberwolf. The creature burrowed into the wolf and the timberwolf grew tremendously. The wood spewing out dark smog from every crack the timberwolf couldn’t cover. It snarled down at them, massive, wooden stake teeth dripping with yellow liquid.
The group braced themselves. Pepper couldn’t believe he would fail here of all places. He doesn’t want to die. He stared wide eyed into the open maw of the wolf. Then, as if a gift from the very heavens themselves, they saw it. Two stars that were thought to be painted decor twinkled and began to sail down towards them. They pierced the massive timberwolf from the back through the chest, bounding towards them and circling the group quickly. Pulsing waves of light flashed out of them like a heart beat, knocking the timberwolves away and even shattering some.
Even the massive timberwolf couldn’t approach, as each time it tried to bite down, a pulse would knock it back, causing it to step back finally. The two star like orbs floated above Applebloom, circling her rhythmically. Then, the group watched a spectacle. One that caused the dream around them to stutter and static the background.
Pepper hissed and clutched his head as disturbing images began to flash through him. However, as quickly as they did, they were suddenly replaced with a bright, lush orchard field. The apples red and shiny and the sounds of celebrating echoed in his mind. Pepper was stunned at the next feeling. One that made him shed a single tear. This was love. A mother and father’s love for their children. Their family.
It completely overwhelmed Pepper as he watched dumbfounded at the wispy images of the many ponies bouncing about and quelling the creatures into splinters. The wolves tried to run, only to be herded into their shattering fates. The massive timberwolf snarled at the wispy ponies, but everything it did didn’t halt the many ponies circling it.
From the crowd, the two star like orbs began to circle rapidly around Applebloom. Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell began to float up and glow, looking shocked and confused. Pepper and River saw their eyes began to glow, followed by the wispy images of Applejack, the big brother, the elderly mare and several other ponies, including a mare that wouldn’t stop bouncing, floated around them. In a magnificent display of power and family kinship, a rainbow exploded from the crusaders and the wisps, piercing the hide of the massive timberwolf.
It howled in pain as the rainbow began to swirl around it, rapidly growing smaller and smaller. Pepper and River could see the silhouette disintegrating inside, the slug like creature vanishing into nothing. When nothing was left, the rainbow shot up and exploded over the room, changing the whole scenery to a sunshine day with a rainbow high overhead.
Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo floated back down gently onto their hooves, their eyes returning to normal, however dazed. They shook their heads and looked around quizzically.
“What just… happened?” Sweetie Bell asked groggily. Scootaloo blinked and shushed her before looking towards Applebloom. The filly was sleeping peacefully as the wispy images of Applejack, Granny Smith, Big Macintosh and two other ponies, whose faces were obscured through the bright day, smiled down at Applebloom. The ghost mare reached out and gently brushed Applebloom’s bangs, giving a kind and motherly smile while the stallion brought the blanket up to Applebloom, tucking her in.
The faceless ponies turned to the others and nodded, hugging each other before vanishing into nothing. As the images of Applebloom’s family disappeared, the filly finally woke up. She sat up in her bed and yawned, stretching before rubbing her eyes and looming at the others.
“Oh. Hey guys! What’s goin’ on?” She looked around and rubbed her head. “Err… correction. Where are we?” Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell smiled. They were a little giddy from seeing the display of family that they tackled Applebloom into a hug, laughing. Pepper looked on at the sight. An overwhelming feeling of loneliness washing over him. He bowed his head and rubbed a foreleg. River sat on his haunches and sighed in relief.
“Whew. Close call. Glad the power of family is stronger than any nightmare, eh?” He said with a grin towards Pepper. Seeing as the colt didn’t respond, River rubbed the back of his head and stood up, patting the back of the colt. “Chin up, Pepper. The night is still young. But we do need to reach the Dark Prince soon. Everypony is in danger right now.” Pepper looked up at the stallion, his eyes studying him. With nothing else left, the colt walked forward with River. The crusaders pulled away from each other, smiles unwavering from their expressions.
Pepper studied the filly. She had dawned a garb with a shoulder cape and a western knightly attire. One that Pepper couldn’t help but find interesting. Inspired even. However, the loneliness lingered, causing him to sigh. River sheathed his sword and nodded.
“Well then, my brave, knightly Crusaders! Onwards to the Dark Prince!” He pointed ahead. The Crusaders high hoofed each other and looked to Pepper. The colt blinked and looked between them. They nodded in approval. Pepper hesitated, but meekly put his hoof against theirs.
Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy weee baffled at how high the dark sphere was. It was covering the whole field. As if an inner storm has collapsed on itself. They had spent a good hour trying to find a way into the maelstrom, only to be either pushed out or lashed at by multiple claws. Twilight landed next to the others and shook her head.
“It’s no good. It’s covering the entire field with no way inside! This kind of magic is something I don’t know if I can counter.” She said exasperated. Pinkie Pie looked up at the maelstrom in worried panic, doing a small panicked hoof bounce.
“We have to do something! A nanny and children are in there!” She stated. Twilight nodded, racking her brain. It was hard to think with all the panic ensuing. Twilight looked up into the night sky. The moon was bright and shining down beautifully on them. A cruel sight for the current situation. However, looking a the moon gave Twilight a bit of an idea. She took off into the air at the worried expenses of her friends and flew over to where she would have pictured the orphanage to be.
Copying her Canterlot Voice, she spoke loudly.
“Mother Wisp? Children? If you can hear me, please, remain in a safe and secure part of the house! We are doing our best to get you all out! Just hang in there!” Twilight canceled the spell, hoping that they would at least be relieved to know that their are ponies out here to help them.
From afar down the road, a wagon was parked. Shanty looked through a pair of binoculars while Pickle Rind flicked open his pocket watch.
“I think it is safe to say that this entire job has been botched. Should we report to Morgue that the Honeyfield Orphanage and the property around it is no longer viable for value?” He asked. Shanty snorted and tossed the binoculars out of the wagon uncaringly.
“What a waste of time. The ‘Princess of Friendship’ and her friends trying to fight a hopeless battle. At least our inside pony is no longer a problem. And the kids and Mother Wisp won’t be pains in the assess anymore. No witnesses.” She said coldly. She knocked on the wagon and the pony that was taking a quiet snooze looked up and turned the wagon around, before trotting down the road.
The air was still and all was quiet. They had heard the message. Quietly, they had crept into the attic, taking blankets and some snacks with them. Spending an hour inside the hot attic increased the paranoia of the children. They huddled together around light as Mother Wisp had found her husband's old rifle.
Ensuring it was still in good condition, she had loaded it and sat herself facing the steps with the children in front of her, the rifle being hugged against her chest. Help was coming. But they need to survive long enough. The kids had taken some things to keep themselves preoccupied. Tea Stout was brushing and messing with Pallet’s mane in order to keep her mind off of the events outside.
Pallet was drawing, picturing happy and positive drawings that he had strewn about to liven the attic up a bit. Echo Heart sat with Macaroni and three other kids, playing a board game. Torque had, for whatever reason Mother Wisp couldn’t imagine, the box the children had used one eventful day. The filly was able to find spare parts from the old stuff that Mother Wisp wouldn’t miss.
Save for a collection of things she had to ensure the filly not to touch. Merriweather and Alabaster sat with each other, blankets wrapped around them as they were looking through some of the old stuff in the attic. They found an old family photo album and began to look through it. Old, sepia and black and white pics of strangely dressed ponies were either smiling or staring stoically at the camera.
Some were so faded, it was hard to make out. Merriweather continued to dig through the boxes while Alabaster flipped through the album. She came to a stop at a pic and tilted her head. The filly in the pic looked familiar. She held up the album and looked at the photo of a sun-dressed filly and the disheveled Mother Wisp. The similarities were uncanny. Alabaster blinked and walked over to Mother Wisp. The nanny looked down at her tiredly, yet smiled.
“Oh, what did you find, Alabaster?” She asked. Alabaster opened the album and pointed to the picture.
“Is this you?” She asked. Mother Wisp squinted her eyes at the picture and chuckled.
“Ahh, how young I was back then. Back when my siblings weren’t born just yet.” She said. Pallet looked up to her in a small shock.
“You have siblings?” He asked, catching the attention of some of the other children. Mother Wisp gave a small smile. Seeing as the sudden attention from the children as a surprise, she felt this would help alleviate some of the stress right now. The children began to look up from their activities, save for Torque, as the nanny took the album and opened it to another page, showing the children. They saw her in the picture holding a bundle in one hoof and the other clinging onto her foreleg. Yet, she remained smiling.
“Indeed I do, Pallet. One lives back in Dodge City and the other is in Vanhoover. One studies architecture and the other is a sea farer.” She explained. Tea Stout tilted her head.
“Architexture?” She asked. Mother Wisp chuckled softly.
“Architecture, dear. It’s a profession that allows ponies to create buildings for the future. Like a mansion or a skyscraper.” She explained. The children murmured amongst each other. Merriweather, who had pulled an old teddy bear from the boxes, sat next to Alabaster and hugged it as she spoke.
“What’s a sea farer?” She asked. Mother Wisp smiled.
“A pony who adventures out to sea. They capture certain creatures out in the ocean to be transported back here in the mainland. A profitable but dangerous profession. As you have to brave storms for certain rarer creatures.” She explained. Macaroni raised his hoof, as if this was a classroom.
“Do they encounter sirens? Or sea monsters?” He asked. Mother Wisp grinned respectfully at him.
“Fortunately, no. There hasn't been much records of sirens. And you don't go looking for sea monsters out at sea. Well, unless you are Star Bound the Swashbuckling Sea Monster Hunter. But that's another tale for another time." She replied. Alabaster’s looked to the others, seeing their rapt attention giving her an idea. She then held up a hoof.
“So, what did you do before becoming a nanny?” She asked. Mother Wisp sweated a little but figured since this was still an uncertain time, she would indulge just a little.
“I err… used to be an accountant.” She said. The kids had quizzical looks. Mother Wisp sighed and gave a small smile as she flipped through a few pictures. When she found one of her in a business dress and in front of building with a stallion wrapping a hoof around her, she showed off the pic. “I basically managed accounts that ponies used for profit transactions and scheduling my boss his appointments. It was hectic at times, but a fun venture when it really wanted too.” Tea Stout pointed at the pic.
“Whose the stallion?” She asked. Mother Wisp’s look softened and a warm smile spread across her face. She looked at the picture and placed a hoof gently on the pic.
“My late husband, Rutabaga.” She said. The kids were now interested in the background of their caretaker. Alabaster, however, shifted a frown.
‘Late husband? That somewhat makes sense to her visit to Funnel, but… that just feels wrong.’ She thought. Keeping the thought quiet to herself, she listened as one colt asked where he was. Mother Wisp put a hoof to her chest, closing her eyes.
“A good place. One that’ll treat him better than here.” She said. Only a small count if the children understood. Alabaster wanted to push more of the question. “Were you two ever in arguments or something?” She asked, trying not to blatantly mention Funnel. Mother Wisp nodded.
“Of course we did. Out of love for one another, our arguments were rather silly if you think about it. One time, I got on him for bringing in a bundle of bananas with an unwanted guest inside of it. A banana spider.” She chuckled and had a fond, far off look in her eyes. “The kitchen was such a mess and the many bruises he walked away with after my bout of panic. From that point onward, I always told him to check his fruits before selling them.”
Mother Wisp found herself talking more about her late husband. What he did before meeting her, how they ended up together and to humor some future date ideas for Tea Stout, brought up funny moments of her own dates with him and their eventual wedding. The kids soon began to no longer worry so much about the dangers outside as they listened and asked questions, the nanny doing her best to answer to her ability.
Eventually, when the question of what happened to him came up, Mother Wisp’s look changed to sadness.
“He… had an unfortunate accident at his work one day. It… happened so fast he wasn’t able to react in time.” One of the kids tilted her head curiously.
“What kind of accident?” She asked. Mother Wisp sighed and stared at the photo of her wedding. Amber Wisp was so young and happily in love back then. She couldn’t help but wonder where this young mare went. Finally, Alabaster felt it right to call it out.
“So… if you were so in love with him… why Funnel?” She asked. The question was so blatant that Mother Wisp wasn’t able to prepare for it. Her eyes widened in surprise at the filly.
“Wh-whatever… ahem… I mean… what are you talking about?” She asked. Alabaster crossed her hooves, baffling the mare again.
“The gardener. I know you needed the help, Mother Wisp. But that kind of help has been… questionable.” She said. Mother Wisp began to sweat a bit, shifting uncomfortably. Never in her life had she been confronted on a matter such as this, let alone by a filly. The kids looked at Alabaster curiously. The filly closed her eyes and sighed softly to herself, bracing for this talk. “It’s no surprise you and him have been having visits late at night. Has he been hurting you?” Mother Wisp blinked blankly at the filly.
“H-hurt?” She asked, genuinely confused by the question. Alabaster motioned in no particular direction in response.
“I have heard some sounds. Almost as if he’s hurting you. Isn’t that what ponies make when they are hurting?” She asked. Mother Wisp was bright red and brushed her dress softly.
“Heavens no, Alabaster. Funnel has been nothing but kind and gentle. I always appreciated the work he’s done. Sometimes, you just have to… err… ensure they aren’t over doing it. He protected you all from an intruder that was stalking the fields. It was only fair I should check up on him.” She explained, hoping it would be enough to change the subject. Alabaster’s look softened into confusion.
“Oh. I guess so… but… what about the way he’s been treating Pepper?” She asked. Mother Wisp’s eyes slowly narrowed, her mind clicking together gears.
“Whatever do you mean?” The nanny asked. Alabaster continued.
“I caught Funnel pulling aside Pepper behind the shed and telling him that he was out to protect you by looking for something important to you. A letter, I think? He wanted Pepper to poke around your head through your dreams to look for it.” She explained. The pieces clicked and turned loudly in her head. Mother Wisp’s eyes widened in disbelief shock.
‘That… has to be a coincidence… right? Funnel has done so much for this place… he wouldn’t…’ She thought back to the night Funnel had charmed her into her bed. He was quite the smooth talker that she couldn’t hold back her urges. It had been so long that she completely blacked out from it. However, the feeling stuck with her and she felt like a heavy weight had been lifted just somewhat. Yet, when she had gotten out of the bath after Funnel, her meticulous photogenic memory noticed several things off. Somethings were slightly misplaced or out of order. As if somepony had looked through something. She wasn’t sure when it happened, but the only ponies to go into her room were her and Funnel.
Then, there was the night she and him shared a passionate night prior the intruder news. She was cuddling him when he began to start asking her questions. Her urge of affection kicked in and enjoying his company a little too much, she had spoken to him about how she had always wanted to help the children without homes find the one place they belong. She also brought up her family issues and how she has been wanting to cut ties and take The Duke’s deal. Funnel seemed to react strangely at the mention of The Duke.
The moment became escalated into a small argument as Funnel stubbornly began pressing about her financial stability. She felt he didn’t need to know how she is able to keep her hooves up with the orphanage and the children and even though she had fallen to her urges towards him, he wasn’t ready for her baggage. The matter was settled when Funnel wanted to take some time to cool off and disappeared for a time after. The nanny put the pieces together.
It all went back to when she first hired him. As if a regressed memory had broken through. She had seen off three orphans to their new families, seeing a wagon pull up. Funnel had stepped out of the wagon and began unloading his luggage. Before he could make his way to her, he was stopped and looked to a pony in a sun tinted window. Mother Wisp squinted her eyes at the figure, trying to make out the familiarity the pony was giving her. She thought back to it more, having helped Funnel carry his luggage to his new living space.
She had seen a logo engraved into the locks of the luggage. A fancy cursive M.M. Mother Wisp stood up suddenly, the album falling from her lap and startling the children. She looked to Alabaster, the filly completely taken off guard due to the sudden change of demeanor from the caretaker. Mother Wisp leaned down and put her hooves on the filly’s shoulder.
“Alabaster, can you recall anything else you noticed about Funnel? It is very crucial that you answer me honestly. Please.” She said sternly. The filly looked at her worriedly before responding.
“I… Those were the only times I caught him doing anything questionable.” Her eyes widened in dawning realization. “But… maybe he’s been doing it since Princess Luna began teaching Pepper.” Mother Wisp studied the filly and then sighed defeatedly. She pulled away and sat back down on the chair, burying her face into her hooves in frustration. The children exchanged worried glances. Mother Wisp racked her brain.
She was a fool. A complete and utter fool. And to think she shared a bed with him. These children are not stupid. She didn’t bring them up to be. And sometimes they are just clever by themselves. They are not fools. Mother Wisp slid her hooves down her face and sighed, looking at each child. She leaned back in her chair.
“Children. I must apologize to you all. I… I haven’t been the best caretaker for any of you. I’ve been too lax and putting everything off. I’m sure you are all aware of us not accepting anymore into the orphanage. It’s because… a long time ago, an inheritance was written out to me. One that is being contested by the rich and elite of Equestria. I… I have been putting it off for a long time as I am not ready to leave this place.” The kids looked at her curiously. Merriweather hugged the teddy bear and spoke.
“What do you mean?” She asked. Mother Wisp pat her lap and Merriweather stood up, walking over to her. Mother Wisp picked her up and placed her on her lap and smiled at the bear.
“Well. I was never one to really like… crowded places. Out here, it is perfect. Quiet. Serene. Able to be left to my thoughts. My husband and I bought the place so that way we would have a lot of space for our children to run around in. This house means so much to me that when I had lost everything, it only made me that much more determined to ensure children like you have a better, second chance in life. A sanctuary for the lost and abandoned.” She smiled at Merriweather. “Do you know what you want to be when you grow up, Merri?” She asked.
The filly shyly lowered her chin onto the head of the bear, mumbling. Mother Wisp brushed the filly’s bangs.
“Come again?” She asked. Merriweather spoke up, still soft but understandable.
“A-An idol…” she said. Alabaster looked at her in stunned awe. She stood up and couldn’t help but smile.
“I knew you had it in you.” Alabaster grinned. Merriweather blushed and adverted her eyes.
“But… I don’t like ponies watching me sing…” she muttered. Mother Wisp sighed softly to herself.
“Stage fright is a great fear that can be overcome, with the help of those that give you the courage to face it. Alabaster has improved your confidence a lot I've noticed. And you two became such good friends. All of you have. And you all can give each other that same confidence. Keep each other in the light so that the darkness will yield to your strength." The nanny said. The children muttered to each other. The house began to creak, and Mother Wisp motioned with a hoof to silence everypony. All went quiet as there was the sound of something falling from below them. The nanny motioned the kids to cover and get behind her as she grabbed the rifle and shifting it over onto her shoulder to hold it, she quietly stepped towards the stairs. Her breath was quiet, her heart pounding in her ears. The children watched with bated breath behind their hiding spots as the nanny readied herself, the sound of objects being knocked over from down below. She stepped quietly down the steps and peeked around the wall leading to the door out into the house.
She could hear the sounds of whispering from the other side. Echoes chorusing into an unintelligible speaking of words. The nanny shifted the rifle and took quiet aim at the door. As if on cue, the doorknob began to jitter, followed by scratching. Mother Wisp began to sweat as her focus remained on the door. Taking aim, she waited. The doorknob rattled furiously, followed by a banging. She could hear the kids gasp from up above. She was finding it hard to concentrate through the panic. She closed her eyes and found herself remembering back to target practice with her husband. Rutabaga had set up bottles off in the distance of their house. He had taken a couple of shots with his rifle, breaking the bottles. Mother Wisp frowned at him, the mare sitting on the porch swing.
"Dear, do we really need to use such a ghastly thing? Isn't it illegal to own one here in this region?" She had asked him. Rutabaga adjusted his aim and took another shot at the bottle. Seeing as he missed, he shouldered his rifle, turning to her and smiling.
"For hunting purposes, it isn't." He said. Mother Wisp shifted her frown.
"Hunting for what? We aren't carnivores. Unless we are in the black market to sell to griffons or whatever creature that eats meat, must we really have that thing around? What if River hurts himself if he gets ahold of it?" She asked, shifting to worry. Rutabaga chuckled and pat the rifle.
"It was passed down from my father. I plan on passing it down to him when he gets older. As to answer your question, it's not produce hunting. Pest control. There are these nasty little buggers called vespbites. Wasp like creatures that feed on vegetables nourishment for their reproduction. They are instinctual and ruin harvest season out here in the fields. I did talk with someponies to figure out how to deal with them and they recommended that using a fire spitting object like this is enough to chase them off, if not, teach them a lesson." He explained. Mother Wisp tilted her head quizzically.
"I've never heard of a creature. Are you sure they don't retain anything like their wasp counterparts? I don't know... like good memory?" She asked. Rutabaga hummed and rubbed his chin.
"That's... honestly something I need to ask about more. But I've seen them out in the garden patch feasting on the carrots. Had a bad harvest that time." He said. Mother Wisp sighed.
"Dear, I love you, but you need to understand that having that rifle around is dangerous for everypony. What if a vespbite isn't a vespbite and we happen to have a pony lost in the fields?" She asked. "Or worse, River actually does hurt himself with it?" Rutabaga smiled and placed the rifle down before sitting down next to her.
"With the right control and mental training, even you could be the best sharpshooter in the whole land of Equestria. And you should give our son more credit. He may have an active imagination, but he isn't stupid. I've already made it aware to him what it does and what's to say he hasn't been observing me use it before?" Mother Wisp sighed again and leaned against him.
"Y-you're right. I'm just... after Sunflower, I just can't bear the thought of losing another..." She said. Rutabaga's look became shadowed, but he took ahold of her hoof with his and brought her in for a hug.
"Life certainly has a cruel way of testing us ponies. Not even the princesses can prevent everything. All we can do is just give the life we have the best chance we could give it. Forge what we can and maybe... in another life, we would come back to see a brighter future." The two remained quiet after that. The thought pained them both. The loss took a hard toll on everypony. After a bit longer, Rutabaga had an idea. He pat her shoulder softly. "Come on. I'll teach you how to use the rifle." Mother Wisp blinked and pulled away from him slightly.
"Wha? Why would I need to use that ever?" She asked. Rutabaga stood up and motioned with his head.
"If not self-defense, then perhaps just stress relieving. I think you'll be surprised." He replied. Mother Wisp hesitated. But she stood up and awkwardly held the rifle Rutabaga passed to her. He stood just slightly behind her and held up a gold, pointy metal stake. "This is the very thing needed to load it. Without this, it cannot be fired. First, you pull back on the pin." He motioned to the ball-point pin. The nanny began to pull on it, but her husband corrected her by having it twist up and pull back. He then placed the bullet in her hoof and lead her in motion to placing it in the chamber. They closed it with a small click. Her husband then proceeded to help her to the porch railing. Having her level the understock to the top of the railing, he instructed to close her free eye and look down the sights and focus on the very tip of the small point in the iron sight. He even told her that sometimes the perspective is a little weird, but just aiming up slightly would help.
Having taken to the posture and aiming adjustments, Rutabaga pointed out towards the bottles.
"Now, take a deep breath, focus on the target, and when you finish exhaling, pull the trigger." He said. The trigger was comically large enough for their hoof to fit through. She took a deep breath and exhaled. She pulled the trigger and a bottle shattered. Mother Wisp felt her husband laugh happily and pat her back. "'Atta girl!" Mother Wisp pulled back and looked down at the rifle. She was indeed surprised. That felt liberating. And how happy her husband was sent her back to the situation she was in now.
She took a deep breath and readied herself as she watched a shadowy and long tendril seep under the door. It reached for the lock. She then took aim and exhaled, pulling the trigger. The gunfire echoed throughout the attic, causing the children to gasp and cover their ears. There was a loud shriek as a hole punctured through the door and struck whatever was on the other side. She had to admit to herself, she wasn't sure if it would work against something that was a shadow. But perhaps, there might be something physical blanketed underneath it all. She quickly cantered up the stairs and sharply turned to her right, pulling out a mannequin with her wedding dress. She quickly brought it down and blocked off the door, heading back up and grabbing another, heavier box, which she proceeded to stack ontop of the dress and mannequin. She hated to see her dress be used as such, but the children are in danger. It's not like she hasn't found anypony to use it for. Not even Funnel.
'Well, now it isn't an option at all.' She thought frustrative with herself. She already lost a child and three others thanks to him. She will not lose the remaining others. She cantered back up after taking a bit to see if it would come back. She looked around, seeing the attic empty of children.
"It's alright. I scared it off." She said. The kids peeked out from their hiding spots. She couldn't help but smile tiredly. Two of the kids ran up to hug her and she hugged back. Alabaster sat on her haunches and rubbed her foreleg. As much as Mother Wisp seems to be doing her best to ensure their safety, how long would it be till the Princess of Friendship or Equestria itself finally get to them? What will happen to them? The attic went quiet as there was a booming, echoing sound of a drone. They looked to see Torque quickly turning the volume knob down and giving a sigh of relief. Mother Wisp walked over with the rest of the children. "Dear, we do not need to draw attention to ourselves as we have already. I don't know how many are out there but we must remain quiet." She said in a hushed whisper. Torque gave an apologetic look.
"I-I'm sorry, Mother Wisp. I-I was just trying to repurpose the Echo Box into a radio beacon so we can try and get in contact with anypony outside." She said. Macaroni trotted over and rubbed his chin.
"Wasn't this made solely for the theory testing?" He asked. Torque nodded.
"It was. But you should give me more credit. A genius mind like myself can make just about anything out of scrap in this place. I could turn this whole house into a laboratory if I wanted." She said.
"Absolutely not, young lady." Mother Wisp said sternly. Torque gave a nervous smile, only to focus when the box began to crackle. Torque started messing with knobs.
"Hello? Is anypony out there?" Torque asked.
Applebloom pulled Sweetie Bell into the doorway just in time as the floor had finished collapsing under them. They had just barely made it through another trap. This one took a heavy toll on them as all proceeded to take a moment to catch their breath.
"If there isn't one thing the Dark Prince is good at... it's being relentless." Scootaloo rasped. Pepper flopped onto his side, his legs screaming out in pain. For a lucid dream, he didn't think anything would be so demanding on his body. It got him thinking that this is more than just a dream they were pulled into. Even more questions arose as they progressed further up into the castle. What is this all trying to conclude them towards? Their lives are in danger and yet, something pulled them in to test them? Or rather, him specifically. He felt bad that the others are along for the ride. This should have been his whole thing alone.
But Princess Luna in her passage stated that he shouldn't do this alone. And so far, nothing has prevented him from requiring their aid. The further they went, the more dangerous it had become to the point they were unsure if it was a dream anymore. The one important question finally dawned on him.
“What does this Dark Prince have to do with testing me?” He rasped out loud. No pony had an answer. Either that or they were too busy catching their breath to bother. When everypony had their moment, Pepper finally stood up and looked ahead tiredly. Tall, oak wood doors down the hall was the only obstacle in the way. River looked over to the door and his eyes narrowed.
“I can sense him. The Dark Prince is just beyond that door. We actually made it.” He said. Pepper glanced at the stallion. How could he know for sure? It could just be another trap. Too tired to argue, he’d rather save his energy for getting out of the trap. The three fillies walked over to him and exchanged glances.
“So, does anypony know what’ll happen if we do stop The Dark Prince?” Scootaloo asked. Pepper blinked as he saw the glow from his journal under his wing. He withdrew the journal and opened it as another passage wrote out before them:
Thou art close to completion. One final task and thy will wake up with everypony involved. Succeed in this task, Ghost Pepper. I will handle the rest.
Sweetie Bell rubbed the back of her head.
“Well. Luna has been able to watch us for this long. At least we know she’s okay wherever she is.” She stated. Applebloom nodded and motioned for the others to follow.
“C’mon. The sooner we do this, the quicker we can save ‘er.” Applebloom said. They walked down the hall, heading towards the door. Their senses high on alert from all the traps they’ve avoided so far. When they reached the door, River opened it to be greeted with a row of stairs spiraling up a stone column wall. The wall scones were now burning a sinister purple. River nodded to the others.
“Stay behind me.” He said. Doing just that, they made their way up the stairs. The air became chilled. The atmosphere heavy. One that Pepper was familiar with. The colt began to shiver as they reached another hall at the end of the stairs and a strange looking door. When they approached the door, it opened inward for them.
The sight they saw next was something that could be seen out of a fantasy novel. A long and expansive throne room, gothic stone pillars symmetrically lining the room. Stained glass windows shone in a moonlit light. Ahead, a tall throne in jagged nature of design that the colt couldn’t make heads or tails of where it began and ended. His eyes fell to a hulking suite of armor sitting on the throne. As they approached, the helm’s eyes flared a bright red and the figure began to move, rising from his throne.
A long, obsidian torn shoulder cape flowed unnaturally behind him with his movements. River stepped forward and unsheathed his sword, aiming it at the figure.
“Dark Prince! We’ve come to stop you!” He shouted. The figure stopped and seemed to study them. The figure then reached for his helm and took it off, causing Pepper to shrink in fear. Funnel eyed them with uncaring uninterest. River, however, had hatred in his eyes. The three fillies darted out from behind River and aimed their own weapons at him.
“The games up, Funnel! Your wicked ways end here!” Scootaloo said. Funnel tossed aside his helmet and a smirk appeared on his face.
“How adorable. The kiddies still think dreamland is everything. Back off while you can, fillies. Let the ‘big colts’ talk.” He focused on River. “That’s if you think you are a stallion ready to face the struggles of adult hood. You’re years behind kid.” Funnel chuckled. “And six feet under.” Pepper’s eyes widened. Funnel knows? River stood his ground.
“You’re a bad pony, Funnel. The way you are using mom… How’d an evil pony like you trick her?” He growled. Funnel motioned in no particular direction as he replied.
“Whatever do you mean, kid? Your mother was just showing her gratitude towards me being the best helper possible. Though, a little needy and urge filled, but I can’t blame her, since the other half is next to you.” River suddenly bolted forward, sword at the ready. He brought the weapon down, but Funnel blocked it with his hoof gauntlet. River pushed against the stallion, but Funnel remained unmoving, his leg shaking against the blade. “Hah! Guess you really can do anything in dreams. Shit like this could make me get used to being here. Speaking of!” Funnel shifted and shoved River back, causing the stallion to stumble back and aim his blade at him. “Where in the darkest pit of Tartarus are we?”
Applebloom arched a brow.
“You jus’ said this is a dream.” She retorted. Funnel shook his head.
“Not my dream. And I doubt anypony here would dream up something like this unless they were entirely screwed in the head. Yes, kid. Even I don’t think you are able to make this up.” He said, glancing to River. River flourished his sword.
“Shut up, Funnel! I’ll make you pay for tricking my mom and hurting my friends!” He growled, rushing Funnel again. Funnel blocked again, only this time, deflected the blade away and causing River to get closer. River suddenly stumbled back and fell to the ground, sword clattering away. Funnel shook his hoof and frowned.
“Kid. I don’t want to do this. I never wanted to be in any part of this. I’ve been questionin’ this job for a while. But I cannot back away from it now. If you think you can stop me from getting her back, then I’d be glad to put you back into the grave.” He said. The three fillies stood in front of River, ready to defend.
“You’ll have to get through us first!” Scootaloo stated. Funnel slumped and shook his head.
“I’ve been real lenient, kids. All I want is that damn letter. I couldn’t give a damn about the property or that nanny. The old mare wouldn’t even come clean about it.” Funnel rubbed the back of his head. “For what it is worth, I’m sorry this got out of hoof. But you have to understand. I am not in a position to back down. You’re just another obstacle in the way.” Pepper studied the stallion. He sounded apologetic, but so far, his record for lying has still proceeded him. However, the colt couldn’t help but find something was off. Something's missing.
The colt looked around, trying to quickly rack his brain as to what it is. Scootaloo was the first to rush Funnel, yelling as she held her saber at the ready. Funnel, to no surprise, deftly sidestep, bit down on the filly's tail and swung her around before tossing her aside where she tumbled through the air and crashed into one of the stone pillars. Sweetie Bell fired a fireball at Funnel, who proceeded to dodge as Applebloom rushed him, jumping at him to tackle, only for Funnel to lash out a hoof to stop her and bring her back down, pinning her with a single hoof and holding her down at the chest.
Sweetie Bell took aim, only to stop as Funnel tossed Applebloom around and wrapped his foreleg around her neck, bringing her up as a shield.
“Feisty kids. Kind of reminds me of me when I was your age. Sadly, I never had a grand adventure like you all are apparently enjoying right now.” Funnel said as Applebloom struggled against his hold, even biting at his metal gauntlet. River finally stood up and reached for his sword. Funnel smirked and tossed Applebloom aside, crashing into Scootaloo. Sweetie Bell was about to cast a spell, but River held out his blade to stop her.
“See to the others, Sweetie Bell. Funnel is mine.” He said, not taking his eyes off of the stallion. Sweetie Bell looked at him worriedly.
“A-are you sure?” She asked. River nodded.
“I’m not going to let you guys get hurt by this pony anymore. Anything he does to me won’t matter. But you all need to figure out on how we can get out of here.” He then looked to Pepper. “Finish the task, Pepper.” River flourished his blade and rushed Funnel. Funnel smirked and hopped away as River began to swing at him. Pepper looked to see Sweetie Bell canter over to her friends and help them. Pepper withdrew his journal and opened it.
‘Come on, come on! What do I have to do?!’ He panickily looked through the passages. An empty page glowed and words began writing:
You can do this, Ghost Pepper. You have an active imagination. The story is unfinished and only you can end the tale.
Pepper shook his head. But how can he end this whole thing? Isn’t this dream made to test him? ‘Wait…’ Pepper flipped back to the page where he was told it was a test. Re-reading the passage, it was never stated this dream was made to test him. He is being tested inside of this dream. The one Luna conjured to gather every pony involved here. Involved with what though?
Her unusual disappearance into his journal? ‘Come on, Pepper. Think! What are we all involved in??’ Pepper gasped as River and Funnel began clashing blades close by, causing Pepper to retreat behind a stone column. He panted as he ensured he wasn’t seen before going back through his journal. He went back to the first passage of when he entered this dream. An item she tried to cleanse? ‘Wait… does that mean the black book?’ Pepper realized something.
His journal came with him into the dream. But the black book didn’t. He peeked out from the pillar, watching River struggle against an ex Royal Guard. He saw the three fillies talking amongst themselves, as if trying to come up with an idea to help River. Pepper studied the room. He could feel the familiar, heavy presence that he had felt throughout the orphanage. Not only that, but he could also see it. The dark aura around Funnel.
Pepper squinted his eyes. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that Funnel’s armor is a shroud of shadows given physical form. This puzzled the colt. But the clashing of blades told him he still had to do something. Funnel had overpowered River, bucking the stallion down the path to the throne. River’s sword clattered towards Funnel. The shadowy blade in Funnel’s mouth shimmered sinisterly as the stallion stamped on the blade, breaking it.
“I’m growing tired of this game. You will not stop me from getting her back.” Funnel bowed his head, anger and frustration in his eyes. “All I want is that damned letter. If that mare was truly grateful for me in helping around, why won’t she just give it up?” River coughed and stood up, wincing in pain.
“It isn’t yours to have… you weren’t there when it was created. Mom is not an idiot. She doesn’t trust The Duke. No matter what he’s offered, she won’t fall for any ploys.” He retorted. Funnel shook his head, an uncaring smirk across his face.
“And yet, I’ve been invited into her bed.” He said. River began to turn red with anger, almost matching his armor. He roared and galloped towards Funnel.
“Don’t you talk about her like that!!” He roared.
“River, don’t!” Applebloom called out. The three fillies had gotten an idea. However, they were not expecting River to lose his cool. They had snuck around, wanting to distract Funnel enough for River to have the upper hoof. Now, with the stallion angry and rushing him, the three had to scatter as Funnel readied himself, meeting the stallion with a deft sidestep, allowing the stallion to tackle, only to bring River around and lift him up. The stallion’s hind legs flailed in the air as Funnel then slammed River hard onto the ground, the wind leaving him.
Funnel panted and put a heavy hoof on the stallion’s head.
“It’s all in the mind, kid. I’d say try again when you are older. But that’s too below me.” He said threateningly. “Wonder how the old mare would react to hearing how her child died twice.” Pepper bit his lip. He has to do something. His eyes focused on the center of the dark aura coming off of Funnel. Pepper had to make a choice.
Protect your playmates.
Pepper hugged his journal and took a deep breath. Taking off into the air, he began to fly high above to where it would be hard to notice him unless they had looked up. The three fillies faced Funnel who stared them down.
“Don’t try it, kids. You shouldn’t have gotten involved in this. And now we can’t have any witnesses. Just lay down those toys and wake up.” He said. The CMC stood their grounds, their expressions worried but firm. Funnel couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head. “To be young again. Enjoy it while it lasts, runts. It’s only downhill when life really hits.” As he finished, Pepper dove and landed on the back of Funnel. The stallion looked over his shoulder and began to wildly buck, the colt hanging on for dear life.
“What the?! Gerroff!!” He growled. Funnel furiously shook and bucked. Sweetie Bell cheered.
“Come on! While we have a chance!” She said. Sweetie Bell began casting a fire bolt, which zipped by them. Funnel growled and began to gallop down the pathway, Scootaloo quickly flying up to him. Pepper took quick glances to try and pinpoint the center of the dark aura. Scootaloo swiped at Funnel, aiming to divert his pathing. Funnel deftly avoided her and sprang back down, only to meet Applebloom with a maul hammer. She gripped it tightly in her mouth and slammed it on the ground, causing the ground to crack towards them.
Funnel stepped back and bounded around her, ducking as a firebolt zipped over him. Sweetie Bell aimed her spear staff at him. Pepper took the moment of hesitation to look properly, finding the shadowy mass flowing out from the back. Without second thought, Pepper dug his hooves into the shadowy mass and pulled. He pulled with all his might as the shadowy mass was fighting back. Funnel began to gasp for breath, as if it was choking him.
Pepper grunted, seeing something black and rectangular poking out of the mass. However, Funnel then rolled on the ground, Pepper letting go from being hit with the weight of the shadowy armor and letting go. Funnel stood up and growled angrily down at the colt. He reached down and bit on the colt’s mane, the colt yelling in pain as he we pulled along. Applebloom rushed forward and smashed her hammer down towards Funnel. The stallion threw himself and Pepper aside. The colt rolled and crashed into a pillar.
Funnel stood up, his anger rising. He took one step forward towards the readying Applebloom, only to stop at the sight of a glimmer shining in his eye. He looked and saw a locket next to a journal. Pepper shook away his daze and scrambled to his hooves, watching as Funnel reached down and picked up the locket. Studying the trinket, he then opened it and his whole expression softened. Applebloom tilted her head with an arch brow, exchanging it with the other two.
Funnel brushed the picture softly, glancing at the words etched into the locket:
Time is running out.
“Where… did you get this?” He asked without taking a single look at the kids. No pony responded. Except for Pepper.
“I… I found it had fallen out of Mother Wisp’s saddle bag.” He said. Funnel looked at the colt now.
“In… Wisp’s saddle bag?” He repeated. Confusion settled on the stallion’s face. Pepper quickly scampered over to his journal and picked it up. Funnel shook his head slightly. “Why… how…? How did she get this…?” No pony responded. However, their eyes widened when River lunged up and stabbed the broken blade into the back of Funnel. However, no pony expected an in-equine shriek to emit from him. Or rather, the armor itself. Funnel reeled forward, screaming out in pain as the shadowy armor visage began to waver.
The armor bubbled and the shadowy blob threw itself off of Funnel, taking the stallion with it and causing him to roll along the ground. The fillies scampered about as the shadowy creature flailed wildly, crashing into the pillars and even breaking some of them. River galloped and tackled Pepper out of the way as the figure soared towards him. The ponies watched as it finally settled in the middle of the pathway, melting into the ground to reveal a black book with the broken blade stabbed into it.
The locket next to the objects glinted in the scone lighting. River looked over to see Funnel painfully push himself up off the ground. River growled angrily, getting up and power trotting over to Funnel, rolling him onto his back and raising a hoof for a punch. Pepper balked.
“River, stop!” He called out. River froze and looked back at him, Funnel having covered his face.
“Why should I? This pony is bad! He used my mom! For his own selfish ends! My mom doesn’t deserve that! She’s always taken care of us!” He spat and looked down at the stallion. “Why shouldn’t I?!” Pepper hesitated. He wasn’t sure himself why he blurted it out. This whole thing is just wrong. Pepper shook his head.
“I-I don’t know. B-but hurting him won’t help anypony!” He replied. Funnel’s eyes narrowed at the colt while River snorted.
“Won’t help?? The amount of disrespect he gave my mom? Desecrating Mrs. Marigold’s rest?! Not only that, he led you all into the woods and threatened your lives!! What’s one good reason I shouldn’t throw him off the top of the castle?!” River rebuttaled. Pepper slumped.
“I… This isn’t right. I-I know you are angry, but he isn’t the reason we are here.” He said. River arched a frustrating brow at him. Pepper looked over to the mass blob of shadow weaving off and around the black book. “The reason for all this pain and heart ache is because of that book. It’s the reason you had a short life. Your sibling and your father’s life. Making Mother Wisp miserable. Perhaps… even Funnel’s misfortune.” Funnel studied the colt but remained quiet. Applebloom, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo walked towards him as he continued.
“I… I’m not sure why that book has been the evil cursing your lives, but right now, River, Mother Wisp and the others are in danger. We have to get out of this dream and help them." He looked to River pleadingly. River studied the colt before looking back down hatefully at Funnel, who only returned his look with an uncaring one. River sighed and let Funnel go, the stallion stepping away to let him up.
“Fine… but he tries anything and I’ll take matters into my own hooves. What do you suggest we do, Pepper?” River asked. Pepper hesitated again. He looked through his journal and came to the passage with the steps. He pointed at the page.
“W-we need to cleanse the book. Princess Luna has already written out the steps. We follow the steps, cleanse the book and we can be out of here.” He bowed his head. “I-I hope.” He felt something pat his back. He looked to see Applebloom smiling and nodding.
“That’s the most sense ‘ah’ve heard since we started this.” She said. The other two nodded in agreement. Pepper looked ahead worriedly at the mass blob of shadows covering the book. He took a few hesitant steps forward and opened his journal to the steps. Words began to write themselves out. He took a deep breath before looking to the Crusaders, nodding.
“Hello? Is anypony out there??” A filly’s voice echoed from the maelstrom. Twilight and her friends heard it, their expressions showing relief. Twilight called back.
“We’re here! Is everypony okay??” She replied. No response aside from tapping.
”Torque, turn it off. Those creatures might hear us!” a colt’s voice replied. The filly’s voice responded.
”We should be fine, Mac. I’ve adjusted everything to a low frequency as to not draw attention.” She explained.
”I have to agree with Mac, sweetie. We shouldn’t draw attention to ourselves. Or other ponies! Who knows what’ll happen if those creatures get a hold of anypony!” The voice of Mother Wisp echoed. The six friends exchanged glances.
“What in tarnation is goin’ on in there?” Applejack asked. Twilight didn’t skip a beat.
“They are calling out for help. Which means they heard my voice.” She gave a relieved smile. “Now we know they are okay. But we have to get in there! Everything we’ve tried has either been pushing us back or attacking us.”
”If anypony is out there, we are safe! Please, help us!” The filly stated. Twilight hovered up into the air a bit and tuned her Canterlot voice.
“We can hear you! Whatever you’ve done is getting through to us! I’m glad you are all alright! We’ve been trying to get in but a force keeps pushing us out! How are things inside?” Twilight asked. They heard a gasp from the filly and several voices of the kids breaking through.
”Children, quiet! No attention! Princess Twilight? We can hear your voice. What is happening out there?” Mother Wisp responded. Twilight was ecstatic. They can now figure something out for sure this time.
“A dark maelstrom is surrounding the field! I’ve never seen magic quite like this! How did this happen??” She replied. There was a moment of silence as Mother Wisp broke through.
”I can’t believe this is actually working. Regardless, I’m not quite sure myself. Alabaster, you warned us. What did happen?” There was another momentary pause before a filly spoke up.
”I’m… not so sure myself. We were looking for Ghost Pepper when I saw a dark fog creep out of the woods along with monsters. The air was heavy and sinister, so I raced back and warned everypony.” Alabaster replied. Twilight balked.
“Pepper is missing?” She asked horrified. Another pause before Alabaster responded.
“He went into the woods with Funnel and three others. Applebloom, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo.”
“WHAT?!?” Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity exclaimed in unified horror. Twilight’s look became serious.
“Are you certain you saw them?” Twilight responded. There was a conjoining chorus of children voices clashing with one another. Mother Wisp made a hiss.
”Calm down, children! Let Alabaster finish. Go ahead, dear.” The nanny said. Alabaster didn’t skip a beat.
Yes, princess. In fact, all of us except for Mother Wisp saw him and the others go into the woods. That’s when this whole thing started.” she replied. Twilight looked back to her friends, seeing the anxious looks on them. She looked back, scanning the blanketing dark maelstrom fog beneath her.
“Alright, just keep yourselves safe! We are doing everything we can to get to you!” She called out. She floated back towards her friends, bracing herself for the outbursts of three of them.
“That’s it! We have to do something now!” Rainbow Dash growled in frustration towards herself. Twilight looked at her worriedly.
“Calm down, Rainbow. We’ll get to them, but we can’t pull anything risky. There is one thing I do want you to try.” She said.
“Anythin’ to get my lil’ sis back.” Applejack said determinedly.
“Hear hear.” Rarity said. Twilight smiled and nodded.
“Don’t worry, girls. Working together, we always find a way. Rainbow, use your Sonic Rainboom. Get as close as you can when you break the barrier to the fog. It might disperse it enough for us to get a better look.” She said. Rainbow Dash saluted and without a single moment's hesitation, she bolted high into the air, taking aim at the fog. When she was high enough, she stopped her flight and let herself free fall back before straightening herself out, hooves outstretched and gained speed. The five watched as their friend dove like a missile, beginning to break the sound barrier. Rainbow Dash pushed herself to get as close as possible. Then, when she felt close enough, she banked sharply ahead as a loud boom rang throughout the area. A colorful rainbow wave explosion soared overhead. Rainbow Dash looked back to see her rainbow trail follow her. However, she frowned as the fog did not disperse. Rainbow flew back towards her friends, coming to a screeching halt and scrapped the ground with her hind hoof.
"You gotta' be kidding me! I was skimming the top!" Rainbow stated in frustration. Twilight held up a hoof.
"It's okay, Rainbow Dash. It was an attempt. And, it helped me think of another solution." She turned to her friends. "Fluttershy. Maybe you can get some of your animal friends to dig under? We do need eyes inside." She asked. Fluttershy nodded and turned to look around. She spied a groundhog hole further into the field across from the fog and flew over to it. She peeked in and tapped the ground. Something inside stirred and peeked their head out.
"Oh, umm... I'm really sorry to wake you up so late mister groundhog. But, I could really use your help right now. You see, we need to get into that fog and-" The groundhog began to squeak to her. "Oh? Oh my, that does sound awful. Are you certain there is nothing that can't be done?" The groundhog squeaked in response to her question and Fluttershy nodded solemnly. "Oh, okay. I understand. Sorry for disturbing you, you can go back to sleep." The groundhog squeaked in dismissal before Fluttershy flew back over. "I-I'm sorry, Twilight. Not many critters have been around the field ever since this Funnel has been laying traps to capture them. The groundhog I just talked too says that every critter is too afraid to approach the orphanage. Even more so now that this fog showed up." Twilight sighed and nodded.
"Thanks for trying, Fluttershy." She said.
"It seems that you are having trouble." A voice spoke behind her. They readied themselves, only to stop to see a cloaked hooded figure holding a lantern emerge from the fog. Twilight narrowed her eyes.
"Who are you?" She asked. Applejack lowered herself a little.
"Careful, ya'll. That fog has been swipin' at us. It might be a trick." She said. The figure chuckled.
"You are wise to hold suspicion as such. But I assure you, I am a friend. I want to save the orphanage as much as anypony." The figure said. Rainbow Dash tilted her head.
"What's in it for you? We've been trying to get in and that fog has been preventing us. How are you able to walk from it?" She asked. The figure turned around, motioning with the wave of the lantern.
"Would you rather ask questions all night or save lives?" The figure asked. The friends exchanged glances before Twilight nodded determinedly. The figure smiled. "Then stick close to me. I know the path." The six heroes gathered close to the figure as they began to traverse into the fog. They expected something unearthly to swipe at them, but to their surprise, it was only unintelligible whispering around them.
"Argh! It's no good!" Applebloom stated in frustration. The kids were circled around lit candles and the black book in the middle. Pepper had his journal open to the words to recite. "Are we mispronouncin' somethin'? What are we missin'?" They have been trying to cleanse the black book for a good ten minutes. Not too far off, River had taken the liberty to watch Funnel, eyeing the stallion with suspicious hate. Funnel, however, was studying the locket in his hoof, ignoring the stallion's looks. Sweetie Bell looked over Pepper's shoulder to read the passages.
"Maybe we aren't, but perhaps something we missed?" Pepper shrugged, just as puzzled. There has to be something. Pepper wished Luna would give them some sort of direction. Seeing as she wasn't responding to his pleas, he sighed and sat on his haunches, looking at the black book. This has to be the reason they are all here. And there was no way they would be getting out without cleansing it. Pepper racked his brain. What could they be doing differently? Scootaloo sighed.
"Well, guess we are stuck here until we can figure something out." She said. Pepper mindlessly flipped through the pages, hoping to at least find something that he could put together.
‘Together… wait a minute…’ He looked to the three fillies. A flashback to them shooting a rainbow from themselves. The decimation of the slug like creature. What if… Pepper stood up and looked to the three.
“Scootaloo. Applebloom. Sweetie Bell. Do you… three remember a rainbow?” He asked. The three blinked in response.
“A rainbow?” Applebloom asked. Sweetie Bell rubbed her chin.
“Now that you mention it. Earlier in Applebloom’s nightmare I had this overwhelming feeling of… well… friendship. And the next thing I knew was everything sunshiny and happy.” Scootaloo nodded and crossed her hooves in thought.
“Oh yeah. That was really strange.” She said. Applebloom rubbed the back of her head.
“A rainbow? Wait, are ya’ sayin’ somethin’ like the Elements of Harmony?” She asked. Pepper nodded. It isn’t a secret to anypony who wasn’t there during the heroes's use of the Elements of Harmony. A bright and colorful rainbow was always around when their friendship was the strongest. It has been a while since anypony has seen the heroes use the elements, however. This thought was with the three as well. Sweetie Bell shook her head.
“But… how were we able to do that? We don’t have elements. Let alone able to trigger something like that on command.” She said. Applebloom rubbed her chin.
“I remember ma’ sis said that it happens when ya’ jus’ feel a really strong bond with the ponies ya’ care about. Like family in a way.” Applebloom stated. Pepper darted his eyes. He looked over to River, remembering what he said before nodding.
“Exactly like that. Applebloom, you were having a nightmare and we did our best to protect you. But in the end, it was your family that did. And Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell were included in it.” Pepper said, flipping through his journal. “If you three can replicate it, that might be enough to weaken it to where it can be properly cleansed.” The three exchanged glances.
“Are ya’ sure we can pull it off? Jus’ us three?” Applebloom asked. Pepper hesitated.
“I-It’s the only thing I can think of that could work. It killed that slug creature. So, it should be powerful enough to kill that shadow?” The colt said. Sweetie Bell nodded.
“I agree with Pepper. It’s the only thing we can try that can help us. We’ve tried reciting and praying.” She said. Scootaloo stood up.
“Alright then! Let’s do this Crusaders!” She said with a grin. Applebloom and Sweetie Bell exchanged quizzical glances.
“How though?” Sweetie Bell stated. Scootaloo hummed in thought.
“Well… they held hooves and then… say something friendship-y and then they start glowing.” Scootaloo shrugged at them. Funnel chuckled, catching the attention of everypony.
“Heh. That really does sound like something. The power of ‘friendship’. A power that seems to only be capable of truly being utilized by the chosen six. Shooting nothing but rainbows to solve your problems. How is it that only six ponies can truly harness it? Anypony should be able to. So long as friendship is strong, right?” Funnel smirked. “That must mean that friendship is just super fickle. You maybe friends with ponies, but do you truly consider them friends? Do you exhibit anyone of the traits strongly enough to be able to harness that power?”
River glared at the stallion.
“As if you know friendship.” He retorted. “Let alone family.” Funnel laughed.
“Oh, such hurtful words! What would dear ol’ mama Wisp think about her potty mouthed deceased son?” He grinned uncaringly back. River stood up and socked Funnel across the cheek, sending the stallion tumbling to the ground.
“River, no!” Pepper called out. River shook his head.
“You better make it quick you four, because I’m beginning to lose my patience with this piece of garbage.” He growled. Funnel wiped his lip and stood up, chuckling.
“And what would happen to you when we get out of here? Would you just go back to the grave and wait and see if your ‘friends’ join you? If you feel too lonely, I can happily grant you all eternity together. Nothing like long lasting friendships, yes?” Scootaloo frowned.
“I’ve never seen a pony so distrustful and hostile towards others! How do you even continue to live with yourself?” She stated. Funnel shrugged.
“The same reason why the princesses seem to keep their immortality. The day they give that up is when Equestria is truly coming to an end.” He replied. Sweetie Bell arched a brow.
“So, you are holding out till the very end?” She asked. Funnel looked down at the locket in his hoof.
“My Equestria is possibly already at the end… but I won’t know until I can save it.” Pepper furrowed his brow worriedly. He then stepped forward, Funnel eyeing the colt as he approached.
“You really care about that pony, don’t you?” He asked. Funnel narrowed his eyes and continued to study the locket. Pepper bowed his head. “It must be nice to truly care about somepony. She must mean the whole world.” Pepper looked down at his journal. “I… always wondered how it’d feel like to have somepony like that. Just… a friend you can truly count on.” Pepper sat down on his haunches.
“It may not be as much of a deal to you, Funnel, but ever since I’ve started living in the orphanage, I’ve tried to make friends and even help around. I thought I did. But seeing as everything I was doing was being undermined by others, I… started to not put too much effort into anything anymore. I only wanted to be left alone after that.” He rubbed his foreleg. “Of course, only a couple had tried to extend their hooves out to me, but they would still continue to follow the leader.
“The times I really had to care about others is only ever because I was told too. By Princess Luna herself. ‘Protect your playmates.’ She made it clear I had to ensure their safety. Even the ones that undermine me. Why do I have to do so? Why did Luna pick me? Why do I have to care about ponies who don’t truly care about me?” Funnel looked up from the locket towards the colt. River and the Crusaders looked at Pepper worriedly. “I… I didn’t ask for any of this. If I knew my dreams were going to put me here, then maybe I shouldn’t have dreamt at all.”
Pepper shut his eyes, having flashbacks to seeing the many colts and fillies who got adopted before switching to Applebloom’s ghostly family.
“I shouldn’t dream of going to a family. I shouldn’t dream about what I want out of my life. What I want to be. I shouldn’t dream about making friends and I definitely shouldn’t dream anything that makes any remote sense if I knew this was the result of it.” Pepper stamped his hoof. Everypony was quiet. Applebloom stepped forward.
“But, you should always dream no matter what.” She said. Pepper peeked out from his bangs to the filly with a frown. “‘Ah know it may seem like there isn’t any hope for anypony out there. But ‘Ah’ve been told by ma’ family that we make the most o’ what we have.” She smiled. “We do have a few bad apples. But mostly they are jus’ misunderstood. If ya’ jus’ take the time ta’ understand them, then you’ll come ta’ realize that they are new friends.”
“Yeah! My parents aren’t really around much, but I do have ponies who have become my friends when they’ve come to watch me.” Scootaloo said with a smile. This shocked Pepper a bit, but seeing as the filly claimed there were other ponies watching her, his mood didn’t rise that much. Sweetie Bell walked with Scootaloo towards them.
“What we are trying to say is that even if it doesn’t seem like it, maybe if you just took the time to understand the others, you could have a whole new perspective of who you could call friends.” She said. Pepper worriedly looked at Sweetie Bell. He understands one thing. What the three are trying to do for him. Funnel looked between them and shrugged.
“Life sucks, kid. I’ll admit, I’m surprised to hear all of that. Maybe I should have taken our partnership a little more closely. In a way, you’re just like me.” He said. Pepper looked to Funnel and shook his head.
“But… I’m nothing like you.” He replied. Funnel gave a skeptical look. “I don’t have the courage to stare down life like you do, even if it is terrible. I’m always running away from my problems. I don’t have the guts to face it. Like I said, I only ever jumped in because I was told too. You stand defiantly in front of it, weather you are right or wrong.” Funnel’s look softened a bit. Pepper sighed. “The same could be said for you River. And you three as well.”
He turned to River. “You have amazing ideas. Some that I wasn’t up for at first. But taking time to think about it, they do play off well into my own. But seeing you take the lead tonight, I wish I had that much critical thinking like you. And to you three.” He turned to the Crusaders. “You all have a bond that rivals that of the heroes of Equestria. A pony like me… I’m not able to have something like that.” He walked over to the black book and eyed it. “I’m an orphan. I don’t have anywhere to belong too. Even if I do have a family, there is no guarantee that it’ll be a healthy one.” He sighed and bowed his head. “I’m in no position to choose. How can I? I can’t even figure out how to become friends with ponies I’ve known throughout my life?”
The Crusaders gave sad looks before they walked over to him.
“Pepper…” Scootaloo began.
“‘Ah know things have been rough lately. There is a lot of pressure on you. And it can get overwhelmin’. But ya’ can’t let those bad impressions affect you so negatively.” Applebloom said with a reassuring hoof on his back. “Friendships take time. Ya’ can’t rush ‘em. They’ll come aroun’ eventually. Same as you. Why, ‘Ah’d say you already have us an’ River.” Pepper looked at the filly sadly. The other two nodded.
“Exactly! We know you aren’t the best under pressure. But we can always help you take the initiative. All you have to do is ask.” Scootaloo said with a smile. Pepper studied the three, seeing their genuine smiles. For some reason, Pepper felt they wouldn’t have lied to him here. River stood up and rubbed his own foreleg. As he walked over to them, they saw him began shrinking to that of a colt again. He stood before them and sighed.
“I’m… sorry Pepper. I didn’t mean to put you through so much grief. I only ever wanted to… well… be around a bit longer. Protect mom from evil. I caused her so much loss and pain all because I found that dumb book. I kept showing up to you because I’ve felt drawn to you. You have something about you that made me able to do something I couldn’t when I was alive. And seeing your dreams and ideas… I guess… I just wanted to make a friend myself.” He sighed. “I’d understand if you didn’t want me around you anymore. I haven’t been keeping your safety in mind as much as I thought.”
Pepper arched a brow as the colt continued. “Those creatures we kept running into. They were hunting me. I… may have done something long ago that caused them to do so. For a while I wandered, trying to escape them. Then I came across you and I don’t know why, but I felt… safe with you. Of course, that didn’t stop them.” River bowed his head. “I truly am sorry, Pepper.” Pepper studied the colt. Once again, he for some reason knew that River wasn’t lying to him.
Pepper smiled, but quickly dropped it when his journal began to glow. His journal floated out of his hooves and opened, a bright flash of light causing everypony to shield their eyes. The light dimmed and they watched as words began to write themselves in the pages and began to peel off of the paper, swirling around Pepper. The colt gave a worried look as he felt himself beginning to float up into the air as the words swirled around him.
He felt an overwhelming sensation of warmth surround him. The others watched in awe as a long scarf began to form around his neck, the tail elongating into claw like limbs that stretched out towards the black book. The black book responded by lashing out dark tendrils to bat at the claws. Everypony expected the claws to start ripping at the shadow, but it instead pacified the tendrils and scooped up the shadow, surrounding it in a bright light. The shadow squirmed inside of the hold.
The light began to churn and morph the shadow within, scribbled words trailed down the scarf tail and surrounded the shadow. Pepper watched in awe as the strange, swirling sphere of words and light now hovered slightly above the claw. Pepper touched the ground and looked baffled. What is happening?
He looked to the others, who seemed just as puzzled by it. He looked to see the journal hovering above him, the pages glowing. Words flowed from the pages like fog. Then, as if sculpting with clay, the claws began to mold what was once the shadow. The scarf claws, once finished, set down its’ creation and withdrew back to the colt. They looked to see that what was molded, to their utter shock and surprise, was Princess Luna, laying on her side as if sleeping.
“Princess Luna!” The Crusaders exclaimed in unison. They cantered over to her as Luna stirred and opened her eyes weakly. Pepper looked at her worriedly. She looked different. Paler, no flowing mane or tail. And when her eyes fully opened, they were colorless. River walked over to her.
“Princess? What happened to you?” He asked. Princess Luna pushed herself up, aided by the fillies. Luna gave a weak smile towards them before looking around.
“I… was pulled?” Her eyes met Pepper’s. “Young one. We do not know how long we have before we are pulled back in. Thou art so close. The last step to escaping this trial is the spark. Find it, Pepper. It is here in this very room!” She said, looking around in a worried panic. Everypony has never seen Luna terrified. Pepper balked and looked around as well.
‘Spark?! What spark?! How can I find a spark here?!’ Pepper thought. He gasped and everypony except for Luna backed away as the black book began to rise high into the air. Black fog quickly spewed out as it opened, a dark and sinister cold wind encapsulating the room. The fog began to surround Luna, claw like limbs grasping at her as the weakened alicorn struggled against them, grunting. Applebloom was the first to react, waving away the fog furiously, only to get swiped at. Scootaloo expanded her wings, growing them before flapping them towards the black book. It worked to lessen the fog, but more claws emerged and began to drag Luna back.
“What do we do?!” Sweetie Bell called out in panic. Pepper looked around in worry as River rushed towards Luna, grabbing ahold of her and trying to pull against the claws and being dragged along with her. Applebloom did the same, digging her hind hooves into the ground. Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell followed suite, the four now fighting against the pulling in a tug-o’-war.
“Children… stay back…!” Luna grunted, digging her own hooves into the ground to fight against it. Pepper looked to see the glowing journal still hovering but not glowing asd much as before. Pepper quickly hovered over to the journal and opened it, only to shield his eyes as a bright light flashed the room. The black book retreated its’ claws from Luna and let out an in-equine shriek. Luna and the others tumbled down onto the ground, the children scrambling to their hooves.
Applebloom and River dragged Luna away as Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell looked back at Pepper and smiled.
“Good one, Pepper!” Scootaloo cheered, a faint glow surrounding her. He didn’t do anything. The book was alive. A bubble formed around him and from the book, a beam of light shone in a cone at the black book. Pepper could see the black book smoking. The shrieking was getting louder and louder. Luna stood up and looked to the sight, gasping. Something about the light gave off a familiar power. Pepper felt an overwhelming sensation of power that he didn't think possible to have.
"Come on, Pepper! You got this!" Sweetie Bell called out, glowing suddenly. Applebloom smiled and nodded, glowing as well.
"This is all you, Pepper! Ya' ain't a coward!" she said. River held up a hoof in a cheering manner, glowing.
"Beat back the darkness, Pepper! Save everypony from this nightmare!" He said. His eyes darted worriedly between the group. Luna looked to the colt and gave him an encouraging smile. Proud even. Pepper gasped. He felt a spark within him. These ponies haven't left his side. They didn't ridicule him, nor have they ever talked down to him. They have always encouraged him and pushed him forward. Extending their hooves out to friendship and actually care about it.
Pepper gave them a determined look and nodded before turning back and taking a hold of the journal. With this newfound feeling within him, the room was filled with a silvery glow. The light swirling around him before lashing out towards the book. Princess Luna couldn’t believe her eyes. She didn’t think a power resembling that of the heroes could exist. The bubble around the colt resembling the full moon. The light that of the moon’s glow. And the faint color of a rainbow shined down upon the black book.
Everypony in the room shielded themselves as the black book lashed out its' own power, enshrouding the room in darkness. Luna pulled everypony in, including Funnel, to cast a protective barrier around them, the only light being from the children. Pepper took a deep breath. The words from the journal began circling around him, peeling off of the page. The words were being translated in front of him. He recited:
“From the darkness, shineth the light. Evil shall bask in the moon’s light. Yield before the might of my dream. Behold, the will of the lucid king!” Pepper exclaimed, his voice echoing through the darkness. The light brightened and everything went white.
Twilight and the others were galloping through the woods, the hooded figure staying with them. Fluttershy yelped as she was pulled aside by Rainbow Dash as a lanky limb tried to grab her. Applejack sprang forward in her gallop to avoid a limb swiping at her. The hooded figure waved the lantern in front of them, desperately trying to fend off the shadows around them. Rarity shrieked as she had to come to a halt as several limbs lashed out and grabbed her. Twilight gasped and quickly spun around, firing a beam that sliced the limbs and freeing Rarity, which Applejack proceeded to pull along to keep her moving.
All it took was on misstep that caused them to be in this situation. And they made it so far to follow the figure’s instructions. But the figure wasn’t counting on a stray shadow figure wandering in their path and bumping into Pinkie Pie. There was no laughing these creatures away. The pink party pony’s senses told her to run, causing the others to hurry too as soon as the figure let out a shriek. No pony has seen Pinkie this terrified. Twilight knew that this was no ordinary magic, but to cause somepony as positive as Pinkie, even in the face of danger, to run for her life, she began to think they had bitten off more than they could chew.
“We are almost there! Just a bit further!” The figure exclaimed. Twilight looked to her.
“How can you be sure?!” She asked, feeling a bit skeptical this time. Her skepticism was quelled when they barreled into open field. The fog was thick and black. But they could see a dim glow of a fallen lantern next to a house in the distance.
“Come on, ponies! Double time!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she looked back to see a dark shadow further in but gaining distance towards them. The group galloped across the field, arriving at a small patch of woodland that they had to stop at. Ahead of them, the shadows began to surround them.
Twilight was quick and threw a protective barrier around them. The moment she did, she felt a heavy pressure on her. She grunted and dug her hooves in, standing firm to keep the barrier going.
“What do we do now?!” Pinkie Pie rasped. Twilight grunted before responding.
“I… I don’t know…! It feels so… heavy…” Her friends gave her a worried look. Rarity turned to the figure.
“You got us into this! I hope you have something to get us out!” She said desperately. The figure turned to her, the figures apologetic expression hidden under her hood.
“I-I’m sorry… I wish I can do more. But…” she then looked down to her hooves. She scraped what was fresh dirt to reveal a destroyed coffin head with a skeletal pony skull grinning up at her. Rarity shrieked causing panic amongst the others. Applejack looked at the figure.
“Wh-what are you?!” She asked. The pony removed her hood, revealing herself to be Mrs. Marigold. The ponies were stunned in horrified awe, seeing pale skin and sunken, hollow eyes. A ghoulish expression saddened.
“I am Mrs. Marigold. This curse has been siphoning what little I have left in this realm. Soon, I will no longer be here. No peace. No hell. No existence. Only what remains of my being to rot away.” She replied. “Before I would vanish completely, I want to do something to help. Sadly… I did not account for the danger to be this persistent. I want to give Amber peace with her child before he too is lost forever. To see the children she cares for to fulfill their lives.” The heroes exchanged glances.
Twilight began to sweat as the pressure was piling on and on.
“Then… we keep going!” Twilight rasped. “We just have to push it back… somehow…!” Her friends nodded. They had to try something. But what? They do not have the Elements of Harmony in their possessions. They were all thinking the same thing at this point. If only they had the elements. Twilight’s barrier began to crack, Twilight buckling at her legs a bit as she refreshed her barrier to keep it going. She has to think of something. Perhaps she can teleport them out of here.
But what if that doesn’t work? What if it just keeps them in?
‘It’s now or never, Twilight!’ She thought to herself. Just as she was about to drop her barrier, the pressure was lifted. She quickly refreshed her barrier again and blinked in confusion.
“Whoa… what is that?!” Rainbow Dash asked, pointing ahead of them. They looked to see a glowing light from within the area they came from. Distant, but bright enough they could see it. Whatever it was, it put the pressure off of Twilight entirely. She could sense the entities changing focus. The light began to shine brighter and brighter, the unseen creatures howling now in protest.
From inside the orphanage, Mother Wisp huddled with the rest of the children. Some were asleep while the others were occupying themselves in their own thoughts. Torque's Echo Box crackled to life, startling them and even waking the rest of the children up. Mother Wisp grabbed the rifle and shouldered it before walking towards the box. She was about to turn it off when a voice began to echo through.
"From the darkness, shineth the light. Evil shall bask in the moon’s light. Yield before the might of my dream. Behold, the will of the lucid king!"
Alabaster's ears twitched and she gasped.
"Pepper?" She said with a dropped jaw. Mother Wisp looked to Alabaster quizzically. Before she could ask, light shined down the attic stairs. Mother Wisp readied the rifle, cautiously approaching the stairs and peeking around the corner. The hole where the bullet punctured through shone brightly. Mother Wisp darted her eyes. She could hear the howling outside in a chorus of protest. Mother Wisp peeked through the hole, seeing the shadows retreat out of the back door. Puzzled and strangely curious, she began to move the blockade back up the stairs and to the side. She turned to the kids.
"Stay here. Count to one hundred. If I am not back by then, barricade the door again. Help is coming. Just keep yourselves close." She said sternly. She cantered down the stairs. Merriweather turned to Alabaster.
"You heard Pepper from the Echo Box?" She asked. The children turned to her as the filly nodded. Torque tilted her head and twisted a knob. There was a soft, humming sound coming from it. They began to hear voices. Downstairs, Mother Wisp carefully approached the backdoor, softly moving aside the curtain with her rifle barrel. She gasped when she could see a bright light in the very distance. It was strange. It looked small, but the light was reaching the house as if it was the moon’s glow.
Mother Wisp could see a mass of shadows retreating towards the light. Then, as if from out of a genuine fantasy novel, a beam fired out into the sky, a faint rainbow-like phenomenon that Mother Wisp only ever heard about through a book she read as a filly. A Moonbow. Said to be rare here and can only be seen on certain nights in certain events. The moonbow streaked across the sky, the echoing howls quickly retreating into the woodlands.
Out in the fields, Twilight and her friends looked on in awe at the sight of a faint rainbow streaking across the sky. While nothing spectacular like their own rainbow power, Twilight could sense the strong magic behind it. Almost as if it was willed into existence. Twilight looked back and saw the mysterious mare… regain color. No longer ghoulish, even to the mare’s own surprise. Mrs. Marigold examined herself and began to laugh happily.
“He did it…” She giggled. Twilight’s friends exchanged puzzled glances.
“Who did?” Rarity asked. Mrs. Marigold looked up at the shining beam of light.
“A sleeping power long to have been forgotten. I’m glad the young colt is the one to hold such power.”
Back at the orphanage, Mother Wisp stared in awe at the brilliant light in the distance. The shadows and fog having cleared and no longer visible save for the natural shadows. The moon’s light shone down upon her and the orphanage. Mother Wisp hasn’t taken the time before to admire the beauty of the night. Or better yet, get a proper look at it. Her ears flicked as she heard movement from behind her. She looked over her shoulder to see the children stepping out of the house.
She would chastise them for not following directions. But then, she would have to explain why she had taken so long with no danger. However, they seemed just as occupied with the beam of light in the distance. No words were spoken, but they all thought about it. They had made it through whatever hell had fallen upon them. Mother Wisp has never felt so old in her life.
Pepper groaned awake. His head was pounding as he groggily pushed himself up off the ground. He put a hoof to his head and shook it, looking around. He gasped with wide eyes as he saw the black book opened with his scarf strewn to the side. Thick shadows were flailing out of it. Or was it in? He couldn’t quite tell if the book was releasing or taking it back. Either way, the black book is still around. Ignoring his bloodied hoof, he quickly and cautiously moved over to his scarf and picked it up.
A dim, glowing hue not too far off caught his attention. His journal. He cantered over to pick it up and opened it. The glow brightened and dimmed, as if it was breathing. He looked up and saw the hanging net. The three fillies were asleep inside. Off to the side, Funnel was on his side, sleeping as well. Pepper looked at his scarf, hoping it could still work to help the three down. He wrapped the scarf around his neck and to his pleasant surprise, the scarf glowed and the tails came to life.
Another thing he noticed as well. Luna and River weren’t around them. It appears he had come back into the waking realm. He looked back down to his journal as the claws began to help the three fillies down from the net, placing them gently to safety. He had to wake them up. He took a deep breath and held the journal in one hoof, having it on the page of the prayer. The words were no longer gibberish. He could understand it.
He readied himself and began to recite the prayer:
“That which walks among the shadows, feasts upon the innocent sleep, thou shalt yield to the light. The sun’s embrace warms thy cold shell while the moon’s glow radiates thy path to cleansing. Bathe in their light. Welcome it. Thou cannot harm nor shield thyself through others. For they too are protected by the embrace of the sun and moon. Let go of the darkness. Seek the light. Let go of the darkness. Seek the light.” His eyes began glowing as a cold wind began to swirl around him.
The shadows from the black book began to howl and shriek, flailing wildly. From the book, an orb of light floated out of the pages. Pepper could sense the entity in pain. The orb of light floated and began to grow, hovering around him before swaying towards the fillies. It laid itself down next to them and the orb began to shift and mold itself into a pony. Not just any pony. Princess Luna groaned as the light from the orb began to dim. Pepper gave a relieved, silent sigh. Returning to face the black book, he recited the passage again.
Upon the third reciting, he put a bit more command into his tone. That got a reaction out of it as it began to use the shadows as limbs to crawl away. Unfortunately for it, one of the claws slammed down on it, pinning it in place. Pepper felt strangely amazing. The flowing warmth and power he could feel gave him a feeling he has never fully been able to achieve. Confidence. He had a small smirk across his face as he recited the prayer one last time.
In a magnificent light show spectacular, the fog began to clear and with one final and pained in-equine shriek, the claw ripped the shadow from the book. It squirmed almost similar to the slug creatures. Pepper frowned at the sight. This very thing is a culmination of all the negative energy the book had collected. It was the only logical thing that made sense to him. But how did such a thing get so bad like this? No pony would think anymore about it as the other claw met with the other one and both crushed the creature into sticky mulch. The shadow began to fade away, peeling apart into a wispy smoke, up high into the now clearing moonlit night sky. Pepper felt very exhausted suddenly. He sat down on his haunches and panted.
He did it. However it worked, he cleansed the book. This nightmare is over. Or so he thought. He looked tiredly in surprise as Funnel had stirred awake at some point and walked over to the black book. He frowned down at the object and tapped it.
"Huh. Well, I'll be damned, kid. You got to be the hero of the day. Or night. Whatever you care for." He studied the book before looking at the colt. Funnel did a double take at the book as he noticed something loosely hanging out of the pages. He reached down and withdrew the letter. Pepper balked as the uncaring look of Funnel widened into joy. "And now this whole night has finally turned around for the better." He held up the letter. "Hahahah! I can finally be free of this cesspit of a sister ruling land! And I have you to thank for it." He snickered as Pepper looked terrified at him. Funnel fanned the letter at his face, grinning like a foal in a circus. "Ever had cider? It's spicey and has a bit of a kick. But no harm sharing a drink or two. From one orphan to another." Pepper stood up and glanced fearfully between the pony and the letter. Funnel's joy vanished in an instant and he sighed.
"What's with that look? I may have been in a state of crazy in that damned dream. But here in the real world, no pony can control me. Not even a damned cursed object." Funnel kicked the black book in front of them, the now withered and crumpling book laying between them. "I held my tongue during your whole 'friendship is magic' shpeel. I wanted out of there as much as anypony. You saved the princess. Saved your friends. Saved the orphanage and even banished a nightmare from this realm. You should be celebrating. How about it kid? You and me can get out of here. Live a better life than here. I can take you under my wing and we would live happily ever after in Ponyland." Pepper shook his head and bit his lip, his mind racing. Funnel sighed.
"Suite yourself." Funnel frowned. He stuffed the letter in his gardening tunic and turned around. However, he had seemed to forgotten he had led the kids into his traps. He yelped as a rope snapped to life around his hind hooves and flung him into the air. The letter fluttered to the ground. Without any more hesitation, Pepper cantered forward and snatched the letter in his teeth before bolting out from under him. "What the!? Get the hell back here!!" Funnel shouted. Pepper didn't look back as Funnel used his body strength to lift himself up and unfasten the rope, falling onto the ground with an "oof" before standing up and panting. His expression furious and crazed. He can't lose here. Somepony is waiting for him. "Alright kid... I've had enough games." He turned around and picked up the shovel. "I tried to be nice. Open minded. Even extended my own hoof out in friendship." He shifted the shovel in his hoof. He looked down and could see the locket broken at his hooves. The beautiful mare smiling through the X'ed out paint. "No going back." He then turned and began to gallop in the direction of where Pepper fled off too.
Pepper huffed and panted as he galloped through the wooded areas, unsure of where he was going. He didn't care where, however, as anywhere would be good enough to keep Funnel from harming anypony else. He wasn't sure what was so important in this letter, but he knew a bad pony like Funnel shouldn't have it. Pepper gasped, ducking as he saw a rusty shovel sail at him, impaling into the tree above him. Pepper scrambled to his hooves as Funnel hopped over a fallen tree and withdrew the shovel from the tree.
"You can't run forever, kid! We don't have to do this!" Funnel called out before chasing after him. Pepper scampered like a mouse through the woods, using tree roots and his terrain to throw Funnel off. Which worked for a bit. But it seems that the Royal Guard instincts were kicking in and Funnel was now able to deftly sidestep and even do some strange maneuvers around obstacles. Doing so made him catch up to Pepper, which the colt had to come to a screeching halt and pivot back as Funnel brought the shovel down where the colt was a second earlier. A loud thunk from the shovel hitting the ground meant Funnel was done with him. Pepper's courage went out the window. He's going to die here. Pepper scurried away, only for Funnel to pass him and give a deft buck with a single hind hoof to Pepper's side. Pepper felt the wind leave him as he rolled away, coughing as his body screamed from the pain. Funnel huffed and shifted the shovel around him, stepping towards the colt.
"It didn't have to come to this. You would have been safe and sound with Mother Wisp and the others. Have a party thrown in your heroics. But you had to go and do something so stupid. And here I thought you were becoming a stallion after that cleansing. But in the end, you will forever remain a ghost to this world. Suffering as much as everypony else with no recognition whatsoever. Time to sleep forever." Funnel brought the shovel up, grinning. Pepper's eyes widened in terror, unable to move out of fear. Pepper shut his eyes and braced himself. As Funnel raised the shovel high, the colt's scarf came to life. The claws lashed out and grabbed the shovel. Funnel balked and pulled back against the tugging. "Dammit!" He exclaimed as the other claw came around and slugged Funnel across the face. Pepper opened his eyes to see Funnel dancing around the claws that were lashing at him and tugging at his shovel. Funnel was surprisingly spry against something like this.
Pepper stood up and watched in awe as the stallion fought back against the scarf. Funnel grunted as he tugged back on the shovel. Eventually, he freed the shovel and bit down on one of the scarf tails. Pepper dug his hooves in as he tried not to be pulled along as the sudden reaction from his scarf surprised him. Funnel pulled and an audible rip reached their ears. Pepper tumbled and rolled back into a tree with a yelp. Shaking away his daze, he gasped in horror as Funnel stood triumphantly with a flailing scarf tail in his teeth. Pepper felt his scarf loosen around his neck. Pepper held onto it as he watched the other tail flail about before wilting. Funnel spat the tail in his mouth out and stamped it with a hoof several times. When he was done venting, he glared at the colt, only to find that Pepper had vanished. Funnel glanced around, his eyes like that of a predator.
"I said I didn't want to play hide and seek, kid. Just give up. I'm faster than you and stronger than you here. You can try to fight it, but I guarantee you'll be seeing the tip of my shovel quicker than you can squeak." He growled. Pepper peeked out from behind two trees, holding his breath. He ducked back when Funnel's gaze looked in his direction. Pepper's mind was panicked and all over the place. He had to get out of here. He needs to lose Funnel and get to safety. But... where would safety be? Pepper was at a lost. Then, he looked ahead, eyes widened as he saw a cloaked figure. It was hard to make out the figure. But with the raised side, he could tell it was pointing. Pepper's ears flicked as he could hear Funnel moving around close by. He took a moment to calm himself as best he could. He counted to three in his head. Upon reaching three, he bolted from his hiding spot just as Funnel turned to him.
Funnel shifted his frown before cantering after him. Pepper panted as he hurriedly rushed past trees and shrubs, scratching himself on a couple of trees he ran into. A stray branch even cut his cheek, but he continued on. He saw the cloaked figure ahead and point to the left before vanishing. What was going on? Who is this pony? He turned and followed the direction. The pony appeared again and pointed to the right. Pepper followed. He could hear Funnel gaining on him. Pepper rasped as he saw a clearing ahead of him. Gaining a burst of speed, Pepper barreled through the bushes and found himself back in the field. The orphanage directly ahead. No... it wasn't an orphanage. It was a house. One he recognized in his dream. The first time he met River. Pepper bolted as Funnel tripped and tumbled out of the woods, swiping at Pepper. The colt galloped away, heading towards the house. Funnel scrambled to his hooves and galloped after him.
Pepper panted, reaching the house and bolting for the door. He nearly stumbled as the door opened, letting him inside. Pepper fell forward onto his stomach and looked back, bracing himself as Funnel cantered up the porch, only to have the door slam in his face and sending him back down the porch into a tumble. Pepper panted, looking around in a panic. The house looked to have seen better days. Peeling wallpaper, the smell of mildew and some litter here and there. Almost as if somepony had turned this place inside out in search for something. Pepper looked down and saw the letter at his hooves. It must have fallen out when he fell forward. He quickly picked it up and stuffed it in his journal he had under his wing the whole time. He flinched and quickly scampered away when he heard Funnel begin to buck against the door. He had to hide. He looked around, looking between objects and even thinking if he could make a hiding spot.
"Psst." Pepper turned, expecting to see somepony, only to find no pony there. His ears flicked as he heard knocking from below just a couple of hoofsteps ahead of him. He tilted his head, seeing the floor look strangely different. He removed the rug to reveal a trap door. Pepper gasped, looking over to see Funnel beginning to hack away at the door with his shovel. Without a second thought, Pepper grunted as he struggled to open the trap door. It was heavy at first, but then became lighter once he lifted it an inch up. Pepper quickly descended the steps, not looking back and hearing the trap door shut behind him and the sound of objects being dragged above him. Pepper stepped down the steps quietly. Carefully treading into the pitch black of the underground basement, he found a small crawl space that he crawled into, ignoring the old spider webs decorating some of it. He'd rather deal with arachnophobia than a pony wanting to murder a child anyday.
Up above, Funnel finally bucked the door open and entered the house, snorting and looking around. The moon's light illuminated the tattered and old house.
"Where are youuuuu?" Funnel grinned, taking a step into the house. His eyes darted around. This house is a single story. So, the colt wouldn't be too far away. Funnel went over to a sofa and gave it a hefty buck, knocking it over, only to frown when no colt was to be found. The grandfather clock that was tipped over onto the side began to chime four times. It was almost dawn. Panic began to betray Funnel. He isn't going back empty hoofed. Funnel began to shift and throw aside stuff, searching for anything to get at the colt. He made his way into the other room and began tearing it apart. When nothing was found, he went to the next, slamming cupboards from the kitchen and the bathroom. When he exited the bathroom, he noticed an unusual amount of decor piled into one part of the house.
Funnel began to buck and toss aside the decor. When nothing was shown for his progression, he clicked his tongue, fixing to turn away only to double take once more to see the rug below tufted up, revealing a strange texture in the wooded floor. Funnel smirked and tossed the rug away. As Funnel was about to reach for the handle, the objects in the house began to move on their own. Sliding back into place and startling the stallion. A couple of pots and pans flew out from the kitchen and towards him. The stallion was hit across the head by one and batted the other away. Funnel's anger grew.
"You think a ghost is going to prevent me from getting out of here? Buck that! You cannot stop me!" Funnel spun around and with an angry heave, threw a heavy decor aside causing a window to shatter. More objects flew out to hit him, but Funnel ignored it, even a knife that zipped by and grazed his cheek. He grinned and began to hack at the trap door with his shovel. A chair slid towards him, but the stallion bucked it away with a deft buck of a single hind leg, splintering the chair against the wall. He hacked and stamped on the trap door, the wood cracking and splintering beneath him. In another desperate attempt to stop him, the sofa from the lounge room slid and tipped up high over the stallion, bearing down on him. Funnel took and felt the brunt of the weight of the sofa, his legs almost buckling under him. Showing pure anger strength controlling him, he roared and heaved the sofa off of him. It crashed loudly back into the room. Funnel gave a stamp. Another one. And one more for good measure. On the fourth one, the trap door gave way and Funnel yelped as he landed on the steps of the basement, twisting a hoof and falling down the steps, landing hard onto his back, the wind being knocked out of him.
Funnel coughed and groaned, wincing as he limply pushed himself off of the ground, rasping. The basement was dark. Thankfully for him, a lantern was hanging off to the side. Funnel picked it off the hook and withdrew matches from his tunic, striking it with the bottom of his hoof and lighting the lantern. The basement was cluttered with antiques in the back but an open space showed gardening and harvesting tools hanging from a worker’s bench.
Funnel held the lantern up high and carefully scanned the area. He limped around the room, waving the lantern to illuminate dark corners. From the crawl space, Pepper covered his muzzle and silently breathed, trying not to make a sound. Funnel stopped just a few inches away from the crawl space, scanning the clutter. Pepper could hear his heartbeat in his ears, a constant ringing increasing his panic.
When he had thought he made a sniffle, he crawled a bit back as Funnel turned around, only for the stallion to tilt his head back towards the entrance. Pepper noticed Funnel fixated on something. No, not something. Somepony. A cloaked figure was crying and facing the wall, face buried in her hooves.
Funnel frowned and shook his head.
“Well, well. Another thing to throw at me? I don’t know who you are or what you are. But nothing you can do here will have power over me. And if this is another dream. Well, then I shouldn’t worry about the consequences of what I’m about to do.” He reached for a sickle at the workbench and held the lantern in his teeth. He faced the figure who now stood up. “Well then? I’m waiting for whatever hellish creature you are.”
“If I had known you’d stoop this low for one child, I should have done something sooner.” The figure spoke, lowering their hooves. Funnel arched a brow. “You should leave the dead to rest, Funnel Cake. There are consequences for messing with such boundaries.” Funnel narrowed his eyes at the figure.
“And you know me, how?” He asked, shifting the sickle in his injured hoof. The figure didn’t turn around but continued to speak.
“The dead remember the faces of the living. But it is ever so hard for the living to remember the faces of those that are grounded to this realm.” Funnel shook his head.
“Riddles and riddles. Always with riddles. Listen, pony. I’m not leaving till I get that letter.” He growled.
“Or your life depends on it? Isn’t that what you should be so worried about? A stallion with nothing left to lose?” The figure replied. “This isn’t like you at all.” The figure finally turned around and faced Funnel. The features hidden under the hood. “The Funnel I know would never hunt a child down for his own gain. You’ve lost yourself, Funnel. And I’m afraid there really is no going back.” The figure then removed the hood and Funnel dropped the lantern and sickle. The lantern shattered and rolled with the flame still active.
“H-Honeydew?” Funnel’s voice cracked. His facade changed entirely. A look of recognition and confused joy. “How… I thought…” Pepper saw the figure be a beautiful mare, resembling that from the locket. Her mane draped into a curl over her shoulder and a beauty mark under her left eye. A stoic expression across her face turned into that of disappointment and sadness. Honeydew put a hoof to her chest.
“Morgue is a liar. You’ve known this. Yet, you followed him like a little lap dog in a hoof bag.” Honeydew sighed. “You need to let go of the past, Funnel. Please. I beg of you. Just walk away from all of this.” Funnel’s expression softened. He bowed his head, his look darkening.
“I… I can’t… I’m too far deep into this. I have to do this. I need to get you back. I can’t bear the pain any longer.” He said through shuttered breaths. Honeydew frowned.
“Black magic, Funnel. You saw it first hoof with the book. You need to let me sleep in peace. I don’t… I don’t want to lose myself to whatever hideous promise Morgue gave you…” She then looked pleadingly at Funnel. “Please, my love. Do not chase the child. Do not harm yourself any further. Just walk away. Hide yourself and never look back.” Funnel studied the mare. Pepper could see the posture change drastically.
Funnel truly wanted to listen to her. His eyes longing for his lover. Pepper then looked to the lantern, noticing the flame resting on what appeared to be curtains draped over some of the clutter. It was beginning to smoke. Pepper’s eyes widened and looked back to the confrontation. He needs to get out of here. But Funnel had the whole room to himself. He would definitely be caught trying to sneak out. Pepper then saw Honeydew meet his look and sighed. Funnel finally spoke.
“Honeydew… I want too. I didn’t want any of this to happen. But… I had no choice. It was this or…”
“Or be turned over to authorities for stealing from The Duke? You never cared for the status of others. Why does this frighten you so?” She asked. Funnel shook his head.
“I… made an error. I lost you in the process of such an act… I aim to correct it…” He replied. Honeydew looked hurt.
“Is that really what you want?” She asked. Funnel bowed and nodded.
“I… need you…” He replied. Honeydew’s look suddenly turned to saddened anger. Her look darkened and her body began to shake.
“You… would hurt me even more? Even when I’m no longer around… you still only care about yourself?” Her voice shuttered. Funnel looked up, a look of shock on his face.
“N-no! That’s not-!” Honeydew silenced him by glaring angrily at him. He gasped and backed away as her beautiful features began to decay.
“I wanted to believe you have changed. That you would be there for me. Yet you chose to selfishly pursue this sin. All for what? Your personal desire? How could you do this to me, Funnel? Am I not enough for you to love?” Funnel was speechless as he backed away at the advancing mare. A skeletal grin stared him down and her eyes were replaced with glowing fiery orbs in the sockets. Pepper gasped as he now saw the fire beginning to creep up the draped curtains and spreading unusually quickly.
Funnel stepped back enough and felt a burning sting on his flank that caused him to turn and balk at the fire beginning to rise. Pepper bit his lip. It was now or never. Funnel turned just as Pepper crawled out from his hiding spot and scampered towards the steps. Funnel didn’t hesitate to move towards him, only to be stopped by Honeydew, now a skeletal pony, glaring in front of him.
“You truly don’t love me, do you? You won’t let me go. Why do you insist on continuing to hurt me?!” Honeydew rasped. Funnel winced, his eyes looking past her to see Pepper quickly canter up the steps. Funnel’s look was unclear. Yet, he growled and went straight through Honeydew, the mare puffing into black smoke as Funnel rushed towards the steps, looking up to see the colt try to squeeze through the hole in the trap door. Funnel cantered up the stairs and Pepper yelled as he was tugged back into the basement.
Pepper squirmed and struggled against the stallion’s bite as he was brought back down and tossed out into the middle of the basement, the fire spreading around them.
“I can’t have any witnesses! Give me that letter… now!” Funnel hissed. Pepper began to cough as the smoke started to surround them. Funnel coughed and walked over to the colt. Pepper scrambled away from him, only for Funnel to step on his tail to prevent him from galloping. “No more running!” He snapped, a crazed look in his eyes. “I don’t believe that thing to be Honeydew! Just another lousy trick! How dare you use her against me!” Pepper had no idea what he was going on about.
Pepper grunted and panicked as he was then bit by the mane and yanked around. The fire began to spread into the house, fabric being caught from the heat rising. Funnel tossed the colt against the wall, Pepper feeling the wind leave him before slumping forward onto the ground. The journal slid out from under him with the letter poking out. Funnel panted and coughed. Pepper weakly reached out to his journal as Funnel picked it up and glared uncaringly down at the colt.
“I hope you rot in Tartarus, kid. I’ll be finally free of my own nightmare this time.” He said. Pepper gasped, his eyes widening as he saw the smoke above began to form into the fire. And from the fire, a figure formed. A skeletal pony, whose entire skull was engulfed in flames, stood behind Funnel. Funnel narrowed his eyes and looked behind him, balking as the flaming skeleton creature reached out at him.
A loud shriek from it was deafening. Funnel was yanked forward as the skeleton pony embraced him.
“N-no!! Get off me!!” He panicked, trying to pull away from the creature. Pepper saw the letter drop from him. Pushing himself up and mustering what strength he had left, he crawled over and scooped up the letter, sticking it in the book and then tying his scarf around the journal. Funnel looked to see the colt limp his way towards the steps. “Pepper! Pepper, please! You have to help me!! Save me!!” Funnel cried out as the flames began to set on his tunic.
Pepper paused and hesitated, looking horrified as the skeletal creature of Honeydew embraced her lover for what would be his last one. Honeydew gurgled her words.
“Look what you’ve done to me, Funnel!! I’ll never forgive you!!” She shrieked. Funnel shook his head furiously, trying his best to fight back. Whatever hold she had on him, the stallion couldn’t break it. And soon, Pepper heard Funnel scream in pain as the fire began to engulf him. Funnel called out to the colt pleadingly. But Pepper shut his eyes and quickly cantered up the steps, wanting to avoid seeing the aftermath of the event. That and he needs to get out of here before he joins them.
Pepper coughed, the smoke filling his lungs as he crawled through the hole in the trapdoor and then found it hard to look for the door. His eyes teared up and he began to crawl onto the floor. Where was it? The fire was out of control. The blaze around him extreme that he almost felt like he was being set on fire himself. When he found what would be a path through crumpling support beams, he crawled through and painfully made his way out. The door was in sight. Pepper pushed himself up and just as he was about to make his way towards the door, the roof collapsed and blocked it.
Pepper felt a moment of disbelief until his eyes looked to the window. The shattered window might just be enough. Now or never. Pepper was careful to climb up a chair that hadn’t caught fire yet. Coughing, he took his wrapped-up journal and began to brush away at the broken glass. He felt something hot sting him in the rump. He did his best to ignore the itching as he made a hole big enough to crawl through. His hopes rose as he finally made it out of the burning house, coughing as he landed onto the porch.
He began to make his way down with his journal under his wing. However, he paused when he heard something crunch behind him. He looked up in time to see a heavy support beam from the porch fall down on top of him. Pepper fell with the weight, his journal bouncing away and out onto the ground. Pepper felt his body screaming at him as he tried to push the heavy beam off of him, only for the rest of the porch to fall around him.
He felt something hard hit his head and the world went black.
Mother Wisp watched as Twilight and her friends rushed over to them from the fields. The nanny gave a tired sigh of relief.
“Princess Twilight!!” Some of the kids called out. The heroes galloped up to them and Twilight looked relieved to see everypony alright.
“Thank Celestia you all are okay!” Fluttershy stated as she floated over to a colt who was on the verge of crying. She smiled and gently pat his back. Applejack walked over to Mother Wisp with Twilight while the others went to check on the children.
“Everypony is safe now.” Applejack said, though her worry still displayed. Twilight returned the look and nodded.
“Let’s hope so.” She then looked back to see that the shining light began to fade into a faint rainbow. “Whatever that rainbow was, it was powerful enough to draw its’ attention. I’m… still trying to figure that out.” Twilight said. Mother Wisp sighed.
“I… this is all my fault…” she said. Everypony looked between each other as Mother Wisp sat on her haunches and bowed her head. Twilight gave a kind smile and placed a gentle hoof under the mare’s chin, lifting her to meet her sad gaze.
“Let’s just take it easy. Tell me what happened from the start.” She said. The nanny studied the look of the Princess of Friendship. She adverted her eyes and found the ground to be much more pleasing to look at. She then began to recount everything that led up to this. Her family inheritance. The trial. Her child discovering the black book that led to their misfortune. How she failed to rid of it way before. She then explained that Alabaster had alerted them to the danger and thus were able to take quick action to keep themselves safe.
When she finished her story, she buried her hooves into her face. She wept. All the frustration and regret pouring out of her.
“I should have disposed of it… I… my youngest would be alive… my oldest would be a fine stallion… my husband would be playing with the children…” she looked up to Twilight, a hopeless look through the tears in her eyes. “I… I didn’t know…” she sniffled. Twilight gave the nanny a hug as the mare buried herself into her chest, weeping uncontrollably. The children exchanged sad glances. Merriweather walked forward and tugged on Mother Wisp’s dress. The nanny sniffled and pulled herself away from Twilight, wiping her eyes.
She looked to Merriweather, who then presented the teddy bear to her. Mother Wisp sniffled and wiped her eyes again before smiling and taking the bear.
“Th-thank you, dear…” she said through a small cough. Echo Heart then walked up and hugged the nanny, catching her totally off guard. Then Macaroni hugged her, followed by Torque. Then another colt. Two fillies. Tea Stout and Pallet. Then Merriweather. Every child, save for Alabaster, hugged the nanny. Mother Wisp was baffled. However, she smiled and hugged the children as best she could. Rarity did her best to stifle her own tears along with Pinkie Pie.
Alabaster watched the sight with stoic interest. It’s not that she didn’t want to join in. In fact, the filly felt overjoyed with their safety. Yet, that deep guilt of having lost Pepper and three others to a bad pony weighed heavy on her. She felt responsible for letting it happen. She could have done something more.
Yet, like her late mother, a lady must never show weakness in the face of sadness. Only determination to set things right and with a brave face can tackle it. She wasn’t sure how long they were going for. But as she looked to the moon, she squinted her eyes and saw black smog tainting the color of the moon a bit. She noticed the trail and followed it, gasping as something bright and orange in the distance could be seen. She stood up and cantered past everypony, catching their attention. She then pointed towards the smoke.
“I-I think that’s a fire!” She stated. Everypony looked and Applejack frowned.
“She’s right. That’s the glow of fire over yonder.” She said. Rainbow Dash flew up high and scanned the area. She could see the glow from the field over. She flew back down and nodded to them.
“There’s a house in the next field on fire. There might be somepony trapped in there!” She said. Mother Wisp gasped with wide eyes.
“Th-that’s Mrs. Marigold’s house! B-but what on earth happened there? That house hasn’t been lived in ever since she passed!” She stated. Pinkie Pie rubbed her chin.
“Passed? But… we were just with her.” She said. Mother Wisp stared puzzled at the mare as well as her friends.
“Say… now that ya’ mention it… where did that mare get to?” Applejack stated. Rarity’s eyes widened.
“Applejack… that skeleton we saw earlier… that pony knew about it… in the patch of woodlands…” she said. Mother Wisp looked worriedly at her.
“A circle of woodlands in the fields that aren’t connected to the actual woods? That’s where she was laid to rest.” She replied. The looks darkened for the heroes, save for Fluttershy who looked horrified.
“A-are you saying…” Fluttershy began. Rainbow Dash shook her head.
“We can dwell on it later! We have to do something about that fire!” She said. Twilight nodded.
“Dash is right. If that fire gets out of control, the whole fields and more would be set ablaze.” She turned to Mother Wisp. “Get in touch with rescue. We’ll do our best to ensure no major damages happen. If it does get worst, flee the fields. You and the children come first.” Mother Wisp was speechless. Truly, these six are indeed heroes. Merriweather looked worriedly at them.
“Becareful!” She said. Twilight smiled and nodded.
“We will. Come on!” Twilight turned and began to gallop down the fields with her friends closely behind her. Mother Wisp and the children watched their figures get smaller and smaller before they disappeared in the woods. Alabaster looked towards the glow in the distance. She couldn’t help but feel that somewhere out there, Pepper might be okay.
Applebloom, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo finally stirred from their slumber. Applebloom yawned and rubbed her eyes.
“Urgh… what time is it?” She asked groggily. Scootaloo sat up and stretched.
“I don’t know. But I feel like I slept too much…” The filly replied.
“Princess Luna!” Sweetie Bell called out. The fillies saw a pale and flowingless maned Princess Luna on her side. Sweetie Bell went to check on her, putting her ear to Luna’s muzzle. She could feel her breathing. Weak, but there. She let a relieved sigh. “She’s okay. But we have to get her help. Applebloom and Sweetie Bell proceeded to help Luna up, who seemed to be coming too. Scootaloo looked around.
“Where’s Pepper and Funnel?” She asked. Sweetie Bell and Applebloom looked to see that their friend was right. No Ghost Pepper or Funnel was in sight. Luna groaned and opened her eyes. She looked tired, but she managed to push herself off the ground, leaning against Applebloom a bit.
“Urgh… I-I am alright, young ones…” she rasped weakly. Applebloom frowned at her.
“That’s the understatement of the century.” She said. Princess Luna rose and shook away her daze. She looked to see the black book in the open. Or what was left of it. It was now nothing but crumpled paper. Luna sighed and nodded.
“Tis over now. Pepper has succeeded in his task. Yet… it appears we are still… without our power.” She said. Luna furrowed her look. Everything that happened in Canterlot was a blur. Yet, while she was floating endlessly in the darkness, she felt herself being pulled out and appeared in the dream she created as a scape goat if anything went awry. Something she remembers reading as a filly ages ago. After Pepper began his prayer, everything went black for her and thus she had no recollection of events after.
Scootaloo hummed and looked at the ground.
“Say… these hoofprints seem to trail off that way.” She said, pointing to the woods ahead of them. Applebloom and Sweetie Bell trotted over to her and their eyes followed the trail together. Luna felt exhausted, but she straightened herself and nodded.
“With any luck, they won’t be far.” She said, taking the lead. The fillies exchanged worried glances before following after her. All four knew that the disappearance of Funnel and Pepper wasn’t a good sign. The Crusaders had to remind themselves that Luna wasn’t at full strength at the moment, having to stop and ensure she was okay enough to still walk.
The further they traversed the trail, they came to a point where the hoof prints were all over the place. Sweetie Bell frowned, unable to tell where it began and ended.
“What happened in this area? It’s like they stopped to have a dance off or something…” Scootaloo stated. Luna’s eyes darted around, tracking any small detail she could find. She noticed a wilted piece of cloth. Her eyes widened when she realized what it was. A piece of the colt’s scarf. Suddenly, the four began to smell burning wood. Applebloom rubbed her head.
“Ya’ll smell somethin’?” She asked. Scootaloo sniffed and gave a disgusted look, covering her muzzle.
“It smells like barbecue at a Griffon’s birthday party…” She said. Sweetie Bell blinked and looked to her quizzically.
“You’ve been to a Griffon barbecue?” She asked. Applebloom pointed.
“Look!” She said. They did and from the distance, they could make out an orange glow. Luna’s eyes widened.
“Fire. We must hurry, children.” She said suddenly, picking up her pace into a small canter. The fillies blinked and trailed after her.
“What’s goin’ on? Somethin’ bad happenin’?” She asked. Luna nodded.
“I am afraid Pepper is in danger! Quickly!” She stated. The three nodded determinedly and picked up their pace. Following the smell, the forest began to have a thick fog around it. They then broke through the bushes and looked on in shock at the burning house further up the field.
“Pepper!!” Applebloom called out as she galloped towards the house. The rest followed. As they approached the house, they noticed figures emerging from the woods. They galloped towards the house. The Crusaders beamed as they saw Twilight and her friends rushing towards the house.
“Twilight! Rarity!” Sweetie Bell called out. Rarity stopped and looked with the others. Rarity beamed.
“Sweetie Bell! You’re okay!!” She quickly galloped over to her little sister and the two embraced each other. Applejack rushed over and hugged Applebloom, nearly crushing the filly.
“Don’t ya’ ever scare us like that again!” Applejack said sternly, yet relieved to see her little sister okay. Rainbow Dash scooped up Scootaloo and tossed her onto her back. Scootaloo hugged Rainbow Dash and smiled.
“Do you know how much heartache we nearly had when we found out you three went into the woods?!” Rainbow Dash said with a frown, yet grinned when Scootaloo rubbed the back of her head apologetically. Twilight balked as she saw Princess Luna in a state she recalls back to when they first met. However, paler and weaker. Twilight cantered over as Luna studied the house.
“Princess Luna! You’re okay!” She said. Luna wasn’t trying to ignore her. Her eyes fell onto the porch and she gasped.
“Young one!” She called out. She cantered over to the porch and began to remove the heavy beams. She grunted as her magic faltered. She had lifted it enough for everypony to see Pepper underneath the debris. Twilight stood firm and reached out with her magic, lifting the heavy beams all at once, grunting in the process. Applebloom and Sweetie Bell pulled away from their sisters and rushed over to pull Pepper away from the debris.
Twilight dropped the beams when they were far enough away, cantering over to them. Applebloom turned Pepper over and gasped. The colt looked like he had been thrown about from Equestria and back. Blood trickled from his mane and down his head to his cheek. The other cheek was smudged with soot and blood. His coat sooted and tufted along with what appears to be some cuts and bruises. Sweetie Bell put an ear to his muzzle.
He wasn’t breathing. She fearfully looked up to everypony.
“He isn’t breathing!” She said. Everypony gathered around. Twilight took action and began CPR. She did this several times, but the colt remained still. Luna bowed her head as everypony looked on in anticipation and worry. Luna began to feel frustrated. She had been weak. She had been fooled and she had let everypony down. She let herself down. And to seal her failure.
Her apprentice remains still. The moon was lowered, and the sun began to peek over the horizon. A new dawn has emerged. One that left everypony uncertain of what is to come next.
Princess Luna sat at the dinning table. It has been several weeks since the incident that happened at Honeyfields. Luna, now healthy and with a flowing mane and tail again, tiredly read the morning paper. Word had gotten out about the fire that enveloped the late Mrs. Marigold's house. There was no account of the strange fog or anything about a black book being the cause of it. However, Princess Luna ensured that the only info released was the fire and the history of the fields. She read the section covering the story:
Honeyfield Orphanage in Peril
On the night of April 15th on the full moon, one lone orphanage about a two-hour wagon ride on the outskirts of Ponyville had witnessed a sight that put their lives in danger. The late neighbor of the orphanage's own nanny, who goes by Mother Wisp to the children, could only watch in horror as her neighbor's house was burned to the ground. The house belonged to a lone mare named Petal Marigold, a widow of a war hero and mother of two, who had passed away from heart failure sixteen years ago. The property was passed to her children, a brother and sister who wished not to be named. They are devastated to hear of the news of their childhood home.
The house had been planned to be sold. Equestria's own heroes, the Elements of Harmony, spearheaded by the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, arrived at the sight to put the fire out. However, it was discovered that an unfortunate cost was unearthed. A young colt, who is one of the children belonging to Honeyfield Orphanage, was found amongst the burning wreckage. The colt remains in fatal condition. When the fire was quelled by rescue, with the aid of the heroes, they had discovered the fire started in the basement with a fallen lantern. Shifting through the wreckage, rescue team had discovered a bizarre sight. Two unfortunate ponies were found in the basement. Their corpses in a final embrace.
Word remains unknown about the reason these ponies were discovered, or why the colt had been found amongst the wreckage. Mother Wisp and the children of the Honeyfield Orphanage were set to host an adoption fair in Ponyville on the day of discovery, however, with the events transpired, the fair has been pushed back to an unknown date. It is with belief that the children are waiting to hear any good news about their playmate's state of health before beginning the fair. Mother Wisp had a few words for the press.
"I am glad that everypony is safe and the fire has been put out. I knew Mrs. Marigold ever since I moved here. I was saddened to hear about her passing, and even more so to witness her house set ablaze. The young colt is one of the many children here who are looking for a good home." She pauses to wipe her eyes dry of tears. "I still do not know the full story. But I do know that my heart goes out to Marigold's children." Our press pony asked her about anything dealing with the colt's appearance in the fire. "The children are not allowed to go beyond the fields, let alone to the patch of woodlands. I have been told that an employee I had hired for help had asked him to help him with traps. I... am not sure what is true or not. I need some time to figure out what has happened myself."
It is a strange and yet, sad day for everypony involved. Princess Luna, who was also a pony on scene, had no comment to express in the matter. We await new details as autopsies are ongoing.
"Still reading that old article?" Princess Luna looked up to see Princess Celestia walk in with a plate of pancakes and coffee. She levitated the coffee to Luna as well as the pancakes. Luna sighed and put the paper down, taking a sip of the coffee.
"It's just... I should have done something more..." Luna began as Celestia sat down across from her and began to cut her own pancakes. Celestia gave her a worried look. "I did my best to ensure the safety of the children. Yet... I ended up causing more trouble." Luna sighed and rubbed her muzzle tiredly. "The black book was too much for me to handle... and I put the lives of four children in danger. All because I could not cleanse a cursed book..." Princess Celestia sighed and softly chewed her pancake, swallowing before responding.
"I understand your frustrations, sister. When I had lost you to the book, I was feeling powerless as I couldn't have done more to help. I thought I had eradicated the black book, but who knew it was just a copy created by the very thing you manage." Celestia shook her head in disbelief. "I didn't even think the Dream Plane could create its' own laws. Let alone, make you suffer such severe consequences of the matter if they are broken." Princess Luna nodded tiredly.
"Tis an eye opener indeed. I... still have much to learn than I had thought." Princess Celestia studied her sister. The weeks haven't been kind to her. While her power has been restored, it was clear she is still worried about something. She decided to break the question.
"How is the young one doing?" She asked. Princess Luna bowed her head. The silence was unnerving and very worrisome for Celestia. She closed her eyes and sighed. "Nothing much has changed I assume." Luna shook her head.
"It's been frustrating to contact him. His dreams are shut for me. I... I fear that Pepper's psyche is..." Seeing her sister in such distress, Celestia stood up and walked over to her, sitting down next to her and hugging her sister with a wing.
"Perhaps you should visit him?" She suggested. "Not in the Dream Realm?" Princess Luna looked at Celestia worriedly.
"I cannot... bring myself to see him... in person..." she said. Celestia tilted her head.
"Why so?" Luna shook her head.
"I... I failed everypony... I am the one who put him in danger. I put so much pressure on him and I... I just..." She met Celestia's kind gaze. "Mother Wisp doesn't want me near him. And I don't blame her... She feels I had caused him so much grief that led him to that event. I was just trying to prevent a worse disaster from befalling them. The children need to go to good homes. Having such negative air be the cause of so much misfortune and bad luck could negatively affect the children, just as much as it had affected Mother Wisp before." Luna rested her head against Celestia's shoulder. "Tis it not my duty to protect our subjects as well? I always protect the ponies in their dreams. But... the waking world is entirely different than fighting nightmares..." Celestia hummed.
"Odd. I do not recall Mother Wisp ever mentioning she didn't want you around Pepper afterwords. Perhaps, you misheard of something she said? You were the one who told her not to fully explain the whole story to the press, were you not?" She asked. Luna hesitated, her eyes avoiding Celestia's.
"She doth not need to express words to me. Her look says it all. She's unwelcoming to my presence from the start." She said. Celestia chuckled softly.
"Then perhaps you should listen to what she has to say? One on one? I'm certain you know by now she's probably at the hospital right now." She said. Luna's eyes widened, much to Celestia's humor. "Tis no secret my own sister cares for the wellbeing of others. Even if she has to hide herself among the shadows to observe." Celestia put her forehead against Luna's softly. "You've lived long enough in the shadows, Luna. You are just as capable of achieving greater heights." She said. Luna faltered, her eyes darting in thought.
"So... I can surpass you?" She asked. Celestia smirked playfully.
"Best not get too carried away, dear sister. But... yes. I cannot have power over the Dream Realm like you do. And since now you have found out the consequences of what could happen should power be used wildly and uncaringly in the realm, it is only right you have been tasked with the job." Luna looked at Celestia quizzically to her words. "What I'm saying is that failure is a part of understanding one's struggle and growth. You've learned it with Nightmaremoon. The Tantabus. And now, the black book. You've come so far in your journey that you need not worry about redemption anymore." Luna slouched a little relaxed into Celestia's shoulder, tiredness taking over her. Luna couldn't deny her sister's words. If she is to come to terms with this disaster that she should have handled with care, then maybe things would have turned out different. And since she was so caught up in stopping the curse, she has an apprentice she needs to apologize to.
Luna finally sat up, her look determined. She took a sip of the coffee, shaking herself awake and patting her cheeks with her hooves.
"You are right, sister. I must amend this failure through apology. Tis the right thing to do." She said. Celestia nodded, silently chuckling at her sister.
"Very well. I will, as always, watch the day." She said. Luna stood up and began to walk towards the door, only to stop and turn around to hug her sister. She pulled away and cantered out of the dining room, leaving Celestia to watch her with worry. She sighed to herself and took a sip of her own coffee. "Don't try too hard." She said to herself. There was a knock on the door. A Royal Guard poked her head through.
"Princess Celestia. Morgue wishes to speak with you." The guard stated. Princess Celestia nodded.
"I'll be right there." She called back. The guard bowed and exited the room. Celestia took a moment to finish her pancakes and coffee, straightening out her regal accessories and looking through the reflection of a clean plate, she smiled and took a deep breath, ready to face the day. She exited the dining room, being escorted by two guards to the throne room. Upon entering the throne room, she could see a lone unicorn pony standing at the foot of the stairs to the throne. Bearing a neat black cowlick and a medium beard with a grey streak down the middle of the beard. His blue coat covered by a grey business suite. The pony turned and bowed to her. Celestia unfurled her wings in a manner for the pony to rise.
"Princess Celestia. Forgive my early request. But I have news from the families." He began. Celestia walked past the pony, up the steps and turned to sit at her throne. She recognized this pony from years prior.
"Speak." She said. Morgue bowed.
"It appears that the Stock family has pulled back upon their arrangement with the Marigolds. It is unfortunate that an event has caused a drastic change in value. But The Duke still wishes to buy the land with the approval of the current owner." He explained. Celestia hummed.
"And have you talked to the owner?" She asked. Morgue nodded and withdrew a scroll, putting on half-moon spectacles to read.
"That is where the issue lies currently. Mother Wisp has denied all deals with The Duke and any approach to buy the property. Honeyfield Orphanage is still currently occupying the land. Wisp has approved of the inheritance and thus have ended the contest on the land." The pony explained. Celestia hid a cheering smile under the one she has grown to use so often. "Wisp has no plans on moving back to Dodge City, leaving the Wisp family house abandoned and set to be vacant for years to come. I will admit, The Duke is extremely saddened that all business of the Wisp will be going to waste, what with Wisp being a nanny and all." Celestia closed her eyes in thought.
"Then pray, what is the issue exactly? Was it not settled in the court of law? Should the deal not be honored? Or perhaps, an alternative to what you desire?" Celestia stated in a manner of getting the pony to get to the point. Morgue sighed.
"A new deal is in the works. One that Amber Wisp will need to be in attendance as it is being read out under the guide of law. Winter is the season The Duke is planning to express the deal." He said. Princess Celestia tilted her head quizzically.
"I see. And, forgive me for asking, but what does this have to do with me? I can understand the plight being expressed, yet I see no reason to continue this discussion if nothing is to be presented in time." Morgue's green eyes glinted.
"Oh. Nonono, dear princess. I am here today to express a witness in need." He began. Celestia narrowed her eyes. What is this pony trying to say? Morgue continued. "We humbly ask for your sister, Princess Luna, to attend the court hearing in Dodge City as the deal will be presented to the court. We feel that a... third party would be beneficial to both sides. Especially Wisp's since she is familiar with the princess personally." Celestia frowned, catching an arched brow from the pony. Realizing this, Celestia rubbed her muzzle and shook her head.
"Forgive me, I had not been granted decent sleep last night. Err... You request my sister to be present in the hearing? That is why you are here today?" Morgue nodded.
"Yes, your majesty. As a third party. She will be the deciding pony in the hearing. And think of it this way. She had became Nightmaremoon from your shadows. Now that she no longer resides in it, this would be a good opportunity for her to... get out more?" Morgue tapped his chin in thought. "Or perhaps, the best way to put it is a change of scenery to do wonders." Celestia was not pleased by the suggestion at all. However, Morgue did have a point. She had expressly told Luna this morning about no longer worrying about redemption. If she went back on it now, then something terrible might happen between her and herself. Unable to see any other option, she sighed.
"I will speak with my sister when I'm given the opportunity. Thank you for your patience this morning." She said. Morgue bowed.
"No, thank you, Princess Celestia, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to listen upon a mere peasant's message." He said. Two guards that were posted at the side escorted Morgue out the room. When the door closed, Celestia growled.
"Stuck up, little..." Celestia grumbled. She stopped herself from continuing, reminding herself that she still had more things to do. She stood up and began to walk down the steps, the door opening to a white mare in a brown mane tasseled up into a bun with square glasses and a stack of paperwork levitating next to her entered the room. Celestia stopped and turned to the stained-glass window. Seeing the image of the heroes using the elements against Nightmaremoon loomed over her had made intrusive panic into her thoughts. 'What should I do?' She thought to herself.
The Ponyville medical center. It was strangely quiet. Only two rooms were occupied by three patients. Inside one, Mother Wisp trotted over to the bedside table and changed the vase of flowers out for a fresh bouquet. She sighed as she looked at the many get well soon cards from the children. The Crusaders have even left a wrapped-up gift for him. She then looked to the still colt in the hospital bed. Mother Wisp then sat down next to the bed and studied the colt. Ghost Pepper appeared to be sleeping peacefully. She wasn't sure if he was breathing properly as the rebreather on his muzzle was fogging up with his breath. Pepper had a bandage wound around his head. He had to get several stitches and worst of all, Pepper has fallen ill to a coma. The doctors had told her he is in a vegetative state. Thinking back to the news darkened the mood of the mare.
The familiar beeping sound next to her was beginning to drive her crazy. How many times has she heard that sound? She couldn't bother to count. She had hoped to never have come back here again. She did think back to that night. The colt resting on the back of Princess Luna as the heroes and the presumed lost children were returned. Mother Wisp was in a state of panic and shock to see Pepper in such a state.
"What happened to him!?" She asked in horror, rushing over to carry him off of Luna. Luna bit her lip in hesitation.
"I... I will explain. But... we should really ensure his health." Luna began. Mother Wisp brushed the colt's mane, gasping at the sight of blood trailing down his head, over his closed eye and his cheek. He looked as if he had been run through over and over. The kids watched with shock as Mother Wisp put an ear over his muzzle. He was breathing, though weak. Twilight bowed her head.
"I'm... sorry I couldn't do much else. We stabilized his breathing, but he needs better treatment." Twilight said. Mother Wisp looked desperately between the ponies. Her eyes then fell to Luna.
“What happened…?” She asked. Luna’s eyes adverted the mare’s. Mother Wisp stood up, holding the colt by one hoof in a cradle. “What happened, princess? I deserve to know.” The stern look of the mare, done with the night, focused heavily on the princess. Luna felt the immense pressure against the nanny’s look. Luna bowed her head and explained what happened from the very moment she sensed Pepper.
Her sole reason for showing up to the orphanage was to protect them as well as teaching Pepper how to be more able to use his dreams to help the children and even Mother Wisp if needs to be. She even apologized to Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash for having the CMC along for the ride, much to the three chiming in to help explain better. The three fillies provided the gap filling in Luna’s own explanations. When everypony finished with the last time they saw Pepper was before they were sent into the Dream Realm, Mother Wisp sat on her haunches and studied the colt sadly.
It was hard to believe that the colt had managed to interact with her long-deceased son. So many questions and thoughts filled her head. The children were quiet. Their minds trying to make sense of the whole situation. Their gardener had lured them into a trap and planned to extort Mother Wisp via Ghost Pepper. Something that Pepper had been dealing with for a while. Alabaster’s look darkened as the frustration set in. Merriweather looked worriedly at the filly before presenting the teddy bear to her.
Alabaster blinked and looked at the filly. Merriweather gave a small, reassuring smile, which Alabaster didn’t return, but it did help her cool off a bit. She still felt responsible for not doing anything more. The warning signs were there, and she chose to ignore it. Princess Luna sighed. It took a bit for rescue services to show up as Ponyville was still quite a bit of ways. When they arrived to Mrs. Marigold’s house, they were able to act quickly as the fire thankfully hadn’t reached the woods. But it was making its way across the fields.
Mother Wisp snapped back to present day as she heard a knock from the door. She turned and her eyes widened when she saw Princess Luna peek her head in. She opened her mouth, only to clear her throat and speak softly.
“A-am I intruding?” She asked. Mother Wisp looked at the alicorn quizzically. However, taking the small shake of her head from the nanny to enter, Luna walked over and stood at the foot of the bed. Her eyes studied the set up sadly, the colt unresponsive. Mother Wisp didn’t take her eyes off the colt as she spoke suddenly.
“I hate the sound…” She said. Luna tilted her head questioningly. The beeping from the monitor made her nod.
“T-tis rather unnerving I understand.” She replied. Mother Wisp slumped slightly.
“You know… I had a child his age long ago. River Wisp was his name. I… take it you are familiar with the name.” She said. Luna nodded softly.
“From the young ones. Briefly before.” She replied. Mother Wisp brushed Pepper’s bangs aside.
“River was always imaginative. He tended to keep to himself, but he made plenty of friends at the schoolhouse. He even made-up games for the others to play with. He had such a bright future ahead of him.” Her look seemed to gloss ahead. “I truly wonder what kind of games he would have with his younger sibling. They would have been the best of friends.” Luna remained quiet. It was only when a certain thought intruded upon her did she speak.
“I…” she began. Mother Wisp glanced at her. Luna rubbed her foreleg. “Tis hard for me to… err… really express myself here. I am… uncertain as to what I can do to help thee find closure.” Mother Wisp arched a brow softly.
“Whatever do you mean, Princess?” She asked. Luna bit her lip in hesitation.
“I… well I was wondering… if thy would like to see River at some point… in thy dreams.” She asked. Mother Wisp's look darkened. She shook her head, surprising the alicorn.
“I dream of him plenty. I do not need a false memory placed upon my psyche.” She said. Luna winced and stepped back a little. The awkward tension making it hard for Luna to think of what to say. Mother Wisp sighed.
“My apologies, Princess Luna. It has been a long few weeks. What with the court trials and managing the orphanage.” She said. “Haven’t had a decent night’s sleep.” Luna darted her eyes in thought. Indeed, Mother Wisp’s dreams have been sparse to say the least. And the times she was able to enter them was when she would be having brief flashes of her late husband and children before being thrown out. Luna mustered up enough to continue.
“Have you’ve… looked for help?” She asked. Mother Wisp shook her head.
“I… cannot bring myself to do so at the moment. Not after Funnel.” Luna saw the mare press against her stool angrily. “To make myself a fool… I… I was weak… I let myself be charmed and… betrayed…” Mother Wisp hugged herself. “Giving myself to such a vile stallion… Whatever punishment awaits me in Tartarus, I would welcome it a thousand times over…” Luna balked at the statement.
“You mustn’t speak about thyself in such a way!” She stated worriedly. Mother Wisp shot her a glare.
“Why? It’s the truth. I’m a hopeless, weak mare who had given into her urges and betrayed not only her values, but her very beliefs. What would my husband say??” She stated. She shook her head. “My husband told me that if he passed before I did, that I shouldn’t hold myself to him. He wanted me to be happy… even if it meant giving my heart to another. I was… hesitant at first but we had agreed that if it did happen to me, I wouldn’t want him to suffer so much. He deserved happiness as much as I did…
“I know it sounds strange, but my husband and I were quite the odd couple.” Mother Wisp chuckled quietly to herself. Luna listened with interest and attention. “We had some… opinions and beliefs that most couples would question if we were truly in love with one another. Our bond has always been strong no matter what. All we wanted was the best future for our children. Till death do us part.” Mother Wisp bowed her head. Luna wasn’t sure how to continue the discussion, so she proceeded to change the topic.
“I… take it thy still have questions about what truly happened?” She began. Mother Wisp peeked out from under her darkened expression. Luna looked to the colt on the bed and furrowed her look. “I… have only tried this twice as a filly and adolescent. Some dreams are tied to memory. Depending on how the emotions were present, I can recreate the events that transpired.” Luna brushed the ground with her hoof softly. “Pepper’s… well… I-I am concerned with his psyche. His dreams have been closed to me and I…”
Mother Wisp could see the struggle in Luna’s response. The nanny studied the alicorn thoroughly. Last she saw Luna she was in a weakened state. With her powers returned, perhaps Luna is ready to face a consequence she bestowed upon herself. Mother Wisp looked to Pepper and gave a small smile.
“If you feel you are ready to meet Pepper again, we can try.” She gave a small chuckle. “Pepper was never one to hold hate in his heart. He may have kept to himself, but that only meant he had more kindness and love to give.” She said. Luna looked at her and seeing the small smile, Luna felt a little better about the idea. Luna then held out a hoof to her. Mother Wisp arched a brow but took her hoof.
“Then… close your eyes. And reach out to Pepper.” She said. Mother Wisp did as she was told, her mind calling out to Pepper. Princess Luna closed her own eyes and the ridges of her horn glowed white and gold. The lines flailed out like nerves above them. The gold lines connected to their chest before connecting to Pepper’s. The white lines then connected to Mother Wisp’s and Pepper’s minds.
The sensation was strange and overwhelming. The feeling of childlike wonder washed over them and when Mother Wisp opened her eyes, she gasped as she found herself with Princess Luna in the middle of a lush, green field. A ramshackle cabin in the distance appeared to have seen better days. Ahead of them was an oak tree. A few hoofsteps further, a bridge that lead out to a lake where she saw two ponies sitting at the very edge with fishing rods.
A tall and gruff handsome looking cowcolt stallion with a wheat stem in his muzzle, humming a familiar tune sat at the foot of the bridge. Next to him was a smaller pony. A colt in blue overalls and a red flannel with a straw hat. Mother Wisp instantly recognized the colt. Pepper was staring blankly off across the lake, his mind seemingly lost in thought.
“Pepper!” Mother Wisp and Luna both said in unison. Pepper didn’t respond. Luna’s eyes widened a bit. Mother Wisp rushed over to Pepper, only to stop when she noticed something off. Pepper was glitching. Luna trotted over and gave a sad look.
“He is not aware this is a dream.” She said. Mother Wisp gave the alicorn a worried look.
“What does that mean?” She asked. Luna studied the colt as she replied.
“The affect you see is a pony who is not fully aware of the dream. Or at least, have no control over it. In most cases, dreams are railed along. Yet, there are some occasions where the dreamer has the capability to interact but is not entirely aware of it.” Luna turned to Mother Wisp. “Ghost Pepper has an unusual sense of awareness when it comes to his dreams. So much so that he can do something only I could do. Making ponies aware of their dreams.” Mother Wisp was baffled by this.
“But the only problem is is that I can only do so for a certain amount of time before I am pulled out of the dream. I can only interfere if the psyche is unstable. Pepper, however, can do the same with no limitations. He can make the entirety of Ponyville aware of the dreams and have as much time needed without the pressure and mental fortitude required.” Luna looked over to the colt. “He is special more than he realizes. If only I knew where it was coming from.” Mother Wisp shook her head in disbelief.
“I… am not quite sure I understand it all. If Pepper has such a special talent… why has he not been able to get his cutie-mark? Wouldn’t this be something to adopt him over for?” She asked.
“That’s because Pepper believes that being able to dream in such a way is not valuable for adoption.” A voice stated. The two turned to see a cloaked figure smiling at them. Luna gasped, sensing the similar aura of the black book around the figure. She used her wing to have Mother Wisp cover behind her as she stood facing the figure with a suspicious look. The figure chuckled and removed her hood to reveal herself to be Mrs. Marigold. Mother Wisp gasped in shock.
“P-Petal?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold smiled kindly at her.
“Amber. It has been too long, my dear. The years have been more or less kind to you I see.” She said. Luna narrowed her eyes.
“Pray tell. Friend or foe?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold bowed to her.
“Messenger, your highness. I can tell by that look you can sense the aura off of me. Forgive me, for it is the blight of the negative energy from the black book. I am free of it’s hold of my essence, but the residue is still there. I am afraid I cannot cleanse it.” Luna lowered her wing as Mother Wisp stepped out and over to her hesitantly.
“Petal… is that really you?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold nodded.
“Yes, my dear. Grounded to the realm until I can find reason to move on.” She said with a smile. Mother Wisp looked to Luna, confused as to what is really happening. Luna, however, is quick to piece it together.
“We are connected to Pepper’s mind and heart as one in order to see into his dream. Memories derive from emotions to the mind. Pepper had once walked into Mrs. Marigold’s dream. And thus she has remained in memory to him.” Luna explained. Mrs. Marigold nodded.
“A little skittish, but a strong mind and kind heart. He went out of his way just to visit little ol’ me. Which reminds me, dear. You need to start fencing off the woods. It’ll help you in the long run.” She said. Mother Wisp couldn’t believe this. Her late friend is chastising her about her property. Even in death, somethings will always remain the same. And it made Mother Wisp smile a little. Luna then had another suspicion she wanted to clear up.
“Now then. Could thy perhaps tell us what happened to him? How he ended up in thy residence?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold put a hoof to her chest and closed her eyes.
“The black book did not want to go without taking something in return. It made one last effort to obtain that goal. It latched onto the colt’s scarf and when Funnel had ripped it, it took advantage of Funnel’s own desires. It appeared to also have still been mad at Pepper and led them both to my residence, where it would attempt to take them. However… it appears that Funnel’s desire was too much for the book to handle and bested it. The fire was through a happenstance of Funnel’s surprise, spurred by the desire that overpowered the last remaining vestige of the book.” Mrs. Marigold looked to Pepper.
“The poor dear had no idea how close the book was to winning against him. If you all hadn’t came along, he would have not been around for much longer.” Mother Wisp and Luna were quiet. Their thoughts in sync.
“I’m… glad you were watching out for him, Petal.” Mother Wisp said. Mrs. Marigold gave her an apologetic look before bowing her head.
“I was not there for the colt. I know this because of his own journal.” She motioned to no pony in general. “His journal records nearly everything that deals with the colt’s psyche. Those who are spiritually connected to him in some way or another can recall what the colt sees. That is about as far as I know about it. After all, Luna. You were the one who gifted him the journal.” They looked to the alicorn, who nodded knowingly.
“I… I received that journal from an old friend centuries ago. I did not foresee the magic it held, but I knew it had a special connection to a special mind. It was as if it was his rite.” She said. “The scarf as well. I had imbued it with similar magic to the black book, but in a vial amount. If the colt would learn to know more about his special talent, he would be facing dangers no pony should ever dream of. I… did not want him to go alone.” Mother Wisp was finding it difficult to take this all in.
Mother Wisp looked to Pepper and hesitated a bit before walking over to him. The colt didn’t acknowledge her approach. However, the stallion next to him did.
“Howdy, missus.” He said, tipping his hat. Mother Wisp was taken aback a little.
“H-hello?” She responded. The stallion smirked.
“No need ta’ be shy. Pepper could use a bit more company.” Mother Wisp wasn’t sure how to respond. Yet she sat down next to the colt. The stallion looked over his shoulder and motioned with his head. “You too, yer’ majesty. Pepper could use some guidance right now.” Luna’s eyes widened. Mrs. Marigold chuckled and nodded to Luna.
“I’ve done all I could. It is up to you now to wake him up.” She then bowed to Luna. “I’ll continue to await the day you’ll guide me back into the stream, Princess Luna.” The mare said before vanishing into a wispy smoke. Luna darted her eyes in thought before turning around and approaching the others. Luna sat behind Pepper, her eyes studying the colt. She bit her lip. Should she say something him? Would her words matter? The stallion tipped his hat and chuckled.
“Didn’t think mares would be that skittish. Don’t you two know ‘em personally?” He asked. Mother Wisp narrowed her eyes at the stallion. The stallion put a hoof to his chest. “Name’s Brisket County. I’m the creation of the bright young mind sittin’ before us. He’s been plannin’ a lot of things fer’ me an’ my crew. Yet, he can’t wake up to do so.” He looked between them. “Do ya’ll perhaps have any clue how to help?”
Mother Wisp shook her head sadly. Luna hummed in thought.
“I… might have an idea…” She said. She stood up and thought. In the castle, she saw how Pepper had made triggers to cause the others to start lucid dreaming. What would trigger somepony who is naturally gifted in it? Taking another look at the colt, the blank stare was a sign of a broken psyche. Would the colt be able to notice? She stepped around them and placed one hoof on the water. A gentle ripple waved out from her step. She then stepped further, walking on the water until she was a few hoof steps away from them.
Mother Wisp stared in awe. The lake looked pretty deep even from the bank. The nanny looked to the colt, seeing no reaction to the princess in front of them. Yet, he turned when Brisket stood up and withdrew a journal from his vest.
“Yer’ majesty! Was holdin’ onto this. The kid nearly dropped it in the lake.” He called out. Princess Luna studied the journal. It had a dim glow about it. She reached with her magic and levitated the journal over to her. Mother Wisp noticed the colt watching his journal float over the lake. The glitching starting to lessen. She hesitated, reaching out a hoof to him.
“Pepper? Can you see her?” She asked. Pepper didn’t respond to her. Mother Wisp stopped and withdrew her hoof back. Luna levitated the journal in front of her and opened it. She began to read some of the passages:
I don’t remember what happened to me. Am I dead? The last thing I can recall is loud creaking and a burning sensation. I also remember being scared. So much terror. It keeps nipping me in the back of my mind. I… I wish I was brave enough to face it…
Where did everypony go? Lately it seems that no pony has been ending up in my dreams. Usually, the Crusaders would visit me, intentional or not. It’s rather lonely here. Maybe… I haven’t been dreaming at all? Is there where I am meant to be?
Luna started to feel saddened as she continued to read.
I still never understood why I was picked. Princess Luna’s apprentice? Does that… is she planning on adopting me like Alabaster suggested? I wonder what Luna is like as a familial figure. Well… there is no way to know now. How long has it been?
Every now and then, I get flashes of scenes that involve me and several other children. I wonder what they are doing right now? I bet they have gotten adopted since I’ve been gone. Being dead certainly leaves a lot to ponder. I always knew no pony would really care if I was here or not. Perhaps Funnel was right about friendship being a fickle thing. I wish I didn’t have all of my afterlife to think of that.
From the bridge, Mother Wisp watched Luna sadly. She wasn’t sure what she was doing, but whatever she was reading wasn’t sitting well with her. She looked down to the colt and began to brush his mane aside. No response still, but Pepper did blink after a bit. Brisket sighed as he reeled in his rod and whisked it back out.
“Ya’ know, the last pony folk ‘ere were impressionable on ‘em.” He began. “Ya’ could say they were his first steps to understand more about tha’ world.” He then smiled at Mother Wisp and tipped his hat. “Ya’ certainly have a good taste in literature.” Mother Wisp blinked quizzically at him. She sighed softly and subconsciously brushed the mane of the colt.
“Kids are not so easily fooled if you can teach them the evils. Even then, they do have natural instinct to know what they do not like and what the can do so. I don’t treat the children as if they were unable to succeed in anything. Most wouldn’t really care to show a little respect. But staying assertive to their behaviors. Finding alternate solutions. Learning to share and care. My children are not hopeless. They are also not unwise. If I cannot truly teach them the rights and wrongs of the world, then what better than ponies who have a good idea of it and write it down?”
The nanny smiled softly and sadly.
“There is no real wrong way to write, spelling and grammar aside. So long as your heart makes sense of it, then I think that is just enough to teach them to care.” Brisket studied the nanny before bowing his head and smiling.
“Then that’s all that matters in tha’ end. We are jus’ ponies after all.” He replied. Mother Wisp had to shield her eyes as something bright from the lake began to glow. She looked through squinted eyes to see Luna staring in awe at the journal. Luna began to watch the words write out in front of her.
Behold the will of the lucid king. What a strange passage. Everytime I said that, I gained a bit of confidence. Hmm… that’s odd… who is that out in the lake?
Luna’s eyes widened and she looked up to see Pepper staring in her direction. Mother Wisp gasped as the scenery began to change. Even Brisket looked surprised by the change. The lake expanded and grew under them and the sky melted into a starry, twilight hue around them. The moon was large and towered up above them. The water stilled and became a clear reflection of themselves. Luna noticed the moon reflecting off of the water.
The massive circle astral object towering above them. Luna read the next passage:
Who are you?
Luna tilted her head slightly. She then had an idea. She created a quill and ink, levitating it next to her. She dipped the quill with her magic into the ink pot and began to scribble on the page.
Tis Princess Luna. Watcher and protector of dreams.
The words she wrote faded after two seconds and new words took their place.
Your majesty. Tis an honor to finally converse with you.”
Luna blinked questioningly. The words continued.
You do not know me. But I have been protecting the child from the nightmares that have been hunting him since his successful cleansing. Thy know the laws of the Dream Realm, thus I cannot say much. But I can tell you that a shadow has escaped and is wanting the child’s power for itself. You must protect him now more than ever.
Luna furrowed her look worriedly. She began to scribble a reply.
I understand thy worries, but I am afraid I cannot help him in the comatose state he is in. His dreams are closed to me. I am able to be here due to a physical connection through mind and heart.
Luna watched her words fade and a momentary unresponsive reply from whatever she was conversing with settled, causing her to worry if she had wrote too much. Words began to write themselves out onto the page.
Ahh. I do apologize on that end. I had to ensure full safety of the king. Allow me to return what is rightfully his.
Luna stepped back as the journal began to float high above them. The moon shining the silhouette of the journal. As the journal glowed brighter and brighter, brightening the moon, a faint rainbow shone down onto Pepper. Mother Wisp’s eyes widened and stepped back as the rainbow began to swirl around Pepper. The colt’s eyes closed as he was then lifted up by the force. What happened so suddenly, also ended just as so. The rainbow faded and Pepper touched the water’s surface gently, letting out a ripple that waved largely under them.
Mother Wisp gasped as Pepper’s reflection began to move in its’ own. The Pepper in front of them suddenly began to turn transparent and wispy. His eyes glowed and began to look more like a specter. Luna watched the reflection walk closer towards her. The reflection looked to her curiously. The journal floated down in front of her and words wrote themselves out:
I'm going to miss the company. The child is great with conversation. Perhaps someday, he'll be able to inherit thy duty. But for now, cherish this colt. He will need it for the coming task he will face when waking up.
Luna arched a brow before bringing the ink and quill over to her and hurriedly scribbling down a reply.
Wait! Whom has been conversing with me? What is thy name? She wrote. There was another momentary pause when the words faded. A strong wind began to blow around them as the colt's reflection rippled out of the water, as if he had traversed through another dimension. His eyes were closed as he floated up in front of Luna. Luna was quick to react as whatever force lifted him dropped him, catching him in her magic. She levitated the colt onto her back and looked to the journal that laid open in front of her. Only one passage was written out.
The Silent Night
The flash became brighter and brighter. Before they knew it, both Mother Wisp and Princess Luna found themselves back in the hospital room. Mother Wisp blinked and looked around worriedly.
"Wh-what happened?" She asked. Luna furrowed her look, noticing her spell return to her. The colt remained still as he was when she entered.
"Tis would seem we have been brought out of the dream. Not forced... Odd." She said to herself. Mother Wisp had more questions than she did before.
"What about Pepper?" She asked. Luna studied the colt. She gave a small, sad shake of her head.
"I... I am uncertain of what hath transpired for him." She said. "But... for some reason or another... I feel as if... the young one will be able to sleep better." Mother Wisp tilted her head quizzically. She wanted to ask more, but it feels that any she would ask would only fall short of any definite answer. Mother Wisp looked sadly at the colt and gently brushed his bangs. The nanny then stood up.
"I must return to the children... Princess Luna..." The nanny began. Luna looked to her. "I wasn't sure what to feel or think about you having taken interest in Pepper from the start. I'll admit, it was honestly confusing that you of all ponies would visit us for the sake of one child." Princess Luna balked and was about to speak when Mother Wisp held up a hoof. "Yes, you may have been out to protect us from my own mistake. But Pepper is just a child. He's not some grand hero in training. He's a pony who needs a good home and loving parents." She then looked sternly at Luna. "Unless you have all the time in the world to provide such on yourself for him, then I will have to ask that you must refrain from applying any more pressure onto him." Luna looked saddened and bowed her head. Mother Wisp sighed. "But... it would do to help him with some guidance. If you are to take him on as an apprentice, then I only ask that you show him respect and the wisdom to help him gain that confidence." Luna's eyes widened hopefully. Mother Wisp stood up and gathered her saddle bag before trotting over to the door. Before she left, she stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Good day, your majesty."
Mother Wisp disappeared around the corner, leaving Luna alone with the colt. Luna's thoughts were lost to scenarios of how she should go about the words of the nanny. She looked to the colt. She has never thought of being a mother, let alone a guardian to one child. Yet, the guilt inside of her had piled tremendously. So much so, that her thoughts came to one conclusion. Could this be the same feeling Celestia had when she decided to take on Twilight as her personal protege? Luna's thoughts cut short when she noticed the colt twitch. His sleeping expression seemed to wince a bit. Her eyes widened.
Luna studied the colt a little closely. She then placed her hoof on his forehead and smiled softly when the colt seemed to subconsciously react with a subtle twitch and his expression easing. Luna stood up and placed her horn gently on his forehead. With a soft glow, Luna cast a spell that would bless the child with sweet dreams. She pulled away and without another word, she walked out of the hospital. The steady beeping sound of the machine being the only haunting melody to lull the child to sleep.
Shanty sat inside of a diner booth at the far end. The City of Baltimare being bleak and grey due to the scheduled rain from the pegasi. Something that Shanty grumbled quietly to herself. Her white Rarity blouse and dress a little soaked from the sudden rain. From across her table, Pickle Rind's gluttony made for an unsavory sight for the mare. Three hayburgers, a basket of fries and three glasses of water stacked to the side. Pickle hungrily dug in, getting a bit of food bits onto Shanty's dress. The mare disgustedly brushed her blouse off and pushed her salad away from her, any appetite lost.
"Honestly, Pickle, treating a mare out to lunch in such a manner is very uncouth." She frowned. Pickle blinked and wiped his muzzle with a napkin.
"And honestly, Shanty, you should eat a little less yourself. Your dresses are beginning to hug that posterior of yours." He said casually. Shanty took complete offense and kicked his knee under the table, causing him to reel forward in pain and rub his knee.
"I swear, you stallions are savages. Cannot go one second without pointing out my physique. Lechers, all of you!" She snapped. The sound of somepony clearing his throat silenced them. A unicorn stallion in a cerulean hide, handsome curly sandy mane and stubble. Wearing a rolled up white shirt with a caramel pin stripped vest over his black trench coat. He eyed the two.
"I see that you two are still in high spirits, despite a botched job." The pony said. Pickle took a long sip of his water, patting his chest before replying.
"Merely enjoying the last bit of royalty we have. I have lined up some contacts for when you give us the news." He said. The pony nodded.
"Indeed, I have both good and bad news. Which would you rather hear?" The pony asked. Shanty snorted.
"It should always be the bad news. Because the good news is never good to begin with." The mare replied, poking at her partially eaten salad. The pony sat on his haunches, pulling out a square container which he proceeded to pop a tablet out of the container and popped it in his mouth.
"Bad news is that you two are going back to Ponyville. The Duke is still vying for Honeyfield and since the orphanage still stands despite the disaster, you two are to monitor Amber Wisp, daily and nightly, without drawing any attention to Princess Luna or any other... mishaps." He explained. Shanty balked.
"I beg your pardon!? We are going back to that hick valley? I can't stand the sight of all that gallantry and neighborly society that place is. That village is lucky that the Princess of Friendship and the others are protecting it. Otherwise, that place would have been eaten over by the parasprites years ago." Shanty said with a disgusted stick of her tongue. The stallion shrugged.
"A mare of your tastes certainly does better among the elite. But unfortunately, you are in no position to truly complain. You are just as much a beggar after your family-" he began but was silenced immediately by Shanty with a venomous hiss.
"Do not speak of my ill-gotten family to me!" She hissed. The stallion didn't skip a beat.
"Then be thankful The Duke is ensuring that your family remains in debt to him. Otherwise, the things you've been ridiculed by the stallions of this profession would have been true." He stated. Shanty growled. With a "hmph" and a cross of her hooves, she looked out the window to the dreary weather. Pickle cleared his own throat.
"Speaking of. We are still a pony down. How are we going to tackle the Honeyfield job with only two of us?" He asked. The stallion shook his head.
"That's where I come in." He said. Shanty scoffed.
"You?? Did you get demoted to grunt work again?" She asked with annoyance. The stallion waved a hoof.
"Perish the thought. They felt I was better... suited to have my aid elsewhere." He said. Pickle took a smaller sip of his water as the pony continued. "Yes, from now on, I'll be working with you two to... acquire somethings that would allow The Duke to begin buying off the nanny." Shanty sighed and rubbed her temple.
"Why are we wasting our time on that damned property? What is so special that one of Equestria's wealthiest elite family to go so far as to do so much espionage?" She said tiredly. The stallion shrugged.
"All I know is that The Duke believes the fields to be his heritage. Something his ancestor had found special as well." The stallion replied. Pickle gave a small scoff.
"Hmph. He has the wealth and power greater than the two sisters combined. What's preventing him from marching in with his goons and evicting them? He has the lawyers, the papers, friends in high places." Pickle said. The stallion shook his head.
"Because that would make him a tyrant that the princesses can deal with magically. And I'm sure The Duke is not looking for an afterlife in Tartarus." Shanty sighed and stood up.
"Very well then. What do you suggest we do aside from watch a nanny and some brats." She asked. The pony withdrew a chain watch from his vest and looked at it briefly before stuffing it back in.
"We spend the remaining time we have here to prepare before we set off early in the morning. The Duke was kind enough to have spoken with Mayor Mare about a vacant house in Ponyville that has been abandoned for ten years. With a little cleaning here and there, it's a perfect little hideaway. Away from the Castle of Friendship, tucked into a nice corner with a good view of the valley. We'll go over more details when we get settled." He explained. He then leaned forward. "I will head to the Ponyville Funeral Home and talk to the employees there to see if I can study the body of our late companion. Perhaps there is something I can learn from what we are getting ourselves into." Pickle narrowed his eyes.
"What are you implying?" He asked. The stallion closed his eyes.
"What happened at the orphanage wasn't natural. The princess of the night hasn't released an official statement about the incident. I want to know the facts rather than rumors. As for you two, do not draw attention to yourselves. We do not want attention from the element barers, or worse, Princess Luna herself." He replied. The two ponies stood up and left the diner with the third pony leading the front.
Back at the outskirts of Ponyville, a lone orphanage stood in the rain. All was quiet as the ponies were occupied with their own free time. Yet, further and deeper into the woods, something dark had begun to stir. From the shadows, a foggy clear mist began to flow through an opening. From the center, a silhouette emerged. Veiled by the misty fog, the figure stepped elegantly through the clearing. All was quiet.
Save for the haunting hum of a lullaby.
Princess Luna, the CMC and Ghost Pepper will return in The Moon’s Shadow
