> Bound Snow
>  by notaproxy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> New Bonds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

995 CE
(Fluttershy)

The cool, morning air filled my lungs as I left my cottage. I was heading into town to meet up with the girls at Sugarcube Corner for breakfast. Pinkie Pie was hosting a party to celebrate the good news. It had just been announced that Ponyville would be the host of the one thousandth Summer Sun Celebration! It was all the town could talk about. Even I had let out a little yell of excitement when I saw the news in the paper. Not too loud of course, I wouldn't want to disturb any of the animals. 

As I passed by the Carousel Boutique I noticed Rarity leaving. She was closing up her new store, so I walked up to her and wait patiently for her to finish up. It would have been rude to interrupt after all. She had only opened up her boutique a few years ago and it was already the premiere clothing store in the Ponyville area. Of course, the only other computation was Barnyard Bargains but wasn't any reason to downplay Rarity's talent.

"Now, on to meet the -Eepp!" The fashionista jumped, having almost run into me when she turned around after locking the front door of the boutique. "Fluttershy, you startled me. You shouldn't sneak up on a lady like that!"

"Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." 

"It is no problem, dear. Just try to speak up more often, I always love hearing the beautiful voice of yours."

With our greetings out of the way, we started heading over to meet up with our friends. As usual, Rarity almost immediately started talking about all the gossip around town.  I wasn't much for gossip, but I knew Rarity needed someone to talk to about these things, so I was happy to lend an ear. None of the other girls like gossip at all. It would always make Applejack angry, Rainbow thought it was too girly, and Pinkie Pie was, well, Pinkie. So whenever it was just Rarity and I, we talked about all the news around town. Today, in particular, I was excited about the current focus of all of Ponyville's talk.

"I still can't believe Ponyville is going to be hosting. Can you picture it!? The Princess here! All the nobles and elites coming to our little town! Oh, this will be a huge opportunity to put Ponyville on the map!" 

"It is a little strange though," I reply, "Do you know why the Princess chose Ponyville?"

"Now that is the question the world is asking. Why our humble little town instead of sophisticated Canterlot, or cosmopolitan Manehattan? Why, we didn't even send a delegate to the Summer Sun Celebration Planning Commute! All Celestia said when she announced her choice was that it was for 'historical reasons.'"

"But wasn't Ponyville only founded one hundred years ago?"

"You're exactly right. That is why it is such a riveting mystery. No one knows what the Princess is thinking. The gossip magazines are going insane speculating what the real reason is. They are saying everything from a secret lover to a long-lost sister, hiding in the Everfree. Could you imagine!"  

"That all sounds a little silly. It is alright if you believe it though!"

"I know. The Princess has the executive power to decide on the location of the celebration, so there is nothing anypony can do is speculate. Although I heard there were protests in Whinnyapolis and Fillydelphia over the whole thing." 

"Oh, that is terrible. I hope we can go to Whinnyapolis someday. I hear there are lovely lakes and forests in that part of Equestria."

By this point, we had reached the bakery. Streamers, balloons, and other hallmarks of a Pinkie party were decorating the interior of the building, topped off with a big banner proclaiming 'Congratulations Ponyville!' The sweet smell of cupcakes, cookies, and breads filled the air, mingling with the sound of ponies excited about the big news. Most of the town seemed to be in the bakery celebrating the news; talking with each other, playing party games, and enjoying the many baked treats for sale. However, neither the pink hostess nor any of my other friends were anywhere to be seen. Spotting the Cakes manning the counter, Rarity and I head over with the hope of locating our friends. 

"Rarity, Fluttershy! Good to see you! Isn't the news so exciting!" Mrs. Cake proclaimed as she saw us approach. "Pinkie is in the kitchen making a cake. Apparently, we should expect another 'Welcome to Ponyville' party tonight." 

"Well, it is always good to see new ponies in town. I will look forward to it," Rarity responds politely as we make our way to the back room. 

As we cross the threshold into the kitchen, I take in the scene before me and time seems to slow. Pinkie is at the counter, cake batter in front of her, and on her, and just generally all around her. A sight I had seen thousands of times before. This time, however, Pinkie is holding a giant egg with both hooves above a bowl, about to crack it and add it to the batter. The egg is a pristine, snowy white, speckled with black flacks, perfectly shaped and about the size of Pinkies head. 

In an instant, a few thoughts go through my head. 

That is a griffin egg. 

Griffins do not lay eggs unless they are fertilized. 

A major crack in a griffin egg is fatal in most cases unless under medical supervision. 

Therefore, that egg has a baby griffin in it. 

Therefore, Pinkie Pie is about to kill an innocent griffin chick.

The dotes all connect as more adrenaline flows through my veins than I have ever felt in my life. 

Pinkie begins to bring her hooves down, about to make the biggest mistake possible. I pump my wings as hard as I can, I have to stop her! I have to stop her! I have to stop her! I dash across the room, faster than I ever had in my whole life. Kitchen equipment and unfinished treats go flying in my wake. I look on in horror as I realize I am not going to make it in time, the egg's shell inches from the rim of the bowl, Pinkie Pie still bring it down with all the force she could muster.  Maybe if I was like Rainbow Dash I could make it time but I had always been a worthless flier.  In one last desperate gamble, I yell out.

"Pinkie Pie! NO!"





(??)
I lay on the ground, black rain falling over my crippled body. I silently wish more of it would fall in my open mouth. I was so thirsty, but I didn't even have the strength to drink the water in the muddy pool in front of me. If you would have asked me a year ago, I would have rather died than drink out of something like that. Now, my throat was just so dry. I begin to notice a figure leaning over me. I couldn't make out many features, I wasn't even sure if they were a male or female. The one thing I noticed was their piercing, silted eyes. They almost seemed to glow in a blue light, or was it green? I didn't care. Maybe they have some water?

"Well, aren't you in a sorry state? Not the worst I have seen today, but you look more dead than alive." The figure leans down to see me more clearly, their unnerving eyes unblinking. It would have been rather frightening but I had bigger concerns. 

"Water..." is the only reply from my parched lips.

"Really, that's it? I guess I shouldn't expect anything more. I'll tell you what. Why don't we go someplace a little more comfortable? I can get you all the water you want. I have a deal to offer you that I am sure you would be interested in."
> Cursed Egg
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

995 CE
(Rarity)
I had never, in all the years I have known her, heard Fluttershy yell. Not when Angel Bunny's parents died, not when bureaucracy caused her veterinarian's license to lapse, not even when she stubbed her hoof. So it didn't take a mystery (novel) expert like myself to conclude that something was very, very wrong. Working purely on my incredible and ladylike instincts in those few seconds, I closed my eyes and used my magic to grab the one thing that seemed to be the cause of all this commotion, the egg. 

It was all over just as quick as it had begun. With my eyes tightly closed, I could hear Pinkie mep as Fluttershy tackled her, followed by the sound of a hard impact and pots and pans raining down on the floor. I reluctantly opened my eyes to see the damage. The kitchen was a mess, almost as bad as the time Sweetie Belle tried to make boxed brownies. Almost. Half risen bread dough was splatted across the walls and floor. There was so much flower on everything, it looked like it was the night before Hearthswarming. Fortunately, none had gotten on me. In the middle of the room, the egg floated peacefully, held safely by my magic. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were tangled together on the far side of the room, amidst a small pile of pots and pans that had previously been hanging from the ceiling. The batter that Pinkie Pie had been working on was dripping into her mane and across her face, highlighting her shocked and angry expression.

"What the hay Fluttershy! What was that for!"

"What were you doing!?"

Seeming to forget that her back was still in the dent made when she impacted the counter, the batter plastered, pink pony patisserie perked up. "Oh. This morning my pinkie sense told me there was going to be a new griffin in town! it's different than the pinkie sense for when there is a new pony, both ears flop instead of just one. so I was like 'Wow, we don't get many griffins around here, so I will have to make their welcome party extra special' and then, wouldn't you know it but the ostrich egg I had ordered arrived a few days early, so I was going to make some ostrich egg cupcakes." Pinkie beamed brightly, despite her anger a few seconds ago.

"Pinkie," Fluttershy pointed to the egg, still held off the counter in the soft glow of my magic, " That isn't an ostrich egg. That's a griffin egg!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

The temperature in the room dropped as Pinkie and I processed what Fluttershy had just said. I felt like my stomach twisted itself into a knot as I suddenly became hyper-aware of the precious cargo currently held precariously in my magic. Across the room, I could see Pinkie pale and her mane deflate as she realized what she had almost done. 

"So.... so you're saying I was just about to bake that little guy into his own 'Welcome to Ponyville' cupcakes. Heh," Pinkie laughed dryly. "Grif cakes."

She then slowly took the bowl off her head and preceded to revisit her standard morning three-tiered pre-breakfast chocolate cake right into it. Any rumors that I joined her and emptied my stomach as well are just slander and hearsay. A lady does not vomit, despite what a large number of my peers might think. I was brought back to reality when I heard Fluttershy let out a quick yelp. She had already untangled herself and was holding her right forehoof as she inspecting the egg still suspended in my magic. 

"Is something wrong dear," I asked with trepidation. Hopefully nothing had happened to the egg!

"Oh, no. It's nothing. I think the egg just shocked me a little. Rarity, if you would like, you can put the egg down. It doesn't appear to have been damaged. That was some quick thinking." 

There was a collective sigh of relief once we knew no permanent damage had been done. "It's nothing dear. When in working with sharp needles and fragile, expensive, clothes all day, one develops an instinct for catching falling objects."





(Rainbow Dash)

Me and Applejack had just arrived at Sugarcube Corner. We were running late because we ended up having a staring contest on the way. I would have won too if it wasn't for that stupid tree. Anyways, the party was going strong, with everyone talking about how surprised they were that the Princess had chosen Ponyville to host the Summer Sun Celebration. I wasn't really surprised, I mean, Ponyville is awesome, that is why I lived here, which is what makes Ponyville so awesome, perfectly logical. We had just started looking for Pinkie Pie and the others when there was a yell from the back room followed by a bang. I thought it sounded like Fluttershy, but that was impossible. Fluttershy is never that load, not even when cheering my most awesome tricks, or when she lost the Ponyville Regional Quite Game Competition. Derpy had won that championship in a big upset, nopony had expected that that mare could be so quiet. Anyway, everypony just assumed that it was just Pinkie being Pinkie, so they didn't bother investigating, although the Cakes looked a little worried. 

"Well, ah reckon we should see what all that hubbub was about," Applejack said with a sigh.

"It's probably nothing. Maybe Pinkie is just trying to make lava cakes again." We both shudder at that memory. Fire insurance in Ponyville went up thirty bits that day. The cakes turned out good though. Pushing through the crowd, me and Applejack went into the kitchen. It looked like someone had tried to do a sonic rainboom in there, with goop and dust all over the place, and an unpleasant smell in the air. Rarity was by the doorway looking ill and trying to hide a garbage can behind her back. Pinkie Pie was across the room acting ill with her head in a bowl, and Fluttershy was in the middle coddling a giant egg like a mother hen.

"Okay, what's with the griffin egg Fluttershy. You egg sitting or something?"

The three girls look at me with weird expressions on their faces, having only just noticed me and Applejack come in.

After about 10 minutes of catching up, we all had a pretty good idea of what was going on. Applejack volunteered to find the nearest guard, Pinkie Pie decided that she should lay down for a bit and Rarity went with her to keep an eye on the flat-haired pony. I would have never guessed Pinkie could look that sad, but given what almost happened... That just left me and Fluttershy in the kitchen, neither of us really feeling like partying anymore. She was still clinging to the egg like its life depended on it.

"So... Where have you seen a griffin egg before." My fellow pegasus asked, breaking the silence.

"Oh, well, you remember my griffin buddy back in flight school? Turns out she has a younger brother, or sister, or something. I wasn't around when they hatched. Anyways, her parents needed an egg sitter and I needed some cash. Easiest twenty bits of my life."

"Hum," Fluttershy responded with obvious disinterest. "I wonder how this little guy got here."





(??)

I found myself in, well, it is hard to describe. I would call it a void, but even that seems like more than whatever the place I found myself in was. I couldn't feel anything, it was like I was just a head and not even that. It was incredibly strange. You don't notice the feeling of your own body, but when it is gone, it is unnerving.  Whatever, it was better than where I was before. I could tell that the figure that had brought me here was in front of me, kinda, direction really didn't have meaning in this place, but that's beside the point. 

"That's better," The figure said. "Now we can talk without any inconvenient things like bodies getting in the way. Anyway, our agreement."

"The core of the deal is quite simple. You will be reborn in a new world, as one of the natives," The figure begins to recite, almost as if reading off a script. "The species you will be reborn as has a lifespan of about one hundred and fifty of your human years, opposable thumbs, and can fly. A pretty good deal if you ask me. As you will start as an infant, you will be given to some caregivers who will look after you until you come of age. You are not to leave your caregivers, nor are you make them, or any other creature aware of your origins. If you do, the contract will be void and you can go back to where I found you. In exchange, you only have to help me with a certain task in a few years. Are you interested?"

I didn't really have a mouth to answer, but apparently just thinking was enough. Despite not being able to see, I could sense the figure's smile. It sent a chill down my non-existent spine.

"Good. Let us go over the details then. I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship."





(Fluttershy)

I had slept incredibly well last night. After all the stress around that poor griffin yesterday, having everything taken care of felt like Harry had gotten off my shoulders. After Applejack had returned with the guard, they had taken us to the town hall to ask a lot of questions. It was pretty scary being interrogated like that, but the guard had been nice, so it wasn't too bad. After taking most of the day answering questions and talking with the mayor, and the local guard captain, it was decided the egg would head off to Cantorlot, where it would be given to the Griffonian embassy until the parents could be found. If the parents couldn't be located, then the poor little grif would be taken back to Griffinstone to be raised by its own kind. No matter what happened, I did my part and didn't have to worry about it ever again. 

I could tell all the girls were relieved too when everything was settled. Applejack had been pretty upset about an abandoned chick, which was not a surprise considering the importance of family to her. Rainbow Dash and Rarity both offered to help with the search, but the guards polity declined their offer. Pinkie Pie had been taking it the hardest, and I could tell she still felt bad about what had happened, but nopony was as determined as her to make sure the egg found a good home. By the time we had all split up, it had looked like everypony had started to get back to normal.

Coming downstairs, I knew this would be a wonderful, calm, normal day. All my little animal friends were waking up and saying their good mornings as I went around getting breakfast ready for all of them. I even got to see a sleepy Angel Bunny! He is always cutest just after he has woken up from a nice sleep and hasn't had time to be angry yet. After I made sure all my animal friends had something to eat, I sat down for my own morning meal, haybacon, and eggs. I know that haybacon is bad for you, but with the fresh eggs the chickens are willing to give me, there is nothing better for a special occasion. Oh, I was so looking forward to today. We had convinced Pinkie to through a private party to wish the egg a good life and make up for missing the party yesterday. Hopefully, that would be enough to get the pink party pony back in good spirits. And, although I would never complain, I actually thought the party would be more fun without everpony in town there. With a smile on my face, I open my door and head out to face the day. Then I see something resting innocently on my front porch.

A perfectly shaped, black-spotted, white egg.
> Asking Questions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

995 CE
(Twilight Sparkle)
I let out a sigh of contentment as I consumed another Considerable Cup of Celestia Condoned Creamy Caffeinated Cappuccino Coffee (C8 for short). It had been a tough week. Recently the Princess had assigned more and more bizarre tasks. She insisted that I 'get more experience in the field' that I 'might even make some friends if I left the library for once' and that I 'needed to take a shower more than once a month'. While I trust the Princess implicitly and would never dare to doubt her infallibility, I have to wonder about some of her recent assignments. Fieldwork is all well and good, but everypony knows that success comes from one's ability to pass standardized tests and recite previous works, not solve frustrating and vague real-world problems that don't even always have a correct answer. With all she is asking, even I am having trouble keeping up with the workload in addition to my more traditional studies.  

With my brief respite over, I turn back to the project I am working on.



 
On The Melting Point Of Thaumicly  Aware Crystal


 Sparkle, T

An object reported to be the remains of a mirror made of thamumicly aware crystal (TAC) is analyzed in order to explore the conditions required to melt TAC, a phenomenon that has never been observed in laboratory conditions. The remains, as well as the surrounding areas, were examined by comparing the results of three standard thaumic tests with baseline TAC, as well as the observations of Starswirl et. al. (100 BCE). The result of this examination suggests that the artifact must have been subjected to temperatures of 108 C to melt. As these temperatures are observed nowhere except in the interior of the sun, more testing is...




I was interrupted by a knock. Without looking up from my work, I granted the knocker permission to enter. It was a member of the Solar Guard, the symbol on his uniform indicating a lieutenant. Seeing a lieutenant doing a trivial task was enough to get my attention.

"Ma'am, the Princess requires your presence in the court-side tea room."

Great, another assignment. At least I will have an excuse to put off this paper.

I grabbed one of the books I was going to cite so I would have something to read on the way as we left for the Princess's favorite tea room. In partiality no time, my study of the material properties of thamumicly aware crystal was interrupted by the guard announcing that we had arrived. A quick knock later and the lieutenant and I were standing at attention in front of the personification of the sun.

"Twilight, have you been getting enough sleep?" Was the first thing out of my teacher's mouth. My eye twitched at the question. I would be getting more sleep if she let up on the work. Probably. If there wasn't a good book nearby. 

"I have been doing fine Princess, " I replied, suppressing my frustration. "However, I do have much work to do. May I ask why you summoned me?"

"For the thousandth time Twilight, you can call me Celestia."

"Of course Princess," I replied with no intention of changing my naming convention. 

With a sigh, the Princess continued. "Recently in the small town of Ponyville, just down the mountain, an object was discovered that had some sort of teleportation enchantment on it. Anytime it would get far from the town, it would teleport back."

That was certainly concerning. I had recognized the name Ponyville from talks with my brother. About seventy-five percent of all good going to or from Canterlot passed through the town. That, when combined with its position near the Everfree and one of Equestria's largest damns made the small town surprisingly strategically important. Perhaps the object the Princess mentioned is some sort of explosive meant to disrupt the capital? Not likely. I know there are S.M.I.L.E. agents in the area who could take care of something like that, plus I doubt the Princess would send me out of Canterlot for something as mundane as a teleporting bomb. 

It was at this point I realized the Princess had stopped talking a while ago. A little embarrassed at being so caught up in my thoughts, I indicated that the Princess should continue.

"A S.M.I.L.E. agent in Ponyville requested a magic expert to come down and look at it, and I recommended you. Please pack your things for a day trip. The lieutenant here will arrange transportation for you and Spike."

That was all the Princess was giving me? There is no way she would send me on a mission like this without some sort of twist.

"While you are in Ponyville, I have a secondary objective for you."

Ah, there it was.

"I would like you to see if you find any friends well you are there. I know you have not been having luck in Canterlot. I am hoping that a change of scenery will allow you to open up a bit."

I agree with a sigh. the Princess had been giving me 'secondary objectives' like this for a while now, each of which I have enthusiastically failed. I am not one to settle for anything but perfect, but if success means listing to some random mare ramble on about sports or animals or makeup or farming or parties or something, I am fine with a B.

"Of course Princess"

"Good. Then please go pack," I turn to leave before being interrupted "Oh, and lieutenant. Please tell the staff to draw a bath for Miss Sparkle. I don't want her falling out of the sky because her charioteers fainted."





(Applejack)

"Could you state your name for the record?"

"Applejack," I say to the mare in front of me, trying my best to stay calm. This had not been how today was supposed to go. I had been helping the cows when the mares in black showed up. Apparently, the egg that Pinkie Pie had found yesterday went missing from the Griffonian embassy and appeared on Fluttershy's front porch. Now S.M.I.L.E. was all over town trying to figure out how a live egg made it from a secure location in Canterlot to a cottage in Ponyville in only six hours.

"Where were you last night?" The slick city pony with his slick suit and slick shades asked.

"Ah was at home, asleep. The rest of ma family will tell ya the same thing. Us farm folk are early to rise, early to bed."

"Have you been to Canterlot, or been in contact with anyone who has been there recently?"

"Ma friend Rarity goes to Canterlot on occasion, but ah don't know the last time she was up there."

"How much did you interact with the griffin egg that was found in Ponyville yesterday?"

"I didn't have much to do with it. I only saw it after all the excitement was done. I pretty much just got the guard."

"I see. Moving on. What is your opinion on griffins and Griffonia?"

"I ain't got nothing against dem feather dusters. My grandpa fought them in the war, but that was an awfully long time ago. I just wish those stubborn birds would give in and let Celestia help them."

"I see. I think that is all the questions I have for you right now. Would you please tell Miss. Bell to come in as you exit? And be sure not to leave town for the next few days in case we have more questions."

"Ain't no problem"





(Rarity)

"Could you state your name for the record please?"

"Rarity Bell." I can't believe I am going to lose another day of work over all this. Of course, I would not hesitate to give all the help I can, but this is ridiculous. Ponyville had nothing to do with that egg after it got on to the train to Canterlot. Besides, I know for a fact that nopony in Ponyville would be so cruel as to steal an egg. At least I get to see the standard S.M.I.L.E. suit up close. I must compliment the designer, it looks sharp on both a colt and a mare.

"Could you tell me what you were doing last night?"

"Oh, I was working on this fabulous design. I got inspired by the purity and tragedy of that egg and just had to get it on paper. My boutique is right in town. Surly the night patrol can verify that my light was on."

"I have been told that you frequently travel to Canterlot. When was the last time you went and have you ever been to the Griffonian embassy?"

"I haven't been up the mountain in about a month. A shame really, fashion moves so fast. There have been a few times when I stopped by the embassy. I have not seen much of the interior though. I had to drop off a few dresses I designed for state dinners hosted there."

"What interactions did you have with the egg that was found in Ponyville yesterday?"

"Well, I don't mean to brag, but I saved the poor things life. I caught it with my magic and stopped it without leaving a single crack.

"I see. One last question Miss. Bell. What is your opinion on Griffonia and griffins?"

"I don't have anything against griffins if that is what you are insulating. To be completely honest, sometimes I am a little jealous. Griffin feathers and coats come in so many colors and designs, I would love to be able to design for more of them. It is such a shame most griffins are more concerned about making a quick bit than appreciating beauty."

"I believe that is all the questions I have for you today Miss. Bell. Please make sure to stay in town for the next few days in case we have more questions. Oh, and could you send in that rainbow-haired pegasus?"

"Of course dear."





(Rainbow Dash)

"Could you state your name for the record?"

"Rainbow Dash. Fastest flier in Equestria and future Wonderbolt." I can't believe these suits were treating us like this. All we did was help, and here they were, treating my friends like criminals. From the few things I heard well trapped in here waiting, S.M.I.L.E. had trashed Sugarcube Corner and Fluttershy's place looking for 'clues'. I bet these jerks are just power-mad and throwing their weight around just because they can. 

"Fastest flier in Equestria you say? So how long would it take you to get to Canterlot and back?"

"About two hours each way. I know what your thinking, but I didn't do anything."

"I just want to know the facts. So, where were you last night?"

"I was just at home like usual."

"Do you have anyone that can verify that?"

"Um... N..No, I live alone. But I didn't do anything!"

"Like I said, I am just looking at the facts. As the facts stand, there was enough time for you to get to Canterlot and return with the egg. You have a friend who has been to the embassy multiple times and another friend who referees to griffins with racial slurs. Is there anything you want to confess? It would make this whole thing easier."

"Wha...who... For the thousandth time, me and my friends didn't do anything! We were just trying to help! It is the lest we could do after what happened with Pinkie."

"Oh, and what happened with Pinkie."

"Nothing! It was just an accident! She had never seen a griffin egg before and thought it was some other kind of egg. She was going to make cupcakes with it, but Fluttershy and Rarity stopped her before she could."

"So you're saying this Pinkie attempted to kill and eat an unborn, sentient creature?"

"WHAT! NO! PINKIE WOULD NEVER DO THAT! IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! STOP TWISTING MY WORDS!"

"Please calm down miss. There is no need to yell. Neither you nor any of your friends are being charged with anything as of this moment. I see you are upset, so I just have one last question for you, then I will get out of your mane. What is your opinion on Griffinstone and griffins?"

"Okay... jerk... I don't know much about Griffinstone, but griffins are good fliers. They not as fast as us pegasi, but they great endurance fliers. Let me tell you, never do a pegathon against one. I heard the best of them can fly all day and night straight."

"Well, Miss. Dash, that is all I need from you today. Please stay in town for the next few days. You are not under arrest, but we would like you nearby just in case. Also, could you see Miss. Pie in?"

"Sure, but you better not be mean to her, or you'll regret it."





(Pinkie Pie)

"Could you state your..."

"Oh, oh, oh. Are you using a repetitive format to give the story a unique structure?"

"What? No. I was just going to ask what your name was.

"Okay. I'm Pinkie Pie! What's your name!"

"You can call me Agent Tight Lips. Now would you mind if I ask you some questions about the egg!"

"Oh.... sure I guess. Sorry, I ruined your pattern. I have been ruining a lot of things recently."

"I see. Could you tell me what happened?"

"I...I was just trying to do something nice. Ponyville doesn't have a lot of creatures besides ponies. I guess that kinda makes sense, pony is in the name of the town, and the title of the show. But I was really happy that we would be getting somepo...someone from a different culture around town."

"Isn't there a zebra that lives nearby?"

"Ya, but she is pretty scary, and these days you need more than just token minority representation."

"I think we are getting off-topic. Could you tell me more about what happened with the egg?"

"Right. I was making some cupcakes for the 'Welcome to Ponyville' party I was going to throw when the new griffin came to town. I really wanted to make them special, so I decided to use the ostrich egg I had ordered. Ostrich eggs have to come all the way from southern Farasi, so they are really expensive, but I had always wanted to try and bake with one, so I saved up for it. I was just able to buy one a few days ago, so that is what I thought the big egg that turned up on my doorstep was. Looking back, there was no way an egg could have traveled all the way here so fast, but those types of things just happen to me, so I didn't think anything of it. So I thought this griffin egg was an ostrich egg and was about to use it to make the cupcakes for the 'Welcome to Ponyville' party, but then Fluttershy and Rarity stopped me. If they hadn't, that poor griffin would have never had a single birthday party, and it was all my fault."

"I see. Do you mind if we move on to more recent events?"

"I guess not..."

"Okay, then can you tell me what you were doing last night."

"I...I was in my room,... crying. The Cakes can tell you. I think I really worried them. Just another thing I ruined."

"I think I have a good picture of what happened. I have one last question. What is your opinion of griffins and Griffinstone?"

"They are just like us, but a little different. We both could learn a lot from each other."

"Thank you, Miss. Pie. That will be all for today. You can go, just please stay in town in case we need you again. Could you please send in your last friend when you leave?"

"What?! That's it! You're not going to arrest me and then banish me! or put me in jail! Or banish me, then put me in a jail in the place you banished me!?"

"No Miss. Pie. If you don't mind a little breach of protocol, I would like to give you some advice. What happened was an accident, even somepony like me who has never meet you in my life can see that. Instead of punishing yourself for what almost happened, you should learn from your mistake. Be more careful in the future, don't assume that everything will work out, but plan to make it work out. And in this case, that means making sure that that little grif lives the best life it can."





(Fluttershy)

"Could you please state your name for the record?"

"Fluttershy."

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that?"

"Fluttershy."

"Okay. I can tell you are nervous Miss. Fluttershy, but I can assure you, neither you nor your friends are in any trouble. We just want to know what happened."

"That's good. Um, if you don't mind me asking, what happened to the egg?"

"What happened to the egg? I am afraid I can't give you any details, but rest assured that it is in a secure location and is being provided the best care possible." 

"That's a relief. I was so worried about it after you folks took it away."

"Speaking of which. Could you tell me what happened before you found the egg this morning?"

"Well, my friends and I were all pretty tired after yesterday, so we all went our separate ways and had planned on meeting this morning to cheer up Pinkie and put this whole ordeal behind us. I went to bed pretty early, just after I made sure all my animal friends were good for the night. I was going to stay up later, but I got really tired around ten, I think I was just wiped out from all the excitement. In the morning, just after I had breakfast, I was going to head into town, and that is when I found the egg."

"That is similar to how your friend, Miss. Pie found it, correct?"

"That's right."

"So what did you do after you found the egg?"

"While I took it into town. I had hoped that one of my friends would know what to do. We decided to take it to the guard again, but by the time we got there, S.M.I.L.E had had already showed, up."

"I see. Do you have any guesses as to who might have brought the egg to you?"

"No, I think only my friends, the Cakes, and the guards knew it was in town."

"Do you have any idea why whoever stole the egg might have given it to you?"

"I don't know. I guess I hear that a lot of ponies think of me as the nurturing type. While that is very flattering, I don't think I am ready for a little foal,.. er chick."

"Okay, I have one last question for you. What..."

"I am terribly sorry, but I am feeling really dizzy, can I have..."

"Miss. Fluttershy, are alright? Gah! What was that flash!? The egg! That's impossible! We are in an anti-magic cell! Miss Fluttershy!? What happened? Can you hear me?! Miss Fluttershy! MEDIC! MEDIC! I NEED A MEDIC IN HERE!"





(???)

We had been in this non-space for what seemed like a long time, as much as time had meaning here, going over the details of the contract. At long last, we had finally come to an agreement. Something that was at least, acceptable, to both sides, although the figure defiantly got the better deal. That just left one question.

"Why you? Well, a verity of reasons." The figure responded to my unspoken question. Of course, all my questions were unspoken, as I didn't have a mouth, but the figure was always able to hear them anyway. Let's just say being a disembodied spirit is weird and leave it at that.

"For one, your introversion and asexuality should help you blend in when you are young. Plus you are smart enough to both be able to improvise and know what will happen to you if you cross me. But there is a more, essential reason."

"Let me put it this way. If you agree to my deal, you will be sent to another world which you will likely grow to love. To another family, which will love you and you will likely love back. You will live there for years, getting to know your new family and new life. Then, after you have integrated yourself into their lives and them into yours, you will mercilessly and cruelly stab them in the back. You will spend the entity of your new life with the guilt of your original sin. Every hug, every warm meal, every happy moment, tarnished by your sudden but inevitable betrayal. A betrayal that will likely see every person you ever meet hurt. Despite knowing that upfront, knowing that the deal you are making is faustian. Do you still agree?"

It was a little disturbing to hear it laid out like that, it was enough to make me hesitate. Was I really willing to possibly doom another world just for a chance at another life? While I don't wish to harm anyone, I can't do anything if I am dead. Besides, nothing is inevitable, even with this contract. With that in mind, there was only one choice. I had to keep moving forward because there was nothing left behind me.

"That, that is why I choose you."
> Getting Answers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

995 CE
(Fluttershy)
I awoke looking up at a strange celling. I felt exhausted, it was like when I had the feather flu; every part of me was sore. Reluctantly, I looked around the room where I found myself. It wasn't hard to figure out I was in the Golden Oaks Library. The library had lacked a full-time librarian for years, so some townsfolks would volunteer on the weekends to keep it open. I had volunteered a few times; usually, when there was a book on animals I wanted to read. It was a pretty boring job, not many ponies would come in, so it there was always plenty of time to read. That did leave the question of what I was doing here.

"How ya feeling Fluttershy?" Came a worried voice, alerting me of Applejack's presence.

"I'm okay." I lied, hoping to reassure my friend. 

"If ya say so," Applejack said with suspicion, "I'm go'na tell the girls you are up. They are all downstairs worried sick about ya. Apparently, Redheart an't got no idea what's wrong with ya, and they gota get some fancy magic expert from Canterlot to help. Anyways, I'll be back in the shake of a tail."

Applejack was gone only moments before Nurse Redheart came in to check on me, accompanied by the mare who interviewed me and another S.M.I.L.E. agent. As the nurse was doing her job, the agents introduced themselves.

"Fluttershy, my name is Agent Tight Lips, and this is my partner Dramatic Recreation. Do you remember me?" I nodded. "Good. You fainted well we were talking. What is the last thing you remember?"

"Um,... You were just finishing up I think. Then my hoof started to get really warm and itchy, and I started to feel really dizzy. I get dizzy sometimes when I am helping my animal friends too long and forget to drink enough water. I'm sorry I scared everypony over a little dehydration."

"Fluttershy," Nurse Redheart spoke up, "You have been unconscious for an hour. I have seen a lot of cases of dehydration in my time, and none of them look like this. I can't find anything wrong with you. As far as I can tell, you should be perfectly healthy."

That sounded good, everypony was just overreacting. Before I could reassure everypony, Applejack came back in. "Mighty sorry to interrupt, but that fancy wizard of yours is asking for Fluttershy."

"Good," Tight Lips replied, "It would be best you could come down to meet her. Any objections?" She asked, looking at me and the nurse.

We both gave the all-clear, although Redheart did so reluctingly. I got out of the bed, my earlier soreness already fading. There was a tense atmosphere in the rest of the tree library. About a dozen ponies filled the main room around the central reading table, clearly divided between my friends and S.M.I.L.E. Of my four friends, only Pinkie was not glaring at the agents, instead looking to the floor with a worried expression. I don't think I had seen her hair at full volume since yesterday morning, I think all this drama was hard on her. 

Of the strangers, one stood out. Unlike the rest of the outsiders, this mare wasn't wearing a suit, meaning she must be the magic consultant. If I was to describe her in one word, it would be tired. She had dark circles under her eyes, visible even against the purple of her ratty fur. Her mane was so bad, I was sure Rarity would have dragged the mare to the spa kicking and screaming if they meet under normal circumstances.  But these circumstances were not normal.

The mage's attention was focused on the root of all the tension in the room; an innocent-looking egg. Judging by the glow of the lavender mare's horn, I assumed she was scanning the egg, and by the look on her face, the results were not good.

"Miss. Sparkle, the mare you wanted to speak to has woken up."

"Hum," The mare said, looking up from her task. "Great, come down here. I have a theory I need to test."

I nervously headed over to this Miss. Sparkle. Meeting new ponies is always so scary. And this one looks like she is in a bad mood. What if I make a bad impression and she hates me. She is probably really important if S.M.I.L.E. is coming to her for magic advice, it would be a disaster if someone like that didn't like me.

"Hi, my name is Fluttershy.."

"We can skip the formalities," The mare cut me off. I could see my friends glaring at her like they were about to tear her horn off. This is why I hate meeting new ponies, everypony is always so protective of me and blows things way out of proportion. Miss. Sparkle is probably just very busy and wants to help as quickly as possible.

"Agents TL and DR have already briefed me on your situation. You said you felt suddenly tired around 10 last night? And again just before you fainted? When you first encountered the object, did you feel anything strange? Like a sting or a burn?"

"Um," This mare was really intense. But there was one thing I had to correct. "It's a living creature, I don't think you should call it an object."

"Semantics. Do you mind if I cast a spell to see through some of your fur? Nothing inappropriate of course." 

I give a nod. I was having a hard time deciding if this mare was rude or just plain mean. I could tell what my friends thought though; Rainbow had already started mumbling threats under her breath. 

The magic expert grabbed one of my hoves and begin to examine it. A quick flash of her horn and my soft yellow fur became transparent, just barely visible against the skin beneath. It was kinda weird. I usually only see skin like that right after a cut or something similar. The mare finished examing my left hoof and grabbed my right. When she activated her spell this time, there was a collective, worried gasp from my friends.

There, hidden under the fur of my right hoof, was a ring of arcane runes. They were carved crudely into the flesh of my hoove, looking like something done with a dull knife by a crazy cult. The runes completely encircled my hoof like a twisted wedding band, and unlike a tattoo, they had depth and texture to them, like long healed scars.

I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe. What had happened to me? Who did this? How? Why? When? I needed more air. These marks were a defilement, an impurity, a brand. Did something brand me? Was some terrifying beast going to come and take me away? Was I going to be a sacrifice for some crazed moon cult, like in that Daring Do book? Was I going to have to explain these scares to my grandfoals years from now? What would my parents think? What was going to happen to me? What did they mea...

"Fluttershy! Calm down!" I suddenly became aware of somepony shaking me and calling my name. It was Rainbow Dash. She and the other girls were huddled around me, trying to comfort me. The S.M.I.L.E ponies had all backed off with worried and sympathetic looks. Even the mage looked on with empathy, the most emotion I had seen from her since she had arrived.

I took a moment to calm down in the embrace of my friends. I was going to be fine. My friends would be there to support me. Rainbow and AJ would never let something bad happen to me. And even if something scary got me, I know Rarity and Pinkie would be able to find me. Who knows, maybe it can be fixed? That is what S.M.I.L.E. was for, after all, solving magic problems.

"Um, sorry to interrupt," The purple mare interrupted our hug, "but I think I know what is going on." That got the attention of everypony in the room, although my friends were still huddled around me. Is it bad that I was relieved they stayed?

"Those ether runes on your hoof, they confirm my theory. I believe those runes serve as a sort of arcane map in five-dimensional aether-space-time, in addition to being a spell source." 

All of us, even most of the S.M.I.L.E. agents give her a blank look.

"In practical terms, they act as a teleportation spell connected to the egg. If the egg gets more than a few miles away from the anchor, the spell activates and teleports the egg to the anchor. That leads me to another thing I would like to test. Miss. Fluttershy, would you mind trying to fly for me?"

That earned some distrusting looks from my friends but after some reassurance, I managed to get out from the pony pile I was in. Once I had enough space, I spread my wings, planning to just do a little hover in the confined library. Nothing, the few flaps that would normally send me into the air did nothing more than blow around some dust. It was a little worrying, my wings felt almost numb. I could still feel them just fine, but the strength that had always been there was gone. 

"That is what I suspected," The magical mare mage responded to my struggle. "The energy for the teleport had to come from somewhere, and taking it from an egg would kill it, so it has been using your magic. That is why you can't fly. If I had to guess, you probably will not be able to use your cutie mark talent for a while either. This also explains the fainting and tiredness. You didn't have enough normal magic to teleport a living creature through anti-magic fields or all the way from Canerlot, so the spell had to use something else instead. Your life force."

Even the S.M.I.L.E. agents begin muttering amongst themselves after the diagnosis was given. My friends let out another gasp and huddled around me again. I felt strangely numb. Is this what it feels like to learn you have cancer? I just tried to save a poor griffin's life and now it is sucking mine? 

"Now what, exactly, does that mean?" Applejack slowly asked. I could tell she was afraid of the answer. I think we all were.

"Well, using life force like that is extremely dangerous. It can provide considerable magical potential, but it is extremely damaging. It is impossible to know the exact effects, but judging from the power requirements of the spell, it doesn't look good. Using that much life force, you are looking at increased risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's, ..."

"Please stop." Rainbow Dash intervened.

"Right, sorry. I can recommend a few books you should read. You are actually lucky in a way. If the egg had gone further way, say straight to Griffinstone, the spell could have killed you outright."

"This is outrageous!" It seems this latest revelation broke Rarity. "Our sweet Fluttershy saves a life and this is what she gets! A curse that scars her and threatens to kill her! There must be something to do! Can you get rid of it? And what are you going to do to bring whatever ruffian is behind this justice? This is what Celestia pays you for, isn't it? I will not have one of my friends treated this way!"

The lavender mare seemed taken aback by this outburst and several S.M.I.L.E. agents stepped in to protect her. One of them, I think it was Dramatic Recreation, started shouting back.

"Hey, don't blame the messenger. It's not our fault that you idiots messed with a strange egg. That is like magic kindergarten stuff. Don't they teach you anything in the backwards town? "

"Hey, guys?" Pinkie said, eveypony ignored her.

"Who you calling idiot you pigs! Maybe if you spent less time overthrowing democratically elected governments and more time doing your job, this wouldn't have happened!" Rainbow shouted back.

"Guys!?" Everypony ignored Pinkie again.

"That was one time! And we thought he rigged the election! If it wasn't for ponies like us, ponies like you would be hydra meat!"

"GUYS!"

"WHAT!?"

Everypony stared at Pinkie. I was just happy for the distraction. Rainbow and Applejack looked like they were about to lose it.

"The egg! I think it is hatching!" 

The fight was instantly forgotten. Everypony looked to the root of all their recent problems. Sure enough, the egg was wobbling seemingly on its own, a large crack having appeared. The tension in the room suddenly spiked, as the first chips of egg started to fall. Everypony waited to see what horrors the strange egg may produce.





(???)

Finally! I was out of the non-space! I was still in a void but was actually dark, and had a concept of down, and time was a thing again. Now I could just put all those memories of the non-space in a big box of things not to think too hard about and move on. Speaking of moving on, I had a body again! And it wasn't slowly dying in a puddle of poisonous water! Improvements! I should probably take stock. I couldn't see anything, but I felt my eyes move, so hopefully, that was all good. My ears were working though, I could hear what sounded like yelling somewhere outside my void, although I couldn't understand what was being said. I could feel two arms, two hands, two legs, although my feet felt weird, and... wings? I think the Figure said something about being able to fly, so that must be how? It was going to be weird having six limbs. 

Apparently, all my testing had caused me to move in my comfy void. I slammed my face into some hard surface. It didn't hurt as much as I would expect, and it made clear that my head was not human anymore. Before I knew what was happening, I pulled my head back and slammed into the hard surface again. It must be some sort of instinct. This time, the impact seemed to do some damage as slivers of light entered my void. This was progress! I noticed voices had stopped. Are those my future parents? With all that yelling? Am I going to be born into a broken family? That seemed like the type of thing the Figure would do. But there was only one way to find out.

Pulling back my head again, I struck the hard edge of my void right at the crack. More light streamed in, a proper hole, but too bright to see through and too small to crawl through. I could tell I was almost free, one more good hit should do it. I put as much strength and leverage as I could manage into my next strike and flung myself forward. That seemed to do the trick, seeing as the crack of light spread around the void. And so, with great violence, I entered into my new world.
> Bound Hatchling
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

995 CE
(Fluttershy)
SHE. WAS. SO. CUTE! We were all a little anxious when the egg started to hatch. After Miss. Sparkle told us that it cursed me with an evil spell that would drain my life force and cause the egg to stalk me like some of those weeping alicorn statures Dr. Hooves told me about; I was sure it would hatch into some hideous monster or a dragon or something else scary. What emerged from the egg wasn't some dark beast from beyond reality, but a normal little griffin. 

The baby chick was a little smaller than a pony foal but otherwise looked very similar to Elizabeak's chicks after they hatched, smelled similar too. She has piercing, slitted, yellow eyes, and her fur and feather colors looked very similar to her egg's. Her feathers are mostly white with occasional black feathers creating spots across her upper body. A particularly thick ring of darker feathers around her neck gave the impression of a natural necklace. Unlike most griffins, she didn't have any discoloration around her eyes or any ear fluff. The fur on her lower half is similarly white with little circles of black giving her a spotted look. All of which combined would give her excellent camouflage in a snowy forest. And the chick was a her, or at least I was pretty sure she was. I could tell right away she was an arctic owl, snow leopard mix. While I am no expert on griffin biology, I know that male snowy owls are almost purely white. Although, now that I think about it, snowy owls don't normally have slitted eyes.

"Everypony back off. I need to check the hatchling."

Nurse Redheart's declaration remained me of the wider world. While I let the nurse do her job, I looked around the room. I could tell all my friends thought the chick was just as cute as I did, although Rainbow was trying her hardest not to show it, which was cute in its own way. The S.M.I.L.E. agents looked much more nervous, I could tell some of them were struggling to stay professional and vigilant. Miss. Sparkle in particular looked like she was going to be sick. This must be her first birth or something. 

"I... I think she is healthy, but Miss. Sparkle, could you have a look at this."

That doesn't sound good. I hope there is nothing wrong with the little grif. I nervously begin to rub my wrist, reminding me of the marks I had found there not long ago. Of course, there is something wrong. This poor creature had a strange foalhood even before she was even born, the magic that cursed me probably did something to her as well. I just hope it isn't anything serious.

"That spell you did earlier on Fluttershy, the one that made her fur invisible, do you think you cast it again?"

The rude mare scoffs a little at the request but follows through with the spell. Soon, the black and white fur and feathers of the griffin chick vanish, revealing the pale flesh underneath. What it reveals makes me nauseous even to look at.

"What under Celestia's yellow sun are those!?"





(???)

Everything was blurry. I couldn't make out anything more than basic colored blobs. Did I get reincarnated blind? Maybe my lack of proper sight is a result of having just been born, or hatched I think. Considering I had to break something hard, that must be the case. I could tell my hatching had not gone unnoticed. The weird talking from before stopped and I could feel the eyes on me, even if I couldn't make them out yet. I could feel my little heart beat faster. I was never particularly socially anxious, but having everyone stop talking and stare at you as you enter a room, or in this case, a new world, is enough to give even the most social of extroverts pause. 

Chirp, chirp

Was... that... me?! I sound like a baby chicken! I suppose with the hatching and the wings that made sense. Was I some sort of bird person? That makes me feel like I should make a Rick and Morty reference. 

"Neigh, whinny, nicker, snort."

That sounded like some of the noises I heard before! It was coming from the red and white blob that was currently getting larger. It was very weird, it seemed like a language but was made up of mostly horse noises. It was distinctly musical though, not gruff like one would expect a horse language to be. Great, I can't understand the natives. At least I won't have to explain how a baby knows words like antidisestablishmentarianism. 

I felt something touch me, causing me to let out a completely dignified chirp. It was the red and white blob, pulling on my wings and forcing me to roll over. Being so small was surprisingly frightening. My rational brain knew the blob was probably just a doctor or something checking up on me after my hatching, but my monkey... er, bird brain forced me to be keenly aware of how easy it would be for the blob to hurt me. At least my sight was getting better. The colorful blobs were all at least all vaguely quadrupedal at this point.

The white one made some more horse noises and moved what I assume is its head. It seemed distressed, at least as far as my complex and nuanced understanding of an alien horse language that I first heard less than a minute ago can tell. A purple blob responded and begin to approach. I could tell this one had something sticking out of its head. A horn of some kind? I wonder if it is a different species? The blobs seemed to look and sound similar, so maybe it is a sex thing like with deer? That might be it, the white blob is female and the purple blob is male.

My theorizing was interrupted when I felt something strange pass over my entire body. It was like all my hair, or feather, or whatever started standing on end. Apparently, the blobs could feel something too because a hush came over the room. I could tell I was once again the center of attention as an orange blob made a very distressed sound. That didn't seem like a good sign.





(Twilight Sparkle)

That thing is evil. I am not sure how everypony else can stand it. That thing is radiating so much dark magic, I am sure Celestia can feel it back in Canterlot. Just standing in the same room as the monster is enough to make me sick. It might look cute now, but so does a baby hydra. Don't think I didn't notice its wicked sharp beak or its cruel claws, even its color pattern would make it all the easier for it to hunt ponies in the winter. I am afraid I might have to make a tough call, just like a baby hydra it is better to kill it now before it has the chance to hurt anypony.

"Everypony back off. I need to check the hatchling."

The nurse spoke up before I could state my concerns. I suppose it would be good to know what we are up against before we had to put it down, but I wasn't going to let my guard down. The nurse begin her examination of the little monster and it was immediately clear something was wrong. Surly proof of the griffin's insidious nature. 

"I... I think she is healthy, but Miss. Sparkle, could you have a look at this."

I approached with caution. It hadn't done anything yet, but that was no reason to let my guard down.

"That spell you did earlier on Fluttershy, the one that made her fur invisible, do you think you cast it again?"

Do I think I can cast it again? Please, that is such a basic spell I am sure even a laypony could do it. I know she was just being polite but she should be more careful with her words. That said, her suggestion is quite pragmatic, that spell can allow a basic examination without directly interfering with the griffin's mana network. A quick cast later and everypony in the room is speechless. 

Runes. There were runes everywhere. Just about every surface of the chick's flesh was covered with the things. Unlike the primarily anchoring runes on the yellow one, these were clearly the result of dark magic. Just looking at the runes left a feeling of wrongness and that was when they would stay still. Several rows of the symbols would twist and move like snakes across the newborn's skin. A few S.M.I.L.E. agents and every single one of the locals looked like they would be sick, and frankly, I don't blame them.

"What under Celestia's yellow sun are those!?" one of the locals cried.

Right, I wasn't here to gawk, I was a professional and I needed to find answers. The runes changed things. If it was some sort of monster disguised as a griffin, it wouldn't need all those runes, especially not dark magic ones. If anything, that would just be counter-productive as it would attract more attention. No, it is more likely that this is a cursed griffin. That would still explain the presence of dark magic, it was coming from the runes, not the creature itself. But how did it get cursed? I have been with it since the literal moment of its birth, and I can confirm it didn't touch anything that could cause this. Similarly, I would easily have been able to detect if anypony had cursed it in the few moments since it came into the world. Then it was cursed before it was even born? But that is impossible! While, there was that one experiment, but it failed spectacularly. Although, maybe with dark magic? If that was the case, that leads to some troubling implications. While I suppose there is nothing to do but share my theory with the class.

"Everypony calm down. I think I have some answers."
> Bound Pegasus
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

995 CE

(Twilight Sparkle)

"Everypony calm down. I think I have some answers."

I could feel everypony staring at me after my decreation, the weight of their eyes boring into me. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for what Spike called my 'lecture mode'. If I could just get lost in the science, I could ignore all the stares. I take a deep breath and begin.

"So has anypony here heard of designer babies?"

"Like the foal-fashion designer?" The white one asks.

That completely threw me off. Why would you think I was talking about a fashion designer? What logic did you use to connect a griffin chick covered in dark magic with somepony who makes clothes for young ponies!? This was going to be a long explanation. 

"No... I... I will just start from the beginning. About a decade ago, a geneticist by the name of Crisper Case the Ninth came up with an idea for the creation of permanent, passive enchantments. Something that had eluded the magical community for centuries. "

"So like with the thing with Fluttershy?" The blue one asks.

"Not quite. A teleportation enchantment like that is active. It isn't always on, so it doesn't interfere with her baseline magical signature." I was getting a disturbing number of blank looks. "Okay, look at it this way; I can cast the spell that makes fur invisible for a little bit; I can enchant a bracelet that makes the fur of anypony who puts it on invisible; I can't cast a spell that makes somepony's fur invisible for the rest of their lives."

That got some nods. I doubt they fully understood, but it would be enough for now.

"Crisper Case nine theorized that an enchantment applied properly to a foal before birth could be incorporated into the subject's magical signature, it would become permanent. The implications were enormous. With this method, dozens of diseases could be cured. You could create a foal that would rarely become sick, have reduced rest requirements, enhanced strength, stamina, and magical capacity. You could even decide the foal's sex or coat color."

The white one speaks up again. "That is all well and good, but if this method is so revolutionary, why haven't I heard anything about it? I assume this is where you tell me it didn't work."

"The theory worked, but it turned out to be incredibly unstable. Dr. Case and his team tried his method on one hundred fertilized chicken eggs, the enchantments became unstable for all of them, and only one ended up surviving long enough to hatch. Even the survivor died within the week."

"Oh my..." The yellow one looked quite distressed at the news. 

"After the results were released, the Princess declared further research unethical and forbid any more experiments until a more humane method was devised. Most other nations quickly followed suit."

"So you're saying this little griffin is a mutant who was subjected to illegal and unethical experiments? I wonder if she is going to get metal claws and super regeneration and then meet up with a bunch of other mutants who will form a team called the X-ponies and they will fight an evil villain with magnet powers and be discriminated against in an allegory for racism!"

All the S.M.I.L.E. agents, including me, looked at the pink one blankly, the locals just sighed and said something about Pinkie being Pinkie. When did she change into that ridiculous yellow and blue spandex outfit? I know the Princess always said I didn't pay enough attention to my surroundings, but this is impossible! I was about to say something when agent Tight Lips poked me gently on the side. She had the pink one's S.M.I.L.E. person of interest profile. Prominently highlighted at the bottom of the page was a note.  DON'T QUESTION PINKIE!  I was going to have a talk with whoever wrote that, it was very unprofessional.

"So what's up with this chick then? Is she just like twenty percent luckier or something?" The blue one asks, bring the conversation back on track. I could study the pink one later. Now I have more pressing issues.

"No, I believe they used a slightly different method to stabilize the enchantments. I won't be able to give any details without a proper investigation, and even then it will likely be classified. Nurse, is the chick able to be moved? I think it would be best if we went to the hospital to do a proper examination. Agents TL, DR,  XK, and CD, should accompany us. Everypony else should wait here."

There was no reason to burden the locals with any of the details, especially because I fear they might be a little grim. If my theory is correct, dark magic's inherent effects on a creature's magical matrix was utilized to solve the stability problem. Like all magic, dark magic is linked to emotion, particularly pain, hatred, and fear. To get so much power that I can feel it even without a detection spell? That bird must have had a lot of blood on her hands before she was even born.





(Fluttershy)

Nurse Redheart agreed to the rude mare's suggestion and most of the S.M.I.L.E. agents headed out of the library, leaving just my friends and two agents guarding the door. It wasn't complete privacy, but it was the first time I could start to relax since S.M.I.L.E. came to Ponyville. Now us girls could have a nice calm talk and figure out what everypony was thinking. Just so long as nopony said anything too stupid, the agents would probably leave us alone.

"Can you believe that mare! She was so rude I wanted to strangle her!"

And of course, Rainbow imminently begins threatening bodily harm to the magic expert. I don't think anypony disagreed with her, but Rainbow really needs to learn about subtly.

"Now now, she was a little uncouth, but no need to get violent." Rarity responded, looking nervously at the agents across the room who were staring menacingly back. 

"Now what did eveypony think of that poor little griffin?" She quickly changed the subject. "She is cute as a button and I suspect she will be quite the looker when she grows up. Although I must admit she gives off a rather sinister aura, even without considering her... birthmarks."

"Oh, I don't think she was so bad," I respond, rubbing my hoof again. All the girls could see me do it, and the mood dropped. The girls were probably all worried about me and my curse. I always seem to make others worry.

"While ah didn't have no problem with the little guy. Though it is a mite frustrating that she don't got no name. There is only so many times you can call somepony 'the griffin' before it gets right confusing. Seeing as the little feather duster is an owl, what do you all think of Owlowiscious as a name?"

"Nope! That name is already taken!" Pinkie interrupted. "Her coat kinda looks like snow right? How about we call her Snowy Owl. Nice and simple." 

"Snowy Owl is the name of her bird species, I think it would be strange if it was her name as well." I humbly point out. I hope Pinki isn't mad that I didn't like her idea.

"While, she was magically bound to Fluttershy, and the spots on her feline half look a little bit like chain links, so what about Bond Snow?" Rarity suggested.

"Roll credits!" Pinkie said as a ding was suddenly heard throughout the library. The S.M.I.L.E. agents looked around concerned for the source of the noise, the locals just accepted it. 

"Come on girls, you are going about this the wrong way. Everypony knows that griffin names always start with a 'g'. It is something to do with how their language is translated or something. We can't just give her a pony name! How about we call her Gwen. Apparently, it means white in the langue of a dragon clan that lives near Trottingham."

Everypony mulled over Rainbow Dash's suggestion. Dragons were pretty scary, and it was a little weird compared to a normal pony name, but it did fit. Although I do wonder how Dash knew about words in an obscure dragon language.

"While I think that is a lovely name, my dear Dashie. I have no problem with Gwen the Griffin, at least until we find her parents."

Just like that, the mood soured again. We had all been eager to distract ourselves with our little baby-naming exercise, but there was still the manticore in the room. Gwen was found abandoned on a bakery's doorstep, had been subjected to a dangerous experiment, and somehow survived while being covered with runes that hurt to even look at. Maybe she had a grieving family, likely in another country, to find, but there was a good chance her parents were neglective, abusive, or worse. 

"I wonder what will happen to Gwen." The pink mare had gotten some of the poof back in her hair while we were naming things, but it was gone now. It was always a little hard to tell what Pinkie was thinking due to her mood swings, but it didn't seem like she was handling what she had almost done very well. 

"Well, there is no orphanage in Ponyville, so maybe she will be taken to Canterlot or Griffinstone?" Dash suggested.

"But what about dear Fluttershy then? If she is still cursed, Gwen would have to stay near her. As much as I adore Canterlot it would be absolutely tragic if Fluttershy had to move away from her animals to live in a big city like that. Maybe a local could look after her. Pinkie, don't the Cakes want a foal?"

"Ya, but they aren't ready yet! They won't be able to support a foal until season two and don't think they want to adopt. What about Lyra and Bon Bon?"

"They're alright, but Bon Bon always seems to be busy, and Lyra has a few screws loose. Do you really think somepony who believes in humans would be able to care for a griffin like Gwen?"

I let myself drift out of the conversation as my friends continued to discuss who would be the best foster parent in Ponyville, suggesting eveypony from Mayor Mare to the scary zebra that had moved into the woods recently. 

As they talked, I kept rubbing my hoof. Even without Miss. Sparkle's spell, I could occasionally make out the runes the scared my flesh under my fur. I guess that means I am still cursed, still bound to that snowy little owl. That is one thing we have in common, both of us marked by runes we can't understand against our will. She did look very cute, just like some of the other babies that my animal friends have had. I helped a lot of my animal friends raise their young, I wonder how hard it would be to raise a griffin? I suppose I wouldn't have to worry about her accidentally activating the curse if she lived with me. And I already have access to meat for some of my carnivore friends so diet wouldn't be an issue. It all seemed to make sense, so much so I wonder if that was what whoever brought Gwen to Ponyville in the first place's plan was all along? 

"I could always take her."





(Twilight)

I meet back up with Spike outside of the hospital. I had dropped him off at a local bakery and he had gotten involved with some foals and somehow ended up covered in tree sap. Frankly, I was glad he had avoided all the drama in the library. It would have either been too much for him or would have gone over his head. The situation in the hospital was not much better. Well physically fine, magical scans seemed to confirm my theory. Strength, speed, disease resistance, all seemed to have been magically enhanced. Whoever did this even solved the nearsightedness issue most griffins have. All while using more dark magic than most crystal or nightmare cults had access to. 

Two of the enchantments stood out. One affected the visual and auditory parts of her brain and had some sort of external component. If my theory is correct, this could allow somepony to send the young griffin hallucinatory sights and sounds, allowing for indoctrination without anypony the wiser. The second was much more sinister. It appeared to be some kind of failsafe, an enchantment that would crush her heart into a fine paste with a similar external component. In summary, somepony had created a perfect super-spy, able to receive orders anonymously, unable to disobey, and able to be disposed of at a moment's notice. It makes me sick to think somepony would do this to an unborn chick.

The Princess will need to know about this.
> Heading Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

995 CE

(Twilight)

I looked out of the train window as the countryside speed by me, Spike sleeping peacefully in his seat next to me. I had opted to take the train rather than a chariot back to Canterlot. Officially because I wanted to get started on the small mountain of paperwork that had resulted from the egg incident and subsequent adoption of Gwen, unofficially, I just needed some time to process all the events of the last few days. 

Gwen had stayed at the hospital after I had dropped her off. She would be staying there for a good few days until the doctors could verify her health, just like any young foal... chick. 

Spike had decided to head to the hotel rather than come with me back to the library. He was smart enough to know when paperwork was coming, and he wanted no part of it. I can't say I blame him.

I was shocked to learn that the yellow one had volunteered to take the little griffin into her home. It made a lot of logistical sense. The teleporting curse was still active, so if griffin and pony were too far apart, the curse would forcefully bring them back together, with possibly lethal results. That said, the yellow... I looked over the paperwork quickly to remind myself of her name... Fluttershy is only about as old as me. There is no way she could be ready for that type of commitment! I made sure to inform her, to the best of my abilities, of all the responsibilities and risks that taking care of this particular griffin would entail. Not only would she have the stress of a normal foal, but a chick of a different, carnivorous, species. That is not even considering that the young griffin is both magically enhanced and positively soaked in dark magic. There is also the fact that somepony must have enchanted the egg, and it was likely they would get involved again.

Despite all this, she wouldn't abandon the life that was magically bound to her. 

Her bravery shook me to my core.

I know myself enough to know that I would have never been able to do what she did. I would have left the griffin to an orphanage, a S.M.I.L.E agent, or foster care. A youngling like that would have gotten in the way of my studies. They would have caused too much mess, been too expensive, too disruptive, too much baggage, too dangerous. 

I look down at the quietly sleeping form of Spike and feel a sharp pain of guilt through my chest. It was impossible not to see the parallels between me with Spike and Fluttershy with Gwen. Both of us encountered a mysterious egg; neither of us thought the egg would be anything more than a quick obligation; both of us influenced the birth of the creature inside the egg, me by hatching it, her by saving it. Both eggs gave birth to sapient, innocent, but predatory creatures. Both of us chose to take responsibility for the unintentional result of our actions.

The similarities only stood to contrast our differences. I lived with a loving, upper-class family who could take care of Spike and me. Fluttershy lives by herself with only her own income. I had the support of the Princess to protect Spike and me from any threats. Fluttershy only has the support of the normal townsponies and an undercover S.M.I.L.E. agent who is supposed to check up on her once in a while. I had access to the largest library in the known world, with extensive writings on both foulcare and other species. Fluttershy has a nearly abandoned library that is only open on weekends. The most damage Spike could do was a few shallow cuts and a small fire. Gwen is saturated with dark magic and is likely a target of some unknown organization or cult that is perfectly fine with mutilating babies. 

Ever since I became the Princess's student I have thought of myself as special, as being better than most of the ponies I passed on the street. I might be one of the most powerful mages alive, but I have nothing on the humble bravery of this small town mare. 

It shames me.

It shames me to realize that if Spike came into my life right now instead of when he did, I would have turned him away. Spike, who looked so adorable as I fed him ground-up gems as a baby. Spike, who would stay by my side as I study, providing the perfect amount of white-nose while he read his comics. Spike, who give me a blanket when I fell asleep on my desk, whose face would light up when I offered to read him a bedtime story, who would make me breakfast after a long night in the library.

Spike was one of the brightest points in my life as the Princess's student, second only to the Princess herself. While I love all of my family, I am closer to him than my big brother or my parents. He is a son, a little brother, an assistant, a caretaker. 

And I am not worthy of him.

I am still not sure if all the Princess's lectures about friendship are all that accurate, but it is apparent that I have a lot that I could learn from this Fluttershy. I could start up a correspondence, for educational purposes of course, so I could give her advice on raising Gwen and she could help me learn what makes her so brave. As a bonus, I might get the Princess off my back about this whole friend thing.

With the decision made, I took out a blank sheet of paper and began to write.

 Dear Fluttershy 





(Angle Bunny)

I was not happy.

This all started about half a week ago. One day, the Caretaker came home, both physically and, I could tell, mentally, drained. That was not too unusual, especially considering that day was supposed to be one of the Great Pink One's parties. But this was not party exhausted, it was something else, something that I dismissed at the time. By the next morning, it had seemed like she had recovered, just in time for that bastard egg to show up. I had to take charge again that day, as she wasn't home until very late. By then, all of those in her care had started to become worried. We feared it was finally time to enact Operation Undateable. It would be unfortunate if the operation scared somepony who the Caretaker loved away, but if they couldn't handle Operation Undateable, they weren't worthy to be the Caretaker's mate.

Thankfully, we did not have to initiate the operation. Instead, she came home with hoofs and mouth stained black with, edible, ink. She went to bed early that day but tasked me with assembling those under her care in the marrow for a big announcement. I, being the dedicated and vigilant leader of the animals that venerated the Caretaker that I am, completed the task with no issue.

The announcement she made spelled certain doom. A cuckoo! A vile brood parasite had somehow enticed our kind Caretaker to raise it. It was an outrage! How dare it take so much of the Caretaker's time and attention without even the common decency to pass on her linage! What's more, with this cuckoo in the house, I might no longer be the first among those under the Caretaker's watch!

Obviously, this would not stand. Despite my self-evident and undeniable charisma, I could not convince my peers to aid me in getting rid of this parasite. They said things like, 'why don't we meet them first?' or 'I am sure the Caretaker knows what she is doing.' or 'Stop being a bully, are you really that insecure?' Fools the lot of them! Can't they see I am doing this for the Caretaker's own good? The fact that I would stay at the top of the local pecking order is a simple coincidence.

The next few days consisted of many ponies, both from the local herd and suspicious strangers, coming and going from the house. I could tell the intrusion into the Caretaker's sacred isolation was unwelcome, but alas, it was not enough to sway the Caretaker from her erroneous course. The interlopers soon transformed the spare bedroom into a nursery for the foul parasite, complete with a winter theme, designed by Opal's servant. 

Today was the day of reckoning. The petulant, persistent, parasite was permitted permanent passage into the Caretaker's pristine and perfect pony-produced paradise. All the local animals had gathered to greet the newest member of our society for the first time. Most of them were excited or hopeful. The fools! The change this clever conniving cuckoo will certainly cement in our currently casual and content community can not be anything but a calamitous catastrophe! 

The other animal warmly welcomed the damnable bird despite my protestations. I will concede that it is cute, but I can see the mind of a predator behind its slitted eyes! It was calm as it surveyed what it surely thought would be its new dominion. That in itself is ample evidence of its ill intent! No young that I know of is ever that calm with faced with a new situation and with so many new creatures! It did not even seem phased by Harry!

There was no denying it now. Something had to be done to combat this feathered invasion. I needed to bide my time and wait for the right opportunity to strike. Tonight, while the Caretaker is not able to intervene, I will put the upstart in its place! After the Caretaker introduced the parasite to the easily appeased sheep, she led it on a tour of her sanctuary. Afterward, she left it in its crib while she prepared the evening meal. Good, while it is in its caged bed, it will not be able to marshal a resistance or poison the minds of any of the good animals under the Caretaker's watch. But do not think those wooden bars will protect you vile beast! For I will surely restore the natural order! 

The rest of the evening passed most uneventfully, although there was more evidence of the parasite's nefarious nature. The cuckoo was strangely quiet for a chick of only three days. It hardly seemed to cry out but when it was hungry or had some other obvious need. Treachery! It is well known that newborns scream at every little thing. Surely this is but more proof of its evil character. 

Finally, the hour of reckoning was at hand. The house was quiet, as those animals who worked under the sun were asleep while those who worshiped the moon had left the cottage to start their night. I prepared myself, grabbing a few nuts from dinner so I may reach the beast should it think flying would protect it and my trusty sword to finish it off. The greedy greasy griffin had been placed in the new nursery by the Caretaker to rest. The door was locked, but that was no matter. I was able to quickly and acrobatically scale the exterior of the cottage to assault the parasite's refuge from the window. From there, it was simple to infiltrate the cuckoo's domain. 

As I enter, I am shocked to see the beast is awake, but rather than crying out for its mother as a normal chick would do, it was staring intently at a wall, chirping to itself. Madness! I am left with no choice but to protect my dear and kind Caretaker from this maliciousness! I sneak around the room, the griffin no match for my stealth and cunning. Soon I have penetrated the bars of the crib that the repulsive rapscallion recklessly relied upon to repel my righteous ravenous retribution. It did not detect me as approached it, still caught up in its mad ramblings. While I was not so dishonorable as to stab an opponent in the back, that did not mean I would recklessly abandon my first strike. With a great heave, one of the nuts I had prepared sailed through the air and struck the deceiver in the back of its white-feathered head. Brought from its madness, the beast turned and the battle was joined. Oh, it would be glorious! 

En garde!





(Gwen)

It was surprisingly easy to pretend to be a baby. 

Worried about slipping up and talking way before you should be able to? Not a problem if everyone talks in a different language. Concerned about having to pretend to not understand your body? If you have a whole new body with a whole new mode of transportation, you have to relearn how to walk anyways. Afraid of having to use diapers? ... Let's not talk about that one. I am just glad that my new species does not breastfeed. With my new beak? The very thought makes me shiver.

Not long after I was first born, the blobs took me to what I assume was a hospital. That does make me wonder why I wasn't already in a hospital, I am sure there is some drama there, but I digress. 

By the time I got there, my vision had more or less cleared up. I could finally learn what the blobs were. They were these weird horse-things. Some were wearing clothes, while others, including the one that was carrying me, were not. This gave me a better opportunity to study this new species, and boy are they bizarre by Earth standards. Some had horns, others had wings, others yet had nether. I could not tell if they were subspecies or genders or what. All three subtypes had a variety of bright neon fur and hair colors and the skin underneath matched. All three subspecies had these weird, simple images on their hips. My first suspicion was that they were tattoos, but from what I can tell, both the fur and the skin underneath them were dyed. Was it some kind of ritualistic rite of passage or genetic quirk? A mystery for another time. Most unusual, however, was some of their movements. Their joints moved in ways that didn't seem possible. Sometimes they would half stand up for long periods in ways that simple physics suggest would require tendons of steel to pull off. 

Anyways, while in the hospital, I went through what I can only assume was the standard array of tests. I was weighed, measured, poked, prodded, and forced to put my claws, which I apparently now have, into ink and then onto what I can only assume is a birth certificate. After that, I got placed in a crib and left alone. From what I could see, it seemed like this was a pretty small town, or at least had a pretty small hospital. There were no other babies in the nursery and I think there was only three or four hospital staff around. 

With the initial excitement of the whole 'being born' thing out of the way, the next few days gave me plenty of time to reflect and learn about my new situation. I was not sure if I should be happy that I got another lease on life, or sad that I effectively lost all my friends and family. Both of course. But I think overall I don't have any regrets yet. Sure I had to give up a lot, but it wasn't like I could have seen my family if I had stayed and died on Earth. At least now I will have time to grieve, and on the plus side, I now know how to make myself cry at will. 

No, I can't allow myself to focus on what I lost just yet. I still don't know enough about this new world. I have to stay focused. Maybe, once I am older, like three or four, I can make myself a little shrine and have a proper burial for my old life, but not now. Now I needed to focus on my new body and new situation.

I was significantly different from the horse people around me. They were definitely equestrian, but their shorter legs and larger heads gave them a distinct, younger look, even the ones that were appeared to be older, so let's call them ponies. As I mentioned before, they seemed to have three subspecies, which I learned over the course of my stay in the hospital are not genders. I stuck with the obvious names for the horned and winged ones, unicorn and pegasus respectfully, but the normal type was harder to name. They appear to be similar to horses from Earth, so let's call them earth ponies for now. I am sure I can think up a better name later. 

I am none of the above, being some sort of bird-cat thing instead, which I have named a griffin. All these connections to mythological Greece do raise some interesting questions, perhaps I am not the first connection between our worlds. But then again, the idea of a horse but with wings isn't exactly unbelievably original. It could be some kind of coincidence. I will have to look into it in the future.

Anyways, while I have yet to see any others of my kind. The ponies don't appear to be surprised by me, so I have to assume my species is well known and I won't be vivisected in some government black site. I just hope we aren't mortal enemies of the ponies or a slave species or something like that. It also makes me wonder how I got here. Was I eggnapped or something? I saw no signs of any potential parents, so I guess I am an orphan.

Besides learning about my caretakers, I also learned a lot about my own body. I am definitely female, which does make me wonder if I am going to have to lay eggs. I am part bird after all. I stopped that particular train of thought pretty quickly. That was a problem for future me. I also learned how to walk/crawl which, considering I am quadrupedal, are not that different. I haven't gotten flying down yet, but I figure I have time to take it slow learning. I don't want to end up scrambled so soon after getting out of my egg. It is still weird having six limbs, I would try to describe it, but that is like trying to describe color to a blind person.

My journey of self-discovery was interrupted when the pony I assume was the yellow blob I saw when I was first born came to pick me up. She was rather young as far as I could tell and was of the pegasus verity. Her fur was a soft, sun-shine yellow and her mane an equally soft pink, with an image of three butterflies on her hips. Even as cynical as I am, I have to admit she was diabetes levels of cute. At first, I assumed she was just going to take me to the local orphanage or something. Imagine my surprise then, when we come to a little cottage filled not with little pony children, foals I suppose, but with what appears to be completely mundane animals. Is this an animal shelter? Is my species non-sapient? I wonder if I should start taping out prime numbers to get some attention?

I did not have much time to think this theory through before I was given a tour of the yellow mares abode. It was surprisingly spacious and clean for how many animals were around. I was eventually left in a nursery after being placed in my very own crib, a little mobile with stylized lightning bolts hanging above me. 

After a meal and a short nap, turns out I inherited a baby's sleep schedule, I now find myself with not much to do. I am sure a normal baby would cry until someone came to entertain them, but it is the middle of the night and I am not quite that malicious.

"How are you finding your new body?"

I freeze up as I hear the sickly sweet voice of my Patron for the first time in this new world, seemingly whispered right into my ear. In a panic, I whip my head around looking for the source. Then I see it. Shadows coilless into a vaguely equine form in front of my crib. More solid than when I had seen it on Earth or in the non-space, but still not quite real, like bad CGI hitting just the right spot in the uncanny valley. 

"Come now, there is no need to be shy. I will be able to understand your pathetic little chirping, and no pony else will be able to hear or see me. You have nothing to worry about."

Well, that is quite worrying.

"What do you want. I don't owe you anything yet. My part of our deal won't start for years." I chirp back in reply.

"Do I need a reason to see how my investment is developing? And besides, I can't have you getting any silly notions about who is in charge of our little relationship."

I didn't respond. The Figure begins approaching me, looming over my crib like a Sword of Damocles. 

"I hope you like your new body. I had it custom-made. I am probably going to lose the people that made you," its voice took on a dark tone, making me shrink back instinctively, "I hope you make it worth it." 

"I will do what we agreed to," I respond hesitantly.

"Oh, you will. I will make sure you will," The Figure now entered the crib, phasing through the cage and bedding like they weren't even there. "Don't forget the kindness I showed you. Don't forget that I could have left you in that puddle to die. Don't forget that I can take back my gift whenever I so please."

It took its shadowy hoof and begin stroking my back. The dark limb caused no sensation, but the mockery of a comforting gesture chilled me to my new hollow bones. 

The voice took on a new, almost motherly tone. "But don't worry my pet. I know you won't disappoint me. If you obey me as we agreed, you will have everything you have wanted. A simple life or unimaginable power, responsibility or relaxation, immense wealth or the perfect companions. All this and more, if you just listen to me as a mortal such as yourself should."

I was about to reply when I was interrupted by something softly hitting the back of my head. I looked down to see a shelled pistachio at my feet... claws. Turning around, I saw a bunny wielding a butter knife like a sword at the other end of the crib. I vaguely remembered this bunny giving me the stink eye during the tour earlier today.

"Well how lucky," I heard the voice of my Patron whisper in my ear. I had hoped it would have gone away with the interruption. "A perfect chance to prove your loyalty. Kill it."

"What!?"

"Don't worry. You're a hunter species and it is prey. No one would blame a young griffin for acting out on instinct. It would just be a tragic accident."

I could tell it wasn't lying. Some part of my bird brain wanted to pounce on the juicy rabbit. I had even taken a crouching stance without realizing it. 

"But... I don't... Why would I...? There is no reason to hurt this thing!"

"There are plenty of reasons; because I told you to, because it would taste good, but most importantly, because you can. Here, let me give you a push."

Before I realized what was happing, my instincts took over. I flew through the air like a coiled spring. Using my hard beak, I easily deflected the butter knife the rabbit was holding in front of itself for protection. The utensil flew through the air, vibrated as it became stuck in-between the floorboards outside the crib. Its wielder was now pined beneath me, my claws preventing any means of escape. Even as I newborn, I was twice the size of the struggling little rabbit, her exposed throat underneath my sharp beak. 

"There you go. Was that so hard? Now kill it. All you need to do is a quick nip and you will have yourself a fine midnight snack."

Images of stakes and meats filled my mind. I had always preferred medium-rare, but raw was fine. I am pretty sure there are some types of sushi that use raw rabbit. 

"Kill it. Feel its life in your claws, and snuff it out because you have the power to do so.

My beak begins to lower, preparing for the kill. I saw the fear in its beady little eyes, felt its heart beating rapidly beneath my claw. The inside of my mouth begins to salivate at the thought of the feast that was in fount of me.

"No. It might be someone's pet. And it was holding a knife! It might be intelligent." 

"It attacked you, the superior being, now you must end its insolence. If the rabbit was meant to live, it would have been smarter, stronger. It worked hard for this Darwin award, now reap what it has sown.  Killing it would be justice."

My Patron was right. No one would blame me. Even if the rabbit was sapient, I am acting in self-defense. This creature attacked me, a baby, with no provocation. How could I know that it wouldn't attack again if I let it go? And it would be such a waste to leave good meat to go bad.

 My parents and I were doing our usual walk around our neighborhood. It was the first time I had been home from college in a while, so it was nice to see the old sights again. 

"It's the neighborhood bunny!"

My mom stops, pointing at a fat brown and white rabbit hiding in the weeds of one of the more forested parts of the neighborhood. We watch the rabbit but don't stop our walk, soon passing out of sight of the animal. My dad then goes on to explain that they had been seeing it on their evening walks for a while now and were speculating that it was a runaway. Most of the wild rabbits in the area were a uniform gray, making this one stand out. 

I paused for a moment at the memory, then I made my choice.
> Unseen Ripples
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

995 CE

(Celestia)

"And so, I decided I should start up a correspondence with her in order to better understand her motivations as well as provide any help I can with raising a non-pony foal."

I patiently listen as my faithful student finishes her report, all the while sipping on a cup of tea. Seeing her finish, I reply.

"Well, it sounds like it worked out in the end. I am glad you started to take my lessons about friendship to heart."

"No... that was... I am just helping an acquaintance, we are not friends!"

It was always so cute when my little ponies tried to lie. They are all so bad at it, it is a wonder there are any tricksters or con-ponies left in the world.

"Of course Twilight. I am sure you know exactly what you are doing. You seem quite tired from your trip. Why don't you and Spike return to your rooms so we can begin lessons as usual tomorrow?"

"Yes, Princess."

"I told you to call me Celestia."

I smiled gently as Twilight bowed out of the room. That mission was certainly more fruitful than I had predicted. Twilight was finally opening up a little and had already made inroads with her future friends. Leave it to Twilight to exceed my expectations, whether it is academics, problem-solving, or just being cute, that little filly never failed to impress. It had been centuries since I last meet a pony like her.

"So what did you think?"

I said to a seemingly empty room. A lesser pony might have jumped as a figure materialized seemingly out of thin air, but I just continued to sip my tea. It was the Smiling Pony, the de facto leader of S.M.I.L.E., or at least the current pony to hold the title. Officially the agency was run by my moronic nephew, but he held no real power. This generation's Smiling Pony certainly earned their title, a bit ironic considering I have yet to see them smile. They were among the handful of ponies throughout history who could sneak up on me, an especially impressive feat considering they are not even a unicorn.

"It sounds like some major player is making a move. If I had to guess, I would say either the Shadows or the Crystals." They responded in their standard flat voice.

"Oh really, and why is that?"

"Something like this is not the Chaos Cult's style, not enough explosions or cotton candy. It fits the Changeling's M.O., but as far as we can tell, they don't know about Operation Selene. Both the Crystal and Shadow Cults know about the Operation and the Elements. The Shadow Cult mostly operates in Griffinstone, so that might explain the species of the interloper. However, the recent sabotage of Operation Helios suggests the Crystal cult might be involved."

I nod along with their deductions, my thoughts were along a similar line. 

"True, but we can't rule out anything. I am sure the other players are already aware of what happened. Unfortunately, Griffinstone forced this to be a rather public incident. Even if it wasn't their move, we can expect reactions."

Crystal, Chaos, Chingling, and Shadow would all benefit from an Equestrian civil war. That made it imperative that Operation Selene went off without a hitch, especially since Helios might not be back on track in time.

"See if you can get Sweetie Drops some reinforcements, and inform her that her primary mission has changed from monster control to protecting Operation Selene."

I thought I could detect a slight frown from the Smiling Pony. "What about the griffin and the rest of the town?"

"I always care for my little ponies, even the ones that are not ponies. Any casualties would be unfortunate, but Operation Selene takes priority. If the Operation successes, even the entirety of Ponyville would be acceptable casualties. I trust that is not a problem?"

"That will not be an issue. I will inform Sweetie Drops of her new priorities."

The Smiling Pony vanished again, leaving me with my cooling cup of tea. Seeing as it was about time for a meeting with the ambassador from Farasi, I downed the drink quickly while still mulling over the situation down the mountain.

It seems interesting things were happening in Ponyville.





(???)

I finally get back to my Canterlot apartment after three long days in the dump that is Ponyville. Most ponies thought being a S.M.I.L.E. agent meant going to exotic locations or sipping margaritas on a beach. The truth was, most of it was paperwork and reassuring sure some dumb hick pony from the boonies that the spooky trees weren't demons in disguise. 

At least this particular backwater filled with incestuous idiots actually had something exciting going on and weren't just trying to burn the local unicorn for being a witch. 

After I finished settling back into my apartment, I begin writing my report. Not to my superiors in S.M.I.L.E., but to those who knew how to correctly wield power. Celestia was such a hypocrite with all her peace, equality, and harmony nonsense. The lesser ponies are only parasites on great ponies, reaping all the benefit of the latter's genius while the former only gives their unskilled labor in return. Celestia must know this, otherwise, why would she keep her incompetent yes-pony nobles around? Why would she live in an enormous castle while Canterlot's housing prices skyrocketed? Why would any nation that attempted to create a government that helped the common pony suddenly and mysteriously become unstable?

While the Princess and her cronies kept up the facade of equality to prevent a revolution, the true King would ensure everypony was in their proper place. Competent and intelligent ponies like myself would have freedom and wealth. Losers and hicks like those in Ponyvile would take their rightful place beneath us. The workers won't rise up when they don't have any free will. They aren't using their freedom anyways, they will hardly be able to complain when it is taken away.

 Snap! 

Oops. I got a little caught up in my thoughts and broke my quill again. Grabbing a new quill, I started my letter in earnest. The leaders of the Crystal Cult would want to know about the griffin born in Ponyvile, that is if they didn't create it in the first place. After all, creating designer babies has been a goal of the Cult for ages. No matter who created it, the griffin would provide an opportunity, at the very least a way to disrupt Operation Selene. I doubt the birth has gone unnoticed by the other powers as well. If we play our cards right, the Cult can let our enemies destroy each other and pick off what remains. Then, the King will return and the Crystal Cult will take its rightful place as the rulers of Equis.

In any case, interesting things are sure to happen in Ponyville.





(???)

"Hello, is anypony home?"

I cried out. There shouldn't be anypony in the house at this hour, but it never hurts to check. Hearing no reply, I dropped my disguise and begin some stretches. I run some power through my horn and cast a spell to clear off the dust of the day from my shining black chitin. I am not sure how the ponies can stand it. Their fur is always so itchy and it picks up dust like a mop. They also only have a horn or wings. Some of them don't even have that! The whole lot of them are born disabled. To top it all off, they can't even change forms! I would take being a changeling any day. Realy, I pity them.

I didn't have much time to reflect on how good it was to be a changeling, I had to use this opportunity to return to the hive. Normally I waited longer to return with my collected love, but recent events made an exception. When the S.M.I.L.E. agents came to Ponyville, I knew something exciting was going on. As a love collecter and not an infiltrator, I was technically supposed to just keep my head low in situations like this. But the nearest infiltrators were in Canterlot and the Queen would want to know if something big was going down. So, I turned myself into a harmless little fly and headed over to the library to check it out. 

Oh boy was the risk worth it! A genetically modified baby being examined by Celestia's newest pet! That was definitely a sign that some of the movers and shakers were um... moving and shaking. The Queen would want to know about this as soon as possible so she could modify her plans. A part of me wonders why Ponyville? I mean, the only interesting thing about the town was how close it was to the Everfree forest. Whatever, that type of thing is above my pay grade.

I was making good progress on the preparations for my trip. I just had to tell some ponies that I would be out of town for business reasons for a few days, then I would stop by Sugercube Corner for some muffins and I would be on my way. I was practically shaking I was so excited. I am sure the Queen will be proud of me! I don't want to be an infiltrator full time, nothing beats fresh, hot Pinkie love, but maybe I will finally get another ling in town! There are some things I want to talk about that ponies just wouldn't understand. Like who's love tastes the best or how hard winter wrap-up is on the chitin.

About half an hour later and I am leaving Sugercube Corner, ready for my trip. It would take a few days to get to the hive, but I could already picture all the praise I would get for bringing this information!

Something interesting was finally happing in Ponyville!





(???)

I could feel it even in my stone prison. Something was causing... Okay, really? You do the three question mark thing and then immediately mention my stone prison? Are you even trying? Anyone who has watched the show or read even two stories on this website will immediately know who I am. That's just lazy writing, or you just did it for a multi-level meta-joke.

Anyway, dear reader, if you could tell from the FIRST BUCKING SENTENCE, my name is Discord, handsome lord of chaos, emir of entropy, and every bird in Canterlot's favorite statue. Now, while I will indulge in the author's insistence that everything be in first-person, I will not be letting you into my mind. Trust me, it is in everyone's best interest.

Let's get back to the story, shall we? I was trapped in the prison Moon-butt and Sun-butt had put me in, patiently waiting for season two, when I feel a disturbance in the chaos. That could only mean one thing, someone's totally original, do-not-steal, overpowered, author self-insert, original character has come to Equestria. 

I would have smiled if I could, thanks again butt sisters. A situation like this could only mean more chaos and maybe even an interesting story. I know you couldn't see this because of the whole written media thing, but if I wasn't stone right now I would be looking right into the camera and winking. 

Of course, being as I am currently still serving as the most luxurious bird latrine in Canterlot, there is not much I can do. My cult might get involved, but they operate largely independent of me. It would certainly be conspicuously counterproductive for a creative, conspiratory, and conniving Chaos Cult to be commanded, controlled, captioned, and constrained by a captive, contained, and concealed calamity creator conveniently countering the central conceit of the casually crazy commune. 

Ha! Twenty-four 'c' words! Beat that you dumb rabbit! I've got so many 'c's it looks like your report card!

Where was I? Oh yes, the Chaos Cult. Unlike the other powers that lurk in the shadows, my lovely cult does not seek power or dominance. Rather, they are a collection of individuals who realize that the best way to give meaning to life is change, chaos, and simple fun. So what if some ponies get hurt, everything is going to die someday and all the achievements of mice and mare will be but dust in the cosmic wind.

This newcomer will cause change. Delightful change that will echo across Equestria. And all I had to do was sit back and watch.

I love it when interesting things happen in Ponyville.





(???)
(Warning: implied gore)

There was a knock at the door to the operating room.

I sigh, I thought I had told my assistants not to interrupt me while I was working. This better be important, I already had a patient on the table.

"Come in. What is it? Is one of the subjects giving you trouble?"

"No, Doctor.  I come with a telegram from Equestria. It is marked urgent."

"Fine. Give it here."

The assistant quickly clawed me the letter before scurrying back out of the operating room. They all knew I liked to be alone when I was doing my experiments.

I opened the letter with my claws and quickly read the contents. It was more than enough for me to forgive the intrusion. The egg that had vanished from the lab about a month ago had been found, moreover, it had hatched! The experiment had been a success! I am sure the parents would have been proud if they had lived through the process. As the closest thing to a living biological father, I had no choice but to head to Equestria and see the hatchling in person. 

A quick conversation with my secretary later and the gears were in motion for my visit. It would take months to make arrangements and actually reach the hatchling, so I decided to continue with my work. Maybe I should treat myself to some sushi tonight to celebrate.

I returned to the operating room, humming to myself as I prepared the tools of my trade. My patent, an earth pony mare whose body was currently covered with sickly black sores, looked at me with fear and dread. How wonderful! It had finally stopped struggling and accepted its role in the advancement of medicine. 

"I hear you are a mother. Identical twins if my records are right."

I begin to talk to my subject as I finished preparing my tools. I know it is unprofessional, but it helps me focus.

"Rumor has it that you tried to hide them. That was very selfish of you. Identical twins are very important to medical science. One must have a control group to get accurate results. But don't worry, our birds found them under the floorboards, so they can contribute just like you!"

The sheer size of its eyes upon hearing the good news was simply wonderful. I am sure it will be proud of the breakthroughs its foals will contribute to. I was done with setting up for the surgery now, so I activated my recording crystal and begin the procedure.

"Experiment one thousand nine hundred and forty-five. 

"Seven days ago, the subject was injected with a live sample of the yersinia pestis bacteria. Since then, the disease known as the plague or the black plague has been allowed to take its course, with no treatment provided. I will now be performing a vivisection on the subject to inspect the effects of the disease on the internal organs of a pony. As with all operations, the use of anesthetics has been forgone in order to ensure accurate results. I will now make the first incision."

My scalpel pierced the subject near its left foreleg. I began to hum to my patient's muffled screams. Throughout the whole operation, I could not stop smiling. It was simply so wonderful! Going to Equestria provided so many opportunities! I would be able to see the result of my magnum opus and perform some field experiments that I had been thinking about for ages! Being in the land of the ponies, I would have no shortage of test subjects. 

When I get there, I am sure plenty of interesting things will happen in Ponyville!





(Fluttershy)

I put down my quill on what is hopefully the last of many stressful days. The paperwork had all been filed, the mystery had been sufficiently solved, and the letters to my parents and brother had been written. Hopefully, things would finally get back to normal, or at least a new normal.

Gwen was safely in her crib and sleeping for the first time in her new home. I was a little worried that she might not handle all my animal friends well, but she stayed call the entire time I was introducing her. She is such a sweet little snow angel. Speaking of angels, I could tell Angel Bunny was a little upset about Gwen coming to live with us, but she always is angry when new creatures come around. I think she is concerned with her place in the pecking order. Hopefully, they can get along in the future.

I started my evening routine, getting ready for bed. I made extra sure to brush my teeth hard to get rid of any ink from my mouth writing. I heard horror stories from Rarity about earth pony and pegasus schoolers whose teeth were permanently stained black from all the writing they did. Some ponies saw it as a sign of intelligence, I just saw it as gross.

Just as I slid into bed I could have sworn I heard some sort of scuffle, but I think I was just imagining thing. All of my nocturnal friends know not to fight, and if it was something more important, they would have come to get me. I was not worried, and I needed my sleep.

Besides, nothing interesting ever happens in Ponyville.
> Personal Files
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

995 CE

The following documents are classified as secret by the Secret Monster Intelligence League of Equestria. Under the authority of Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia Regina, Diarch of Equestria, any unauthorized persons accessing these documents shell be prosecuted to the full extent of the Law, up to and including capital punishment.

Ponies of Intrest- Operation Selene:




Subject: 2718

Primary Alias: 'Twilight Sparkle'

Secondary Aliases: N/A

Classification: Unicorn- A-rank

Primary Handler: HRH Celestia

Current Procedures: The primary residence of Subject 2718 is room [Redacted] in Canterlot Castle. Subject 2718 is currently employed as the personal student of HRH Princess Celestia. The Subject is also employed as a consultant with S.M.I.L.E. due to the Subject's expertise in magic. Any requests for Subject 2718's expertise must be approved by the Subject's Primary Handler.

Emergency Procedures: Subject 2718 is considered a Class S asset and thus should be protected at all cost. Subject 2718 is vital to the success of Operation Selene, thus both S.M.I.L.E and civilian casualties are acceptable in defense of the Subject. Any threat to Subject 2718 is to be eliminated with extreme prejudice. In the case of elimination of Subject 2718, all S.M.I.L.E. personal are to prepare for Operation Helios as well as Operation Daybreaker, with the latter taking priority. In the case of Subject 2718 becoming hostile, please refer to Operation Midnight.

Abilities: Subject 2718 is a Class A unicorn and is thus extremely dangerous. The Subject specializes in teleportation, telekinesis, and other meta-magic abilities, but has little to no combat training. Due to the Subject's large mana pool and teleportation abilities, speed and attrition are not effective counter-strategies. Stealth, surprise, and hoof to hoof combat are the most effective ways to subdue the Subject







Subject: 2818

Primary Alias: 'Rainbow Dash"

Secondary Aliases: N/A

Classification: Pegasus- A-rank

Primary Handler: Special Agent Sweetie Drops

Current Procedures: Subject 2818 currently resides in a cloudominium over the city of Ponyville, address [Redacted]. The Subject is employed by the Ponyville Weather Department as a weather patrol pony. According to the Subject's Primary Handler, Subject 2818 is unaware of S.M.I.L.E.'s interest in them and should remain so, as to avoid any hostility. The Subject has shown interest in joining the EUP, particularly the Wonderbolts unit. Should Subject 2818 attempt to join the unit, they are to be given priority treatment to ensure future cooperation with S.M.I.L.E.

Emergency Procedures: Subject 2818 is considered a Class A asset and thus is a high priority for protection. The Subject is vital to the success of Operation Selene, thus both S.M.I.L.E and civilian casualties are acceptable in defense of Subject 2818. Any threat to the Subject is to be eliminated with extreme prejudice. In the case of elimination of Subject 2818, all S.M.I.L.E. personal are to prepare for Operation Helios. In the case of Subject 2818 becoming hostile, the Subject is to be subdued as humanely as possible.

Abilities: Subject 2818 is a skilled flier with a specialty in speed. The Subject normal flying ability is on par with a Class B Pegasus. Incident 6028 brought Subject 2818 to S.M.I.L.E.'s attention and is the primary reason for its A classification. The Subject has martial arts and aerial combat training and thus hoof to hoof combat should be avoided. The Subject has shown trouble with high-speed turns which can be used against it in combat. Additionally, hostages, particularly Subject 2845, should be effective against Subject 2818. Hostages should only be used as a last resort as it is likely to enrage the Subject.









Subject: 2845

Primary Alias: 'Fluttershy'

Secondary Aliases: N/A

Classification: Pegasus- D-rank

Primary Handler: Special Agent Sweetie Drops

Current Procedures: Subject 2845 currently resides in a cottage just outside Ponyville City limits, address [Redacted]. The Subject lives with and is the primary caregiver for Subject 9045. Subject 2845 is the founder, owner, and sole employee of the Ponyville Veterinarian Hospital, which is run out of the Subject home. The Subject has a degree in veterinary medicine which she earned from Cloudsdale University. The Subject is also employed as a S.M.I.L.E. informant as a condition of the adoption of Subject 9045.

Emergency Procedures: Subject 2845 is considered a Class A asset and thus should be protected at all cost. Subject 2845 is vital to the success of Operation Selene, thus both S.M.I.L.E and civilian casualties are acceptable in defense of the Subject. Any threat to the Subject is to be eliminated with extreme prejudice. In the case of elimination of Subject 2845, all S.M.I.L.E. personal are to prepare for Operation Helios. The Subject is to be treated as a standard civilian in the case of hostilities.

Abilities: The Subject has shown the ability to communicate with fauna and has used that ability in her role as a veterinarian. Several local animals have shown protective instincts towards the Subject and will become aggressive if provoked. Subject 2845 has no martial arts or combat training and should be considered a standard civilian when alone.







Subject: 9045

Primary Alias: 'Gwen'

Secondary Aliases: 'Snowy', 'Bound Snow'

Classification: Griffin- D-rank

Primary Handler: Informant Fluttershy

Current Procedures: Subject 9045 currently resides at [Redacted], a small cottage outside of Ponyville city limits under the care of Subject 2845. The Subject is currently too young for either employment or education. Subject 9045 was discovered by Subject 2353 during Incident 7471 and was born during that Incident. Due to the unique circumstances of the Subject's birth, Special Consultant Twilight Sparkle and Special Agent Tight Lips decided to keep Subject 9045 under observation. Should Subject 9045 prove loyal, they are to be recruited into Celestia's service upon reaching adulthood.

Emergency Procedures: Subject 9045 is considered a Class C asset, as the injury or death of Subject 9045 could cause distress among several key assets for Operation Selene. Magical examination suggests the Subject could be a sleeper agent for an as-of-yet unidentified Group of Intrest. For this reason, Subject 9045 is to be considered potentially hostile. Use of lethal force is authorized should the Subject attempt to sabotage Operation Selene or any other high priority S.M.I.L.E. operations.

Abilities: Subject 9045 is believed to be a 'designer baby' created by an unknown Group of Intrest, see Incident reports 3526 and 7471. The Subject has been modified to have a larger mana capacity, higher and more efficient metabolism, better eyesight, less need for sleep, shaper and harder claws, and increased muscle growth. It is estimated that Subject 9045 will reach Class A by adulthood and could reach Class S with proper training. 








Subject: 2353

Primary Alias: 'Pinkie Pie'

Secondary Aliases: N/A

Classification: Earth Pony- S-rank

Primary Handler: Special Agent Sweetie Drops

Current Procedures: Subject 2353 currently rents an apartment above the Sugercube Corner bakery in Ponyville, address [Redacted]. The subject is employed as a baker at said bakery. The Subject is also the founder, owner, and sole employee of Ponyville Party Planning, which she runs from her apartment. Subject 2353 has shown knowledge of S.M.I.L.E. observation as well as details of several classified S.M.I.L.E. operations, including but limited to; Operation Selene, Operation Helios, Operation Thanatos, Operation Eris, and Operation Hephaestus. Please see the Abilities section for more details.

Emergency Procedures: Subject 2353 is considered a Class S asset and thus should be protected at all cost. Subject 2353 is vital to the success of Operation Selene and has extensive knowledge of S.M.I.L.E. and Celestial secrets, thus both S.M.I.L.E and civilian casualties are acceptable in defense of the Subject. If Subject 2353 is captured alive and recovery is not possible, elimination of the subject is to be performed as a last resort. Any threat to the Subject is to be eliminated with extreme prejudice. In the case of elimination of Subject 2845, all S.M.I.L.E. personal are to prepare for Operation Helios. Should Subject 2353 become hostile, Operation Dionysus is to be enacted.

Abilities: The Subject has shown a variety of unexplained abilities including but not limited to; teleportation, telepathy, precognition, unnatural agility, and unnatural strength. These abilities, along with the Subject's apparent knowledge of S.M.I.L.E. procedure justify its S class ranking. Combat is not advised against Subject 2353. Due to the unpredictable nature of Subject 2353's abilities, there is no effective strategy against them. Please consult Operation Dionysus for more information.

Note: DON'T QUESTION PINKIE



> New Peers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

996 CE

(Scootaloo)

"Do ya gotta?"

"No, squirt, we've been over this. I know you like it when it is just us hanging out, but I promised I would look after the others. I promise it will be fun and it is only for tonight. It's not like we won't be able to hang out at all."

I pouted in defeat. Here I was, in the coolest place in all of Ponyville, Rainbow Dash's cloudominium just after Hearth's Warming, and I couldn't enjoy it. Mom was gone on her usual monthly business trips and I was with my usual foul sitter, Rainbow Dash. But unlike usual, it wasn't just going to be us hanging out for the weekend. Nope, Rainbow was looking after a few other foals today. Like, I get it, Rainbow is like the best foul sitter ever.

Meanwhile, in a broom closet in Canterlot Castle, Princess Cadence sneezes. Shining Armor is quick to follow up with a gesundheit.

But that doesn't mean it's okay to just take our Friday away! It's just been me and Rainbow; practicing stunts, telling stories about the Wounderbolts, and scooting around, all weekend, every month, for as long as I can remember! The other foals will just slow us down! Even if it is too cold to leave the cloudominium.

Three others were trying to steal my time with the coolest, most fastest mare in Equestria. First was Apple bloom. She was alright. Applejack is friends with Rainbow, so I saw her a few times while the two were competing. I think she might be a little stupid. I mean, you got to be a little stupid to cheer for anypony besides the obvious winner, Rainbow Dash. Her sister, brother, and grandma are super busy right now with the farm, so they asked Rainbow Dash to watch her.

Next is Sweetie Belle. She is a little annoying. Like Applebloom, Sweetie's sister is friends with Rainbow, although I don't know why. All Rarity does is complain and talk about fashion, super lame. I don't know Sweetie as well as Applebloom, but we have hung out a few times at Sugercube Corner. She is pretty cool, just so long as you can get her to stop talking for a while. Apparently, Rarity is going to get a big spa treatment tonight, so she asked Rainbow if Sweetie could stay over.

Last but not least is the mysterious Gwen. All the adults have been gossiping about the griffin ever since Fluttershy adopted her three months ago. I haven't met her yet, but she is just a little baby, so she will probably be lame. Although she does have wings. Maybe I can teach her how to fly when she gets older! Griffins are pretty cool, at least from what Rainbow said about her friend from flight school, so Gwen might not be that bad. Fluttershy is going with Rarity to the spa, so she asked Rainbow to look after Gwen.

Knock Kno-Kno-Knock Knock, Knock Knock 

The rhythmic knocking probably meant the Apples were here. Rainbow left to get the door while I just watched. Sure enough, the Apple sisters were on the other side, both wearing fake gold necklaces with little cloud pendants on them. They were the cheap cloud-walking charms Filthy Rich sold at Barnyard Bargains. 

Applejack and Rainbow were talking at the door for a little bit. I couldn't hear them, it was probably boring adult stuff anyways. I almost for sure right, considering Apple Bloom ran right past them, her signature bow bobbing up and down and a nervous look on her face.

"Is she here yet?!" Apple Bloom asked. She was looking all over like she was expecting some kind of monster to pop out. I don't know why she was worried, Rainbow Dash could beat up any monster that attacked. 

"Who? What are you talking about?"

"That no-good feather-duster! Granny Smith said that she tricked poor Miss. Fluttershy into taking care of her!" 

That took me by surprise. Mom had been complaining about other ponies in town being mean to Gwen, but I didn't think Apple Bloom would be like that.

"You're crazy. Gwen is just a little chick! She couldn't have done anything to Fluttershy! My Mom says that Ponyville should welcome every species, just like we welcome every tribe. You don't mind that zebra in the Everfree forest do you?"

"That's different. Zecora is nice and helps make some of Granny's medicine. Plus, zebras are practically just horses with strips! Griffins are way diffrent! They're car-carni, meat-eaters! And they were the bad guys in the war!"

"So! Gwen didn't do any of that. And she can't help what she needs to eat! Fluttershy looks after a bunch of meat-eaters and they aren't a problem. What about Winona! She eats meat!"

"Are you calling my Granny a lier! You're stupid!"

"Nuh-uh. You're stupid!"

"No, You're stupid!"

"Girls! Stop fighting!"

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were both looking at us angrily. Great. Only a few minutes after Apple Bloom shows up and I am angry and in trouble. This is why I wanted it to be just me and Dash.

"Now sugar cube. Ah need to be getting back to the farm. You play nice now. Don't be getting into any more fights! And don't pick on the little feather duster. I hear them little ones bite."

"Okay, sis! Don't work yourself too hard now!"

Just like that, Applejack headed out. Now we just had to wait for the other two to show up.

"Hey Rainbow, have you met the bird brain before?" Apple Bloom asked. I just sigh. All this species stuff is just stupid. Why does it matter?

"Um,... ya. I was there when she first hatched, but we aren't supposed to talk about that." Rainbow replies, rubbing the back of her head. "Otherwise, Fluttershy has been keeping Gwen in her cottage, so I haven't seen her too much."

Apple Bloom doesn't seem happy with that answer. I bet she was hoping Rainbow would have some horror story so she could rub it in my face.

knock knock knock 

Dash was still by the door, so it didn't take her long to let the new ponies in. Both Rarity and Sweetie Belle were there, neither of them were wearing the cheap cloud-walking necklaces. Rarity had learned the spell soon after meeting Rainbow Dash. Apparently, she couldn't stand the look of the poorly made neckwear, and so spent about a month learning the spell so she didn't have to ruin her outfits.

After the Belle sisters moved in, I got a look at the center of Ponyville gossip. Fluttershy, with a sleeping Gwen on her back and a cooler behind her. Fluttershy looked rather tired, it definitely looked like she could use the spa treatment. She had slight bags under her bloodshot eyes. While her fur and mane didn't look much worse than what Rainbow or I usually had, it was definitely looked worse than normal, especially around one of her forehooves.

Gwen wasn't nearly as scary as I thought she would be. To hear the Flower sisters tell it, she was an evil monster with a razor-sharp beak and knife-like talons who was controlling Fluttershy like a puppet. In reality, she didn't look much different than a normal foal, her face wasn't even super pointy like most griffins.

Apple Bloom must have seen Gwen too because she dove behind the couch to spy on the griffin. I rolled my eyes. Sweetie is right there! If Gwen was going to do something bad, she would have done it already. To make my point, I fearlessly walked up to the adults.

"So is there anything else I need to know?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Not that I can think of. Little Snowy is just a sweetheart, but make sure the girls don't get too rough with her. She can get a little... aggressive if provoked."

All the adults seemed to wince at that. Fluttershy even looked a little sad. I wonder if something happened.

"Are you sure you will be able to feed her? I could always come back early."

"No, no, I'm fine. Something little like that doesn't scare me! I am way too awesome for that! You two just have fun and relax. I will have everything under control here."

"Okay," Fluttershy said reluctantly. She then carefully transferred Gwen from her back to Rainbows, somehow not waking the white chick. A few quick goodbyes later, and it was just the five of us in the house. 

After she had left, I noticed Fluttershy had also pushed the cooler into the house.

"What's in the box?" Apple Bloom said what I was thinking. 

"That's for Gwen. Don't worry about it and don't mess with it. I need to put Gwen down. I will be back in a bit."

As Rainbow Dash headed upstairs, we did what any well-behaved five/six-year-olds would do. We immediately ran over to the cooler as soon as it looked like Dash was gone.

"What do you think is in it?" Sweetie asked,

"I don't know. I bet it is something evil." AB replied, giving me a snarky look.

"Na, it is probably just baby stuff. Maybe it is dirty diapers!" I responded.

"Ew!"

"Why don't you open it up and find out Scoots? Or are you too scared?"

Okay, that was it. I wasn't going to have Apple Bloom make fun of me all day! I would open the box, show her it was nothing, and prove that I am right!

"I'm not scared of anything! Just like Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts!"

Not giving myself any time to get nervous, I throw back the lid of the cooler. We all take a dramatic breath... and then let it out in disappointment. All that is inside was a doctor's mask, a pair of goggles,  a pair of tongs, and a folded piece of paper. And not even cool flying goggles but lame science goggles.

"That's it? Maybe it is for changing diapers?"

"They are probably just hiding the bad stuff. Let's look more!"

"Girls!"

All three of us jump. At the base of the stairs looking annoyed, is Rainbow Dash. We all gulped.

"I thought you girls were supposed to be responsible. But I guess you aren't responsible enough for ice cream."

With ice cream on the line, the cooler was quickly forgotten.





(Gwen)

I woke up in a new place. 

For the last three months, I have been staying with the yellow pegasus. I am tempted to call her mom since she appears to be my adopted mother in this world, but it is a little weird to start calling a new person mom at my age. Well, my real age. For now, let's just call her Yellow, hopefully, I will be able to learn what her real name is soon.

Speaking of, I had been making good progress on decoding pony language. I can recognize a few phrases and names, but I am hardly fluent. At least I am getting the best immersion therapy imaginable.

But back to the present. I found myself in a different crib, in a large bedroom with a dark gray color scheme. The walls are accented with little white curls, giving the whole area the impression of a cloud. In contrast to that, the room is filled with tacky posters and cheap-looking trophies. For the first time since the hospital, I am not in Yellow's animal house. I am confident in this assessment for one reason; I don't smell any animals. I am pretty sure I could smell Yellow's house a few miles away in the right conditions. 

The reason for my awaking soon made itself known, my stomach rumbled.  I remember being surprised by how easy it was to pretend to be a baby. It might be easy, but it certainly sucks. It is amazing how many things you take for granted in an adult body. My new stomach is tiny, which means I get both hungry and full really quickly. My new bladder is tiny, which means diapers. My new legs are tiny, which means no doing anything for myself. I try to be quiet for Yellow, but I still think I have been stopping her from getting a night of good sleep.

I let out a chirp, hoping to get someone's attention and thus some food. Almost instantly, I hear a commotion. Sounds like multiple voices from below. A bit more chirping later and I see a sliver of light from the opening door. Following the light is a cyan muzzle attached to a female pegasus topped with bright rainbow hair. Okay, I don't care what this one's name is, I am calling her Rainbow. Rainbow then says something in horse language that I roughly translate to;

"Hi, [my new name], you awake?"

I chirp back in response. The rainbow-haired mare fully enters the room, revealing three little horse heads behind her, stacked like a totem pole. At the bottom was a yellow pony, fur only slightly darker than my Yellow, with pinkish-red hair and a large bowtie peaking out from behind their head. Above them was a white pony with curly, split light-purple and light-pink hair. Finally, at the top was an orange pony with messy, darker-purple hair. They all appeared young and seemed to be arguing amongst themselves, but I could not tell more from here.





(Sweetie Bell)

"See! Gwen is just like a normal foal! And her tweets kinda sound like Fluttershy's choir!"

"Are you kidding?! Look at those creepy glow-in-the-dark eyes! She is obviously evil!"

I sigh, trying to stay out of it. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had been fighting on and off since I got here. I could tell neither of them were very serious and were mostly fighting for fighting's sake, but I got enough of this from home. Rarity had inadvertently become entangled in this whole mess. With Fluttershy being more of a hermit than ever, Rarity had taken it upon herself to protect her friend from some of the meaner ponies. Mainly Spoiled Rich. 

Just about every week, Rarity would come home complaining about a new plot Spoiled Rich had come up with to get rid of Fluttershy and Gwen. Last week, Spoiled Rich had started a petition to ban Gwen from attending Ponyvile Public School. The week before that, she had tried to force Gwen out by claiming that she lowered property values. The week before that she tried to outlaw the consumption or sale of meat in Ponyvile city limits. 

Every time Rarity would have to try and make sure Spoiled didn't have enough support to do anything. And every time she would complain about it to me afterward. I didn't understand all the boring politics stuff, so I mostly just sat there and listened, but I could tell Rarity was frustrated. Now, while Rarity gets to have a nice massage at the spa, I have to listen more arguing about this dumb griffin. 

"Okay girls. I am going to get Gwen's dinner. So why don't you go downstairs and chill for a minute?"

Rainbow Dash had come back to the door while the other two were still arguing. We all followed Dash back down to the living room. Once back in the foyer, Rainbow went to pick up the cooler still resting by the front door. So that was what was in the box. I had been curious since my sister and I met up with Fluttershy. I did wonder what type of food needed to stay cool and was only for Gwen, maybe it was a type of medicine?

"Make sure you stay down here. I will come down when I am done with Gwen so you can meet her."

That was suspicious. Why would Rainbow care about us seeing Gwen eat? A quick look at the other two confirmed we were all thinking the same thing. 
There was no way we were going to miss this. We followed Rainbow back upstairs, quietly peaking through the door to watch. Inside, the lights were on, with Gwen leaning on the bars of her crib while watching Rainbow read out loud the note Fluttershy had left her.

"'Dear Rainbow,' bla bla bla. 'Some protection so you are comfortable' bla bla bla. Ah. There we go. Okay. 'Put the protective equipment on.'"

The cyan mare quickly put the goggles on over her rainbow hair and the mask over her muzzle.

"Next step. 'The food tastes better heated, but it can smell. I already cooked it beforehand, so it is safe to feed her cold.' Well, making something smelly is not really an option with the foals around, so on to the next step. 'Open the container with the blue lid next to Gwen's crib and use the tongs to feed her. She will eat it right from the tongs.' While that's not that hard. I don't know why Fluttershy didn't think I could do this. She knows I am awesome."

Rainbow took out a plastic container from the cooler, popping the lid. It was hard to see what it was from this distance, it just looked like brown mush. Pushing her mask down so she could use the tongs, Rainbow picked a pile of mush up and begin feeding it to the griffin.

"What do ya think that is?" Scootaloo whispered. She was currently on my back so we could keep a thin profile.

"I dun know? What is brown that griffins eat that we can't?" I reply. Suddenly I have a crazy idea that I really hope is wrong. "You don't think it is meat, do you? Where would you even get meat in Ponyville?"

"Wait, didn't your cow Mr. Geriken die recently Apple Bloom...?"

All three of us tensed as we realized what exactly the brown stuff was. I could feel Scootaloo stiffen above me, and I felt like I might through up. Apple Bloom had it the worse though, she fainted. That was a bit of a problem considering I was standing on her back.





(Scootaloo)

The weekend was finally over. That first night was pretty dramatic, but Gwen was alright if you could get over what she ate. Fluttershy and Rarity came to pick Gwen and Sweetie pretty late, so it was time for bed after they left. The next day and a half were just me and Rainbow, hanging out like old times.

A knock on the door signaled Mom was here to pick me up. I rushed to greet her. Hanging out with Rainbow is great, but not even the most awesome mare in Equestria could beat Mom. I got to the door before Rainbow and swung it wide open for my parent. What was on the other side was quite a surprise.

"Hey, sweetie! I'm back! I missed you so much! You know my family that lives down south? While I met them on my business trip and it turns out they needed some help. So, I offered to look after your cousin for a while!"

Standing next to my mom was a young colt, about my age. He looked a lot like Mom and had black fur with purple eyes and orange hair.

"Come now, don't be shy. This is my adopted daughter, Scootaloo, now why don't you tell her your name." My mom probed the colt. 

"Um, H.. Hi, Scootaloo, my name is Thorax."
> Family History
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 996 CE 

(Fluttershy)

(Warning: Implied gore)

It had been six months. Six months since my life got turned upside down. Now, things had finally settled into some new normal. Gwen was able to sleep longer, which meant I was sleeping longer. My animal friends had grown used to Gwen being around the house, and she had grown used to them. There were hardly any accidents anymore, and none as bad as... as... 

...

I heard from Rarity that that mean old Spoiled Rich had stopped trying to kick Gwen out of town. Rumor has it that Spoiled some very offensive things that Diamond Tiara repeated to Miss. Cheerilee, who reported it to the royal guard. Someponies are even saying Spoiled might be charged with hate speech. I really hope that mare can turn herself around.

I was also able to get out more often now. Getting Rainbow to babysit Gwen, was a big help. Pinkie Pie volunteered to babysit next time, which ended up helping even more. Between the two of them, I could now once again go to the spa with Rarity, or help with some of Applejack's animals, or watch Rainbow Dash practice, or even just relax at home. It was nice to get out again.

But the first few months were rough. After... After Gwen... After the accident on the first night that Gwen was home, I could hardly go outside. I seriously considered giving Gwen back to Twilight after that night, but I couldn't do it. One look at her after she was cleaned up and I knew it wasn't her fault. She was just an innocent chick, doing what her instincts told her. Angel shouldn't have been in the room anyway, and I found a butterknife nearby! Gwen probably felt threatened. 

But I don't ever think I will forget what I saw that night.

The flash of Gwen's reflective eyes in the darkness.

The blood when the lights turned on...

Oh, the blood, so much blood...

And the sound of chewing... I can sometimes still hear the chewing...

Celestia...

Sweet Celestia...

No! It is in the past! I know that this is just how nature works sometimes! 

Oh no, I am rubbing my hoof again. Rarity says if I keep doing that the fur might not grow back.

Applejack came to check on me when I didn't come to town for a whole week. I told her what happened and she helped me recover. She got my food for me and made sure that the others stayed away. I am glad Rainbow never saw me while I was still mourning. I didn't want her to see me like that, I don't want her to worry.

That time wasn't all bad though. The magic expert that came to Ponyville when Gwen hatched had sent me a letter a few days after she returned to Canterlot. I have been pen pals with Miss. Twilight Sparkle ever since. Mostly we shared stories about Gwen and her dragon hatchling Spike. Spike sounds really cute; Twilight told stories of him accidentally burning off her brother's eyebrows right before picture day and serving her burnt pancakes when he was just learning how to cook. I wish I had gotten to meet him when Twilight came to town. 

I had just finished my response to Twilight's last letter and was planning on giving it to Muffins this afternoon. Gwen was on the floor playing with some toys. It was really hard to buy her toys. She didn't seem to like any of the noisemakers but was fascinated by the picture book Twilight sent. I am sure she will grow up to be a bright girl.

 Knock Knock Knock 

As I was focusing on Gwen I heard a knock at the door.

Oh no, who could it be!? None of my friends were supposed to come over today, so it probably wasn't them. I just hope it isn't a salespony or a missionary. I almost joined Celestia's Witnesses the last time one of them came around! I should just pretend I am not home, if they go away it probably wasn't important anyway.

 KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK 

Okay, they aren't going away. That is pretty forceful knocking. Is it the royal guard? Or maybe S.M.I.L.E. to take Gwen away!? Or it could be a poor animal that is really hurt!? What do I do!

"Fluttershy? Are you in there? I have some important news to tell you!"

Wait. I know that voice. Twilight! I wonder what brings her all the way down to Ponyville? I hope it isn't anything scary like when Gwen arrived. It must be something important though.

"Fluttershy! Please open up!"

Oh, right. I should open the door. I can't keep a friend waiting. I think I will only open the top half of my door though. Just in case. I hope she doesn't think I am being rude.

"Oh, Fluttershy. I am glad your here. We have some new information on Gwen."

It was, in fact, Twilight at the door, but she wasn't alone. On one side of her was one of the S.M.I.L.E. agents from Gwen's birth, Tight Lips I think. On the other side was a Solar Guard stallion. He was quite large with white fur and a dark blue mane streaked with sky blue done up in a Solar Guard helmet. Truthfully, he was kind of scary. If Twilight brought ponies like them, I doubt it is for anything pleasant.

"Um... Do you mind if we come in? We have an exorbitant about to discuss."

I reluctantly let my guests into my living room. I don't want to be rude, but I would really rather not have a S.M.I.L.E. agent and Solar Guard in my house. They are both so scary! I wish Twilight had come alone. 

Hearing all the commotion, Harry watched from the door to the kitchen. I think he was being protective of me, which is very sweet, but hopefully unnecessary. Gwen was still in the living room, looking at the strangers with her normal silent curiosity. I considered bringing her upstairs, but I waited to keep an eye on her, plus, it is not like she could really understand what we were saying. 

"Make yourselves at home. Would you like some tea?"

"No, that shouldn't be necessary, we hopefully will not be here long."

I let out a sigh of relief at that.

"I know you don't like being around strangers," Twilight continued, "So let me introduce my brother, Lieutenant Shining Armor. And I believe you have already meet Agent Tight Lips."

We exchanged some pleasantries, but Twilight quickly brought us back to business when she took a thick folder out of her saddlebags.

"Fluttershy, we believe that we have found Gwen's birth parents." 

I gulp. That was not the tone one uses when delivering good news. The purple mare in front of me levitated a photograph out from her folder. The picture depicted two serious-looking griffins in front of a cloth backdrop, one male, one female. The picture was black and white, so I couldn't tell any colors, but the resemblance was there.

"This is Gladys and Gavan. They lived in a small, remote, multi-species community on the northwest side of Griffinstone, called Gallopway across the sea from Trottingham."

That was a lot of past tense

"They look... um... nice. Wh... What happened to them? How did their egg end up all the way in Ponyville?"

"Well... We don't know all the details. About a year ago, the regular shipment from Trottingham to Gallopway found the town abandoned. It looked like it had been attacked."

"Oh my! That sounds horrible!" I did not like where this was going. How could poor Gwen lose her parents so violently before she was even hatched?

"Yes. Well, A griffin supremacist group calling themselves the Griffin's Dawn was behind the attack. Gallopway was isolated and they hated the idea of griffins living peacefully with ponies, making it the perfect target. They foalnapped or killed everycreature in the town.

"A joint Equestrian-Griffinstone task force was established to find out what happened. The survivors, including Gwen's parents, were taken to a Griffin's Dawn base in mountains. About a month ago, the task force found and raided the base. The Dawn had already left, but there were still some villagers there. The base was too cold and isolated for the survivors to leave, so most of them stayed. Of the three thousand creatures living in Gallopway, the task force was only able to recover one hundred."

I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Nearly three thousand dead!? I can't think of a single pony-made event since the war that had that many casualties. It was unheard of! How was this not front-page news on every newspaper from Farasi to the Frozen North! 

"How could anycreature do something so horrible! What happened to them!? Did they not have enough food? Were they hurt!? Oh! Sorry I shouted. It is just so shocking!"

"It's nothing Fluttershy. I was also quite disturbed when I learned what happened," Twilight reassured before continuing her story, "Food wasn't the issue. We found many of their records. The Griffin's Dawn did unethical experiments on their prisoners." A look of rage and frustration appeared on Twilight's face, a look that could only come from the unforgivable. "I... I won't disturb you with the details, but those evil birds did dreadful things in the name of a twisted science. Most of their results were redundant, trivial, or just plain cruel. They are a disgrace to science! They aren't even real scientists! They were just using the veneer of science to justify their wanton cruelty! Justifying their irrational hated by...!"

Twilight's rant was cut off when the Solar Guard put a hoof on her shoulder. The lavender mare looked up at her brother, who softly shook his head in response. Twilight seemed to calm down a little, putting her hoof to her chest and pushing it out with the rhythm of her breathing. I was really glad she was able to calm down, it was getting a little scary.

"Sorry about that. For a mare of science like myself, what they did is against everything I stand for. Science is supposed to help ponies, not use them."

We all took a moment to calm down. Even Gwen could recognize the tension in the room and was looking anxious. Maybe tea wasn't that bad of an idea.

Twilight took some more pictures out of her folder. Rather than depicting griffins possing in a studio, these showed three ponies in front of a dilapidated building behind a fence. The ponies did not look like they were in good shape.  Their coats were ratty and appeared to be falling out in places; their skin was gaunt, stretched barely over their bones allowing for a clear view of the ribs and skull. I didn't need my veterinary knowledge to spot malnutrition. One of the ponies wasn't completely facing the camera, giving a good look at their cutie mark, or at least where it should have been. The area was shaved, leaving no mark of the mark, instead, a series of numbers was tattoed onto their flank like a bar code. But worst of all were their eyes. I had seen those eyes before, on animals that came from horrible ponies. They were eyes that were done; that were no longer capable of seeing hope. I didn't think ponies were even capable of making those eyes.

"These prisoners," Twilight resumed her story with a melancholic voice, "They were neighbors of Gwen's parents. From what they said, Gwen's mother was expecting shortly before the town was attacked. One of the doctors who worked with the Griffin's Dawn took an interest in the couple. The guards took Gladys and Gavan in the middle of the night for seemingly no reason and they were never seen again. We weren't able to find any bodies, but it is unlikely they survived."

Taking one pitting look at Gwen and me, Twilight finished her story. "I am so sorry."

"So I guess Gwen is staying with me for a while longer then," I said in shock. I could hardly believe such a thing could happen under Celestia's sun. How could anycreature live with such tragedy? No. I decided then and there that I would not let this tragedy stand. Those griffins killed Gwen's parents because they hated the idea of ponies and griffins living in peace? Well, I will show them! I, a pony, will raise Gwen to be kind! To be tolerant! To be strong like a griffin and friendly like a pony! I will show them that we can live together! That we are better together! That will be how I will honor Gladys and Gavan! I won't let those meanies win!

"Thank you, Twilight, for telling me this. It means a lot to me." I said a little more edge in my voice than I meant. I hope Twilight didn't take it the wrong way, but I think Rainbow would be proud.

"That's not all."

With three words my new resolve shatters. There's more! What else could there possibly be!

"One of the lead 'scientists' from the Griffin's Dawn was recently spotted sneaking into Equestria. His name is Gosef Mengele, or as he was known by the inmates, the angel of death. He is supposedly the griffin behind the death of Gwen's parents and is extremely dangerous. S.M.I.L.E. thinks he might be coming after Gwen, so if you see him, report it right away."

Another photo floats from Twilight's folder. I see it and my world caves in. I feel like my veins have turned to ice and my throat is closing up. Depicted in the photograph is a well-dressed, impeccably groomed, and handsome griffin, probably in his early forties. A griffin I recognize.

"I know him. He is staying in Ponyville right now. He was here yesterday."





(Pinkie Pie)

(Warning: Druging)

It was a few days before the earlier part of this chapter and I was on a mission. My pinkie sense had gone off, another griffin was coming to town. After what happened with Gwen, I had to be on top of my game. So, I decided I wouldn't wait around until he got to town, I would be proactive! I was on the outskirts of Ponyville, near Sweet Apple Acers, when I spotted him. It was a little weird to see him coming from this direction. Most ponies came by train these days, but he wasn't a pony, so that checked out.  

With my prey, victim, future friend spoted it was time to work my magic!

"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! What's your name!?" I asked, appearing somewhere that would his heart pumping and excited. He jumped a little bit but quickly calmed own.

"Oh my! I apologize. I did not see you there! You wouldn't happen to be from Ponyville would you?"

"Yep! Is that where you are going? I am sure you will like it there! Everypony is super friendly! So friendly in fact, that I am friends with everypony in Ponyville! And since your going to be in Ponyville, that means I am your friend too! Even if you aren't a pony!"

"Really? Your friends with everygif in Ponyville? Wonderful, simply wonderful! You would happen to know a young chick that came to town recently?"

"Oh! Do you mean Gwen!? She is just a little baby! She is staying with my friend Fluttershy at the edge of town! Waiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit! Are you Gwen's father!? Oh my Celestia! That is so exciting! I am sure Fluttershy will be dying to meet you!"

He chuckled a little at that. We had continued walking back into town while we talked. Well, he walked, I bounced, walking was boring. This was going so much better than with Gwen! I hadn't almost accidentally killed him yet! Better yet, he seemed to keep up with me! Most ponies couldn't handle this much Pinkie until they build up a tolerance.

"Truly wonderful! You will have to give me directions."

We continued talking after that. He asked all sorts of questions like; where I lived, if I lived alone, how often people came to the private section of the bakery, how many royal guards were in town, where the town got its water, if there were any expecting mares in town. A whole bunch of interesting questions! 

Before long, we had talked all the way to Sugercube Corner. He was so friendly! I decided to let him into the kitchen so I could give him a fresh snack while we talked. Not a cupcake though, griffins and cupcakes don't mix. But then the most amazing thing happened! He offered me  come candy. In my own kitchen! How cool is that! My c7 vertebra was itchy though, which usually meant food had gone bad, but he assured me the candy was safe to eat.

While I couldn't turn down a gift like that! Especially from somegif so friendly! It did have a little bit of an off-flavor. Maybe I could help with his cooking! I was giving lessons to Scootaloo's cousin, Thorax, so one more student wouldn't be a problem. When I asked, he responded kinda cryptically. He said "That would be wonderful Pinkie. I am sure I can learn a whole lot from you." in a kinda weird voice. I don't think it is anything bad though. 

Hey, I feel really sleepy all of the sudden.
> Relaxing Tea
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 996 CE 

(The day before Twilight returns to Ponyville.)

(Gwen)

(Warning: drugging)

It had been six months. Six months since I came into this new world of unicorns, pegasi, ponies, and griffins. Six months since I lost all bodily and social autonomy. Six months of crying, diapers, and flailing.

I have learned a lot over that time, mainly because there was not much else to do. I had a more or less solid understanding of the pony language now; I even learned some names. My adopted mother's name is Fluttershy; literally a combination of the pony word for the motion a butterfly makes well flying and the word for being socially anxious. My new name is Gwen, although it doesn't translate easily. I think it is a foreign word, which makes some sense considering I am not a pony. Most humorously, my guess for that rainbow-haired mare was extremely close, her name translates to Rainbow Dash. 

There are some disturbing trends in their language though. The most apparent example is the speciated nature of their language. Instead of saying 'everyone', they say things like 'everypony'. The discrimination is baked right into their language! That is like if, in English, we said 'somewhite' instead of 'someone'! As a non-pony, I have a feeling I am going to have a tough time with the boys in blue or equivalent when I grow up.

Speaking of boys, the pony language is gendered too, just like French or Spanish. Interestingly though, it seems like the roles are largely reversed. Words like 'leadership', 'intelligence, and 'kindness' are coded feminine while words like 'obedience, 'stupidity', and 'murder' are coded masculine. That leads me to believe pony society is a matriarchy. That will certainly take some adjusting to if true, but I haven't seen a stallion more than in passing since I got here.

On a less depressing note, I have also made a lot of progress learning to speak the language as well. I think I have 'mama' and a few other baby words down, but I have been careful not to say anything in front of Fluttershy. I figured I should save my 'first' words for a special occasion. Plus I have no idea when griffins are supposed to start talking and don't want any undue suspicion on me. My Patron was quite clear; if the ponies know I am an outsider, our contract is void and I will lose everything.

Speaking of my Patron, the shadowy devil hasn't shown up again since the first night in Fluttershy's house. The longer I go without seeing them, the better. Considering what they made me do that first night, I don't want to imagine what they will have me doing closer to our contract's deadline. I haven't lost all hope yet though. Performing a demonstration of power like that seemed like an attempt to intimidate me into staying in line. While it was certainly intimidating, it does mean they have a reason to want me to be intimidated.

Overall, I had settled into my new life. I still had a long way to go to get back the freedom I had as an adult. Until then, I will just have to roll with the punches, or bucks as it were.

Today, in particular, I was playing with some of Fluttershy's animals.  Never in my old life had I been so close with such a wide array of animals, not even in a zoo. And one of the few benefits of being a baby is I got to chase, pet, and play with them without it being weird. They were much more entertaining than the simple blocks and noisemakers my new mother bought me. The dolls were kinda nice though, I used them to recreate what I imagine my sister's wedding would have looked like. Too bad everything went wrong before I could see the real thing.  

My play, I was using the bear as a climbing wall, was interrupted by the sound of knocking at the door. That was extremely unusual. Most ponies would announce themselves by yelling for Fluttershy well before they reached the house. They wanted to make sure they didn't frighten the craven mare. The sole exception to this rule was Rainbow, who would almost always enter the building at high velocity through a window, even if said window was closed, locked, or newly created by her entrance. 

Needless to say, whoever knocked was not from around here.

Fluttershy was warming up some milk for a newly fond kitten at the time and nearly spilled the hot beverage in surprise. 

"Oh no. Who could that be? I hope it isn't a traveling sales pony. It is probably just some pony with the wrong address. Maybe they will just go away." Fluttershy talked to herself. She did that a lot. I am not sure if she forgets I am a baby, or if she is trying to talk so I can learn faster, or if she is just trying to calm herself down. It does make me worry sometimes.

By this point, most of the animals had cleared out, not wanting to crowd out the potential newcomer. I detached myself from Harry as he moves to the kitchen doorway, ready to provide protection if necessary. As for me, I glided over to some of my toys laying on the couch, preparing myself to play the cute innocent baby.

After a few minutes and more knocking and it was clear whoever was at the door wasn't going away. "Maybe it is somepony from out of town who found a sick animal and was told to come here? I suppose I can't leave them waiting any longer. Okay, let's do this, there is nothing to be afraid of." Fluttershy hyped herself up to open the top half of her door.

The now open door reviled not a pony but a griffin. Like me, they were part cat and part bird, lion and hawk in this case; with brown feathers melding perfectly into dark gold fur. They appeared to be male, with broad shoulders, a sharp jawline, and an even sharper-looking beak. Unlike most ponies, this griffin was wearing clothes, a well-fitting and handsome military uniform with a dark black and dull gold color scheme. Equestrian colors tended towards gold and sky blue, so I would guess this guy is foreign. That is a bit of a red flag, why would another nation's military be here in Ponyville? 

"Ah. So you are home. I was beginning to lose faith. Are you the brilliant veterinarian Fluttershy that I have heard so much about? You must be, you are as lovely as the rumors said. My name is Gosef the Griffin, I am a pharmacist from Griffinstone. I was hoping to discuss business with you. Do you mind if I come in? I heard from your dear friend Pinkie Pie that you tend to be rather uncomfortable around strangers. Perhaps if we could sit down for a spot of tea as friends everygif would be more relaxed. Sorry, everycreature."

Gosef said all of that confidently without missing a beat or allowing Fluttershy to respond. His voice was as deep as an ocean and as smooth as silk, with just a hint of an accent to provide an exotic flair without making him hard to understand. This guy could give Morgen Freeman a run for his money. This was another red flag. If this was a bar, that would be one thing, but a handsome (for a griffin... I think), confident, smooth-talker coming to the front door out of the blue? That smells like a conman.

"Yes, of course, it is no problem. I... um... am not offended by that type of thing." Fluttershy stammered in reply as the griffin let himself in. Observing the living room, for a second it looked like he was disturbed by the smell of the animals, but he quickly returned to his charming deminer. A slight smile, not enough to be disconcerting, open body langue, and a confident gaze. His smile didn't quite reach his eyes though.

The well-dressed bird made his way to the center of the foyer; right to the coffee table across the room, right to the couch where I was sitting. He spotted me almost instantly, his grin finally reaching his eyes. I swallowed nervously as he stared at me like a piece of filet mignon. The way things were going, I had sinking feeling that I might have to bite out somegif's eye. I had already sold my soul to the devil, don't think I wouldn't resort to cannibalism in self-defense. 

Neither adult seemed to notice my tension as Gosef broke eye contact and addressed Fluttershy again. "This is quite a captivating little hen! Are you chicksitting for somegrif? What is her name? Oh, and do you mind if I take a seat? Perhaps you could pour yourself some tea for our discussion."

The gregarious golden griffin guest in my guardian's gorgeous green garden grotto greedily gained ground in gradually guiding the graceless gathering. He sat down next to me on the couch next to the coffee table; not waiting for Fluttershy's response. This positioning conveniently placing himself between me and where Fluttershy would inevitably sit. Fluttershy, looking completely overwhelmed and like she would rather be anywhere else, mumbled an apology and then made a hasty retreat to the kitten. Now I was all alone with the stranger. Great. Almost as soon as Fluttershy left, Gosef begin examining me. Even without touching me, I felt like my skin was crawling. 

"Wonderful, simply wonderful." The griffin whispered as if examing modern art. "My masterpiece turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined."

Okay, why was I his masterpiece? I am getting more red flags here.

"It is a disgrace though. No doubt that whore of a pony has already started to fill your head with degenerate notions of 'equality and 'friendship'. Bah!"

Ya... I am thinking this guy might be more of a cult leader than a conman.

"All is not lost. Once I return you to your rightful people, I will teach you the truth of the world. That griffins are preditors and ponies are prey. I will be sure to undo all the propaganda the white witch has tarnished your mind with."

"Um... What type of tea would you like? If you don't mind telling me. We have black, ginseng, and chamomile. I hope one of those is okay with you. I should have stocked more options..."

Fluttershy popped her head in from the kitchen, the sound of the water beginning to boil coming in from behind her. Instantly, the intrusive griffin's demeanor returned to that of a salesman, smiling gently at Fluttershy.

"Black would be just fine. That reminds me, you didn't answer my earlier question, who is this wonderful griffiness I have been getting to know?"

"Mep! Sorry about that! I must have missed your question. I can be so rude sometimes. Her name is Gwen. We found her egg abandoned and I volunteered to look after her until we could find her parents. I didn't want the poor thing to have to go to an orphanage."

"What a wonderful gesture! I am sure this little princess will find her rightful place in the world soon."

"Oh yes. She has been nothing but a..." Fluttershy was interrupted by the sound of the tea kettle whistling. She quickly ducked back into the kitchen to prepare the drinks. 

"What a disgusting mare." Without breaking out of his persona, the smooth-talking griffin whispered to me after Fluttershy had left. "She is a paragon of the weakness of ponies. So docile, submissive, and naive. It is a miracle that her kind ever survived the crucible of evolution. But worry not. With your help, soon all ponies will be but beasts of burden for the true masters of the earth and sky. They should be thankful that they can be part of our greatness."

Okay. I think this guy might be a Nazi because he is throwing up red flags like it was the Nuringburg rally.

Two cups of steaming tea and a cool glass of water rested on the serving tray that Fluttershy carried with her from the kitten. The fragrant scents of the teas mixed beautifully in the air. I had no idea where the mare got her tea from, but you could tell it was orders of magnitude better than the bulk stuff I used to buy just at the grocery store just from the smell alone. 

Fluttershy barely had a chance to put the cups onto the table before Gosef interrupted again, this time asking for some sugar. I was beginning to wonder why this clearly mad griffin was so intent on keeping Fluttershy out of the room. It wasn't long until he reviled his plan. As soon as Fluttershy was distracted again, he withdrew a crystal vile from his uniform's pocket. In the few moments that Fluttershy was back in the kitchen, the murderous stranger deposited a few drops of the clear liquid contained within the vile into my caretaker's defenseless cup. 

"By the end of the day, you will be with me on the way to your destiny and this pathetic pony will be on the way to her grave. Isn't it just wonderful!"





(Carrot Cake)

(Warning: Implied gore)

"Ugg..."

I woke up with a roaring headache. I don't think my head has hurt this much since the day after I met Cup. It was during an absolute rager at the start of freshman year of culinary school. She still won't let me forget that I vomited in her saddlebags. Good times.

The piercing pain in my cranium distracted me from my reminiscing. I brought my forehoof up to message my head. I should go get some asp... I just realized my hoof was interrupted on its mission. Something was pressing against it, preventing it from moving. What? Now that I got some adrenaline to wake me up, I was aware of similar bindings on my other limbs and two across my barrel. In fact, there was something on my head too, and my cottonmouth was a little more literal than I had anticipated. What in Tartarus? I thought Cups agreed that bondage just wasn't our thing? 

Opening my eyes, I found myself looking at a familiar ceiling, just not the ceiling I was expecting. Rather than being in my comfortable bedroom, snuggling with my wife, I was on top of a table in the storeroom under the bakery, looking up at the floorboards of the display room above. 

A feeling of dread overwhelmed my headache as I begin to remember what happened. It was early in the morning, just before opening time, Pinkie had just gotten back from some Pinkie thing. I could hear her talking with somepony in the kitchen, and then there was a loud thump. I ran down quickly to see what had happened. I stumbled on griffin cradling a groggy Pinkie in his lap. I remember thinking that it had finally happened, Pinkie had finally gotten diabetes. Rushing over, I took Pinkie from the stranger with no effort. We needed to get to a hospital! Nurse Redheart would know what to do! I begin to try and prop Pinkie up when I feel a sharp pain in my flank. It is not my wife, but a syringe held by the griffin! I could hardly believe it as he smiled and waved at me and I suddenly felt like I had run the Running of the Leaves twice in a row. 

That dirty feather duster hurt Pinkie! He foalnapped me! I tried my best to get out of the straps holding me down, but it was useless. The best I could do is turn my head. At least with that, I was able to see the other two occupants of the bakery. Pinkie was to my left and Cups was to my right, both were strapped to tables, neither looked hurt. That was a bit of a relief, but I needed to get us all out of here before that sicko does something horrible. 

If getting out of the restraints wouldn't work, I would have to remove the gag. Sugarcube Corner was in the middle of Ponyville and half the village got their breakfast here. If I could just yell for help, we would be rescued for sure! I was chewing my way through the straps of the gag when I heard the distinct sound of the back door opening upstairs. There was only one pony who wasn't currently strapped to a table who used the back door. Bon Bon! Of course! She came just about every day and had a key to the back! She wouldn't be turned away by a closed sign and would notice when we weren't upstairs! There was a good chance she would come down here to get supplies anyways! Thank Celestia we are saved!

Her hoofsteps sounded kind of strange, but that didn't matter. I tried to make as much noise as possible so she would notice us. It appeared to be working! I could hear her approaching the basement door, then open it. This nightmare would soon be over! Pinkie and Cups would be safe and that feathery monster would be in jail! Maybe Spolied was right after all and griffins were just trouble makers.

The creature that walked through the door was not the cream-colored mare but the golden griffin that would haunt my dreams for the rest of my life. He looked frustrated as he was coming down, a truly ugly expression on his otherwise handsome face. I redoubled my efforts to escape. I had to get out now or who knows what would that abomination would do!

My struggle attracted his attention and a sicking smile spread across his face. NO! No No No! This couldn't be happening! I just waited to bake with my wife, maybe have a few foals. It wasn't supposed to happen like this!

"My, my, you are awake earlier than anticipated. I will have to make note of that for the future." The sociopath scientist spoke like a slithering snake. "That is just wonderful! I could use some stress release after my recent failure, and nothing relieves stress like advancing science."

He gracefully moved across the room towards his prisoners and an assortment of kitchen tools arrayed before us. Suddenly knives I used every day to cut cakes and forks I used to serve customers took on a sinister meaning. 

"But what to do, what to do. It is so rare that I get fresh, wild specimens to experiment on. It simply wouldn't do to waste this opportunity." He seemed to ponder this for a while. I had stopped struggling at this point, all my muscles feeling like toffy and my blood like molasses.

"Ah! I have a wonderful idea! I will perform two experiments at once! Two pegasi with one stone! Although I suppose it would be two earth ponies." The mad grif turned to me. "Won't that be wonderful! You will get to contribute to science twice! I am sure you will be grateful; rather than wasting your life doing something as mundane as baking or rearing more parasites, you will get to make a real mark on history! It is more than most of your worthless species can achieve."

The griffin moved above my head to the point I couldn't see him. Leaning down close, he whispered in my ear.

"The experiment is quite simple, I have plans for both your wife and the pink one. You will choose which one gets the honor of going first. Now, it is only fair I tell you that whoever you choose will be making quite the sacrifice for science, so think it over carefully. When you decide, simply look at the mare you would like to spare."

I could hardly hear him laughing at his own rhyme. This couldn't be happening. This was the type of thing that happened in Daring Do novels, not real life! Celestia, S.M.I.L.E., the guards, they were supposed to protect us. This didn't happen in Equestria! My wife or the closest thing I had to a daughter? How could anypony make that choice! Memories danced through my mind; Pinkie's interview when she first came to Ponyville, eating frosting off of Cups' muzzle in college, Pinkie making her first cake at the bakery, Cups and me standing in front of Sugarcube Corner a 'grand opening' banner hanging off the front, Pinkie bring more life and fun to the bakery then I could imagine, us laying in bed talking about how many foals we wanted to have. 

Tears in my eyes, sobs absorbed by the gag in my mouth, I knew there was only one choice. I turned to look at my wife, sparing her from the griffin's wrath. 

I am sorry Pinkie. I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I still love you, but I can't let anything happen to Cups, to our future foals! Forgive me, I am so sorry.

"Interesting, although not unexpected. Well, let's get started then."

I felt a jerk as the strap on my head was tightened, preventing me from looking away from Cups. Why did he do that? The griffin soon entered my vision as he approached the love of my life. He reached into his pocket and grabbed a syringe, jamming it into Cups' neck. I begin to struggle more. That wasn't the deal! He said he would leave Cups alone!

Cup Cake woke up with a start and a scream, muffled by her gag. Her eyes darted around, trying to make sense of what was happening to her. Eventually, her eyes locked with mine. Not being able to speak, I tried my best to comfort her with my look. To tell her that everything was going to be okay. But that was a lie. Nothing was okay. The demon Nightmare Moon had come down and given us the worst nightmare that could be imagined. A true nightmare night.

"Aw... you two must be so happy for each other. Remember this day, both of you. This is the day I gave your lives meaning."

The mad surgeon reached for his tools, a paring knife my now deceased father gave to me on my graduation day. He activated a recording crystal, and begin explaining the experiment in a calm and cold voice.

We could do nothing but mutely scream as the doctor made the first of many cuts.
> Hot Tea
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 996 CE 

(The day Twilight returned to Ponyville)

(Bon Bon)

I am not Bon Bon. Right now, I am Special Agent Sweetie Drops of the Secret Monster Intelligence League of Equestria and I am failing my mission. A few months ago, I received orders from Canterlot. They changed my mission; from protecting Ponyville from the monsters of the Everfree to keeping five specific ponies happy and healthy. Why? Because these mares were vital for the mysterious Operation Selene. An operation I haven't been told anything about other than that failure could result in the death of countless Equestrians. Practically, there was very little change with my new orders; Ponyville is incredibly peaceful, the only threat is the monsters of the Everfree. That was, until two days ago.

The day was pretty normal. The only exception being Pinkie, one of the mares in my charge, returning to Sugercube Corner with an unknown griffin. That, in and of itself, wasn't strange, I was expecting an invitation to the 'Welcome to Ponyville' party by the time I got home. What was strange was what happened next, nothing. There was no invitation, no party, what's more, the bakery's doors temporarily closed. The only justification was a sign on the door saying the Cakes and Pinkie had been called away to a baking competition in Canterlot and would be back in a few days.

I, of course, investigated. The griffin I saw with Pinkie that morning claimed to be an old friend of the Cakes from culinary school who informed them of the competition and volunteered to house sit until they got back. Certainly unusual, but not impossible. The Cakes were known to head out on sudden business trips and the culinary school they attended was well known for its cosmopolitanism. I decided to monitor the situation, but not risk my cover by being any noisier.

Nothing more seemed to come of it until this morning.

This morning a memo came down from the mountain warning of a terrorist that might target Ponyville in the next few weeks. A terrorist that looked remarkably like the griffin that had arrived two days ago. The griffin that was staying in the home of one of my assets that hadn't been seen since said griffin arrived. It was not hard to assume the worst-case scenario.

So here I am, at the backdoor of Sugercube Corner, planing a rescue. Fortunately, I have an excuse. My candy store and the Cake's bakery have a close relationship. I sell them things like caramels, jams, and hard candy, they sell me cookies and other baked goods. Thanks to this, I have a key to the backdoor so I can do morning deliveries. So, I plan on quietly entering the back and scouting out as much as I can. If I get caught, I will claim I was here for a delivery and hope they buy it. I am up against a combat-trained griffin; I could probably beat him, but not without risking my cover and my charges. Stealth is a priority.

Taking a calming breath, I turn the key and begin the operation. I soon enter the kitchen, the normally lit and lively place quiet and dark. Slowly, I move through the eerie silence, keenly aware of every creak and groan my hooves make on the old wood floor. I quickly decide to start at the basement and work my way up. If that deranged griffin is here, he is likely in the apartments, so the upper floors have the most risk. Fortunately, the basement door is attached to th...

KLANG Klang klang..ang..ang!

BUCKING TARTARUS! Before I even have the chance to figure out what happened, I am diving behind the island for cover. Well, if he is here, he will be on guard. My heart pumping itself out of my chest, I hear the groaning of the basement stairs. I try to steady my breath as much as I can. I would rather not have to try to fight him or talk my way out of this. 

The door opens and the lights turn on. A quick glance shows the sum of my fears, the mad griffin scientist, the angle of death, Gosef Mengele. The malevolent bird wore Pinkie's apron over his feathers which proudly proclaimed 'Hug the Pinkie!', and in his hand was a large chef's knife. I doubt the red fluid on both items was ketchup. It was the worst-case scenario. It was quite possible that Pinkie Pie was already dead. And if she was dead, Operation Selene was equally dead, and all of Equestria might soon be following them. 

"Now what do we have here? A little rat playing in the kitchen? Well, that's not very sanitary, now is it? I should have the little rat as a little snack to make sure it doesn't spread its filth."

The smooth voice of the murderer mocks. Ducking my head back behind the island, readying myself for a deadly game of cat and mouse. With the lights on, I took stock of the room. I could immediately see that all the knives were missing, leaving me without a weapon if it came to combat. A conveniently placed metal bowl gave me a distorted reflection of the monster, allowing me to track his movements. I will just have to hope he doesn't do the reverse.  

"Come out, come out little rat. You won't be able to hide from me."

He begins to walk around the left of the island, I slide my way to the right, keeping the counter between us. 

"It looks like the little rat knocked over a muffin tin." He said, picking up the offending noisemaker. 

"If the little rat confesses and is very sorry, I might consider forgiving it."

We had rotated a good ninety degrees by this point, and I could see the blood that dripped from his clothes and knife making a trail from the basement door. The coppery scent mixing with the scents of sugar, flour, and chocolate. Negotiation is not an option. But if nothing changed, he would find me. I needed to find a place to hide, somewhere that would be big enough to fit me.

"Little rat, you are trying my patience. I have a very busy day today and don't have time to play."

I risk a glance and see him staring at the same metal bowl I had used to keep track of him. Then I saw something that could provide an opportunity. A distraction so I can get somewhere to hide. Without hesitation, I put my plan into motion. My rigorous training, refined from years of stalking monsters through the Everfree, pays off. A quick duck and roll, combined with swift hoof movements, put me across the room and behind the door of my new shelter. 

The sociopathic scientist notices movement, his head spinning around. A sick grin spreads across his face as approaches.

"Well, well little rat, it looks like our game is just about over. It was simply wonderful, but you never really stood a chance against a hunter like me."

He reaches towards the cabinet door, his knife glittering with blood and thirsty for more.

I was far too constrained in my shelter, There was no way I could fight back if he found me.

He grabs the handle, letting out a soft chuckle as he prepares for the kill.

Both of our muscles tense.

The door opens.





(The day before Twilight returns to Ponyville.)

(Fluttershy)

I wanted to run away. 

Gosef seemed nice enough, and he was certainly polite, but he was a little overwhelming. I don't want to be rude, but he almost made me feel like an intrusive guest in my own house! And the worse part is, he seems so nice, that I feel bad even thinking about that. 

I return to the living room with sugar for the tea to see Gosef playing with Gwen. It brings a smile to my face. One of my biggest worries with raising Gwen is that she won't know her own culture. I think having a griffin to interact with, even if only for a day, would be good for her. Now that I think of it, I should see if Twilight would give us a tour of Canterlot's griffin district, it could be a fun weekend trip when Gwen gets older.

"Here is your sugar. Sorry for forgetting, I don't host very often." I apologize as I gently put the sugar on the table between us.

"Oh, it is no trouble. You have been a wonderful host! Truly, you Equestrians provide the best service. I would almost think your kind were born to serve others." He replies merrily. I squirm a little at the compliment. Rarity is a much better hostess than I could ever be. While he talked, the griffin served himself some sugar. With no more complaints, I reach for my cup. Instantly, I see Gwen tense. Why would that be? The distraction causes me to grab the bowl of the teacup rather than the handle, the beverage heating the porcelain up enough to surprise me. 

"Ouch. Sorry, I think I made the tea a little too hot. You said you were a pharmacist right? What brings you to Equestria?" I notice Gwen seems to have relaxed a little. What could possibly have her so wound up? I would think seeing another of her kind would be instinctively relaxing. 

"Yes, well, in the course of my research, I have found a fascinating new drug!" The pharmacist withdrew a crystal vile full of pills from his pocket. "These little chicks have the wonderful ability to increase the odds of birthing identical twins. I am sure you can imagine how they could benefit farming or research. Now, I am touring Equestria in the hopes of securing some additional funding for my work."

"Oh my. I can certainly see how that could be useful." I know some of my animal friends would appreciate something like that, especially those that have a hard time breeding like Xiong Mao. "But why come to a half-rate backwater vet like me?"

He takes a bit to answer, sipping his tea after blowing on it for a while. The tea is still too hot for me. I wonder if griffins have a higher heat tolerance? At least we are on a topic I can actually talk about. As long as I can focus on the animals and not the fact that I am probably a horrible host, I will be fine.

"Well, to be honest, I am going to be staying in town for a few days house sitting. I figured I might as well take a shot at the local vet and farmers while I am here. Would you be... WHow there!"

The griffin was suddenly interrupted as Gwen lunged across him towards me. Despite that surprise, the pharmacist is able to catch the feathered missile before she could crash into the coffee table or spill the tea that I was just about to drink. Putting the cup down without taking a drink, I gave Gwen a disapproving look.

"Gwen! That is not how we act when there are guests around! Good Dr. Gosef is not a jungle gym! And what if you broke the china! These came from my late great-grandmother! And you could have gotten hurt!"

Gwen stared back defiantly, although I could tell some portion of my lecture got to her. Gosef, meanwhile, had a slightly cheesy grin on his face. Oh no, I disciplined my foal right in front of him! How embarrassing! I must seem like a horrible mother losing my temper like that. And an even worse hostess! Today just keeps getting worse! But I can't figure out what has got Gwen so wound up. She is usually so calm, way calmer than most creatures her age. To see her like this, it is almost as if a dangerous predator was around.   

"I am so very sorry. Gwen is not normally like this. I don't have any idea what has gotten into her."

The griffin doesn't seem to mind. "It is no problem, I know chicks can be a clawful. I am pleasantly surprised by your discipline though, I find most ponies these days are far too soft. Now don't worry, I will make sure the firey young hen doesn't cause a ruckus. And please, take some time to have some tea and compose yourself. I am sure your throat is sore after that."

Gwen was struggling again, not able to get out of Gosef's grips. At this rate, I will have to put her to bed. I just can't believe she would be so aggressive! It is all my fault, I don't know what I am doing, should have just let Twilight take Gwen to an orphanage. 

No! I can't let myself keep going into those dark thoughts. I just need to calm down, have some tea, and everything will be all right. I take a few calming breaths. A sip to calm down then I will put Gwen to bed. I will be able to talk to Gosef and everything will be alright. I bring the cup to my lips, ready for the warm comfort of the life-giving tea when I hear something remarkable.

"Mama!"

I pause. I couldn't possibly have heard that right. Gwen almost ever babbles. So little I was considering taking her to a doctor. But I can see her there, looking so cute, large, golden eyes staring at me, slitted pupils hardly visible in the abundant light of my home.

"Mama!"

She repeated it! There is no mistake! My little snowball called me mama! I could feel my heart beating faster, my teacup shaking in my grip. I could hardly believe it, Gwen's first words! I had always heard that they were special, but to hear something so sweet, so cute, so personal, after all that trauma and self-doubt, made it all worth it.

"Yes Snowy! It's me! It's your mama! Come here!"

I set my cup down and spread my forelegs and wings to let Gwen in a grand embrace. She jumped out of Gosef's claws, leaping to me like I was the last lifeboat on an airship. I was so caught up in the moment I hardly noticed the shattering of my teacup as Gwen clipped it with a wing, nor the annoyed look on Gosef's face.

We collapsed into each other's hugs, her hard beak tickling my chin. Coughing politely, Gosef excused himself, citing not wanting to break such an intimate moment. I hardly cared as I waved him goodby. Right now, I wasn't concerned about being a good host, but about being a good mother.





(The day Twilight returned to Ponyville)

(Bon Bon)

(Warning: Gore)

"GAH"

I had to stop myself from laughing as the toothless alligator firmly attached himself to the war criminal's face. My plan had worked perfectly. Having spotted Gummy hiding in the island, a quick throw into a partially open cabinet provided the perfect distraction. While the griffin was investigating, I was able to sneak into one of the ovens. 

"So it really was a little rat. I thought I locked you up. Keep this up and I will dissect you just like your owner." 

My adversary casually slams Gummy into the far wall and begins to head upstairs. I am not worried about the reptile. I had seen him launched through several buildings and travel the entirety of a manticore's digestive track, emerging unharmed in both cases. Besides, he wasn't my priority right now, I needed to find Pinkie. The basement seemed like a good first bet. I just hoped she was still in one piece. 

By the time I had extradited myself from the oven and made it to the basement door, I could hear the sound of a shower upstairs. Good, I had a window. I should be able to get somepony out of here before he realized what happened. 

The sight that greeted me in the basement almost made me vomit. I had been showered in chimera blood, I had seen the internal organs of a dragon, I had killed my fellow pony, I even had watched as a S.M.I.L.E. agent performed 'enhanced interrogation techniques'. But this, this was something else.

At the center of the carnage was Mrs. Cakes, laying naked on a wood table newly dyed red. Some of the blood had congealed beneath her, the coppery scent still pungent in the air. Next to her lay what were once kitchen utensils, but could now only be described as torture equipment. 

Cup Cake, a mare I had known since I assumed my cover here, a mare I considered my friend, looked like she was on death's door. Her skin was noticeably paler under her fur, much of which had been shaved off. The bald skin reviled a criss-cross of stitches along her lower barrel and neck. The stitches were clearly professionally done, but still reviled gruesome, angry red cuts. Despite his supposed skill, her captor had not bothered to properly disinfect his tools, and signs of infection and gangrene were starting to show, with sickly yellow puss and black-green rot. 

The worst, however, wasn't what was on her body, but rather what was outside of it. Sitting innocently on what was once a pizza pan was one of my friend's organs. How anypony, anycreature, could do that to a mare was beyond me. And Mrs. Cakes would always talk about her dreams of having children, of having a home full of foal's laughter. To have the symbol of that dream so casually and cruelly ripped out. To have it discarded like an afterthought. It was beyond deplorable, beyond unforgivable. 

Swallowing my disgust, rage, and vomit, I tried to refocus on my mission. I had to save Pinkie. I couldn't help my friend, but if I could get Pinkie out of this hell, maybe I could save others. 

It was not difficult to find my charge. Next to what remained of Mrs. Cakes were two other tables. Mr. Cakes was on the closest one, resting fitfully in a pool of his own tears, drool, and vomit. Past him was Pinkie Pie. The party pony was far beyond her normal self, her hair so straight it put rulers to shame. She was awake by some definition of the word. Her eyes were vacant and staring at nothing, not even seeming to acknowledge my presence. Only the soft movements of her chest told me she was still alive. 

Reluctantly leaving the Cakes to their fate, I moved to rescue Pinkie. Even standing over her, she didn't seem to see me. The sight of the bubbly and fun pony so broken tore at my heart, but she couldn't get better if she didn't get out of here. Quickly undoing the straps, I decided to leave Pinkie's gag in, just in case, as to not give away our escape. Freeing the earth pony mare and hoisting her still limp form over my back, I begin to make my escape. I could tell immediately there was no way for me to carry an additional victim.

With Pinkie on my back, I moved as swiftly as possible upstairs. By the time I got to the kitchen, I could hear Gosef finish wiping the blood off his hands. It would be too risky now to try and recover one of the Cakes, they would just have to wait until I could get backup. 

Darting out into the morning mist, heading to the hospital, I consigned my friends to their gruesome fate.
> Making Plans
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 996 CE 

(Twilight Sparkle)

This was bad. Things were not going as planned. The war criminal Gosef Mengele couldn't be here, it was impossible. The boat he was supposed to be on was still in the middle of the ocean. His already being in Equestria, none the less Ponyville, was absurd. But if what Fluttershy said was correct, then he was already here. But that was impossible! There is no way S.M.I.L.E. intelligence would be that wrong! If they were, that would mean either somepony needs to get fire, there is a mole in S.M.I.L.E., or he is a lot more dangerous than anypony expected. 

In any case, that didn't change the facts; there was a sociopathic mass murderer in Ponyville and there were only six combat-ready ponies in the town. My brother, me, Agent Tight lips, the undercover S.M.I.L.E. agent, and the two town Royal Guards. And considering the mad grif was known to force parents to watch him torture their foals to death, I doubt me or the local cops will be much help. And there is no guarantee the S.M.I.L.E. agent will be able to help either well maintaining her cover. That just left Shining and Tight to find and apprehend a single griffin in a town of thousands without anypony else getting hurt! 

Oh, sweet Celestia! I almost forgot about the foals! I brought Spike here thinking it would be safe! Fluttershy was always saying how she wanted to meet him, and I, being the stupid idiot I am, thought this would be a good time for them to meet. He is waiting by himself in the library, completely defenseless, at this very moment! That is not even considering the townsfolk and their foals! While I am sitting here thinking this over, Ponyville could be running red with blood!

Okay, calm down. Somepony is calling me, but I need to get my priorities together first. This calls for a list;




 Ensure the safety of myself, Shining, Spike Fluttershy, Gwen, and Agent Tight lips.

 Protect the undercover S.M.I.L.E. agent and ensure their cover is not blown.

 Minimize casualties among the citizens of Ponyville.

 Minimize psychological and physiological trauma suffered by the citizens of Ponyville.

 Eliminate Gosef Mengele, preferably by live capture so he can face justice.

 Minimize property damage done to Ponyville.




That is a sufficient start. Now I need a plan that will accomplish these objectives as effectively as possible. Hum, somepony is waving their arms in front of my face. How rude. Moving on. While, on the positive side, there should only be one adult male griffin in Ponyville, so it shouldn't be that hard to spot him. That said, as soon as he is aware he has been found out he is likely to attempt to escape or harm civilians. A slow, methodical approach is not an option. I think this calls for another list.




 Try to evacuate Ponyville. No good, that would create so much chaos that there is no way we could keep him from noticing, and it would likely escalate into violence or allow him to escape.

 Just evacuate VIPs. Better, but still potentially noticeable. We know he is targeting Fluttershy and Gwen, he would probably react if they suddenly took a trip to Canterlot.

 Search and destroy. Worse yet. I would guess only Shining and Tight could match him in one on one. Splitting up to search for him would only give him a chance to take us out one at a time.

 Turtle. Not viable. He could just flee or force our hooves by attacking the town.

 Call in the cavalry. Safe, but not practical. It will take too long for reinforcements from Canterlot. Even with dragon fire. Speaking of...

 Call the Princess. She could arrive much quicker than Guards or S.M.I.L.E. agents. But it might be a little bit of overkill. And she said I needed to stop relying on her so much. What did she say right before I left? 'I am sure you will have a wonderful new experience in Ponyville with your friend Fluttershy.' Was that code!? Did she feed me false information on purpose to see how I would handle it? Is this a test!? Oh Celestia I need to...



"TWILIGHT"

Is this what being turned to stone by a cockatrice feels like? One moment I was very calmly and thoroughly formulating a plan, the next my world was consumed by cyan. I could hardly feel the hooves on either side of my face, or smell the fruity tea and animal sweat, or hear the concerned voice of my brother. All I could see, hear, smell, taste, feel or think was that infinite darkness surrounded by a thin ring of sky blue. It was like looking into the darkness between space, at the voids that existed before the rocks that formed Equestria were forged in the hearts of dying stars, at distances that would take light a thousand times longer than Celestia's life span to cross. It is incredible, incalculable, indescribable, madd...

What was I thinking about? Fluttershy moved her eyes away and suddenly I was back in her humble cottage; Shining, Agent Tight Lips, and several animals looking at me worriedly. I had a headache and I vaguely felt like I was forgetting something. Something about the significance of the universe? I don't know, and thinking about it makes my head hurt. We have more important issues anyways.

"Are you back with us Twily?" A concerned Shining asked me as he stole worried glances at an innocent Fluttershy.

"Yes. Right. Sorry." I mumbled, giving myself a few seconds to clear the cobwebs that had recently taken up residence in my head.  "We need to make a plan. If Gosef Mengele is really in Ponyville, we need to do everything we can to capture him."


Shining and Tight Lips, and weirdly Gwen, all nodded with grim determination. Fluttershy, meanwhile, looked like she was about to have a panic attack. Civilian, right. I forget most ponies haven't taken self-defense courses. 

"I think we should split up," Shing opened, "I could protect the non-combatants with my shields while the pair you search the town together. I am sure the two of you could hold a single griffin off long enough for reinforcements to arrive."

I nod, that seemed like a decent plan. A quick discussion later and we decided that Shining would escort Fluttershy and Gwen to the library to pick up Spike while Tight and I started searching the town. From there, Shining's group would head to the local schoolhouse. Class should still be in session, so Shining could protect Ponyville's most valuable citizens without throwing the town into chaos. It wasn't perfect, but at least we could maintain the element of surprise. 





(Gosef Mengele )

This was bad. Things were not going as planned. Somehow, one of my gracious volunteers has escaped. I can only assume that the little rat I was chasing earlier was larger than I had thought. But how it happened is ultimately immaterial, the important thing is that my time here has run out. The unwashed masses of griffins tended to be unable to see the necessity of my work, I can't imagine the dumb, soft, and cowardly pony would react any better.

I have to keep my priorities straight. While losing my chance to further my experiments is undoubtedly a tragedy and loss to science, securing my magnum opus must come first. It is a shame I will not be able to give the worms of Ponyville purpose, but sacrifices must be made. They will simply have to live with the fact that they are doomed to live the rest of their meaningless lives in mundane misery. 

The thief likely took my volunteer to either the hospital or the guard, staying in this quaint bakery is no longer an option. Abandoning my temporary laboratory should give me some time, but I will have a day or two at most until a more substantial force is sent by the sun witch. Any chance for subtlety is gone, I need to secure Gwen and escape as soon as possible. 

Fortunately, I had prepared for such a scenario. A quick mixture of a few chemicals and a trip to the local well that the pink pony oh so helpfully pointed out, and the town will be too overwhelmed by sick to mount an effective search. Alas, the poison will not be strong enough for a proper culling, but there is no time for a more optimal solution. 

My plan decided, I quickly gathered up my things. Still no hooves pounding at the door, so I should still have time. Exiting to the street, I saw no panicked looks or rushing guards. The idiotically trusting ponies wouldn't know something was amiss until they were vomiting in the dirt and I was flying back to Griffinstone with a rescued chick over a yellow corpse.

The drinking well served to highlight the weakness of the ponies. Completely unguarded, in an open, public space, stood the lifeblood of a community of thousands. The only one of those pathetic creatures around the well was an exhausted-looking pegasus mare. She was a truly ugly specimen, her cyan fur contrasting grotesquely with her flamboyantly rainbow hair. She was well muscled, the meat robbing her of any grace of femininity while only serving as a parody of masculinity. Truly, it was incomprehensible that some considered her kind the rules of the skies over griffins. 

"Good morning." I greeted with a pleasant smile as I approached the well. Being able to suppress one's disgust was an important talent in biology, it helps in social situations as well.

"Sup," The rainbow-haired freak replied. A quick double-take showed that I had gotten her attention. Unfortunate. "Hey, your that griffin that is house-sitting for the Cakes. I've been meaning to talk to you. You any good with those wings of yours?"

Ah, I had meat this type before. Young grifs would often venture into the slums of Griffinstone searching for another youth to challenge. To think ponies would produce the same meatheads. Of course, the griffins could aspire to become noble knights, the best this pony could hope for was joining the disgraceful Wonderbolts.

"Oh, I did a bit of flying when I was younger, but it has been a long time since then," I say passively. I took the flask of poison from my uniform, now it was just a matter of finding an opportunity.

"Don't say that old-timer! It is all about spirit! I am sure you could pick it back up if you tried! We could do a race! It isn't every day that I get to fly against a griffin. I used to race this griffin named Gilda, but I haven't seen her much since she decided to move to Canterlot instead of going back to Griffinstone. Come on, it would be fun!"

There it is. And she knows a race traitor too. I couldn't be less enthused. And her persistence is stopping me from completing my task. I guess I have to be a little proactive.

"I am going to have to decline. I don't have the time today. Although seeing as you are so athletic, perhaps I have something you would be interested in," I make a show of searching my uniform, before pulling out the same poison that the yellow one failed to drink yesterday. "This has been proven to enhance muscle growth and improve performance. I am sure that a bright young flyer like you could find some use for it."

Conflicting emotions flashed across the flying pig's face before settling on a mixture of disgust and anger. A prude then. Oh well, she will survive another day, but I will still hopefully scare her off. The mission comes before pest control.

"No way. I don't do that type of thing. You know what, I just thought of some...  clouds I have to clear, ya. See ya!" 

Just like that, there was nothing between me and Ponyville's water supply.





(Doughnut Break)

Being the second (of two) most important guard in a small town like Ponyville had its perks. I got to spend most days relaxing in the office, snaking on some sugary, fried, goodness that my cousin Joe in Canterlot sent me. And when I did have to work, it was mostly minor disputes or complaints. I didn't even have to bother keeping up with the mandatory exercise, everypony knew there was no way I would even need it in a place like this. But the best part is that eveypony had to treat me with the respect I deserved. With the thousand-plus-year-old Equestrian legal system, there was always something I could charge somepony with if I looked. Plus I looked good in my uniform.

Today was a completely average day. Only paperwork and a few complaints about a low-flying, high-speed pegasus disturbing sleep. I really needed to reprimand that Rainbow Dash again. She was kinda cute, a ticket would be a great way to get her attention.

My daydreams of Rainbow in a slightly-too-small Wonderbolts uniform were interrupted by urgent knocking. Buck, what was it now? Did Pipsqueak get stuck in a tree again, or maybe it was Spoiled complaining about the feather duster. 

At the door was an unexpected, but not unwelcome mare. Nurse Red Heart was standing, exhausted, outside my door. A little old for my tastes, but I wouldn't say no. Sadly, it didn't seem like she was here because she suddenly realized how attractive I was. Rather, she was mumbling something about the Cakes being foalnapped. Which was obviously ridiculous, because they were out of town for some cooking thing. 

None that less, it would be un-stallionly for me to ignore the orders of a mare in distress, so I went with to Sugercube Corner with her. The front door was locked and there was no response to my yelling, but I had probable cause, so I decided to go in anyway. It was always fun when I got to break down a door, even if it hurt a little and took a few tries. 

The lobby was deserted, but I drew my blade anyways. No reason to let my guard down. And it would look cool in front of a mare. With my weapon ahead of me, I begin to explore the ground floor. Still no response to any of my calls, nor any signs of a struggle. That is, until we reached the kitchen. It looked like the room had been stripped, with many utensils that characterized the kitchen missing. The disturbing thing, however, was the trail of red leading to the basement. It is probably just the mare's story and the quiet, dark atmosphere, but that almost looked like blood. I did not sign up for this Hoovecraft stuff.

Well, I can't back down now. I was regretting skipping on those exercises, but I could do this. I had a sword, and even if it was shaking a little, I could use it. I pushed the basement door open, and begin descending. The only thing at the bottom was a dark room. It did not take me long to find the light switch.

I also found the Cakes

I suddenly got the opportunity to taste my cousin's fried confections for a second time.
> Innocent Bystanders
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 996 CE 

(Nurse Redheart)

(Warning: Gore)

In all my years of being a doctor, I think today might be the worst day I have ever experienced. And yes, I am a doctor, Nurse is my given name, I just got tired of correcting people. 

The day started pretty normally, just making the rounds and checking on the patients that had to stay the night. That all changed when Bon Bon came into the emergency room. She was carrying a nearly catatonic Pinkie Pie on her back. The story she told was unbelievable, the Cakes and Pinkie Pie hadn't taken a trip out of town, but were foalnapped by the griffin that claimed to be house-sitting for them. Bon Bon was able to get Pinkie out, but the Cakes were still in the bakery and needed immediate medical attention. The confectioner insisted she stay with Pinkie, so it was quickly decided that I would serve as an EMT after running to the guard post to get help. 

Unluckily, the only guard available was the universally disliked Doughnut Break. Still, I had to make do, so I lead him to Sugercube Corner. When we got there, the bakery was abandoned and the suspect was nowhere to be found. With what was in the basement, I am glad we missed the monster who was staying there. Mr. Cakes was mostly fine, he was unconscious, but we were able to wake him up. Other than some psychological trauma that I am grossly underqualified to diagnose, none the less treat, he only had some abrasions from his restraints as well as some lingering effects of a tranquilizer. 

Mrs. Cakes was another story. Her body was a grotesque map of scars and discolored flesh. Just from a glance, it looks like somecreature had performed operations on her chest, lower abdomen, and neck. The incisions and stitches from the operation looked professionally done but were not properly sanitized. Several had clear signs of infection and all were at least agitated. I would guess the surgeries took place less than a day ago, we still had plenty of time to save her. 

We needed to get them both back to the hospital, ideally with an ambulance cart, but carrying them on our back would have to do. There was no way we could wait for an ambulance, not when whoever did this could come back at any moment. I had Guard Break take Mr. Cakes while I carefully fixed Mrs. Cakes to my back. Neither of us wanted to stay in that cursed basement, so we left to return to the hospital as soon as possible.

It was still early in the morning as we ran through Ponyville, but enough of the morning rush had started that quite a few ponies saw our flight. I am sure the rumors would be flying by the time we got to the hospital. Protecting the Cakes' reputation and or preventing a panic isn't my job.

The next hour was absorbed in helping the victims. Dispatches were sent to both the Canterlot Royal Guard and an expert in psychological trauma. Mrs. Cakes was intensive care, while both Mr. Cakes and Pinkie Pie were barely responsive. 

I had just begun my first well-earned break of the day when Roseluck came in. She was escorted by her two sisters, blood dribbling from her mouth. According to Lily, Roseluck had just started vomiting blood out of nowhere. Daisy and Lily weren't in the emergency room five minutes before they were vomiting blood as well. In just the morning shift, Ponyville General had seen more emergency room visits than the last two months combined and now there were signs of a pandemic. 

With my break reduced to a small snack and some water, I got back to work. Three patients soon turned into five, into ten, into fifty. The whole hospital was in chaos as we tried to set up triage, find out what was causing the disease, attended to the patients, prepare for future victims, warn the larger hospitals, contact the Celestial Institute for Disease Control, and find out what the buck was going on. We even had Mayor Mare declare a state of emergency, in between her vomiting. 

All said we were getting lucky. Even as the numbers started to approach quadruple digits, there had yet to be any deaths, nor had any of the town's elderly residences been affected yet. I hoped that was a good sign, but it was only a matter of time. Young, healthy ponies seemed to be able to handle the disease as well as could be expected, but I doubted those who are already sick or weak could cope with it.

As I worked, I heard more and more strange rumors from town. It appeared my trip with Pinkie earlier today caused some ruckus. Now ponies were claiming a bunch of ridiculous things; like that Pinkie and/or the Cakes were dead, a terrorist had chicknapped Flutershy's griffin, an elite S.M.I.L.E. task force was in town to hunt said terrorist, there was a griffin attacking the schoolhouse, the aforementioned attack resulted in the griffin killing a white unicorn, and even more such nonsense. I hardly had time to listen between my work.

There was another thing distracting me from rumors, about half an hour after my interrupted break, my stomach started to become upset. I knew what it probably was. I also knew it wasn't uncommon for doctors fighting a pandemic to be infected by the enemy, but I could let myself believe it. I had too much work to be sick. Plus, I was wearing all the PPE the hospital could spare at this point. Although I wasn't when the Flower sister first came in...

Finally, not long before I was supposed to take my lunch break, I had to excuse myself to go to the bathroom. Soon I was looking down at a toilet filled with my red-tinted breakfast. I wiped my mouth to get rid of the blood and got back to work.





(Spike)

I was reading a comic, waiting in the library for Twilight to come back. At first, I was excited for this trip. It was my first time out of Canterlot! I got to ride the train and see stuff other than the castle and the library! But I got here only to go right to another library. At least this one was inside a tree, that is kinda cool. We were supposed to meet with Miss. Fluttershy soon. I was excited about that too. Twilight would always read me her letters. She seemed nice, and she actually thought that baby dragons were cute. Don't get me wrong, I am glad everypony knows how awesome dragons are, but having ponies scream or call the guard when they see you gets old quick. 

It was a little after Twilight left when I noticed a commotion in the library. There were some footsteps and shuffling. Not much, but in the quiet tree, I could pick them out easily. Without getting off of my cushion, I couldn't see anypony, so I decided to ignore it. Living trees like this made sounds all the time, it was probably nothing. I tried to get back to my comics, but I couldn't not hear the noises. More shuffling, an occasional wing flap, and even the tell-tale sound of a book being placed on a wooden desk. Somepony, probably a pegasus, was upstairs. 

Normally, something like this wouldn't be a problem. I was used to background noise while I was reading in the Royal Archives or with Twilight. But the library is supposed to be closed today, that is why Twilight felt she could leave me here. Maybe it was a weird book thief, or somepony broke in so they could read after hours like Twilight sometimes did. It was probably just something boring like the janitor, but the curiosity was killing me. 

Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore. I got up from my improvised comic horde and started my investigation. Sure, I could just call out and see if anypony answered, but where is the fun in that? Plus, if I might scare them away. 

I moved quietly through the tree-library like the Power Ponies when they were infiltrating the Mareinac's base. As I climbed the stairs, I saw my first piece of evidence. A black feather! Suspicious, not many pegasi have black coats or wings. Maybe a griffin? I stared at the feather, trying to deduce where it came from, just like Batstallion would have. Turns out I am not Equestira's greatest detective. I would have to work on that. Maybe one of the maids would make me a costume for Nightmare Night? 

Putting the feather down, I finished climbing the stairs. The second floor was dark. All the windows were shuttered save one that was open to the world, letting in the sounds of some commotion in the morning market outside. It did not take much to deduce that somepony had snuck in through the window.

Something moved in the corner of my eye! I searched franticly, but I couldn't see what had caused the shift. And now the sounds I had heard before were gone. Whoever was up here was hiding from me. Swallowing and slightly regretting my recent; life choices, I moved towards the center of the room. I could occasionally see movement or hear shuffling, but the darkness reviled nothing but the sensation of being watched. By the time I reached the central reading table, I felt less like I was in a Power Ponies comic and more a Nightmare Night tale. On the table, was a single, open book. It was too dark to read anything, but a quick breath of dragon fire could fix that. Now I could read the title! Let's see what the thief was looking at! Maybe it was some sort of treasure map! 

"Plants and Poisons of the Everfree?"

I read the title out loud, only to hear something heavy land behind me.
> Begin Chasing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 996 CE 

(Gwen)

"I could help you, you know. You simply have to ask."

I was riding on the back of the white unicorn, trying desperately to ignore the shadow floating casually alongside us. My condescending Patron appeared shortly after we left home. I can't say I am incredibly surprised, a dastardly and deadly diversity destroyer deserved the devilish deal-maker's undivided diligence. 

"I am not even planning on asking much. I know you are still unreasonably angry about that whole rabbit thing, but I want to show you what happens when you cooperate. Plus, you wouldn't want to be responsible if dear Fluttershy got hurt, would you?"

The best response I could give was a glare at the shadow. It was too risky trying to speak to it while on top of a stranger. Besides, there was still a good chance that everything would work out without their intervention. I wasn't going to make any more deals unless I absolutely had to.

"While I see you are going to be stubborn. I will leave you be but don't hesitate to ask if you change your mind. See you soon." The shadow disappeared just as it was going to collide with a tree, leaving me only with a headache. At least it left me alone before we got to town.

"The library is that tree over there right?" My sapient mount asked Fluttershy as she glided beside us. Despite our haste, we weren't standing out too much in Ponyville's morning crowd. It was evident that something had happened, there was a tension in the air with all the town's ponies either huddling together in small herds or trotting as fast as politely possible. The normally casual and festive morning market was stifled with a nervous anxiety. 

Nodding, Fluttershy led us to the old tree. Shining went in first, carefully opening the door as if he expected an ambush. The main room of the library was barely lit with the pile of cushions and comics near the center lacking their scaly master. The missing dragon caused everyone in our group to tense. On some level, I knew it was ridiculous to think that the griffin would care or even know about the dragon, but none of us could help but assume the worst.

"Are you sure you left little Spike here?" Fluttershy asked.

"This is where we left him. And he is not the type of dragon to go wandering off by himself."

"While maybe he went to the bathroom?" 

"We will just have to..."

The Royal Guardspony was interrupted by a loud thud upstairs. 

"Spike!" 

Shining dashed upstairs, taking me with him. Getting to the top of the steps reviled a purple dinosaur with green spines running down his back. The creature with a passing resemblance to a certain costumed character who shouldn't be left alone with children was lying face down, his head facing away from us with a large book not far from his outstretched hands. 

Before we even had the chance to dread the worst-case scenario, the dragon stirred. "Ug, Thorax, you need to clean up after yourself." Spike began to pick himself up, finally noticing us. "Hi, Shining, sorry if I scared you, I tripped on a quill."

"Sorry Spike, I was just in a rush, and I... AHH. Who are they!?" The other occupant of the library reviled themselves. He was a young pegasus colt, perhaps a little older than Applebloom and her friends, with coarse black fur and short, orange hair that stuck up almost like a natural mohawk. I vaguely remember seeing him around the town's bakery, but I didn't know much about him.

Spike ignored the pegasus's question and addressed Shining again. "Is Twilight done with her meeting then? Great! I was getting hungry. Oh, is that Fluttershy? Nice t..."

The little dragon was interrupted as he was tackled by a yellow blur. Despite coming up behind us, Fluttershy had shot past me and Shining before we even realized she was upstairs. Now she was smothering the dragon like he was a new stuffed animal, asking inane questions. I didn't get it, he was cute, but so was everything in this world. Guess I just became numb.

"Right. Spike, Miss. Fluttershy; Miss. Fluttershy, Spike. And Gwen the griffin is on my back." Shining introduced, indicating me with one of his hoofs. "Now who is your friend? I thought the library was closed." 

The black pegasus crumpled under the Royal Guard's stare. Thorax glanced at Spike for support but found his new friend quite occupied by a yellow menace. Back into a corner, the timid colt stuttered. "My... M... My name is... is... Tho... Thorax, sir. I... I... am sorry I... broke into the... library but... Mrs. Roseluck... she... she was sick and I wanted to... to see if there was anything in here that could help."

He seemed to gain confidence towards the end. Seemed like a good kid. Shining Armor, meanwhile, began rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Look, foal, the doctors can take care of this Mrs. Roseluck. And I can't just leave you here... We were planning on going to the school. Do you want to come with us? I am pretty sure a colt your age is supposed to be there this time of day anyways." Thorax backed down under the authority of an adult, mumbling out a few, half-hearted protests. It was clear that the pegasus knew he was going to be dragged back to school. 

By this point, Spike had managed to get partly untangled from his adoring attacker. Something that Shining said seemed to bother him. "Why are we going to the school? I thought we were going to the bakery for lunch? And where is Twilight? Both you and Fluttershy are here, where else would she be."

The mood almost instantly sobered up. The two adults looking at each other nervously.

"You don't have to worry about that Spike. Let's just go to school.

[/hr]

(Gosef Mengele)

I stuck to the edge of the forest as I approached the flying coward's hovel. I can't imagine that whoever stole my research subjects hasn't raised the alarm yet. If this was Griffinstone, even a town this size would have sounded the bells and raised a local militia by this point. I doubt the pathetic and weakwilled ponies would be willing to disturb the peace that much, or that there would even be enough of them with a spine to form an actual posse. 

Still, better safe than sorry. Even as wretched as they are, enough ponies could still be a threat. Better to kill one horse, and liberate one chick than try to fight the entire town of parasites.

Approaching the shack, it seemed too quiet. There were still animals running amuck, but no sign of their caretaker. Sliding beneath a back window, staying out of sight of both the house and the road, I risked a glimpse inside. The living room was still empty. After finding the window unlocked and with no immediate threat, I quietly entered the building. Toys were laying about, and I saw dishes laying in the sink. As brilliant as I am, I was able to quickly deduce that my target had recently played host to multiple ponies, and left with Gwen soon after. Presumably with her guests. 

Worst-case scenario, she could have learned of my intentions and gone to town to follow her base, herding instincts. More likely, she was just wasting time with one of her fellow wastes of space. Either way, she was likely back in town. The same town that is now likely in panic and on alert to me. I might have to leave Ponyville now and circle back later. 

Leaving the hut, I started to make my plans. I could make my way south, towards Appaloosa and the Badlands. S.M.I.L.E. knew that the changeling had a presence in that area, perhaps I could trick them into thinking I had hidden with the bugs. If I was lucky, two of my enemies might weaken themselves fighting. Then I could just... 

My train of thought was derailed as I saw a shadow in the woods. It looked like a pony of some kind with something on its back. While it appears that I am in luck. My target must have been doing some nonsense in the forest and taken my masterpiece with her.

Unfortunately, she appeared to have spotted me, because she sprinted away. Well, no self-respecting griffin would turn down a hunt. The chase was on. 

The mare was quicker than I expected, using the trees effectively to evade me and keep her distance. But it was all for not, every time she would try and slip away, I would spot her shadow and the pursuit would resume. Her defeat was all but inevitable. She was just able to keep ahead of me now, but it was well known that griffins had better endurance than pegasuses. It was only a matter of time. 

Sure enough, I was gaining on her. Just as I was sure I would catch her, the snake slipped through a bush that was too small for me with my superior frame. It was but a delay, as I soon subverted the obstacle. But it was enough for her to temporarily give me the slip.

I looked around the woods, eager to reacquire the trail. The trees were too thin and the woods too open for her to hide effectively. But, just outside the woods, I saw a red building surrounded by equipment for chicks. A school. It looks like my hunt might be fruitful yet.

[/hr]

(The Smiling Pony)

I had just gotten off the train to Canterlot when a passerby bumped into me. The agent was slopy. Sure, the average pony would have only noticed a bump, but I expect more than from my ponies. Without missing a step, I read the note. Emergency in Ponyville, full report at dropoff. I subtly alter direction, changing my destination from a hotel near the castle to a cafe near Canterlot University.

The area was busy, students and academics going back and forth in font of the cafe. I quietly took a seat overlooking the Equestrian Geogological Institue across the street and ordered a double espresso. A passing student with a phosphophyllite pin through a newspaper in the trash. With nocreature the wiser, I had the report in my hooves.

As I read the report, my eyes narrowed slightly in anger. A dangerous griffin had sneaked past my agents and into Equestria, all the way to Ponyville. Now he was attacking ponies and even one of the cornerstones of Operation Selene. My espresso glass and the cast iron table under it shattered as I tried to retain my rage. Without a word or paying for damages, I headed back to the train station.

I was needed in Ponyville.