//------------------------------// // Chapter II: Vengeance // Story: The Conversion Bureau: Ascend or die // by GrayOnBlue //------------------------------// March 11, 2017 The Plaza Hotel, New York City Princess Celestia smiled encouragingly, looking at the reporters. There were people from a lot of news channels, eager to ask her questions about things that bothered all the humanity. They even gathered a whole press conference, just for her. Well, she appreciated their enthusiasm. She leaned her head to one of the microphones, standing on the table. “Testing, testing… can you hear me? Does this thing work? Yes? Alright, here we go. Welcome, everyone! I am very pleased to see you all at this pleasant day, knowing that you want to learn more about us and our intentions. I’d be glad to answer any of your questions the best way possible.” Everyone raised their arms, eager to ask the Princess about things that bothered them. She pointed towards a reporter man, wearing one of those traditional male business outfits. Although a bit stuffy and uncomfortable, it probably made him look more confident or serious. Or maybe it was a tribute to traditions. He stood up and named himself, but for Celestia it was just a set of random words. She didn’t know about those abbreviations, channels and numbers, because that information was irrelevant for her cause. “...before, you mentioned several times that humans have to be ponified to go to Equestria and save themselves. But isn’t there a way for us to keep our bodies and still live in your country?” “I’m afraid the way you’re speaking of does not exist. Humans are unique creatures in more ways than one. Unlike animals and plants, you have advanced psychology that will be burned out the second you enter Equestria. The magic aura within our world is not compatible with your nervous system. Even if we’ll find a way for humans to bypass the barrier, I don’t think any of you will be able to function properly with no highest brain functions. Next?” The audience looked seemingly disturbed and upset about her words, making Celestia regret her words. No matter how horrible humans were, she did want to make the transition for them as comfortable as possible. She shaked her head, ordering inappropriate emotions to vanish. “...is it even possible for you to integrate and support every single human on Earth? There are around seven billions and a half of us, today.” “It’s a tough call, I won’t lie. But we didn’t dive recklessly into it. Right now, millions of volunteers making everything they can so the first newfoals will feel themselves comfortable. We build homes, create household items, infrastructure, grow food and do many, many other things. In fact, we have been doing this since the day we found out that we cannot stop Equestria’s expansion. Yes, I’m participating too. Just because my physical body is here, doesn’t mean I don’t do anything. Right now, I’m channeling the most of my magic power to Equestria, so they will use it for help. It’s… quite exhausting, to be honest, but it’s the main duty of a ruler - helping their subjects in any way possible. Once newfoals will adapt, I hope they’d participate as well. After all, they will be motivated to help those who are about to join them in Equestria. And with their increasing numbers, we will make sure that not a single soul will stay behind.” “But who is going to coordinate all of this? We’re talking about a colossal project that needs billions of people to cooperate and work together.” “My sister, Princess Luna, had already taken this responsibility. She’s using her vast intelligence and incalculable magic power to coordinate our project and so far, no problems have occurred.” The audience didn’t fail to notice Celestia’s face falling slightly, as she answered this question. “What is going to happen with our legacy? Our culture, our inventions, our arts, our history? Are they going to just vanish without a trace?” “I… I’m afraid yes. As long as your legacy is material, it will vanish, because the barrier consumes every single bit of human craft.” An exhausted and exasperated woman reported stood up, looking at Celestia intently. “Some sourcers say that it was a planned invasion operation, so you can take our lands and our people as slaves to work for you. Can you deny these claims?” Celestia looked back, wearing a stormy expression. The woman instinctively shrunk back, unable to look her in the eyes.   “Forgive my rudeness, by do they really think that I’m an imbecile? If I needed your lands and you as slaves, I’d have just waited until the barrier swallows your world up to a point when the majority of population would be located densely into a small area. As you probably noticed, it’s nigh-indestructible. That ten megaton nuclear device you used didn’t even scratch it. In the meantime, I’d have worked on the spell, to cast it on you, so you could enter Equestria as humans. The outcome? You don’t have highest nervous functions as the barrier swallows you. We domesticate you and use as cattle. Problem solved, humans are slaves, the planet is ours.” She stopped, observing humans in front of her. They were frightened, shaking and looking at her with wide eyes. For them, it was something alien - hearing a plan about enslaving them and taking their lands, coming from the Solar Goddess. Her voice was cold, informative and artificial. She didn’t threaten, she didn’t brag. She simply shared the information. And they knew that she was able to do all of this. Celestia spoke again, this time in her kindest and calming voice. “I have no intentions to steal your land or enslave you. On the contrary - I want to save you and share the gift of ascension with you all. Nothing more.” March 15, 2017 Somewhere in Queens, New York City Anthony Miller was heading home after another rough day of school. He knew what will happen once he gets home: his mom will lecture him for being so late and his father will probably shot at him for being a wimp who can’t even stand up for himself. Just like every single day. “Just like every single day.” He stopped sharply, looking around fearfully. The voice was coming out of nowhere, it seemed. “No need to worry about me, young Anthony. I am not here to cause you harm of any sort. After all, that’s what humans do, not me.” “W-who are you?.. Do you know me?..” The voice laughed. “It wasn’t that hard, really. Just had to keep my eyes and ears open.” “Y… you’re a pony, right? From Equestria?” “Wow, and how did you know that? Probably because of me saying that I’m not a human, huh?” He hesitated. “Well… you’re also… different. I… I don’t know how exactly, but… there’s something inhuman in you. Something unearthly...” He saw a figure, approaching him. It was a quadrupedal creature, wearing a black cape with a hood. The pony removed the hood, revealing her face with deep blue eyes. “You can feel it, can you not? Because of magic I radiate, perhaps? Or maybe because of my voice that is different from any voices humans posses? Or maybe there’s another reason? Does it matter, anyway?” He shaked his head slowly, still stunned by her beautifulness. He’s never thought that anything or anyone could possibly be that beautiful. “I’ll cut to the chase. Have you heard about The Conversion Bureau program?” Anthony nodded. How could he not hear about that? Every single news channel broadcasted footages of building site in New York, along with Celestia’s interviews and commentaries of scientists and politicians about possible humanity’s fate. “What do you think about us, ponies?” He remembered some footages where ponies appeared. They always seemed full of joy and so nice to each other. While human builders argued about something, ponies always kept working, as if they knew how to do things the best way possible. And their eyes always kept such lovely expressions of sincere kindness, honesty and lifeless. “I think you’re… really nice and good. As far as I can tell, from all those news channels.” The pony seemed quite pleased, but she suddenly changed the topic. “You still have some cash with you? They didn’t take it, this time?” Anthony blinked in surprise, then sighed sadly. He didn’t care anymore about her knowledge. If even magical ponies from some other worlds knew that he’s the biggest loser in the world, then there’s not much to be said. “They will, tomorrow. And probably beat me up for escaping them today.” “So this is your life, huh? The life of a game, surrounded by hunters. You go to school everyday, praying they will finally leave you alone. Sometimes you can even visit some classes without anything bad happening to you. You’re slightly relaxed, hoping that it will last longer… and then, you see them. Heading towards you, with those horrible smiles. You feel that ice-cold fear, that weakens your body and makes your hands shake. After that, you’re sitting in your place, humiliated and scared beyond measure, surrounded by your classmates. They’ve seen it all, just like always. Tell a teacher? You tried, once. They dismissed your claim after trusting one of those bastards. He said, it was a friendly prank. You won’t forget that broken rib anytime soon. Tell parents? Your mother will just ignore it, as if you’re mute and you father will demand you to stay up for yourself. How, I wonder? A single human teen, never exercised, against a pack of four football players? That sounds like the fairest fight, ever.” She was interrupted by Anthony. He was crying. “W-why do you tell me… this? To… to gloat?” She ignored his question, but changed the topic again. “The Conversion Bureau will be fully operational, soon. After that, all NYC residents will pass through it, turning into ponies. They will live in Equestria, a land of eternal peace, love and harmony. They will become ponies, creatures of kindness, honesty and loyalty. Does Joshua Allen deserve to be a pony? David Lee? Dylan Hall? Jason Adams? Do they deserve to become ponies?” She was taken aback from a sudden scream of pure hatred. “No, they don’t! Never! Never! Never! Those bastards deserve to die, nothing more!” Anthony immediately understood what he said and closed his mouth with both hands, staring at the pony with obvious fear in his eyes. Contrary to his expectations, she wasn’t scared or disgusted. Instead, she smiled. “You have no idea how right you are, my little Anthony. You should not be ashamed of your outburst. Even if you think you’ve gone too far, deep inside you know that you are right. You understand that those animals do not deserve to live. Much less, to turn into ponies.” “But… what if I just… go to Equestria and become a pony? It will be all over and… nobody will have to… die...” “You’re a year away from majority, kid. Yours parent won’t allow you to go there alone. And even if they would, what’s next? It’d take months for the Bureau to become fully functional. Do you want to leave now, go home and hear your mother and father shouting at you? Do you want to go to the school tomorrow again, to face them? Do you, Anthony?” She nodded, seeing his expression. “Thought so.” “But… but what can I do?” “Take your vengeance. Make them pay for all humiliations, for all the pain and fear them caused your. You want it, I know. You want it more than anything. And I shall help you. I can give you my magic temporarily. This will grant you the flight of a pegasus, telekinesis of a unicorn and strength and durability of an earth pony. You can only use one power at a time, though. But for your vengeance, it’d be more than enough.” It didn’t take much time to talk him into it. When they were done, Honey Bun felt herself powerless, but she was smiling. She knew that tomorrow, this city will start to burn. March 16, 2017 Queens, New York City Honey Bun stood on the roof, grinning like an idiot. She observed the charred carcass of what used to be a school, and many humans, running around. Police, firefighters, paramedics, teacher, grieving parents. The victim count wasn’t as high as she hoped it would. The human exploded too soon; the school did not collapse, burning to the ground instead. It gave firefighters a chance to save a lot of students and children. She thought about the kid for a second. Poor bastard, he really hoped to control the power of a pony. Humans are so stupid. But nonetheless, the pony felt herself like a winner. She looked down at those crying and desperate mothers, fathers and siblings, mourning their loved ones, and enjoyed their sufferings. “You’re all gonna die. I’ll make sure of it.” “Ahem” She froze, slowly turning around and watching Princess Celestia landing on the roof, next to her. “P-princess...” “By the power vested in me as a ruler of Equestria, I demand you to give me an answer about your actions, Honey Bun!”