//------------------------------// // Episode 70: Dawn of the Final Day Part 2 // Story: Life of a Wanted Changeling Season 3: Tyrants, Terrorists, and Tiaras, Oh My! // by Down with Chrysalis //------------------------------// Intro Theme: DWC’s Comment As you are about to answer Octavia, the door suddenly opens and you and everyone else turn towards it. “Yo Octy, I got more Vodka, Whiskey and…” Vinyl Scratch stammers off as she sees you, Lyra and Crackle all standing in the living room surrounding Octavia. There is a short pause before she suddenly sighs and starts backing out the door. “Nope, nope, nope! I am not getting involved with this Horde stuff again, I don’t care how hot he is, too much crazy.” “But Vinyl- “ Octavia starts. “Nope, Nope, Nope! If you need me, I’ll be getting drunk on the porch till your secret meeting is over,” the DJ declares before shutting the door. After the door slams you all look back to Octavia who is facehooving. “Soooo,” Lyra says, “That was kind of…um…” “Blarg Honk?” Crackle guesses. “Yeah, exactly. Blarg Honk. What’s up with her?” Octavia sighs. “She and I have been disagreeing about our little fan club starting back up again, thinks the government will come and take me away, which is ridiculous, we’re clearly not Crimson Knights.” “Well maybe she should be cautious,” you speak up. “I mean, didn’t the Offender himself say that the Horde should disband?” Fireheart1945’s Comment She sighs at this, “See? This is why I said no telling anyone Lyra. We get the ones who keep trying to talk us out of it like Spike and Fluttershy, and now Mr. Tennant.” “Hey now look, I like the Offender just as much as the next guy, but come on ladies, shouldn’t now be the time to throw in the towel? I mean, all those radicals JUST got taken down,” you implore. “That’s exactly why we must come back though. We are not the Crimson Knights, and if we just have one small group made up of the absolute devote to him, then we can still support him and show what his true message is,” Octavia answers. “But what if you all get thrown in a dungeon or something, he’s still not popular.” “Perhaps not, but Mr. Tennant, please understand, we are merely becoming what we once were. A fanclub. Surely nopony can claim we’re breaking the law for just supporting someone we care about.” “Honk Honk!” Crackle agrees. “But, still…” “Look, if you don’t want to join back up you don’t have to man, it’s entirely your choice, just like Vinyl. We’re not forcing anypony into this,” Lyra says. “I…Do you swear you guys aren’t going to do anything…um…” “Ill conceived?” Octavia ventures. “I was gonna say stupid, but yeah, that works too.” “We will not. We just wish to have at least a few voices defend him, even after everything.” “Yeah, I mean, the dude ate a freaking GHOST. How cool is that?” Lyra perks up. Oh what an insufferable B!%$#...I’ll show her cool…Drugged Sombra grumbles. “I…” you sigh, “Alright, I guess I can’t really stop you. But please try to keep it like super secret and quiet.” “That was the plan, till Bon Bon blabbed. I’m gonna have to steal some of her snacks from the fridge as vengeance,” Lyra smirks. “Fine. I won’t say anything then, former member’s honor,” you swear. “Thank you Mr. Tennant, and sorry for dragging any un-pleasantries up for you,” Octavia apologizes. “No problem. Just thought I’d check.” You then look to the dragon in the room. “Crackle, don’t you think you should be going home by now? I’m sure there’s friends and family missing you.” She shakes her head and honks, before gesturing towards the other mares in the room. The message is pretty clear. ‘These are my friends now.’ “Oh alright then. I guess I’ll be out of your manes then…Goodbye ladies.” “Goodbye Mr. Tennant,” they all say while Crackle honks. You then exit the door, just as soon as you hear Lyra ask, “So Tavi, what’s up with the flowers?” Shutting the door, you see Vinyl Scratch with a nearly empty bottle of booze in her hoof. “Ey, Tennant my bro, Wassup?” she slurs. “Nothing much, just leaving,” you admit. “Ah, dang dude,” she says looking at her bottle. “Um…” you rub the back of your head. “Look Vinyl, if I give you something, will you please not take it the wrong way?” “What do you mean?” she asks. You then hand her the bouquet of flowers. “Just…getting a few mares some gifts.” She looks from the flowers back to you, “You’re sending me a lot of mixed signals here BST.” “Yeah I’m sorry about that,” you chuckle. She then holds a full bottle of whiskey to you. “Tell ya what, if you drink this bottle in the next five minutes you’ll be just as trashed as me, and we can see what happens,” she insinuates giving you a heated glare. Sweating nervously you say, “You’re drunk Vinyl.” “Yeah I know, I’ll regret my words later, heh heh,” she says turning away and taking another swig. “Right, well I’ve got to be…somewhere else, like right now. By Vinyl!” you yell as you run. “Later sexy dude!” she calls out after you giggling. When you are out of sight you take a breath to calm yourself. “Whelp, that’s three down and three to go.” While you trot off to your mission, you wonder how Nightshade’s doing on hers. POV Change: Nightshade Kersey’s Comment "Uh... Nightshade, are you okay?" Diamond asks "I-I'm fine! Why do you ask?!" you respond defensively. "You just gobbled down an entire table of hors d'oeuvres." "I always eat a lot,” you respond indignantly. "But that's your fifth table!" You really don’t want to let them know you’re stress eating, so you say, “Well, it’s good fancy food, reminds me of the stuff I got at "Eggsy's Exorbance" in Vanhoover “Oh, you’ve been there too?” Diamond speaks up. “That place was great when Daddy took us there during a business trip.” “Well it WAS great,” Silver adds. “That giant monster fight probably wrecked it like most of the down town.” “Oh, you mean that fat flanked Crimson Knight? Yeah, that was…weird…” you reply. They nod their agreements and now that you’re all satisfied with eating, you all sit around the pool side and talk about just about anything. As long as you all talk, it’s easier not to think about leaving. It gets to the point where they start gossiping. Kichi’s Comment “And rumor is that Rainbow Dash got some other Pegasus kicked out of the Wonderbolts Academy,” Silver gossips. “Oh, I heard about that from Ms. Twilight, apparently the mare was kind of a B!&$# that almost got all of them killed.” “Really? Dang, and here I thought she was just using her influence to take out an opponent,” Diamond surmises. “Eh, I would have thought so too, what with the Filly Fooler’s past shenanigans,” you reassure. “Why do you keep calling her that? Isn’t she all gaga over your Dad?” asks Diamond confused. “Eh,” you shrug, “Kind of a force of habit after three years,” you explain vaguely. “Ooookaaaay…” Diamond and Silver trail off looking at each other, before Silver changes the subject. “Anyway, did you hear about Ruby Pinch’s lemonade stand?” “Who?” you ask in confusion causing her to raise an eyebrow. “Ruby Pinch? The reddish filly with the purplish mane in our class?” You remember back to when you were in class, and the description sounds familiar. “Oh wait, now I remember, isn’t she the daughter of that mare that owns the bar and who beat up Flash Sentry for stealing Waffles?” you come to a realization. “That’s the one,” Diamond nods. “Okay, no I haven’t heard about her stand, what happened?” “Well apparently the lemonade and juice she was selling turned out to be bad. It would make you feel dizzy and kind of funny. If you drank too much, it would make you sick.” “What was it, bad lemons or something?” you ask, but Silver shrugs. “I don’t know, but it tasted pretty bad, but for some reason a lot of adults kept buying from her and she made more than what OUR allowances are.” “Which is weird, because it smelled like mom and dad’s fancy drinks,” Diamond adds. “Huh, well dang she’s got a good business plan. Makes me kind of wish I’d gotten to know her,” you add as a bit of sadness at wasted time hits you. Trying to ignore this you ask, “So, what other juicy tidbits you got?” “Hmmm,” Diamond ponders. “Well, Ms. Derpy the mail mare has been sad for the last few months. Nopony knows why, and all we’ve heard from Dinky is a bunch of stories.” “Yeah, it’s pretty imaginative stuff that she should probably write down, what with aliens and monsters and time travel,” Silver explains. “But she seems to be hiding behind the stories and not telling the truth. Everypony thinks she’s sad too.” “It’s kind of sad actually,” Diamond continues. “She keeps saying that she hasn’t seen her doctor in a while, so it’s gotta be something bad.” “Well she is always going on about how she actually has two hearts, so maybe it’s just a medical doctor…hopefully,” Silver says causing your eyes to widen. You know for a fact why Derpy would be sad, but Dinky is a surprise for you. You knew she was Derpy’s daughter, but you didn’t know she knew about The Doctor. And wait a minute, aren’t Time Lords the only ones with two hearts? You think in confusion. Whatever this info means, you can’t figure it out, so you decide to file it away for later and move on. “Yeah, hopefully…So you girls seem to know all the gossip then eh?” “Not all of it, but we hear things. It’s one thing we can’t really turn off,” Diamond chuckles sheepishly. “Right, well is there any gossip or rumors about…the CMC?” “Well…I don’t know, we’re kind of friends now…” Diamond says tepidly. “It’s fine guys, I’m just curious is all,” you reassure. They reluctantly look back at you before silently nodding. “Let’s make it easier, what do folks say about Sweetie Belle?” “Oh what don’t they say?” Diamond responds. “Mostly about how most of the boys in class seem to fawn over her, but how she only seems to have eyes for that Button Mash guy.” “Oh, I’ve heard about that one actually. Does he seriously not know?” you reply. “I think playing so many games has rotted his brain a bit,” Silver jests, causing you all to giggle. “Okay, what about Scootaloo?” “Well the biggest one is that she’s an orphan,” Diamond starts. “That’s not true, I’ve been to her house,” you reply. “Yeah yeah, I know, but I’m just laying out what’s been told. They also say she can’t fly.” “That’s…actually kind of true,” you say feeling a bit bad. “They think there’s something wrong with her wings.” “Oh...” both rich fillies say in understanding. “And to think, we had that one saved as an insult,” Silver says a bit in disgust. As the two fillies silently berate themselves, you cough to break the tension. “And Applebloom?” They both chuckle nervously and rub the back of their heads, “Well it’s actually pretty mean,” Diamond clarifies. “Really? How mean?” “Very mean…” Silver trails off piquing your curiosity. “Let’s just say, some claim that her parents are actually…her brother and sister,” Diamond finishes with a gag. “What? Oh! OH!” you shout at that horrible image. “That is messed up and gross!” “Yeah we know, it’s just something others say,” Silver explains. “Bleh! What is wrong with ponies?!” you say trying to mentally bleach your brain. “Let’s talk about something else, anything else!” “Yeah, good call,” Silver shudders. “Oh, do you want to know about the gossip about you?” Diamond asks. Rolling your eyes, you reply, “I already know about my own gossip, what with my heavy eating, violent tendencies, and not being able to watch my filthy bucking mouth, and that’s not even counting the stuff about my dad.” “Yeah…that is mostly it, aside from the newest one,” Diamond nods. “What new one?” you ask. “Actually it’s something we wanted to know too,” Silver says. “Okay, what is it?” you ask impatiently, wondering what others are saying about you. “Are you and Spike dating?” they both ask curiously. “Wh-what? N-No we’re just friends…” you stammer with a blush. “Really? Because everypony’s noticed that you hang out with him alone a lot,” Silver points out. “So what? You two hang out all the time.” “Yeah, but we don’t hold hooves, or rather, claws with each other at the movie theater,” Diamond say a little jeeringly. “Hey, the movie was kind of spooky…” “And your Dad is always freaking out when you’re with him,” Silver giggles. “Daddy’s psychotic towards everypony,” you whine. “Also, you’re the only one besides Ms. Rarity that he gawks at like that.” “That over mascaraed meat shield doesn’t deserve him! Always leading him on like that! What a Bi…” you snap causing them to smirk. “Sh-Shut up,” you huff and look away while they giggle. “Oh come on Shade, we’re just having some fun. Besides, he actually is pretty cute, dragon or not,” Diamond responds. “I’m not talking about this with you guys,” you respond hastily, “Now tell me some more gossip before I lie on the bottom of the pool and die of embarrassment.” “I think you’d die of drowning before that occurred,” Silver brainily points out. “Whatever,” you mutter. After a few more giggles, you all get back to slinging rumors, and you learn a thing or two about how pony’s in this town, or at least how the gossipers think. Though you eventually get tired of this and decide to just bring out the videogames from your inventory and hook it up to Diamond Tiara’s 72 in, Plasma screen TV. Mareio Kart never looked so good… POV Change: Bugze Kersey’s Comment ONE CLOSE MASSAGE AND A NEAR CATFIGHT LATER "Luna, time sure flies by in this town." you say to yourself. I concur, although time does feel like its skipping forward a bit. "Yeah, it's like my life is some story written by a hack who has no idea how to properly use a time ski-" *pow* "Ow! Why did I do that?!" you say after punching yourself in the face for no reason. Shrugging that off, you think about your trip to the spa, even though you’d rather not. Let’s just say Aloe tried to show how…appreciative she was for the flowers. Yeesh that mare is a predator I tell you, and as a rule of horn, never try to go for the girls that Grandbuggy preferred. Thank goodness Lotus was there to stop her…again. If that tart truly wanted to stop her sister, she’d get her some hormonal medicine or institutionalize her, Selena chastises. If only we were so lucky, you think with a sigh. At least the encounter with Dash and Applejack went better. You shouted in the Royal Canterlot Voice to keep them from catfighting again. Honestly, why is there always mud when these strumpets get territorial? I know right? It seems comically and pervertedly convenient… Well I blame you. I told you not to present them with the bouquets at the same time. she berates. I was trying to speed things up! You whine. Besides, it turned out Okay. Dash had to go teach Scootaloo some tricks, and I Batmaned out of there before I was left alone with Applejack. Irrelevant. But I suppose you did deliver your gifts to your stalkers and said goodbye. Is there anyone else? I guess I could go see Pinkie Pie, I kind of wanted to get some food for the road anyway. Also, maybe a few treats for Nightshade, I know this has got to be hard for her. Get her some frozen milk treats. Sombra druggedly pipes in. What is he babbling about THIS time? you mentally ask Selena in annoyance. How in the world should I know? The sweet frozen milk in those waffle holders. Sweet frozen milk in waf- Wait, you mean ice cream cones? Mmmmmm, yes, she will love them he answers. Since when have you been concerned about our child's well being? Selena demands. Even a drugged-up ruler of crystal-y shadows like me knows that the young overlord will feel…hollow losing her friends! I should know... he trails off. Rolling your eyes at his crypticness, you reply, Well I can’t exactly buy ice cream for her then go searching, by then it will only be soup, so that’s a no go on ice cream Sambadino. No, we’re getting something that lasts longer than five minutes in the sun. With that, you head towards Sugarcube Corner. TheRutherford’s Comment AT SUGAR CUBE CORNER As you enter the bakery, Pinkie looks up smiling. "Hiya BST!" "Hi Pinkie. Can I get a, heh, a baker’s dozen of your chocolate cupcakes and a baker’s dozen of your blueberry muffins?" She giggles at the pun, "Sure thing. Somepony's a bit hungry today huh?" Chuckling you say, " Well you know how Nightshade and I can get. I just figured that I would try to nip that in the bud before tomorrow comes." Pinkie gives you a frown before her eyes widen. "Oh so it is you and Nightshade that are leaving huh?" surprise suddenly comes across your face, but thank goodness for your scarf. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Hehehe" you lie badly. "My Pinkie Sense told me that a friend was going to leave soon. I kind of figured that it was Flash Sentry, but now that I think about it you would make more sense because we all knew Flash had to go back to work in Canterlot soon," she exposits. Bucking Pinkie Sense, How Do You Work?! I told you, she MUST be an eldritch abomination. If she is, then those things have way less tentacles than Hay P. Lovecraft led on. Sighing in defeat, you respond "Well please don't tell anyone. It is hard enough saying goodbye without all of them finding out. I hate that I have to leave, but if I don't then I just know something bad is going to happen." She gives you an inquisitive stare before her face brightens. "Oki Doki Loki, Don't worry about it." She starts crossing her hoof across her chest, “I Pinkie Promise I won't tell anypony.” You let out a breath of relief. She may be psychotic and mysterious, but even she is beholden to her own rules. She gives you a smile, before a worried look comes across her face. “But what do you plan to do now? Just wander around and say goodbye to your friends if you randomly bump into them? You could miss somepony and that would be terrible!" “Well I haven’t missed any yet, I already took care of my stalkers, and even Twilight. Heck, the only ones I haven’t said goodbye to are Rarity, Derpy and Flash…and he’s leaving soon,” you say as your ear wilt. You see her face light up with a good idea, but you shoot it down before she speaks. “I’m trying to keep this on the down low, so no parties.” She visibly deflates at that. “Oh, Okay…Hmmm…”Pinkie sits on her flank as she starts to hold her head “Think, Think, Think…” suddenly you literally hear a chime as she looks back at you, I got it!” "What? What is it?" you ask looking for the source of the chime and not finding it. "I know just what to get my sisters for Hearths Warming Eve!" You facehoof at this. “And…” she adds with a giggle, “I know a great way for you to literally say goodbye to a good chunk of your friends and get away with it.” “How?” you ask unhoofing your face. “Well, Flashy is going to be leaving in an hour or two, and we’re all going to be wishing him off at the train station. When we’re all saying our goodbyes, you could say them amidst everyone elses and nopony will know the difference.” “That…might actually work,” you say in thought. “Of course it will silly. It will be a small group too and consist of only our closest friends, and I guess I could get Derpy and your stalkers there too,” she chirps. “Umm…just the inner circle and Derpy, three of my six stalkers will already be there thank you very much,” you say holding your hooves up. “Oki Doki Loki,” she replies. She then gives you the baked goods you ordered. “On the house, call it a going away present for BST…on the down low of course,” she smiles. “Of course. So what do we do, just all meet up at the train station?” “Yuperooni. Flash is probably spending some time hanging out with Twilight after her Animal Juggling practice,” she then gets close and whispers, “Don’t let the hater voices know,” she then leans back and resumes talking normally, “And when she walks him to the station, we’ll all be there to wish him goodbye.” “Sounds like a plan,” you smile to which she returns. “Thank you so much Pinkie, I really do appreciate it.” You then do something you don’t think you’ve ever done. You take the initiative and give Pinkie a big hug, surprising her before she returns it. "No problem BST. Anything for a good friend." You then leave the bakery in much higher spirits than you left. Well that was unexpected. Have you grown fond of that conundrum? Well, when it comes right down to it, after Fluttershy, she’s my second favorite member of the Deadly 6. She doesn’t stalk me, she hasn’t revealed El Hunko as the Offender, and I guess I still feel somewhat indebted to the otherworld Pinkie. If it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t be here. I see, and I suppose I can see your point. Confusing and possible mindsplitting origins aside, she is more preferable to your stalkers, the meat shield, and the Sun’s annoying protégé. Exactly. Plus, she’s given me a loophole to say bye one last time before we Batmane away. Kind of wished Flash and I could have hung out just a bit more…but chances are I’ll see him again. Indubitably. At least you had time with him yesterday. Barely, I had to share with the bookworm. And then we ended up talking about the dangers of taking drugs, you huff as you sit down on a bench waiting for Flash to arrive. FLASHBACK Kersey’s Comment You and Flash and Twilight had gone to the Oatburger, even though they were the ones mostly talking while you sat in the middle. Why? You were insurance for yelling at the annoying voices. As your meals arrive Flash perks up and says, “Oh, hang on a moment, supposed to take this with food.” He then pops some of his pills. Not to be outdone, you say, “Good idea buddy,” and pop your own. I didn’t even say anyth…oooooohhhhhh… Twilight just stares at you both inquisitively until you both simultaneously ask, “What?” “I didn’t want to seem intrusive before, but what’s with you both and the pills?” “I need mine for…behavioral problems…” you say slyly. “Yeah…me too,” Flash agrees. Twilight just rolls her eyes at this. “Honestly you two, I know you have problems with anger and…outbursts, but it’s not something that you HAVE to chemically placate. I’m sure with practice and some good old friendship, both of your quirks could be solved.” You and Flash look at eachother then back to her. “No I think I’d rather take the drugs.” “Ditto,” Flash agrees causing Twilight to roll her eyes. “Oh you boys are hopeless. Can I at least see what it is you’re taking?” “Sorry, no can do Bookworm, it’s against my religion, the worship of Nunya,” you say putting the Elephant Pills away. “Nunya?” she asks confused. “As in Nunya Business,” you smirk causing Flash to chuckle and her to roll her eyes again. After his chuckle subsides, Flash hands her his bottle. “Here ya go Twi, you can look at mine,” he says with a smile. “Kiss Flank,” you chuckle under your breath. Twilight looks over the bottle with confusion. “Um…Flash? This isn’t anxiety disorder medication, these are Psycho Stimulants, specifically methamphetamine” she says worriedly. He looks to you but you are just as confused. “Is that bad?” he asks. “Well it’s not good, these are highly addictive and can make a pony jumpy and irritable, and cause their emotions to get out of hand, the exact opposite of calming you down.” His eyes widen at that. “How long have you been taking these?” “About a week or two after we thought BST was…well…,” he chuckles nervously. “You’ve been eating these things since the fire? That was almost a year ago,” you say flabbergasted. “Hey, I needed them. I had headaches and I thought you were gone, I didn’t know what they were. I got these from my doctor in Canterlot” he defends. “And who exactly is that? Because this is a grossly misdiagnosed medication,” Twilight exclaims. “Dr. Quacksalver,” he responds and you facehoof. “I just got this bottle last month.” “Well there’s your problem, you got drugs from an id…wait a minute, last month?” “Yeah. And I got my first order in Canterlot.” “That…that can’t be right,” you say. “Why not?” asks Twilight. “Because he was working in Ponyville and then he moved to Tall Tale to work at an asylum. He was there a month ago, not Canterlot,” you ponder. “Well I don’t know what to say, that’s who I got it from…although he did seem more calm and rational…” Flash trails off in thought. Something about this situation feels fishy, but before you can place a hoof on it, Twilight interrupts both your thoughts. “Regardless of whoever gave them to you, you can’t keep taking this Flash. These are more than likely the reason why you’ve been overemotional and jumpy, and why some of your latent prejudices get shouted out every so often.” “I don’t have latent prejudices!” Flash growls. “Uh Huh, and you weren’t shouting them out before you even had these drugs?” you reply in a smart aleck manner. “Shaddup!” he wails. “Flash,” Twilight says in a calming manner as she places a hoof on his shoulder, visibly relaxing him. “Please tell me you’ll stop taking these?” He looks at her and smiles calmly, “Oh yeah definitely, now that I know I have the wrong stuff I’ll be able to get the right medication…although this stuff did take away my migraines…” “Flash,” she says warningly. “Alright, alright, I’ll go cold turkey…man this week is gonna suck,” he moans. “You’ll get through, I know you will,” she pats his shoulder before looking to you. “Now, how about we take a look at-“ “Still nunya business Twilight. Besides, the drugs aren’t to blame for my excessive insanity, paranoia and saying stupid things, that’s all natural,” you say as you bite into your oatburger. BACK TO PRESENT POV Change: Nightshade ThePonySpartan’s Comment After hours spent with your former enemies turned friends, you look out a window and realize it’s getting late and that you should probably find Daddy. You let Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon know and they walk you to the door. When you're about to leave you turn to them and say, "I had a fun time with you two. I really wish we did something like this sooner." They happily agree with you. "I had a lot of fun too, it would have been boring with just us two, and I'm happy we brought you along Shade." Diamond says while Silver nods with a bright smile. "Maybe we can hang out again soon with the crusaders! How does tomorrow sound?" Silver asks. That question strikes you in the chest. You've just made amends with these two and now you're about to leave without them. "I... I'll see." They don't notice your sadness and nervousness. "Alright then!" Diamond starts. "If you're coming let's meet up at the Crusader Clubhouse tomorrow after school." They're about to close the door when you speak up suddenly. "Hey, girls?" "Yeah, Shade?" Silver asks. Your back is turned away from them, hiding your tears. You try your best to hold back any sobs as you speak. "If I can't come tomorrow, tell Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo that I love all of them, alright? Oh, and remind yourselves that too. And…and Spike as well. I care about all of you and want you all to have fun tomorrow whatever happens..." They stand silently behind you in confusion. "...Um, alright, will do." Diamond says. “No problem Nightshade,” Silver adds. You nod and whisper, “Later…” as you start to walk from the mansion. "See you later too, Nightshade!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon yell behind you, oblivious to what's really going on. The minute you hear the door close, you sprint fast, looking for your dad. The tears are already leaking. Diamond and Silver, two more friends to leave behind. Gotta get to the Inventory, Just get inside and stay just like Dad always made me do. That way, no one can make me cry anymore… After fleeing through the town, you spot your dad sitting on a bench, staring off into space, as if remembering something. Seeing his vacant stupid face, a bit of anger comes over you. “Yeah, just flashback dad, because apparently you didn’t get hurt today,” you growl to yourself. “Whoa where did that come from?” Surprised at the anger, you decide that a part of you really doesn’t want to talk to Dad right now, so you try to sneak up and get into the Inventory before he snaps out of it. Unfortunately. “Dang pills intervention ruined the rest of our bro day. But still, it couldn’t have been Quack that gave them to him, it makes no sense…" he mumbles coming out of a flashback before looking to you. “Oh hey, there you are Nightshade,” he says giving you a smile, causing you to sigh. “Eyup, here I am…” you say unenthusiastically as you sit down next to him. “Did you get to say your goodbyes?” he asks causing you to sigh again. “Ya, totally. Bon Voyage and all that to all those I care for.” He seems to pick up on your mood. “Nightshade, look, I know this was hard for you…” “Ya think?” you grumble causing him to falter for a second before he continues. “But we have to leave tomorrow, before anything bad happens. My friend told me so.” “What friend?” you growl looking him in the eye. “The one we’ve never met? The one who keeps leaving stuff for you and who doesn’t explain ANYTHING?! That friend?” His ears droop at your outburst, but you continue. “We don’t even know who this guy is Dad, how can we trust him?” “He hasn’t steered us wrong so far honey,” he points out. “He hasn’t steered us right either,” you grumble. “Look, honey…either way, you know why we have to go,” he lectures. “Yeah I know, doesn’t mean I have to like it.” “I know baby, I know,” he says patting your shoulder. “But unlike last time, we’ll write to them. You’ll still be able to keep in contact.” You shrug off his hoof and let out a huff, “It’s not the same and you know it. You can’t run around and play games with a letter…” Dad gives you a worried look then reaches into the Inventory and pulls out two boxes of baked goods from Sugar Cube Corner, they smell really really good. “I got these for you. I figured I’d unground you considering the circumstances and you could have as much as you want,” he says with a hopeful tone. You look at the box, and you are tempted by the bribe…but your heart still hurts. “No thanks, I’m not hungry,” you say pushing the boxes away, making your Dad’s eyes widen in surprise. “In fact, I’m kind of tired. I’ll just go to bed.” Before he can say anything, you hop into the Inventory. You sluggishly walk to your bed and lie down. Only when you’re sure he’s not going to try to get you out do you let loose and cry. As you do, you feel a soft paw upon your back. You turn to see Mangle looking at you worriedly. “Oh Mangle,” you cry as you pull her into an embrace, burying your muzzle into her fur. The robot fox strokes your mane and lies down with you. “I…I don’t want to go…” you whimper. You stay like that for a long while, holding onto your precious pet for any scrap of comfort. You stay like that till you mercifully fall asleep. POV Change: Bugze As Nightshade hops into the Inventory, you let out a stressed sigh as you stare dumbly at the baked goods. “Dang it, I knew she’d be upset, but still, not this much.” She has formed meaningful bonds, as the young tend to do. And with our life, she clings to whatever stability she can find. We are once again ripping that away from her. Yeah…If only our life wasn’t so bucked, we could give her what she wants. If only… If she is indeed heading to sleep, I shall accompany her, try to smooth things over, Selena says. You decide to give Nightshade space as she clearly doesn’t want to talk, so you sit there with the muffins, until it’s time to see Flash off. True to her word, Pinkie has gathered the Deadly 6 at the platform, and Derpy is there as well, even though she doesn’t personally know the guy. Also First Base who is heading back to Canterlot with his big brother. You save one box of muffins in the Inventory, and bring the other towards the others to share. BrownDog’s Comment You take some time to talk to Derpy. “Derpy, I just wanted you to know that…well, if I ever see the Doctor again, I’ll give him a piece of my mind.” She looks conflicted at that. “You don’t have to go out of your way for that Bugze,” “The heck I don’t, especially after what he’s done to you. I owe you so much, and I will call him out for it.” “No, don’t,” she implores. “No matter how things ended I just…I just want you to let him know that I understand. That I can accept his decision, and that I miss him.” she says hollowly causing you to frown. Even after all this, she still cares about the guy that broke her heart? Love is a fickle thing, and often contradictory and making no sense. I came about because of that traitor’s wish and hatred for it, Selena philosophizes. Right…but still, it’s wrong seeing her unhappy. I guess I could help with that. You then take one of the boxes of muffins Nightshade didn’t want and hand it to Derpy who’s eyes light up at that. “Oh wow, thank you Bugze,” she says and hugs you. “My pleasure. Enjoy yourself and be happy,” you say patting her back. After this exchange, you walk over to Flash who is speaking with, (who else?) Twilight. “Now, when you get back to Canterlot, I want you to tell Shining about the prescription mix up OK?” Twilight lectures Flash. “Twilight, Twilight, I get it,” he says with a good natured chuckle causing her to smile. “Just checking,” she giggles. He then looks left and right, “And…well, if you’re ever in town, um…” “Yes?” Twilight asks nervously. “Maybe you and I could…” “Gangway before the voices shout,” you yell out, getting in-between this moment and ruining it. To make up for it, you rush up and give him a manly hug, which is like a normal hug, only manlier. It causes all of the mares to “dawww” “I’ll see you around Flash, you take care now ya hear?” “Yeah, you too buddy. This time, for the love of Celestia, write and keep in touch,” he says thumping your back. “Already planned on it,” you say truthfully. Out of them all, you know Flash is the one you’ll probably see again…even if it’s on the battlefield. How long that is, you don’t know. As Flash and First Base step onto the train and it departs, all of the Mares start waving and saying goodbye. You stand slightly in front of them, and unbeknownst to them, you take their farewells for yourself. “Goodbye everypony,” you whisper as you wave at Flash. After that, not much happened, Pinkie and Fluttershy being the only ones knowing you’ll be heading on gave you an extra hug, and Twilight was able to keep Rainbow and Applejack from fighting, also a threaten of a restraining order which calmed them down quickly. It was in no time at all that the little train station party was disbanded. As each of the friends depart their separate ways, you give a little smile. “Eh, as far as last days go, it could have been worse. Still, I’m going to have to make it up to Nightshade big time…” You then head to your shack and sleep in it one last time (if all goes according to plan) The Next Day You and Nightshade are walking down the road towards the outskirts of Ponyville. You’d gotten up a little later than you planned, (which was Dawn again, but you’ve been getting tired of seeing the sun rise) and you’ve hurried Nightshade along. You have to be gone today, and you’d rather not tempt fate by giving it more time. You look to Nightshade and see that she is still pouting, keeping her head down and not even looking at you. You sigh once again in frustration, you don’t like making your little filly upset. Did you talk to her last night? I tried, but she is as frustrated at me as she is with you. I spoke our reasons and uttered many apologies, but if she acknowledged them, I do not know, she says forlornly. Ugh, we’ve only had her three years and already we’re hitting the teenaged emotions as I feared. As you reach the edge of town, near the trees of the Everfree, you realize ThePonySpartan’s Comment Maybe a visit with a certain Zebra might be in order. She doesn’t live in Ponyville, she’s on the way towards Appleloosa, and she’s someone that Nightshade likes. You stop at the edge of the trees and look to Nightshade who is about 15 feet behind you. “Honey, I know you’re mad at me,” you say as you sit down, “And I know you will be for awhile. I can’t ask you to forgive me, but I can ask that you try to let me help you.” She silently looks up at you, not saying anything. “We can go visit Zecora, maybe she can teach you more fighting moves for your Kendo Stick,” you say luring the bait. She still doesn’t say anything, but you can see that she’s thinking your proposition over. “What do you say? Wanna go see our favorite shaman and learn some kickflank moves you can use on your old man?” She nods to this, still with that sad expression, but at least she’s acknowledging you. This at least causes you to give a small smile, which you decide to show her. Being somewhat within the trees and out of sight, you decide to show a grand gesture as you take off your BST disguise and put it back into the Inventory causing her eyes to widen. “Even though BST has officially left Ponyville, your daddy is still here honey. Always. Will you still trust him?” you say, with your arms outstretched. She gives a small, sad, silent smile and slowly she begins to make her way towards you. “That a girl. Look I know it’s not going to be easy, but I promise I will make this up to-” *WHUMP* “What the buck?!” Both you and Nightshade cry out in alarm. A glass like barrier has landed right in front of you, separating you from your daughter. You look up and see that it stretches into the sky and curves. Looking through the barrier, you can see it envelopes all of Ponyville. “Daddy! What’s going on?!” Nightshade’s depression drowned out in favor of her surprise and worry. “I…I don’t know!” you panic as you touch the glass like substance and see that it is actually magical. You give it a punch, but all that serves to do is hurt your hoof. Nightshade looks all around her. “It’s…It’s a dome Daddy, just like in the Crystal Empire,” she explains. Your eyes light up. “Or like during the Wedding…” Oh No... Selena mutters. You then worriedly look around. “Daddy?” “If this is a city shield, it means it’s supposed to keep something out, like they did for the Changelings or Sombra! This must have been what My Friend was warning about. Curse my poor timing!” Nightshade gets a bit more nervous at that. “Oh No, You’re on the wrong side Daddy! You’re on the side of the threat,” she exclaims. “Yeah, I know that, hang on!” you then try to dig at the dirt around it…but it’s like the dome goes into the dirt like a sphere. “Crud!” “Oh no, oh no! What do we do?” she asks. You look around in panic, looking for any sign of a threat. “OK, here’s what’s going to happen honey. You are going to go back into town where it’s safe.” “But Dad, I know I wanted to stay here, but not like this!” she whimpers. “Look, focus honey. Sparkle is more than likely the only one with enough juice to pull this spell off, just like her brother did. I want you to get to her Library, it’s probably the safest place in town right now. I’ll find a way in!” you command. “I…OK. Ok, I’ll go to the library,” she says in worry. “Alright, now whatever this threat is, if it gets in, I want you to Pinkie Promise me you won’t try to fight it or anything, not while I’m not there.” “But Dad-“ “Pinkie Promise!” you order. “Alright, cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” she says. “Good, now get to the library, I’ll find you there!” “OK!” before she turns, she says, “And…I’m sorry for being upset with you and mom. Just be safe alright?” “We will honey, we promise.” “Now fly my precious, do as your father says and get to safety,” Selena says through your mouth. She nods and trots off back into town. “Dang it, if we had just waited till we got into the woods to talk then we wouldn’t be separated! Now I’m stuck outside a shield in close proximity to whatever they’re trying to keep out! Bucking Lady Luck!” Focus Bugze, we have to find some way inside. I can sense this magic it is…incredible in strength. They obviously don’t want something strong getting in. “Perfect!” you yell as you start skirting the edges of the dome. Even though it’s not as big as the one in Canterlot or in the Empire doesn’t mean it’s weaker. In fact, in a smaller location it’s probably that much tougher. “Just perfect. Ugh, why couldn’t My Friend be less cryptic?” After awhile of looking for a chink in the dome, you come across… “Twilight?” you ask in confusion. The purple unicorn is on a path leading towards the Everfree Forest which confuses you. She turns towards you at the sound of your voice and gasps in surprise. “Shouldn’t you be in the middle of town keeping the bubble up? Or did you forget to stand inside it or something?” you ask. “YOU!!!” She growls, a snarl adorning her face. “Um, yeah? What about…me…?” you trail off as you realize you have absolutely no disguise on. You are just plainly showing off your changelingness and orange hair. “Offender!!!” she growls again and starts stomping towards you. “OH CELESTIA BUCKING DAMNIT!!!” you scream to the skies. Before you can think, run, or do anything, she slams you up against the barrier with her magic. “Is it true that this is all for you?!” she accuses. “What?” you ask, still a bit dazed from the magic sucker punch. “Did you know this was going to happen?” Twilight snarls. “What? What are you talking about?” you blather in confusion. “Do you not know?!” she yells. “Oh forget this cryptic bullspit, Would You Kindly get blown back?!” You then use your telekenisis, which pushes her backwards, allowing you some breathing room. Before she gets up, you rush over and put a hoof over her chest. “Now, would you kindly stop going nuts? And before you ask again, NO. I have no idea what this dome is for, I thought YOU had set it up.” She again glares at you, but then becomes flabbergasted. “What? Of course I didn’t set it up. SHE did. She said it was the only way you’d come back to her. She said that it was to punish me and Ponyville for tricking her. She said this was all for YOU.” “What did I say about being cryptic? Who? Who said this was all for me?” you ask confused as all Tartarus. Twilight’s tired eyes look up into yours and she says a name that sets your world on fire. “Trixie…” ... ... ... *SNAP* Your eyes begin to glow. “What did you just say?” your voice cracks with barely restrained wrath. “I-It was Trixie. She showed up, tormented my friends and other citizens, and then she beat me in a magic duel and kicked me out of town,” Twilight explains with a bit of fear in her voice. “So…" you seethe, "She’s still in there…while you’re out here? Causing problems?” “Yes. She’s way more powerful now. Many of her spells should be impossible.” You look through the barrier towards the town you’d just sent your daughter to. “Oh You’ve Got to be Bu-“ POV CHANGE: Nightshade “-cking kidding me!” You declare as you see the one pony that you’ve held more anger towards than any other being. She is being pulled down the street by Snips and Snails, laughing maniacally the whole time. Her stupid silver hair over her stupid blue coat, and her stupid cloak held together by some stupid black and red jewelry. “Ha ha ha!" She laughs with her stupid laugh. "Now that your precious Sparkler is gone, there are going to be some changes around here presided over by, The Great and Powerful Trixie!!!” she commands as her eyes briefly glow red. “Tttttrrrriiiixxxxiiiieeee…” you seethe in anger, not only for her, but because you promised not to engage the enemy while dad was outside the dome. Stupid bucking Pinkie Promises! Oh just you wait you skank. When daddy gets in here, you are so bucking de- “Starting with a giant statue of Trixie in all her greatness, and her bestest of best friends The Hooded Offender!” “…Say what now?” you ask taken aback. “It’s the least you peons can do for bambooziling Trixie into betraying him! When he comes back, he and Trixie will judge you together!” she declares as lightning strikes and she begins laughing maniacally. As she laughs and ponies either run, or are forced to do her bidding, all you can do is stand there with your jaw hanging open as your brain tries to reboot. “…WHAT?!” WHAT DO YOU DO? Outro Theme: