//------------------------------// // Trending Topic // Story: Just Like Us // by syrograph //------------------------------// Out in the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres, two earth ponies stood side by side. it was a quiet day, aside from the occasional woody 'thunk' of hoof on bark. The beautiful song of nature went on as it always did; birdsong, rustling leaves in the breeze, bees buzzing lazily by, Apple Bloom whining- “Please Applejack, Ah'm the last one to get one! Ah'm always the last one to get somethin' awesome.” -Really peaceful. “For the last time Apple Bloom, Ah ain't payin' for that stinkin' toy. How much was it again?” “Three-hund-” “Nuh uh! Not no way no how! Do you have any idea just how much money that is? That's like a week's worth a' groceries fer a city pony, at least.” Applejack kicked the nearest tree, filling several wooden buckets with apples. “Aw but Applejack; everypony'll make fun o' me! Everypony else has a Critter already, and they look like so much fun!” “No!” Applejack stomped away to the next tree with Apple Bloom following at her heels. “An' stop followin' me; yer like Winnona before walkies today.” “But Applejack!” “For Pete's sake, Apple Bloom; go back to the house! Stop botherin' me. Ah gotta work!” Applejack bucked again, turning away from her little sister. “If you were my lil' sis, Ah'd pay fer ya." Bloom huffed indignantly, slumping down on the grass. "This ain't fair.” “Life ain't fair sugar cube; now get.” ~~ The following morning, class was in session. “Good morning class!” Cheerilee beamed, waiting for the young colts and fillies to quiet down. “Now, as I'm sure you are aware, there is a new... Silver Spoon, pay attention please!” The grey filly looked up from the tiny animal sat on her desk. It flickered brighter for a moment in the light emanating from her necklace. “Sorry Miss Cheerilee.” “As I am sure you are aware, there is a new trend going about. Not that I am against you having fun, but these... 'Critter' things really need to be left at home when you come to school. Silver Spoon!” “Sorry.” Silver's tiny pet hopped up and down excitedly, panting like a dog. “Please put your Critters away until after class.” The disappointed children groaned and complained to one another before removing the brightly coloured collars that held their amulets. The hoof-sized creatures all vanished, disappearing with a minute 'pop' as the toys were stashed in everypony's saddlebags; all but one. “Miss Cheerilee?” Silver Spoon put her hoof in the air, “I can't put it away.” “Why not?” “If I do, he'll miss his morning snack.” “Morning snack?” Cheerilee sighed. This was going to be a long day. “Yeah; Shortcake gets hungry all the time, so I have to feed him or he gets sad.” “I'm sure he'll survive until recess; please put Mr Critter away now.” The Critter's long ears drooped as it made a vaguely metallic whining noise. “Aww!” Sweetie Belle cooed from across the class; the rest of the youngsters giggled. “Now please, Silver Spoon.” Cheerilee demanded. The youngster complied, begrudgingly removing the collar. “Now that's out of the way, this morning we are going to continue with our math work.” A collective sigh of frustration echoed from wall to wall. ~~ At the castle, Princess Celestia was enjoying a cup of tea and a well-deserved slice of cake. She chuckled to herself. “Triple-chocolate; even a Princess has her vices.” The cup nearly made it to her lips when a midnight-blue creature darted across the floor. Startled, she spilled her tea across the table. “What in the world is that? A pest?” Her question was answered by the steadily approaching laughter of Princess Luna. “Oh what fun!” The blue animal scampered back towards the princess of the night, running up her foreleg and settling on her shoulder. “Good boy, Orion!” “Orion?” Celestia stood and wandered over, hoping to get a closer look. “What is that, dear sister?” “This is a Critter, Celestia.” She motioned an under-hoofed throw, tossing a ball that appeared from nowhere; Orion chased it across the hall. “A Critter? Forgive me, but I've been rather preoccupied of late; would you care to explain?” “I believe it is a toy, sister.” She motioned to the black collar around her neck. A faintly sparkling silver pendant hung from it. “It looks like an animal to me, Luna; animals are certainly not toys.” “It's not the creature; it's the amulet.” “Amulet?” Celestia took a closer look; the constellation of The Hunter was embossed on the front, lit with silvery light. “I see. Where did you get this, Luna?” “I was on a stroll through Canterlot and I found a delightful little toy store. There was a most raucous gathering of young ponies outside, so I went for a look.” “Aren't you a little old for...” The gap of a thousand years took a while to register. “... Never mind. So, what is this Critter, then?” “Well, the shopkeeper was demonstrating this marvellous creation to all of the young colts and fillies, and their parents, of course. He had several tiny, adorable animals performing tricks on a table. I believe it is meant to be a substitute for a pet; you know how much little ponies like to keep pets. The shopkeeper saw me waiting outside and offered me one for free; I couldn't resist.” “And what has the amulet got to do with it?” “Well, these amulets are enchanted, from what I can tell. They project the image of a Critter, and any of their accessories, in to the real world. As soon as you take it off, the Critter disappears.” “So it is all an illusion then?” “Oh, certainly; a very entertaining one at that. When I was a filly, I remember only the best magic-users could create such convincing phantasms.” “Well, I suppose magic has advanced quite a long way since our childhood.” Celestia smiled and watched as Orion batted the ball around the tiled floor. “Do they feed and grow?” “You have to take care of them like any pet, but the food is not real. There are different types of amulet, and each one contains a Critter. They have different skills and personalities and they develop over time. It is most amusing!” Luna ushered Orion back to her. He ran up her leg once more and nestled in to her mane. She let go of a royal 'squee' and grinned brightly. “I haven't had this much fun in a long time!” “And you say these are popular?” “Yes, they are selling out all over the country from what I hear. They are rather expensive, since the demand is so great.” “Worth every bit, I'm sure, provided the shopkeepers pay their taxes on time.” Celestia laughed; she wondered if she sounded just a little tyrannical, but shrugged the thought off. “Well, have fun playing with Orion, Luna. I shall see you this evening. I must return to my duties.” ~~ In the playground, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were enjoying the fresh air of recess. Sweetie Belle chuckled gleefully as she played with a Critter of her very own. It jumped and flipped, bouncing around excitedly as Sweetie tossed a virtual ball. Hopping across the grass, the pink Critter gave chase, pouncing on the tiny sphere and grasping it in both front paws. “Go Fuchsia!” she cheered. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom watched as she called it back. It handed the ball back to her obediently. “Wow, Sweetie Belle; you got her to fetch!” Scootaloo put her own necklace on, then Fuchsia's bright red counterpart flickered in to existence. “Hey Firebrand, fetch!” Scootaloo threw a ball for her Critter, but Firebrand was far too occupied scratching his ear. “C'mon, fetch! Good boy!” Nothing happened. “Ah, nuts.” Apple Bloom hid her jealousy, but enjoyed watching her friends having fun nonetheless. “How'd you get yours?” “Rarity got it for me; I asked when she was in a good mood and she said it was adorable. She got one of her own too.” Sweetie Belle grinned ecstatically. “I love my sister!” “Rainbow Dash got me mine.” Scootaloo admitted. “Fer yer birthday? Ah don't remember seeing her at yer party.” Apple Bloom asked. “Well, she forgot my birthday, but she made up for it with this! I think mine's broken though; all he does is sit around doing random stuff.” As if on cue, Firebrand belched, before going back to panting with his freakishly long tongue dangling from the corner of his mouth. “At least you've got a Critter. I don't have one, yet; Applejack said she won't help me buy one.” Sweetie Belle grumbled. “Sometimes I wish Dad was more like Filthy Rich; Diamond Tiara has three Critters already. It isn't fair! She got them all before we did too. It's like she gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants it.” “Yeah, some of us actually have to work to earn our stuff!” Scootaloo's self-righteous attitude died down as she realised she'd never worked a day in her life. “I mean, some of us have to work really hard to get stuff from ponies who work really hard to earn stuff.” “Ya say she's got... three?” Apple Bloom asked, ignoring Scootaloo for the moment. “Yeah, she doesn't deserve any of them; she's been rubbing in our faces all week!” Scootaloo stamped the ground in frustration. “She's so annoying!” The two other fillies nodded in agreement. “Maybe if her parents didn't buy her so much, she wouldn't be such a spoiled brat.” ~~ In Canterlot, the afternoon's duties had come to a close. “Thank you all for coming; if you care to retire to the banquet hall, afternoon tea is about to be served.” The hum of appreciative chatter filled the room as Celestia adjourned her court. They filed out of the huge ornate doors and made their way towards the promise of dried leaves, boiled, with a small quantity of milk. Celestia saw the politicians out, but on her way in to the banquet hall a bright flash in her peripheral vision stopped her in her tracks. A deep and eloquent voice shortly followed: “Good afternoon, Princess! I trust you've had a pleasant day. Glad to hear you are feeling better after that nasty bout of Filly Fever.” “Discord, how nice of you to join us. We're just about to have tea; would you like some?” Since Fluttershy's intervention, Discord had been almost no trouble at all. Occasionally he would visit the castle to make requests, but they were usually harmless. Celestia remained polite and courteous, but she suspected he was after something. “I would love to stay, but I really must get back to my place shortly; the oven is baking a delightful cake and he'll be most upset if I am not there to taste it. You know how kitchen appliances are: pretty rigid, rather square.” A chef's hat popped in to existence atop his head, slightly offset by one of his horns. “He wants me to help with the decorating, too! I'm thinking something involving butter icing and some of those silver bead thingamajigs.” “That sounds nice. What brings you to Canterlot?” Celestia was waiting to shoot down a request for some interns or some other potentially dangerous idea. “I just dropped in to say hello; we don't talk enough, I feel. Normally I wait around and dream of the days on which you will need my help, since my powers are only to be used for good, as per your request. Alas since those days are few and far between, I've decided I'm going to be a more regular visitor. I do enjoy talking to you and your sister.” He brushed his claws against his chest, then checked them. "Besides, it beats haunting your library and reading dusty old scrolls." “So you don't want me to grant you anything? No allowances, no assistants?” “No, of course not. I already have everything I want in the whole world, except for some close friends; I figured 'why not try to make some?'” He presented Celestia with a bunch of flowers which she half-expected to spray water. “Well, that is very kind of you.” “Friends can be a lot of fun, I'm starting to learn.” The paper around the flowers morphed in to a vase which he placed delicately on to a table from nowhere. “Talking of fun, I've heard there is a new craze sweeping the nation.” “Are you, by chance, talking about those Critters I've been hearing so much about?” “I am indeed; my goodness, what a terribly unoriginal name. No matter! it isn't the name that makes it what it is after all. I hear your sister is rather enamoured with one such toy.” “Yes, Luna has been enjoying the company of... Orion, I believe his name is.” She chuckled softly. “It's actually quite sweet and I am glad it's making Luna so happy.” “They are rather novel. I do say, it's as though these toys came out of nowhere. It's one thing to have such brilliant illusion magic bound to an item, but to have so many with such consistently high quality; why, it's as though they're from some sort of factory line. ” Discord obviously knew a lot more about the Critters than Celestia had originally thought. “So you've taken a close look at them?” “It wouldn't be too far from the truth to say they've caught my attention, yes. They are quite remarkable; the craftsmanship is second to none and the enchantment held within is exceptionally complex to say the least. Back in the day; you know, before you trapped me in stone," his tone took on a slight snarl, "a master craftspony would have to have worked for weeks, maybe even months, to produce just one of these.” He looked just as excited as Luna had been that morning. “I am captivated by the power in these wonderful amulets, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot trace them back to where they come from.” “So you are telling me that they just appeared?” Discord shrugged. “As if overnight.” “I see.” Celestia's smile slowly faded as she pondered the implications. “I wonder where they could have come from. They don't seem to pose any kind of threat; they are more of a curiosity.” “I am sure it's nothing to worry about. Still, it would certainly be nice of the creator to make themselves known. I don't think anypony other than Starswirl The Bearded would even have a clue how to produce these, and on such a massive scale too! I would very much like to ask about their methods. Wouldn't you?” “It is a point of intrigue, for sure. Thank you for filling me in on some of the details, but if you aren't staying for tea I have to apologise; I must see to my guests.” Celestia bowed her head respectfully. “Say no more. I am sorry to have kept them waiting. I have a cake to frost! it was nice seeing you again, Your Highness.” And with that, Discord vanished. Maybe Starswirl was the answer. Celestia made a mental note to visit the library in her down-time. ~~ “Hey Big Macintosh, you seen Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked as the perfectly round and not-peanut-shaped Sun began to set over Sweet Apple Acres. “Ah've not seen her since she got home from school. She uh... she did come home, right?” “Eeyup.” Mac replied, dragging his apple cart back in to the barn. “She up in her room? Ah knocked but she didn't reply.” “Eeyup.” He closed the barn door. “Ah hope she's okay. Did she seem okay t'you?” “Eeyup.” “Well, alright then. Ah'll see y'inside when you're done with yer chores.” “Eeyup.” Applejack turned to leave, heading to the house. “Hey, Applejack?” She faced her brother again. “Mighty nice've you to buy her that fancy necklace.” “Fancy necklace?” “Eeyup.” “I never bought... Well now, Ah think Ah'd better have a word with our lil' sister.” She stormed off with Mac in tow; his chores could wait. ~~ Apple Bloom was happy – more than happy – joyous; she had a Critter of her very own to love and cherish and teach and- “Apple Bloom!” Her rose-tinted glasses shattered as her big sister barged in to her bedroom. “What in tarnation is going on here?” Big Mac loomed over her shoulder, trying to get a better view of the tiny green animal sitting on her bed. It disappeared the moment Apple Bloom tore the pendant from her neck. “Nothin' Applejack.” She tried on an innocent grin, but it slid off with the nervous sweat on her brow. Applejack stomped over and held out a hoof; her glare could have cut glass. “Give me the toy, Apple Bloom!” “But-” “No 'buts', missy. Gimme that necklace!” “No, Applejack!” Tearing up, Apple Bloom held on to the green band for dear life. Applejack made a grab for it, far too quick for her little sister. She ripped it from her hooves and held it aloft. “Where in Equestria did you get this, girl? Why did y'tell Big Macintosh Ah bought it for ya when Ah clearly didn't?” “Ah... Ah... don't know.” Apple Bloom sniffled. “Ah found it... on the ground.” “Don't you lie to me!” Applejack's bellowing terrified her; the anger welling up in her sister was more than she could bear. Apple Bloom squealed in fright, backing away until she hit the wall. “Where'd y'get it?” “Ah don't know Applejack!” she wailed. Applejack didn't believe it. “How can ya not know?” She felt betrayed. “Apple Bloom, gosh darn it, I'm so mad with you right now! After that whole Gabby Gums thing Ah thought... Ah thought you'd have learned yer lesson in manners. Ah can't let you keep this, Apple Bloom.” Applejack threw the necklace to the floor, preparing to smash it with a hoof when Apple Bloom yelped. “N-no! Don't break it; it's not mine!” Applejack froze, her foot still hovering over the tiny golden trinket on the green band. “It ain't yours? Whaddya mean it ain't yours?” She never intended to truly break it, but a little spark of frustration kept nagging at her to stomp down hard. “Ah... borrowed it.” “From?” “... Sweetie Belle.” “Then y'won't mind if Ah take it back to her right n-” “No, wait!” “What? Ah just said Ah was gonna return it to'er.” Apple Bloom fell silent. “Good gravy, girl! who's necklace is this really?” She didn't reply. “Spit it out, Apple Bloom!” Her barking forced the answer. “Diamond Tiara's!” “What? Ain't that the lil' filly who keeps on givin' you a hard time? Why, she wouldn't lend you anythin' in a month o'... Sundays.” The penny dropped; it dropped hard, landing with a painful thud in the pit of Applejack's stomach. “Oh my word... Apple Bloom, did you... did you steal this?” Her silence was proof enough. Big Macintosh silently scowled from the doorway as Applejack shakily sat down. “Ah... can't believe it... You stole this? My sister stole somethin'.” It was almost too much for her to take; in that moment, two Apple sisters hung on the verge of tears. ~~ “Rarity, this is quite amazing!” Twilight Sparkle smiled brightly as her friend showed off her new violet-coloured pet. Vivienne paraded around the library, strutting as though on a catwalk. “Isn't she just adorable? Sweetie Belle kept on pestering me to buy her one of these Critter things, but when I saw them I realised I wanted one for myself. Opalescence doesn't really seem to like her yet, but I'm sure she'll get used to it.” “I think Opal is just feeling a little left out, that's all. She'll have to learn to share your attention.” Fluttershy said as she took a closer look, peering at the creature. “I'm just astounded by the complexity of the magic involved; it's almost like a living thing!” Twilight knelt down and joined the pegasus. “And you say it learns from playing?” “Well, she wasn't this fabulous yesterday.” Rarity put a hoof to her chest, gesturing gracefully. “She did learn from the best, after all!” “I'd like to study it and report my findings. Do you know who made it?” “Darling, nopony knows who made them. They just appeared in stores. There's a brand name and everything, but no mention of an address or even a country.” “Strange.” Twilight peered at the silver jewel-encrusted trinket with curious eyes. “I don't suppose you'd mind if I borrowed it for a while, do you?” “And if I helped? I mean, if that's okay with you, Twilight.” Fluttershy wanted to see just how real these Critters were for herself. Twilight nodded. “Not at all, girls; I have a big order to fill by next week, so I could do with her out of the way. She is quite something, but that something is also rather distracting.” She removed the glittery collar and handed it over, letting Twilight put it on. Vivienne's brief absence was barely noticed; she kept on strutting around the room. “Thank you Rarity; a week should be plenty of time.” ~~ “Luna, could you call Orion over to your side of the table, please?” Celestia was being pestered by the blue Critter as she tried to finish her meal. “That isn't Orion, Celestia. That is Azure. Isn't he the cutest? Come here, Azure!” Luna giggled joyfully as the skinny creature hopped from dish to dish along the length of the table. “'Azure'? Just how many of these have you got, sister?” “Let's see; I have Orion, Azure, Greenflash, Comet, Firebrand, two Fuchsias...” “Wait, Luna. Why do you have so many? Surely one is enough.” “But they're all so different, Celestia. I couldn't settle for just one; I've got to collect them all.” “I think maybe you should consider training the ones you have first.” “No, it simply will not do; I have to get them all. What if I am missing out on something? That reminds me, I've not fed Firebrand yet; excuse me!” Luna panicked and headed for the door. Celestia put her spoon down, letting it fall in to her soup. “Luna, could I accompany you? I want to see all of these Critters for myself.” ~~ “You're gonna come with me an' tell Diamond Tiara you're sorry, young missy!” Applejack frogmarched her little sister through Ponyville towards the Rich household. “An' when yer done grovlin', you can help Big Macintosh with his chores for the rest of the week, y'got that?” Apple Bloom sighed, kicking up some dust as she walked. “Girl, Ah am talkin' t'you! Ah said 'y'got that?; don't make it a month o' chores!” “Alright, Ah got it!” She pouted, avoiding as much contact as possible. “Ah just don't think it's fair that she gets all these nice things and Ah get diddly nothin'.” “Y'get plenty, Apple Bloom; how dare you! Besides, just cuz somepony has more than you, it don't make it right to steal!” Applejack had to restrain herself before she gave her little sister a thick ear. Apple Bloom stayed quiet, knowing that it was wrong, but still feeling headstrong and defiant. “What has gotten into you lately?” It wasn't long before they arrived at the front door. Apple Bloom tried to hide behind her sister as the doorbell rang, but Applejack pushed her back to the doorstep. The door swung open, answered by a tired looking maid. The mare yawned, dark circles under her eyes. “Rich residence, how can I help you?” When Apple Bloom refused to speak, Applejack dropped her right in it. “Apple Bloom has come here to apologise.” “A-apologise, for what?” “Is Miss Diamond Tiara at home at all?” The maid shuddered at the mere mention of the name. “Yes, she is.” She added a quiet “and don't I know it.” before heading off to retrieve her. “Applejack please, can we go now? Ah promise it won't happen again. Ah'll make it up to you, Ah swear.” “No way Apple Bloom, it ain't me y'need to make it up to.” “Ah learned my lesson, Ah promise!” Apple Bloom's defiance fell away as tears filled her eyes. “Yes, what is it?” a shrill voice interrupted. “I am not in the mood for this, so hurry up.” The young filly was just as tearful as she was. Applejack did her best to see past the bratty nature of the young mare; a crime was a crime after all. “Hello Miss Tiara, Apple Bloom has something she'd like to tell you.” she said as she shoved her sister roughly forward. “Well?” “C'mon girl, spit it out!” “Ah... Y'see... Ah kinda...” Apple Bloom stammered. “What is it?” Diamond Tiara scowled at her; Apple Bloom said nothing more, instead handing over the green collar. “Greenflash?” “Ah'm so sorry, Diamond Tiara.” Apple Bloom bowed her head, sniffling pitifully. “Sorry for what? I've been looking all over for him!” Diamond Tiara snatched the amulet away, instantly putting it around her neck. Greenflash popped in to existence, darting around joyfully oblivious to the heartache. “I thought I'd lost him forever! Thank you so-” “Wait, y'don't understand; Ah'm the reason ya couldn't find him.” “What?” Diamond Tiara's eyes narrowed. “Ah got jealous and... Ah stole him from yer saddlebags after gym class.” Apple Bloom's voice shook, perched on the edge of sobbing. “You stole him? You stole my Critter?” “Ah'm sorry, Diamond Tiara.” “You will be!” The bratty girl slammed the door in her face. ~~ “Celestia, wait! Don't take them away; I need them!” Luna begged as her Critters were locked in a chest. “I didn't want to have to do this, sister. What was once harmless fun has become an obsession. You won't be able to open this chest until the month is through; if you can go that long without them, I will let you have one back.” “Just one? I promise I'll not let it interfere with my duties. Please, just let me have them back!” Luna whined, stamping the ground with her front hooves. “I am sorry, Luna; this is for your own good.” Celestia limped away from the chest, having sustained a minor sprain in the struggle to get the Critters away. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some important business to attend to.” "Where are you going?" Luna asked, pouting as she checked the lock. It was solid. "To the library." She was going to learn more about these things by whatever means she could. ~~ Twilight and Fluttershy watched Vivienne closely as the Critter tried to write on a tiny piece of illusory paper. “Fascinating.” Twilight said to herself as she scribbled some notes on parchment, which the tiny being mimicked. “Learns by observation of the wearer...” Vivienne grumbled, dropping the page and patting her stomach. “... and tells the wearer when its needs are not met. Well, I guess I'm kind of hungry too!” Twilight put her quill down. “Time for a break.” “That does sound like a good idea.” Fluttershy agreed. Twilight made the gesture Rarity had shown her, conjuring some food for the glamorous pet. A humongous pile of treats spilled from her hoof, which Vivienne dived into immediately. “Whoops, that's a bit too much. I'll just take some of that back; wouldn't want Rarity to complain if you put on too much weight- ow!” Something had left three red streaks along her foreleg. Vivienne growled and continued to stuff food in to her muzzle. “Twilight! Are you okay?” Fluttershy tried to examine the wounds. “Is it bleeding?” Twilight backed away, confused and sore. “What was that?” She focused as she approached once more, trying to take away the food she had put out. The angry Critter leapt, slashing at her with sharp claws. Fluttershy screamed. This was not an illusion. “I don't understand!” Twilight yelped as she avoided another attack. “You're not real! How can you hurt me?” Vivienne kept on coming. Twilight grasped for the necklace, ducking as the Critter tried to gouge at her face. The amulet came loose, dropping to the floor. Twilight relaxed, sighing as Vivienne disappeared from sight. “That was-” She yelped as she felt teeth close around her ear. She managed to shake her off as she ran up the stairs, leaving the cowering Fluttershy behind. Vivienne gave chase, cornering Twilight by her bed. “Spike! Letter!” she bellowed. The dragon retrieved a scroll and started writing. “Dear Princess... Critters... Not illusion... Evil... More of them... Not much time... Help!” Spike didn't wait for her command, instead sending the letter on its way as soon as he wrote the last word. He bounded through the fading green embers, coming to his friend's aid. “Don't worry Twilight; I've got it!” He grabbed his basket, flipping it over and spilling the cushions over the floor. He charged, diving at Vivienne with his arms outstretched. “Gotcha!” he yelled as he landed on top of her. The angry creature rattled about inside the tough wicker. “Whoa, she's strong!” Spike shouted as the basket bucked. “I don't understand! What happened? I took the amulet off, but she didn't disappear!” Twilight approached cautiously, unsure if Spike's weight could hold Vivienne at bay. “Where'd they even come from anyway? You said they're really powerful magic, right?” Spike ducked to steady himself as he was almost thrown from the improvised cage. “They're powerful magic, all right; evil, powerful magic! Nopony knew how dangerous they would become, and now they're everywhere! It's only a matter of time before the whole of Equestria is thrown into chaos!” She paced the library, wings spread as the tension mounted. She had to find a solution before it was too late. “Maybe it-” Spike belched, nearly tumbling away once more. Celestia's prompt reply appeared in mid-air, dropping to the wooden floor. Twilight scooped it up and began to read aloud. “'Dear Twilight, your letter was rather hard to read, but from what I can tell that this is an urgent matter. The Critters that you speak of did once seem harmless, but they have been causing some problems at the castle. I have had to confiscate Princess Luna's collection of them for less urgent reasons, but if you say they are evil, I believe you.'” She paused for breath, clearing her throat. “'I shall call an emergency meeting in the courts. If you can bring the dangerous specimen to us so that we can decide on the level of the threat, we may discuss what to do next.'” As she finished, Spike was thrown across the room. Vivienne escaped from her prison, scampering towards an open window, but was stopped short by Twilight's magical grip. Fluttershy appeared in the doorway. “Fluttershy, do you have any cages?” “I have a spare bird-cage, if that will help.” she replied. “Can you get it for me?” The pegasus nodded and bustled away. Twilight turned to the dragon. “Spike, pack an overnight bag; we're heading to Canterlot on the next available train.” ~~ “Your Highness, you have called all of your advisers to discuss a foal's toy? This is absurd!” “Order, Eversmile; be seated!” Celestia scorned, not willing to suffer insubordination during such an emergency. The eternal grump plopped himself down with a huff, pouting like a spoilt child. The rest of the court's chatter dulled, dropping to a reasonable level before she continued. “As you are all aware, I have called you here to discuss the recently popular objects known as Critters. For the uninformed, Critters are pendants worn by foals – ” She glanced at Luna, who rolled her eyes. “ – of all ages, that produce the illusion of a tiny pet. They were thought to be harmless, if rather annoying, but a letter from Princess Twilight Sparkle has prompted me to take action.” As if on cue, the main doors swung open. The whole court turned to look. Twilight trotted in, levitating a tiny birdcage behind her. In the cage was a frothing, furious purple animal with its hackles raised and teeth bared. Vivienne was pressed up against the bars, fur sticking out all over. It seemed as though she had grown after being trapped inside. “Princess Celestia, I'm so sorry I'm late. This evil thing escaped on the train and nearly attacked a young filly.” There was a collective gasp, followed by a ripple of nattering and speculation. “You may notice that I am not wearing the amulet that supposedly controls it; it is no longer needed, as it sustains itself.” She was wearing a bandage around her ear, covering the deep bite marks that Vivienne had left. “Twilight; please bring me the subject.” Celestia requested. Twilight approached across the ornate floor, hoofsteps echoing around the marble walls. She placed the cage in front of her mentor, letting her inspect the lashing Critter behind the bars. “I see... So, you say it is no longer bound to the amulet?” “I removed the amulet after it attacked me the first time, but it did not disappear. Usually, the illusory Critter vanishes in to thin air when the necklace is removed; this leads me to believe that this creature is no longer an illusion!” There was a much louder, much deeper gasp. “So you are saying that-” “This Critter is a living, breathing... biting thing.” Celestia looked up at the ceiling as she thought through the evidence. If this was the case, the whole nation was in danger, especially the foals. She had to do something, but even with all the hours she poured in to research, she couldn't find anything written about it. She expected that a scroll or two may have been missing from the Starswirl wing. Or maybe Starswirl had never written about it at all. “This is terrible news; almost every young pony in Equestria owns a Critter by now. They could turn at any moment; I hate the think of the consequences.” She managed to hide her distress, but only from her court. Twilight felt panic rising in her gut; if Celestia was worried, there was cause for alarm. “I hereby declare a full-scale reclamation of all Critters; send word to every city, town and village. They must be stopped before it is too late.” ~~ “Celestia, no! Please don't take them away; I love them!” Luna whined, bounding along beside her striding sister. “They're so sweet and harmless! The one Twilight showed you must be defective.” “I cannot have this danger lingering around my subjects, Luna; it is highly irresponsible! I should have seen this sooner.” Celestia felt bitter, plagued with guilt for letting it get this far. “But Celestia, my Critters are fine! They're just toys!” “Be silent!” she snapped, losing her temper for the first time in a long while. Luna backed off, slamming in to a wall to escape her wrath. Celestia bore down on her, glaring menacingly. “Have some perspective and stop acting like a spoilt foal! They must be destroyed; the will be destroyed, or I shall be held responsible for an unimaginable disaster! Twilight managed to fend off that... thing with her own powerful magic, but just barely." Celestia turned away, looking out at her kingdom through stained glass. "Tia..." Luna whimpered. "Can you imagine, Luna, what will happen to the clueless, vulnerable fillies and colts when these monsters suddenly turn on them? It will be unstoppable and I will not sit back and watch as-” She couldn't put it in to words; the thought alone was just far too horrible. Luna silently quivered, tense all over. “I swear, I will destroy every single one and your petty, adolescent griping will not stop me!” She carried on her way, leaving Luna stinging in the hallway. The younger sister sniffled, trying to raise her voice, but she barely managed to croak. ~~ Applejack was awoken by frantic banging on the front door. “What the... who could this be at this hour?” She pulled herself up out of bed and headed down the stairs. The knocking would not let up. “Yeah, yeah, Ah'm comin'! Hold yer-” “I want a word with you!” “Filthy?” Applejack asked through a yawn, making her way to the door. “Rich!” he bellowed. He sounded particularly angry; not a good sign. Applejack cautiously opened the door, catching sight of the scowling entrepreneur. “You've got a lot of explaining to do!” “Explainin'? About what?” Applejack pursed her lips, frowning. Diamond Tiara appeared from behind her father, quietly crying her eyes out; her forelegs were bandaged up. “What happened?” “I was hoping you could tell me!” Filthy Rich barked, tapping his hoof on the doorstep. “Your little sister took her toy away, and now it's defective; care to tell me why?” “'Defective' how?” Applejack asked, scratching her head. “Can't you see? It hurt my precious baby!” Rich pulled Diamond Tiara closer, comforting her. “It attacked her.” “Attacked? Y'all are kiddin', right?” “Do I look like I'm joking?” he hissed; he was utterly furious. “You go and wake your bratty sister up right this second or-” “Now hold on just a minute! Ah know it was wrong of Apple Bloom to steal, an' she's been punished already, but how dare y'all come t'our house in the middle o' the night and speak like that?” “Don't you lecture me, you bumpkin; get your sister down her right now or-” “Bumpkin? Excuse me?” Applejack bowed her head, snarling. “Excuse me?” “Applejack, what's the noise for?” Apple Bloom came down the stairs, rubbing her eyes. “Is that Mister Rich?” “You stay back now, ya hear? Go back to bed, Apple Bloom; this ain't t'do with you.” “Oh, it has everything to do with her!” Rich shouted. “She broke Diamond Tiara's toy, and it nearly took her eyes out!” “How? Those doohickeys ain't nothin' but fancy magic! How in Equestria does it nearly take her eyes out?” Applejack didn't believe a word of it. “I don't know; it attacked her, but that's all I know. I saw it happen!” “No way. Ain't no way that happened!” “There a problem?” Big Macintosh got involved, emerging from the darkness in a most threatening fashion; he'd been listening for a while. Filthy Rich went quiet, looking at his hooves. “I think y'all better get home and get some sleep; it sounds like you were seein' things. Ain't that right, Big Macintosh?” Applejack smirked, looking to her big brother. “Eeyup.” He cracked his neck, limbering up in case he needed to resort to a forceful ejection. It was quite a while before Rich plucked up his courage. “This isn't over, you hear? We'll be back in the morning to sort this out once and for all.” “Lookin' forward to it.” ~~ Apple Bloom tucked herself in again, tossing and turning until she was comfortable once more. “Ah didn't break it, Ah swear.” Applejack walked around her bed to the window. “Ah believe ya, sugarcube.” She opened it, letting some fresh air in. “We'll have a good ol' chat with Filthy an' Diamond Tiara an' get this sorted once an' fer-” “Applejack, look out!” Apple Bloom shrieked, pointing to the window. Applejack turned in time to see a green blur launch itself at her head. She yelled in surprise as it landed in her hair and started plucking strands one by one. “Get offa me, dang it!” She kicked, trying to throw it off, but it held on tight. “Applejack!” “It's pullin' ma hair! Get it off!” The loud commotion brought Big Mac running. He galloped through the door, narrowly avoiding the frame. “Hold still!” he bellowed, turning away from her. Applejack complied, trying to stay steady. “Ya got a good – ow! – good shot?” “Eeyup!” “Go!” A well-placed buck launched the tiny creature across the room with blonde hairs trailing behind it, where it struck the wall with a sickening 'crack'. It yelped and whimpered, slumped in the corner. Applejack replaced her hat, sighing deeply as her heart-rate returned to normal. She took a close look at the green creature, feeling a little sorry for it; it was no bigger than a hoof or two, and Big Mac's hind legs were beyond powerful. “Lil' varmint's mighty sore, Mac; think he'll be okay?” He was resolutely silent. She looked over to Apple Bloom, who was hiding behind her quilt, peering over the top. “Apple Bloom, ya might wanna to go sit with Granny fer a while.” “W-why?” she asked, shivering. “Uh, maybe she got woke up by the racket, so... so ye should go keep'er company.” “But... Granny Smith never wakes up til mornin'. Why do y'all want me outta here?” Applejack sat by her side, stroking her hair. “Listen, sugar cube... Sometimes bad things happen... Nopony wants 'em to happen to anypony, but it's just a fact o' life. That there left us no choice; he coulda hurt me real bad, so we had to. Do ya understand?” “Ah know that, but why could Big Macintosh kick it? It's just a movin' picture, right?” Big Macintosh knelt down beside the injured animal and poked it. He turned and shook his head. “Ya mean... ya mean that's one o' those Critter thingies?” She recalled seeing the green imp before; her mouth dropped open. “Cream gravy... That's the one ya took from Diamond Tiara, ain't it?” Apple Bloom nodded. “That means that Filthy Rich was tellin' the truth! He said it was 'broken'; Ah guess he meant that it came to life, like really alive!” ~~ Fluttershy was reading her favourite book with a mug of hot chocolate by her side; she sighed peacefully before a loud thud against the front door made her leap to the floor with a squeal. The cocoa and marshmallows sprayed across the wooden floorboards as her mug shattered. “Fluttershy!” the distinctive drawl of her friend calmed her; she plucked up the courage to approach, opening the door to let Applejack in. “Oh, yer awake! Sorry if Ah startled ya or anythin'.” “I-it's okay...” she lied, still feeling her heart pounding in her throat. “... I couldn't sleep anyway.” “Well, we got a bit of a problem. Ya know about them Critter things, right?” “Uhm, yes.” she nodded. “Well, ya need to take a look at this.” Big Macintosh stepped forward with a crate far too large for Greenflash. “We stuffed it in Winnona's carrier, cus it's all we got, but somethin' weird is goin' on, Shy.” The pegasus moved in for a closer look, catching sight of the green creature within. She leapt back, screeching. “No, get it away!” “It's hurt; it ain't movin'!” “That's what it wants you to think!” she snapped, shivering on the spot. “Sweet Celestia, Fluttershy! You gotta take a look at it. These things ain't supposed to be alive, right? Well, this one attacked me! It's pretty darn real, if y'ask me. Big Macintosh kicked it off'a me, so Ah'm okay, but Ah don't really wanna be responsible for ending this lil' guy.” “There's nothing I can do! Let it go in the Everfree Forest and forget about it!” “Fluttershy, this is a living thing! It's hurt real bad and y'all just wanna dump it in the forest?” Fluttershy hesitated, but nodded regardless. Big Macintosh spoke up. “Ah thought you cared for animals.” The words stung. Fluttershy looked away in shame; it was definitely alive, just as Vivienne had been that afternoon. She peeked in to the cage again; Greenflash was barely breathing, bruised from head to toe. Somehow, her maternal instinct took control. “Oh my, he really is in a terrible state!” She thought it through carefully, trying to weigh up the risk of getting her eyes scratched out; she whimpered at the thought. “Well... y-you'd better bring him inside; I'll see what I can do.” ~~ Canterlot's market district was bustling, full of ponies exploring the ornate stores and stalls dotted about, indulging in expertly-crafted coffees and cakes. “I just don't understand how it happened, Spike. Do you think this is just an isolated incident? Is all this worry for nothing?” Twilight sipped at her orange juice, brow furrowed. “I dunno, Twilight. It's kinda crazy. If this only happened to Rarity's Critter, then maybe it's a false alarm, but you saw what it did! It'd only take one more to change and... well, you get the idea.” Spike replied, nibbling on a gem-encrusted doughnut. “I just don't know what causes it. Is it just a matter of time? What could have changed?” “Beats me.” “Twilight!” She looked up as she heard Applejack's voice. “Am Ah glad Ah found you!” “Girls, what are you doing in Canterlot?” she asked, surprised to see her five friends in the capital. “It's about this whole Critter business; Fluttershy filled us in on what happened. We've been up all night!” Applejack explained. “Is it true? Did my sweet little Vivienne attack you, Twilight? That sounds absolutely dreadful!” Rarity added, looking guilty. “It's true I'm afraid, but I'm not sure whether it was just that one, or if we've got a big problem on our hooves.” Twilight didn't have to look much further. “Applejack got attacked by one last night.” Fluttershy offered. Twilight gasped. “Applejack, really? What happened?” “Well, it's kind've a long story.” “Please, sit. Tell me everything, in as much detail as you can.” Applejack took a deep breath and retold the story of Greenflash up until that moment, giving as much detail as she could while keeping it brief. “... And that's when it jumped at me; Apple Bloom saw it first 'n Ah couldn't shake it off. Big Mac came runnin' and managed to buck it off mah head, but Ah wasn't sure if it was gonna be okay.” “They brought it to me, and I told them what happened.” Fluttershy interjected. “An', well that brings us here.” Applejack finished, setting her hooves down on the table. "That... thing... is bandaged up and recovering back at Fluttershy's house. Won't be going anywhere any time soon. “And you're saying that Apple Bloom stole this one from Diamond Tiara?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow. “Ah know, it ain't like her; she won't do it again, cus Ah made sure'a that!” “No, I mean: she took it from Diamond Tiara and... wore it?” “Eeyup.” Twilight stroked her chin, lips pursed in contemplation. Her friends watched her as she teetered on the edge of realisation. “So, Apple Bloom wore it after Diamond Tiara and...” she mumbled, picking through the facts. “... Rarity wore the purple one before me...” ~~ Celestia opened the chest, staring at the neatly arranged collars. She picked up Orion's, inspecting it. “Just what are you?” she asked. The answer wasn't forthcoming, so she fastened the black band around her neck. There was a faint popping sound as Orion appeared in front of her. He sat patiently, waiting for a command. “What makes you tick, exactly?” Celestia stooped down to get a close look, trying to find anything that would help her to understand. The tiny critter sneezed, falling over backwards; if Celestia hadn't been so afraid of it, she might have laughed. As Orion stood again, she noticed that something was different. “Did you just grow?” Another sneeze added a few more inches to its height. Celestia backed off, catching her breath and hastily removing the pendant. Orion remained, just as she feared. The Critter took off running, darting through her legs and disappearing around the corner. Celestia chased it, pounding through the hallway, only just able to keep up. She caught a glimpse of Orion rocketing down the grand staircase leading to the huge, heavy front doors. Finally with enough space, she spread her wings and launched herself over the banister in a last-ditch effort. “I've got you now, you pest!” The blue animal stopped at the foot of the decorative doors, trying to shove them open, but to no avail. Celestia bore down on him with a victorious grin that vanished as the doors opened by themselves. Orion turned to the princess with a knowing smirk and slipped through the widening gap. “No!” Celestia bellowed before barrelling into the crowd of ponies that appeared. Much surprised screaming and yelping echoed around the entrance hall, with Celestia tangled up in a pile with Twilight and her friends. Dazed, but not injured, they quickly righted themselves with the help of the guards. “Princess! What happened?” Twilight asked, confused. “Why did you tackle us?” “It was an accident! I have no time to talk, since I must catch an escaped monster.” Celestia urgently pushed past, sweeping through the doors and out in to the gardens. The other ponies followed, vexed by her rude exit. “Wait, Princess Celestia; I've figured out why the Critters are turning violent!” Twilight called out. Celestia froze, turning back to her. “Tell me Twilight, what did you find out?” her sudden approach made the smaller mares shrink back. “W-well Applejack came to find me and she told me that Apple Bloom, her sister, went to school and stole a Critter from Diamond Tiara. She's a friend, well, not a friend of hers... but she stole it and-” “Out with it; there is no time for details!” Celestia snapped, stamping a hoof. “Basically, if somepony wears a Critter amulet after it's already been worn by somepony else, it comes to life somehow! Maybe it lives off the magic of one pony, but two might-” “Then I have made a terrible mistake! I wore Luna's Orion amulet and now Orion has escaped. He passed you on the way in here; did you see where he went?” The ponies looked to each other, silently asking. The result was a resounding collective head shake. “Then we must find it as soon as we can! It is imperative that Orion does not escape.” “Uh, Princess... how big is Orion?” Rainbow Dash butted in, pointing out to the gardens with a look of fear on her face. They gasped as they saw the hulking figure lumbering towards the gates. Orion was now taller than a gorilla, throwing himself along the ground with his strong forelegs, now more akin to arms. He stopped and looked over his shoulder. Knowing he'd been spotted, he growled menacingly and fled. Fluttershy squealed, shaking on the spot. “After him!” Celestia called, taking off running with the rest of the ponies in tow. She threw bolts of radiant light from her horn, unable to land a decent shot at such high speed. Fires smouldered in the rose bushes and on the lawn as they flew through the gates in pursuit. ~~ In Canterlot, crowds were gathering in the city centre. The amnesty on Critter amulets was in full-swing, with hundreds of ponies returning the defective merchandise. They moved in an orderly fashion towards the huge, sturdy chests, getting a partial refund from the royal coffers. Their quiet mumbling turned to shocked gasps as a voice sounded from nowhere. “Ponies of Canterlot; with the recent popularity of Critters, I have decided to reveal my identity! Of course, until now, the creator of those marvellous toys was unknown. Allow me to put a face to this nameless bringer of joy.” The voice was jovial, smooth and polite. “I have heard what wonderful delight they have brought to your children and I want to thank you!” Many of the crowd prepared to run, tensing up all over. “To all of you, I say 'Hello!'” A white flash flickered behind the guards, leaving a stage in its wake. Stood on the stage was a figure that the audience had hoped never to hear from again. “It's me, Discord!” He stood with a top-hat perched on his head and a cane in one hand, smiling triumphantly at the confused, frightened ponies. Terrified yells turned to shouts of hatred; booing flooded from the square, falling on Discord as a harsh roar. His ears drooped, smile vanishing. “I don't understand! I brought you entertaining curios, perplexing toys of childlike wonderment! Why do you treat me this way?” It wasn't long before he noticed the chests filled with his creations, the flags and banners bearing the words 'Critter Amnesty'. The crowd were suddenly distracted by a ground-shaking rumble. Discord turned in time to see the enormous dark blue form of Orion leaping through the air. Instinctively, he snapped his fingers, hoping that it would stop the Critter in its tracks. It kept moving. He snapped again, and again, but nothing stopped it. "I don't understand-" was all he could manage before the bloodthirsty beast slammed in to him, dragging him to the floor. He screwed his eyes shut and tried to cast a spell to displace himself. To his dismay, he found himself still staring up at the snarling teeth of his wayward creation. "No, no this is all wrong!" Orion raised a hand, enormous claws glinting in the sunlight. For the first time that he could recall, Discord actually felt fear. An icy shiver ran down from his shoulders, suddenly feeling mortal. Without thinking, he begged for his life. "Please don't kill me!" Death didn't come. Orion had stopped to sniff the air, claws still raised. "I don't understand." It was Discord's voice again, but Discord hadn't uttered it. "I don't understand." It took a moment for Discord to realise that Orion was parroting him, all the while peering at the horrified ponies around him. "I don't understand... where... am... I?" Hearing his own voice made Discord squirm. He snapped his fingers again to try and dispel his creation. It sneered down at him. That was it! "You know my magic!" Orion repeated him in unison. The chorus was sickening to him. If it could anticipate his every spell, it could negate it before he even had a chance. "Damned learning instinct!" Discord barked. Orion stood up, no longer seeing Discord as a threat. "Oh, this is bad. This is awful!" "Discord!" Celestia's voice bellowed through the street. The draconequus leapt to his feet and brushed himself off. He looked up in time to see Orion, half crouched, staring the princess down. "I knew you'd be behind all this! I didn't want to believe it, but my gut instinct was right!" "Princess Celestia!" Orion spoke with Discord's voice once more. Celestia reared back in horror. "Where... am... I?" "Princess, I can explain-" Discord tried. "Silence!" Celestia shouted, her fear barely hidden behind her official tone. "The creature is speaking!" Why had she just defended it from his interruption? "Where... am... I?" Orion lowered his claws, looking more panicked than angry by now. It couldn't take all the staring ponies. It suddenly seemed self-conscious. "You are in Canterlot, the capital city of Equestria." Again, Celestia had no idea why or how she was speaking with this once feral animal. "Can... ter... lot." It repeated. "H- Home?" Somehow it had learned part of their language. "Home?" "Yes. This is home to many ponies, including me, and my sister." "Sister?" Orion relaxed, his ears perking up. "Lu... na?" Celestia froze for the moment, looking away at the cobblestones. "Luna?" Orion asked again. "Yes. Yes, Luna also lives here." Celestia turned to Twilight and whispered. "Head back to the castle, send for Luna at once." Twilight nodded and turned on the spot. She leapt forward, conjuring a teleportation spell in midair. She vanished in a flash of magenta sparkles. With that taken care of, Celestia tried to hold Orion's attention. The creature was growing more agitated with every passing moment of silence. "Luna?" he asked again, shifting uncomfortably on the spot. "She will be here soon, do not fret." Celestia took a step forward. Orion flinched, claws readied out to his sides. The princess stopped. "Home." He said again, breathing becoming erratic. "I don't understand." The crowd of ponies were backing up, trying to give the confused creature some more space. Celestia took another step. Orion didn't budge, but he kept his eyes fixed on hers. "Discord? What did you do?" The chaotic being wrung his disparate hands together, thinking very carefully about his word choice. "Y-your Highness, I merely created these toys with the intention of spreading joy to-" "What did you do?" "They were illusions, nothing more." Discord was serious. He had no idea how his gimmick had become tangible. "Illusion magic this powerful is barely possible, even by the most accomplished mages. And this is far too ordered and realistic to be sustained by chaos." Before Discord could reply once more, Luna and Twilight appeared either side of Celestia. "Orion!" Luna called out. "Luna!" The creature charged. Celestia dropped, steadying herself and preparing an attack spell. It glowed a vibrant yellow on her horn. Orion ignored her, running with his arms outstretched. It pulled Luna in to a tight hug, almost crushing her head in his strong grip. She was surprised, to say the least, but she returned the gesture, putting one leg around Orion's back. "Home." the Critter whimpered. "Where is his home, Discord?" Celestia asked, approaching him with a furious expression. "Where did you take these poor creatures from?" "I didn't take them from anywhere! The spell I used was based on an old spell I found in your library. Illusory window something-or-other." He twirled his wrist as he vaguely recalled the details. "It said it was like a viewport to another world." "From Starswirl The Bearded?" "How did you guess?" Celestia didn't rise to his sarcasm. "You need to undo this spell, Discord. These Critters were alive all along! We've been peering into their world through these little trinkets. How do they work?" "I don't know; something about drawing on the natural magic inside the wearer? You know how you ponies are. Untapped potential in... most of you." Twilight landed beside them. She had her usual studious look about her. "I knew it! The amulet binds to the wearer." Twilight looked far too cheerful about finding the answer. "I thought back to my studies and remembered an old concept that Starswirl was working on, shortly before he disappeared. It wasn't perfect, so he never used it as a component of any of his other spells. You see, the moment a second wearer is bound, the amulets draw too much power-" "-thus the Illusory Window opens to become a doorway." Celestia finished the sentence with cold realisation. "You need to put a stop to this." Discord stood with his fingers pressed together in a steeple. "Ah, you see, that might be a problem." He avoided their stares, feverishly digging through his mind for a way out. He couldn't run; what would Fluttershy think? "I don't know how." "Discord!" Twilight began. "We need to break the amulets. They're the focal point between ponies and Critters. Can you summon them all?" "I... I can try. But if we destroy them, it could have consequences for any Critters with physical form in our world." They all faced Luna and Orion. Orion was rocking side to side with Luna still in his arms. The princess of the night peered at them, looking conflicted. "We don't know what will happen." "It seems that enough of Orion has seeped through to our world so that he can learn language, perhaps even empathy." Celestia mentioned. "We don't know how much of him is left on the other side." Twilight added. "We don't even know if he'll survive when we break the connection." "We have no choice." Celestia walked up the street and stood next to Luna. Orion was crying, biting his lip and stroking his friend's star field mane. "Orion?" He made eye contact with Celestia. "We don't know how to send you home." His eyes widened. "Home!" He protested. "We don't even know what or where your home is. But when we break the items that brought you and your kind here, we don't know if you'll go back." It was hard to say. "I'm afraid there is a chance you may be stranded here forever." Orion roared in fear, drawing a shocked gasp from the crowd. Some looked ready to flee. "Home! Orion home!" He bellowed. "But I promise you that we will take the best care of you. You will be given a place to live in the castle, and we will do all we can to make you comfortable. Maybe in time, you'd be able to call Equestria your home." Celestia reached out a hoof, stroking his arm. Orion was quivering. "Luna?" He asked again. "I am your friend, Orion. I would love to have you around. You've brought me so much joy in such a short time already." Luna replied, pressing her cheek in to the monstrous Critter's chest. "We can eat together, dance and play. Nothing will be different to how it was. I promise." Celestia watched as Orion's cheeks shone with his tears. He was obviously very intelligent. She couldn't imagine the pain he felt at that moment. "I am sorry that it has come to this." She dropped her hoof and headed back to Discord and Twilight in the square. "Princess, should we?" Discord asked. Celestia nodded. With a snap of his fingers, the amulets rose up from the crates they were being collected in, swirling up in an enormous, shimmering, rainbow mass. The various brighly coloured collars caught the sunlight vibrantly. They rose up far above the crowd. Discord closed his eyes and concentrated, making sure he got every single one. A dull thunderous rumble rolled across the city as additional trinkets from all over the country screamed towards them at the speed of sound. The sharp crack of them breaking the sound barrier rattled like popcorn on a stove, each joining the drifting mass above them. There were thousands upon thousands, each one glinting spectacularly. When he was sure they had all been summoned, Discord nodded. "I'm ready." Luna held her breath. Celestia took one last look at Orion. This was it. She faced Discord. "Do it." Discord clicked his fingers one last time. The amulets all shot further in to the sky one after another, a screaming, whistling sound like many thousands or tiny bottle rockets. Then they all exploded. Every possible colour, and even some without a name erupted above the crowd; fireworks brighter than any they had seen before. It was a display nopony would ever forget. The collars drifted back down to earth like silk streamers and confetti. The crowd murmured in awe of the sight, smiles on their faces. When the deafening sound had died down, Celestia slowly looked up to Luna. Orion was nowhere to be seen. She ran to her sister, sorrowful tears stinging her eyes. "I am so sorry, Luna. I had no idea what would happen if-" Luna was smiling. "Whatever are you sorry for?" She giggled as a tiny deep-blue snout emerged from behind her crown. Two bright eyes peered at Celestia. "He... survived?" She muttered. "He survived!" Both sisters began prancing in celebration, dancing around each other with gleeful laughter. Celestia fell in to Luna, hugging her tight. She felt Orion climb in to her mane. His tiny voice squeaked in her ear. "Home." ~~ A few weeks later, Celestia sipped tea while sat at the table. The Sun began to set as she waited for Luna to arrive for her breakfast. The sound of her laughing echoed down the hall, followed by the sharp click clack of her hooves on the marble floor. A quiet skittering sound emerged from the doorway as Orion shot across the dining room floor. "Curses! You beat me again!" she called out. "Luna slow!" Orion peeped, scaling a table leg and resting his chin on the top. He surveyed the food laid out before him. "Food?" Luna caught up, panting for breath. She slowed to a halt at her side of the table and sat, chest heaving. "One day... I will... be the... victor!" she managed to choke out between breaths. Orion tittered his bizarre chirpy laughter, hopping up on the table to go for the fruit bowl. "Luna, please." Celestia spoke, rolling her eyes. "I'm sorry sister. Orion-" "I mean, you'd never be able to beat him in a race. He's far too quick for your old bones." She smirked smugly over her teacup. Luna huffed and slammed her hoof on the table. "Old bones?" she shouted. "I'll show you old, you... you... mule!" She got up and charged around the table, eyes fixed on her sister. Celestia panicked, dropping her tea. The cup shattered, but she didn't care; she had to leave. "I bet you can't catch me!" Celestia chuckled as she fled, Luna gaining ground as they both darted through another door. As the door closed behind them, Orion helped himself to a bunch of grapes from the middle of the table. Feast fit for king, or hunter, he thought.