“Another night, another snatcher.” Luna mumbled as she landed on the balcony of her bedroom, it being a little wobbly with the extra weight in her stomach, the squirming of the snatchers ,aking her let out a small burp, in which made a pair of glasses of one of the people came out of her muzzle. She took a large jar out, burping out all the people she caught trying to snatch or sell off another tiny into it, before she closed the jar and passed it to the nearest night guard. “You know what to do to them, just put them in the dungeon and the magic will come off them.” She ordered, to which the guard saluted before he took the jar and trotted off to do as he was told.
The rescued children tinies that she had in her chambers were already asleep, leaving her alone with her thoughts as she laid down on her bed, already going under the covers and going to sleep, while also going off to do her other nightly duty. Not really seeing much nightmares tonight, she decided to visit her sister’s dream, in which she was relaxing on a beach recliner, taking a sip of a pina colada. There was a second chair next to the solar princess that was empty, so Luna lazily took a seat and conjured up her own drink before she took a good long sip out of it.
“Rough night?” Celestia asked, moving her sunglasses down to look at her younger sister.
“It’s like I can’t take a break.” She grumbled. “I’m thankful that those rebel tinies aren’t harming any of our subjects, but it’s like the snatchers are multiplying. Tonight I thought I had to use the second jar to put the snatchers in… again.” She explained, slumping down as she really needed a break.
“You know, you could always ask some of my soldiers of the K.O.U.” Celestia began to offer.
“I thank you for the offer, but I don’t think they can be as fast for those snatchers. Besides, I don’t want to have to rescue more tinies if they fail.”
“Oh Luna, you saw them take on that dragon, easily.” Celestia nudged her.
“I know, Tia!” She said, lightly snapping at her sister. “I just prefer some tinies that can rescue themselves if they can.” She said, having a small thought in her mind. “Perhaps...”
“Perhaps what?” Celestia asked.
“Well, I know I’m not the only one who noticed those strong magic signals a while ago.” She started. “Possibly, some tinies with some extra magic on them. I bet if I can find them and recruit them, I could have my own private squad for me.” She smiled.
“That… sounds like an iffy idea. What if they refuse?” Celestia questioned.
“Oh, they won’t refuse a princess. But obviously I can’t find them myself. I’ll send six of my guards to find them.” She said.
“Six? Why so few?”
“Well, there are only three signals, not counting that Cody tiny and that new one, what’s her name… Tania? Yeah, not counting those two, there are three strong magic signals that can tell are from tinies.” She said, already working on a plan to find those three.
It took a week and a few days to actually pinpoint each of the tinies locations, but one was in the Everfree Forest, another was in Vanhoover, and the last one was in Las Pegasus. Giving one of the partnered up guards a magic tracking device, Luna sent them off to find them and bring them to Canterlot. She didn’t tell them why, but a guard is never one to ask the princess about their orders. Two of the teams were of a unicorn and pegasus, while the last one was a pegasus with a earth pony instead.
And the first one to arrive to their target was the pegasus and unicorn headed to the abandoned Castle of the Two Sisters.
“Yep, this is the place.” The unicorn stallion looked at the device as a light pointed at the castle.
“Ugh, why did it have to live in this creepy place?” The pegasus mare shivered, hiding behind the stallion ever since they entered the forest, sometimes close to flying off if it wasn’t for her partner using his magic to keep her in place.
“You heard what the princess said. We just have to get some tiny to her.” He pulled out a jar. “Just find her, quickly corner her, and I’ll do the rest. We’ll be out of here before lunch time.”
“I-I-I know… b-b-but here? W-why would they…?” She just stood and shook with her teeth chattering. “S-s-so… c-cold!” Her partner let out a breath, seeing his breath in the air.
“Yeah. Pretty strange. Isn't it summer?”
“Who enters my domain!?” A bellowing voice shook the place, and the guards to their bones.
“Uh… sir?... Or ma’am? We mean no harm! We’ve been sent by Princess Luna herself to find… a special someone around here.
“Whomever you seek to find is not here.” The voice responded, the source of the voice peeking through the small hole through the wall. “Unless you seek for something more… like wealth, power, and your wildest dream becoming reality. I may be of service, but only if you are worthy.” She smirked as she waited to see if they would try or not.
“Uh… no thanks.” The mare spoke. “We just need someone REALLY bad, then we'll be out of your mane.” She nervously laughed before leaning in to her partner for a whisper “Is this who we’re looking for?”
“Maybe.” He replied. “Though this seems to remind me of what the humans called ‘Dr. Wondertainment’ and his special humans, and creatures.”
“Hmm… so you decline my offer to help you achieve your biggest and wildest dreams?” The voice asked, Perma being a little surprised that these two wouldn’t want to go with it. ‘They probably don't think they are worthy.’
“Yeah. We’re alright, actually. We just need to find someone under the order of Princess Luna herself. Are you who Luna seeks for? She’s very certain who she's looking for is here. We promise nothing band’s going to happen.”
“Can you… show yourself?” That mare asked. “Please?”
“I see… if that is what you wish.” The voice slowly shifted from the dark demonic voice, to one of a teenage girl. Perma decided it wouldn’t hurt to show herself, phasing from the floor and forming her legs as she stood on the rubble floor, her hair floating around her as if she was forever swimming in water. The mare starred for a moment, then screamed.
“G-G-GHOST!!!”
“A GHOST TINY!!!” The stallion added, screaming as well. They both let out a terrified scream, dropping the jar and ran out.
“Heh, didn’t even have to pull out the scary face. What a shame.” She smirked, moving her hair down a little as she only looked at the remains of the jar. “Hmm… their princess wants me? She must be a collector of rare tinies or something.” She shrugged, deciding that maybe scaring the rats in the castle will entertain her, and make her try even scarier faces,
The second pair was of a pegasus stallion and a earth pony mare, the two arriving at the well known Las Pegasus. The stallion was the first to speak up. “This place is so crowded, how will we ever find this specific tiny?” He asked his partner, looking around and seeing ponies of many colors and types and even tinies every once in awhile.
“The princess told us to look for someone with something that sticks out.” She replied. “Knowing Luna, it might be literal.”
“Pfft! Don't take her literally, I’m sure she means-” The sounds of loud clanging as a nearby arcade machine broke down interrupted him. Turning, they saw a Tiny with what looked like a key sticking out of its back.
But what made her stand out, was that she was the one who caused the machine to break, noticing a filly with dry tear streaks on her cheeks, a tiny girl being on her back. When the machine broke, it revealed the large roll of tickets, in which the tiny girl grabbed it and handed to the filly. “Are these enough tickets to get that toy?” She asked, to which the filly squealed and grabbed the ticket, while also hugging the girl in what seemed like a back-breaking grip, but the girl didn’t show any sign of pain or discomfort. Soon the filly let her go, and went off to probably turn in her tickets for the prize that was apparently unreachable by normal playing standards.
The girl turned and saw the two guards. “... Shoot.” She turned and ran away.
“After her!” The mare yelled, running after the fleeing tiny.
“Me and my big mouth.” The stallion groaned, following suit for their chase. The strange thing they noticed was how fast she was running; while Tinies can be fast, a fit pony like them can easily outpace them and block their path. This girl was running at speeds that would make any fast tiny look slow.
“Follow her, I’ll go right and cut her off!” The mare ran to the right, making a slight mess, but it was a bit necessary to pass through the crowd. Her partner continued his chase, where the key-girl made barriers, pushing entire arcades down to make a blockade, and running through some objects, kinda slowing her down, but making a small hole with her body's silhouette.
Soon the super-tiny was running right for the exit, but that was when the second guard came out and blocked the exit. The tiny was quick to stop, but turning around she saw the other pony right behind her. She was blocked on both sides.
“Alright, just stay calm.” The stallion spoke, pulling out a cage. “If you come with us, nothing bad will happen.” Unfortunately, the girl froze, with here eyes glowing red, and steam exiting as her back and arms opened, revealing missiles.
“COMMENCING EXTERMINATION. YOU HAVE 15 SECONDS TO COMPLY.”
“What the-!?” The mare yelled, backing up. “What is she-!?”
“10 SECONDS TO COMPLY.”
“I think we should-!” The stallion spoke, but was interrupted.
“COMMENCING EXTERMINATION IN 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… 0.” A barrage of missiles fired everywhere, making both ponies scream, ducking under the many explosion that cracked the floors, walls, and ceilings, but hit them, leaving some burns.
“RUN!!!” Both guards ran away, some missiles hitting them in their flanks, leaving some burn marks. When they left, Tinker’s systems went back to normal.
“Whoah… I’m full of surprises.” She spoke to herself. “I’ll never be captured again! You hear me! I’m forever free!”
The last team that remained was the duo in Vanhoover. A little surprised that in all places, the tracking dial pointed them to a normal tiny village. Many of the Tiny villagers were a bit frightened, a good chunk of them hid as soon as they saw them, fearing that they would be eaten. They both looked at the Tinies, kinda feeling a bit wrong at how they feared them, but traveled through.
“Why did it have to be here?” The male unicorn spoke. “You know how much they don’t trust us.”
“I know, and those Wings of Liberty fellows might be here.” The pegasus mare added. “If they misinterpret our action, then we will get out of here fast, ok?”
“Excuse me. But aren’t you supposed to be out of the safe zone?” A voice asked, it coming right beside the pegasus mare’s ear.
“Who said that!?” She asked.
“Uh… hello there?” Her partner replied, seeing what was a Tiny dressed up like a female version of Starswirl.
The girl smiled as she was currently sitting on the mare’s head, being close to her ear as she was also holding a broom in her hands. “Hello.” She gave a small wave. “So, aren’t you supposed to be behind the safe zone? That’s kind of like breaking the law.”
“No. Walking into a safe zone is fine, it’s eating Tinies here that’s illegal. Who are you?”
“Who’s near me ear!?” The mare asked, a bit nervous.
“Just some tiny… kinda looks like a witch of some sort. Who are you, I’m sorry for my partner interrupting.
“The name is Lavina. And I am a witch.” She answered, standing up from her spot.
“... I think she’s what Princess Luna’s looking for.” The stallion pulled out a jar. “Listen, Lavina, Princess Luna requires your service for something big.”
“Oh? The princess of this world want to see little old me?” She said smiling with a blush on her cheeks. “Well, I would be more than happy to accompany you, but I'm afraid that I have a job here I must stick to.” She said, tossing the broom forward and the cleaning tool actually floating in mid air. She casually walked onto it, keeping her balance as she moved back enough to see the two. “I was publicly hired to help guide and protect any tinies who have to go out of the line. They seem rather scared of you ponies, and I don't want them to get more scared of I go missing.”
“Wh-what!?” The mare yelled, surprised at the sight before shaking her head. “Oh no, this is Princess Luna! THE Princess of the Night herself! Surely, you want to do something more important than this!”
“Are you saying that guiding and protecting my own species isn't important?” She asked, her once happy attitude now being of one of annoyance and slight anger. “And if she isn't the princess of the night, she should know that night is related to fear, and I think she would know that her citizens are more important than whatever she needs me for.”
“What you do is nice and all, but Princess Luna needs you for something she-”
“Oh forget it.” The Stallion spoke, capturing Lavina in the jar before turning to everyone else. “Sorry, but this is royale business. We apologize if you’re afraid, but this is much more important in the long run.”
“Vera Gurasare!” They heard the girl shout, and in a flash of orange light, she was out of the jar and on her broom with an angry look on her face. “You dare try to kidnap me! You are no better than those snatchers.” She shouted angrily, not wanting these two to get away as easily as the other ponies who tried to catch her.
“N-No! It’s not like that!” The mare spoke with a nervous chuckle. “I wanted us to go safely, but he-.”
“Hey! Listen!” The stallion spoke, his horn glowing. “You’re going to meet with Princess Luna! We can either do this the easy way or the hard way!”
“You already made it hard on yourself when you used that jar to catch me like some bug!” She retorted angrily, her wand already glowing, ready for any spell she might conjure. His horn glowed as he fired a spell at her. Quick to do so, she summoned a magic shield and the beam bounced off of it. The spell was fired into the sky, not hitting anyone or anything, but a few clouds. He growled as he fired multiple beams of magic at her.
Riding her broom, she was able to dodge the shots, but was unable to fire any of her own. Deciding to go a little off the charts, she casted a spell that she heard of someplace else. “Petrificus Totalus!” She shouted, before the magic went right towards the stallion, and next thing he knew, he couldn’t move at all. He could look around and still speak, but anything else he tried wouldn’t happen.
“Hey! What the-!?”
“Great! See what you did!” His partner spoke, picking him up with her back before turning to the witch. “I am so sorry! I just wanted you to come with us to see Princess Luna… it seems we’ve failed her… again…” she let out a heavy sight and walked away with her petrified partner.
“How long does this spell last!?”
“Until someone else casts the counter spell. So enjoy your time being paralyzed!” She shouted angrily at him, huffing as she felt that whoever this Princess Luna was, she clearly had no respect for tinies and their choices against her.
Luna let out a heavy sigh as she saw her guards returning, each failed in retrieving their tiny. The one sent to her old castle, both looked spooked beyond belief, looking very pale. The ones sent to Las Pegasus had some burn marks on them, with a few singed fur. Finally, the ones to Vanhoover… the stallion stood like a statue while his partner had her head down, very disappointed looking in herself.
“It was just a simple job.” Luna groaned. “Just find them, get them to come over here, and I’ll handle the rest! But nope! I sent over some cowards, some ponies who can’t take a hit, and a team that can’t even think straight!” She laid down on her throne. “It’s like mother used to say. If you want something done right, you’ve got to to it yourself…” Her eyes widened and she bounced off of her seat. “Do it yourself!?... Well, I can only disappoint myself. Somepony, get me my coffee! I’ve got to get myself some recruits.”
“Uh… I’m still paralyzed.” The stallion sent to Vanhoover spoke. Luna rolled her eyes and casted a spell, making him free.
“Somepony get my Star Bucks. ‘Tis will be a long night for me.”
It didn't take Luna long enough to find the remains of what was her and Celestia’s old home. Old memories crept into her mind, good and bad, but, it was all in the past, and some of them she would rather not relive. She felt how cold it was as soon as she entered her old home, seeing how time had taken it's toll on the once mighty home of the sisters, now rubble and/or covered in webs.
Perma noticed the pony when she came in, noticing a much regal look on her with the crown, her body structure, and that she had both wings and a horn. ‘Must be this Princess Luna those guards were talking about.’ She thought, phasing through the ceiling of the room to look at her.
“Hello? Spirit?” Luna announced, walking in. “I am Princess Luna, and I seek an audience with thee on a matter most important to everypony, and every human. Show yourself; you have nothing to fear.”
Perma didn't move any closer, not trusting this mare as her assumption of her being a collector of unique humans still lingers in her mind.
“... You should know that this was my old home.” Luna spoke, walking to a vase. “My memory may be rusty, but I used to do this when I felt spirit were attacking me.” She pulled the vase, which was actually a lever, and the place shook, with all the walls and ceilings spinning rapidly with what looked like a force field around them. The field tossed Perma, a bit rough, surprisingly, to the floor below, landing in front of the princess. “Ah. There you are. I apologize, but this is urgent, and I don’t want us to waste any more time than we have to.”
Her face was planted right on the floor, wondering why she was feeling pain when she was dead. She sat up as the first thing she saw was her reflection on the alicorn’s boots. She fixed her hair a little using the reflecting shoe, then stopped once she realized she was in front of the princess. Quick to back away as she didn’t want to be an easy catch for her. “What do you want from me? If one of them is being an additional part to your collection, then I’m out!”
“Collection? … Oh no, I have no interest in any collection. I am only interested in requiring yours, and a couple of others, talents, to aid your kind in these dark times. Besides, the only thing I am interested in collecting is bits for my bit collection.”
When she thought about her words, she only saw them as trick words to actually help her in whatever way she wanted like some slave. As for the ‘bit’ part, that just might be another nickname they gave to the humans stuck here. “Sorry, but I said I wasn’t interested.”
“So you’re not interested in helping other people find a way to safety, so they won’t die as you’ve had? Are you truly a selfish spirit that loves to torment everyone who enters your domain? I should've known such an action would come from a poltergeist.”
“Hey! Don’t call me selfish when your own kind is the one who’s making this whole world a problem! For a princess, you’re not doing a good job in keeping your own kind in line!” She shouted angrily, knowing that she was killed by her own kind all cause of some dumb magic that made the population plummet, and let everyone decide that money didn’t matter, and only their lives. ‘Besides, it’s not like their life is in any real stake.’
“I am doing the best I can to keep my subjects in line, and it’s not my kind that’s making it worse. There are fates worse than death. You can be one of the many that will help me change the world for the betterment of Equestria.”
“And why would I care for a world that isn’t even mine?” She coldly asked. “A world where my kind has to flee for their life, get mistreated, and can’t do anything about it.”
“Well, don’t you want to do something about it? Alone, you’re already strong, but together with others, you will all be a force to be reckoned with.”
“Why would I want to be stronger? I don’t need anything to live, I’m just a soul stuck in this world. Probably never gonna go to heaven or even the afterlife.” She crossed her arms, feeling a little depressed now that she said it out loud. Luna’s eyebrows just lowered as she let out a huff.
“Look, I’m just trying to do something nice for everyone, because I can’t be everywhere at the same time. I can tell you’re not bound to my old home, and you have questions about how you’re here. I can help you in those areas as long as you can help me. Can you join me, please? I want to make this easier than it already is, and I’m pretty sure some shady business is going down with some kids around your age being sold to some shady subject of mine.”
“Yeah right. The only people who know about me is my family, and I don’t recall hearing of any of my family members vanishing before I did. They could still be on earth… or they could be dead.” She said, the last part sounding more dark. “And unless you can bring all of humanity back home, then I highly doubt you have a special case for ghosts.” Luna face hoofed herself.
“I can help you find your family if I need to, now please, just join me.”
She stayed quiet as she still had her eyes closed and head turned away from her. “How do you think you’ll find my family if you have all those kids still in your chamber?” She asked with a smirk, being told about the princess and how she was also trying to find the children she rescued their family.
“I look in their dreams and send some of my guards out to find them. With you, I’m a fair drawer, so I might be able to help you find your family in their dreams and see if they match your description. Now can you PLEASE join me?”
“Uhh, are you dumb? Ghosts don’t need to eat drink or sleep, so why would I dream?” She said, making a fair point that ghost wouldn't need rest. Luna just rolled her eyes and pulled out a jar.
“Just join me, ok? We can have a game of 20 Questions later when you’re with your team.” ‘Starting to think Pinkie’s “long Chapter-itus” is a real thing’.
“I already said no! No go and swim in your riches or something!” She snapped, in her anger she showed one of the more ferocious faces as she just wanted this mare to leave her alone. Luna did not even flinch. Darkness seemed to surround the area with Luna being the only source of light, but she seemed to grow in size and change into a more menacing.
“Thouest believes that thy’s horror is better than the Princess of the Nights!? The one who turned into the monster known as Nightmare Moon!? Where Children of all ages cower and disguise to avoid thy’s hunger for flesh!? You know nothing of true horror, spirit!!!” Her coat was now black with her irises looking like that of a cat’s with more battle looking armor, and having sharp teeth, similar to a shark’s. She was much taller, almost touching the ceiling and looked down with her piercing eyes. It was followed by her letting out a deafening roar that would make Perma even paler, if it was even possible. “DO YOU WISH NOW TO TOY WITH THEE!? I’VE DEALT WITH SPIRITS MORE POWERFUL AND DANGEROUS THAN YOU!!! I AM OFFERING YOU THIS ONE CHANCE: JOIN ME, OR PERISH!!!” Her horn glowed brightly with the same force looking thing that was on the doors that knocked Perma down to Luna in the first place.
Just as told earlier Perma went paler than usual for a ghost. At first, the eyes and fangs were nothing, but seeing how the mare literally grew in size, and was even able to roar like no other wild animal she’s heard before, that seemed to put her in line… and also made her pass out in fear. Luna quickly turned back to her normal self.
“Huh… didn’t think that would happen.” She said to herself, using her magic and putting Perma in her jar. “Relax, spirit. You’ll be free before you know it. Now, for the other two, and hopefully, it’ll be faster.”
The sounds of Las Pegasus’s games went aloud as Luna walked around in her disguise; a simple cloak with some sunglasses, and a fake beard.
Of course, it wasn’t hard to find the second target as it seemed whatever she was doing was drawing a crowd. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE CAN’T HAVE IT!?!?” A female voice shouted, but it sounded a little off, it sounded more… robotic.
“I’m sorry miss, but I saw you break another of the games to give that kid enough tickets for it.” The stallion on the stand explained.
“There are no rules or laws saying we have to get it a specific way. Tickets are tickets!” She shouted back, even pulling the stallion’s uniform top closer to that their heads could be touching. “Now you better get that kid his toy, or the game won’t be the only thing that’s broken.” She threatened, eyes glowing red.
That seemed to be enough as the stallion took the tickets and gave the kid was looked like a giant water gun.
“Thanks, Missy!” The colt spoke with a slight lisp before trotting away happily. Luna approached to the tiny, sitting next to her.
“Hmm… I saw what you did there.” She spoke. “You love to help kids with their immediate problems? Quite admirable, I might say… for a robot.”
“Yeah, and what it to ya?” She asked, cracking her knuckles as she figured that awhile ago. “Being a robot means I don’t need to worry about myself.”
“Yes. But wouldn’t you want to do something more than right now? Helping foals getting a toy with tickets seem to be low compared to what you can do.”
“Doesn’t matter how high or low my actions mean to someone.” She mumbled, crossing her arms.
“I mean you can be helping more than just getting them some tickets they want. You can help people who really do need help, who are in trouble, maybe enslaved as well.”
“I know what you are asking me for, Princess, but I have to decline.” She said, knowing full well who it was talking to her. “I honestly thought you would use a simple illusion spell, not play dress up in public.”
“Well, I didn’t had enough time to make a proper disguise, and the illusion spell is mostly for show. But enough of that, you should know why I’m here… though, assuming from the last one, you’re going to assume I’m doing something less than good and think I’m some sort of monster now, am I right?”
“Incorrect.” She simply answered. “There is no reason for me to be here, just as there is no reason to recruit me in your little special team. Nothing will change, just like nothing changed when you made one of your soldiers switch her body with your alter ego, Nightmare Moon.” She answered, it being clear that she knew more than a normal tiny.
“A lot has changed. I’ve seen it. Been a part of it. I want to make it better, for all of us, and I’m certain you’ll be great for this team. Your strength and tools already stick out… literally.”
“A lot is different about me, but to everyone else, I am still a ‘tiny’ as you call us humans now. To be honest, it’s the least creative name for us.” She uncrossed her arms. “But I can also tell that you are too stubborn for words to make you leave.”
“I can agree to that. A vice of mine, but in this case, it’s a strength. And I agree, it’s not the most creative of names, but it seems it’s like that ever since the tasting, something you don’t need to worry about. Your looks are perfect; unsuspecting, and a great surprise to anyone thinking you’re easy prey. I will say this; Join me, or this here will get messy.”
“Messy you say?” She smirked. “Are you sure you want to do that?”
“I might be a princess, but I know how to fight. And I don’t want this to get messy, for both of us.”
“Alright but I just want to make things clear. You would do anything for your subjects right?” She asked, knowing what just to do to end it before it even began.
“I am doing this for my subjects, so anything that will help all.”
Tinker couldn’t help but chuckle, it sounding weird in her robot voice, but was quick to start shooting. But not at Luna, more at her disguise, it breaking apart and showing herself in all her royal glory. “Look everypony! It’s Princess Luna!” She was quick to shout, drawing anyone near their attention.
“Help! A tiny’s attacking me!!” Luna yelled back, throwing herself on purpose, over the counter.
Everyone just stood silent as they weren’t sure to take Luna seriously. “Uhh, what tiny?” If Luna was to look now, she would see that Tinker was nowhere to me seen.
“Great! Can I get a glass of water?”
“Y-yes, your majesty!” An attendant spoke, giving Luna a clean glass of water. Luna took the glass and used a spell, seeing Tinker’s footprints, and began to follow.
While Tinker was running, she was having a mental debate in her mind, wondering why she refused, why she ran away, and why she didn’t care about anyone else that much. Once she found the doorway to the tiny part of the building, she went through and stopped, re-charging her stamina as the thoughts still lingered. But once she closed her eyes to think deeply, the image of that pink earth pony flashed in her head, making her jump in surprise. ‘That’s right. I think I have this thing called… fear? But what of? That mare? What she did? Or maybe the chance of ending up where I found myself, locked up in a cage, confused, lost, and having no memory of what happened.’ She talked to herself, still feeling something bad within herself. That’s when Luna walked next to the section, still having the glass of water.
“Look, I’d rather have this over now than later,” she spoke. “But just come with me. There are others who need help, and this is probably the best way to do it.” She knocked on the wall, over the doorway. “I can wait here all night, you know. And all day if I have to. Just come out before I have to obligate and smash the wall.”
“I… I can’t, no, I won’t go. I know what you want me for, and I don’t want to be a part of it. Why can’t you be like your sister and wait for people to volunteer to help? I don’t care how special you think I am, I’m not going to do anything relating to those snatchers.” She huddled close to herself, hugging herself as she began to tear up, but instead of it being clear like water, it was black like ink.
“My sister took her sweet time recruiting your kind. And yes, I took mine as well, but that's only to locate you and a few others. But this is to STOP the snatchers by any means necessary. Surely, you know what it's like to be a slave.”
Her eyes snapped open when she said that, of course never knowing about this mare until she escaped Suri, but unless she knew about her in her forgotten past, then how did she end up where she was. “You don’t know anything about me...” She mumbled.
“Well, judging by that tone, you had an unfortunate experience. Bought by some rich pony? Bundled with other people? Threatened by the act of being eaten if you do anything wrong and/or upsets her? Escaped with your new talents? Want to avoid being in a cage and help everyone out? I’m all for that. Nothing’s wrong with it, but you need a plan for that, and I can help you make a plan that will help others in your old situation… maybe you can redeem yourself with the people you may have left behind?”
“I don’t need to redeem myself for anybody. If they had the chance like I did, they wouldn’t look back.” She said, knowing that some people were able to escape, but they never returned. Whether they really escaped or just got captured by someone else, she knew that they didn’t care about anyone else but themselves.
“I doubt any of them had built in rocket boots.”
“They aren’t boots but you know what I mean!” She shouted angrily, knowing that she wasn’t dumb enough to get what she meant by that.
“And I doubt Suri’s going to stop from finding what she thinks is properly hers and will just snack on everyone as the literal working machine does everything once she's found“
“If you know who it is than why aren’t you stopping that b*tch!?” She shouted angrily, slamming a fist on the wall and making it crack on both sides.
“I won't. You will. And everyone will see you as the hero you're meant to be.”
“I already told you, I’m not interested.” She said, not moving from her spot. “I should’ve known some prissy princess wouldn’t do any manual labor. You just want me to do your dirty work, just like Suri!”
“And you're going to keep running away like a coward, hoping Suri doesn't find you?”
“She won’t find me! I won’t let her.” She clenched her teeth at the idea of being caught by her once again.
“Are you sure? With news of what you’re doing, I think she’s going to figure out quite soon and be on your trail.”
“It doesn’t matter. She can look all she wants, but I’ll never come back to her.” She said coldly, knowing that if she does come and find her, she could always just fly off someplace else.
“Hmm… I probably am wasting my time with some nuts & bolts that wants to exterminate all life instead of seeing the bigger picture.” She began to walk away. “I doubt this is what your creators had in mind. They would be very disappointed to see their creation run away from her problems instead of standing up to them.”
“Hey!” She was quick to shout and come through the door in anger. “I don’t care who the heck my creator is, but I won’t be accused of being a chicken!” She added, her ‘heroic’ deeds in Las Pegasus probably messing with her circuits and increasing her bravery and ego.
“Then surely you're brave enough to take on Suri, let alone, me. Or do your circuits break when Suri is mentioned?”
She flinched at that accusation, glancing away as her silence was a good enough answer.
“... You're not worth it. I need the best. I don't need cowards.”
That seemed to be the trigger word as her eyes glowed red in anger. “I AM NOT A COWARD!!!” She screamed, the rush of energy making her lose her control, running outside and did what she did to those two guards, showing and launching missiles as it seemed she had a short temper that was also ‘explosive’. Luna only stared down at her, sipping from her cup of water.
“Then you should've joined. And sorry, both for my words, and what I’m going to do.” She tossed her water onto the robot. The water landed on her exposed circuitry, and to Tinker's eyes, everything began to go haywire, with everything blurred, lagging, and what looks like photos of her creation, the people who made her, landing in Equestria, and her time with Suri, all the way to right now, before everything went black. Luna just watched as Tinker fell like a small statue, or an action figure, with everything going back inside her. She approached the robot, looking at the blank circles that were her eyes.
“I don't know if you can hear me, but despite what you think you know, I know more things about you than you do. But, you're safe now. Consider this as punishment.” She lifted the somewhat heavier than looking robot and put her in a steel box. “Just one more to go. Hopefully, she will listen and not be a problem.”
Lavina showed a small smile as the father of two kids was shaking her hand vigorously. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! If you didn’t save them, they would be in those bully colts’ guts.” The man thanked her, even close to shedding happy tears.
“I-it’s no problem. Really. I’m just doing my job as the tiny village’s guardian.” She smiled bigger, the title being given to her by the citizens as well. “Just let them know to keep an eye on their surroundings next time.”
“I will, I will. I just wish I can offer you something.” The father said, getting an idea as soon as he said it. “H-how about you come over for dinner?”
“Thank you, but I think I have to pass. You never know when a snatcher might come, or those other ponies who don’t listen to the law about the safe haven.” She declined the offer.
Seeing that his first offer wouldn’t go through, he instead left the front door, only to come back with a small basket. “Well, at least take some of my wife’s cookies. We won’t mind at all.”
Lavina couldn’t decline that as the basket was already in her hands. “W-well, thank you. I’ll enjoy every bite.” She smiled, to which the father smiled as well and gave her a loving farewell before he closed the door and Lavina was by herself.
Taking the basket with her, she flew up to one of the rooftops of the tiny village, relaxing as she took a cookie and tried it, it being soft and sweet, just how she liked them.
“Hmm… chocolate chip?” A voice asked.
“Yeah, what else could it be-” She stopped as she realized she was not alone, quick to look around to see who was there. Much to her surprise, almost a few feet away from her, sitting down, was Princess Luna herself.
“I apologize for the intrusion, but I have no idea where you live… if you even live here, that is.” She shuffled where she sat, which was one of the homes. “I have to say, I never thought a cage would make such a great house, or a comfortable seat. But I am not here to judge the structure of these homes.”
She was quick to back away from the princess, already taking her wand out to get ready to either attack or defend. “What are you doing here, princess? Shouldn’t you be cutting ribbons and kissing babies?”
“That’s more of Celestia’s forte. I’m more of the direct approach type of mare who’s not afraid to do what’s needed, but, not mindlessly. I’ve been on the lookout for unique people, and you’re one of them, Lavina. You probably know why, even if you’re not… well, experienced.”
“Not experienced? I’m the only human here who can do magic, don’t call me inexperienced while also saying I’m unique.” She said, not liking how she was dissing the one thing she loved the most: magic.
“I’m not trying to offend you, not at all. You are new to this, and you may need someone to help teach you the ways of sorcery. Lucky you, I have both the good, and bad, experience to share with you, and I pray you don't follow the latter.”
“Why not? There’s no such thing as good or bad magic, only magic users.” She said, it being wise words from such a small girl. “And even so, bad experiences will make you grow stronger, right?”
“Yes, indeed, but many spells have side effects. Most are seen immediately, but others are subtle. A great many, myself included, have fallen under the influence of these spells. Wouldn't you like to learn A few of these spells under my wing instead of being a bodyguard? I'm sure that, when all of this is over, you will be much more powerful, tenfold.”
Lavina’s eyes shined at the idea of being a super powerful witch, but she soon shook off the idea. “I… I’m thankful for the offer, but I can’t just simply leave these people. They see me as some sort of beacon of hope. And if I leave, who knows how badly they may take it.” She said, feeling that they’d be too scared to even leave the village without her.
“I rest assure you that, while they may be afraid, they're willing to let you go and let you become stronger than you are already. Did you not realize all the gifts you've received today by your peers?”
Lavina glanced down at the basket she had between her crossed legs. “I… of course. But what does that have to do with me abandoning them?”
“‘Tis is not abandoning them. Imagine, if you will, if any of princesses, myself if you want, were to become corrupt and your place was the stronghold for your kind. Would you even be strong enough to fend off one of us for even a minute, let alone, for many years?”
She was hesitant at first, even flinching before she gave an answer. “I believe that I can! And even if I can’t, I would give it my all so that everyone else can escape safely!” She said, standing up and facing her, a determined look on her face. Luna looked down at her, but smirked as her horn glowed.
“Do you wish to test that?”
She was quick to take out her wand as she didn’t move her eyes away from her. “Whether I want to or not, I will give it my all to protect everyone.” She glared, the basket left behind as the broom she flew in slipped under her feet.
“Please, I’m not going to hurt anyone. And I will take it easy on you.” Luna stood up and fired a simple spell at Lavina.
Without saying anything, she summoned a shield and made the spell bounced off of it. “Then if you have no reason to fight me, then I won’t fight you.” She said. “It’s a waste of magic and time.”
“You sure? Tell that to Nightmare Moon when I come to take you out.” Luna pounced onto the witch, letting out a small ‘Nyaa!’.
“Agh!” She shouted as she was quick to avoid the pouncing alicorn. “I said I won’t fight you, this is just assult to one of your citizens!”
“A citizen that could easily use their magic to make themselves a ruler? Yeah, another scenario for you; what if YOU became corrupt!? Then surely, the people would fear you more than the nappers. There's a delicate balance between being a benevolent ruler and a tyrant… if that's what you want to become.”
“You think I’m selfish enough to care more about my magic power than innocent people’s lives!? You know nothing about me, and I won’t give into you.” She said angrily, not liking how this princess was assuming the worst of her just cause she won’t do what she asks. “You should be the last person saying that over what you did. If Nightmare Moon made night last forever just to be appreciated, the whole ecosystem would go down, ponies would die of starvation. And what about your sister!? She’s a ruler just like you, yet she was smart enough to see that her ponies were more important than fame or appreciation! That’s why everyone knows her… and why everyone forgot about you.”
The words broke whatever was holding her back. “Thouest hath taken it too far.” Her horn charged up and she blasted a beam of pure energy, illuminating the night, almost as bright as the sun itself. It approached Lavina at near blinding speed, with pure, unrivaled power felt hurling towards the small witch.
She tried to fly to avoid it, and even made another shield to protect herself, but the power was too strong and she was blasted off of her broom, falling to the floor as some tinies saw what was happening and ran into their homes out of fear for the lunar princess. Lavina slowly got up with some strain, some of her clothes being covered in black soot. She grabbed her wand, but strapped in on to her side. “You’re only proving that my words are right… now every tiny here sees you as a big bully… a ruthless ruler… a monster.” She spoke through heavy breaths.
“And to show how weak you are IF any of us were to be corrupted. Just imagine how they would react If it wasn't me, but a Unicorn Snatcher, a demon, or another magic user as yourself. And nopony, I repeat, NOPONY, calls me forgettable.”
“You can say that I’m weak over and over again, but the truth is that I won’t be listening.” She said, once more taking her wand out. “And I don’t care if my opponent is stronger than me, I don’t even care if I die cause of this. All that matters is that I tried. And you can never know how things will end.” She lifted her wand up, pointing it right at Luna. “Diphulaniado.” In that one chant, a magic orb that was bigger than the princess’ head came out of the wand and shot right for her head. All she did was cast a spell and absorbed the spell.
“Magic lesson 101. Never announce what spell you're doing; your magic based opponent will know what you're doing and have time to react. You need to catch them off guard. For example.” Her horn glowed and everything began to fade away, being replaced by stars. “Did you honestly think all of this was real?”