//------------------------------// // The Lunar Sisters: New Members // Story: Tales from Tinies. // by MrAquino //------------------------------// A month had passed since they realized what was behind the human village disappearances. During this time, Victor was taken into Canterlot’s castle, placed under medication and working with the staff to calm him down, Luna made notes on what was behind these disappearances, and the trio trained in the pocket dimension Luna made for them… well, ⅔ trained. Tinker and Lavina always seemed to duel with each other, and Perma was there to make sure they both didn’t seriously injure each other. Usually, Perma would possess the other to get them to stop, even though it didn’t last long and, for both parties, it felt weird and uncomfortable. When it happened, Luna would enter in her human body and have all three focus on her, even though Luna would win those rounds and not be focused, rather, thinking more their situation. Today though, it was really intense, so intense that Perma needed Luna for this. When the human-formed alicorn came into the pocket dimension, she saw the two were staring down at one another, breathing heavily, yet not a scratch or dent on either of them. “So I’ve seen you’ve gotten stronger, but this is one challenge you won’t defeat me in! This is my second greatest strength, next to magic.” Lavina said, being a little dramatic, but also intense. “I am grateful for your compliment, but that won’t be enough ‘till I defeat you.” Tinker replied, the change in her speaking habit being better, but could still hear the robot part of her voice. “And what are you both going to do?” Luna asked, crossing her arms. Perma was quick to cheer on one of the two. “Go Tinker!” “Either way,I hope you brought some ice, cause your about to get burned.” She started, fixing her shirt as if she was preparing herself. “Ha! Who needs burns when I'm already on fire?” She made a comeback, to which Perma couldn’t help but ‘Ooooh’ to that response. “Is this normal?” Luna asked. “Because those puns… I swear, you’re spending more time with Celestia.” “Perma! Topic!” Lavina shouted, ignoring the princess as they were still going with this. “Chipotle!” She shouted, to which the topic flew right over the princess’ head. Tinker was the first to come up with one. “I want to go to Chipotle Beach so we can bury-toes in the sand.” She said, saying the two words like the food ‘burritos’. “I heard the creator of Chipotle died recently, and his final request was to be sour cream-ated.” Lavina responded with a smile, to which Perma couldn’t help but giggle at that pun. “Yeah, I don’t want to taco ‘bout it.” Tinker shook her head. “Candy!” Perma shouted, changing the topic. “Do you know what you do when you find a lucky coin in a candy shop? You make a licor-wish.” Lavina’s smile grew as she knew that was a good one. “Wow, that was pretty good.” Luna had to compliment the witch’s skill. “... I think?” “Thank you. I come up with them Now and Later.” “Double pun!” Perma shouted, to which it actually looked like Tinker got hit with a double punch, stepping back in pain. “Dang it! You’re Candy Crushing me!” Tinker shouted. She stood back up as she had a new one up her sleeve. “Have you heard that they are cutting down everything from the Swedish Fish candy? Now it just Swed-ish Fish.” She lightly shrugged while Perma slapped her leg and kept her mouth shut to keep her from giggling at that bad pun. Of course, Luna could only take enough puns from her sister, but seeing two people go at it instead of actual training? She was already done with the two. Literally knocking some sense into them, she cut the battle short and it ended in a draw. “Alright, as good as it is to get along with each other, we need to focus. Did you catch up on your studies of Equestrian history and magic spells? Or at least truly sparred with each other that did NOT involve puns?” No answers. Luna face palmed himself with a groan. “Just… no, Celestia told me something and would like you to see. Knowing her, it's probably a cake, so… enjoy while I rest.” The pocket dimension they were in faded away, leaving them back in the room they gathered in Canterlot castle. However, they were not alone, as three other people were in the room with them. Immediately, they saw that on the left was a really tall, near skeleton looking man with pale, yet blooodshot looking eyes. To the right was a humanoid, clay looking monster with some rocks in there, varying in size, but made what could be features like a face with a chest. In between both was only fairly normal looking person, even though he wore a hoodie, covering his face. The middle figure applauded at them. “Well, well, well,” he spoke in a sarcastic tone. “Seems your training is really paying off. I bet those Changelings will run in fear by your puns.” “Oh it was nothing. By the time we’re finished, we’ll be the next big buzz in their kingdom.” Lavina smirked, also having bug-like jokes up her sleeve. “... For a bunch of special people, they're quite oblivious to us.” The living skeleton commented. “Probably because one is dead like you and the other's a robot.” The clay-rock monster replied. “There is nothing wrong with having fun, but I guess whatever brought you two to life clearly forgot to put in a sense of humor.” Perma commented, crossing her arms. “Besides, without fun, everyone would be stressing out over everything, and stress is something not needed in the battlefield.” “Oh, we know a thing or two about fun.” The middle figure spoke, walking towards them. “We have the occasional jokes, games, and tomfoolery. But there's one thing we LOVE to do with new people we meet and are special like us. Want to make a guess what that is?” “Is it looking creepy? Cause you three are really good at doing that.” Lavina took a wild guess, but knew that it wasn’t the answer. He took his hoodie off, revealing to be a cloak and that he had long, wavy hair, longer eyelashes than expected, and his hands had black, claw-like nails. “It's making people kneel.” His right hand glowed a pale blue, which blasted Lavina across the floor, though she slid back to her feet. “Deal with the others. I’m gonna show this gal a magical time.” “Oh come on, that didn’t even spark a small giggle.” Lavina shot back, taking her wand out it glowing orange already as she was prepping herself to cast a spell. Both of his hands glowed orange as fire surrounded them. “Oh yeah? If you can't handle this, then you should stay out of heat of battle!” He pressed his hands together, releasing a flamethrower that took on the shape of a dragon. Perma and Tinker were charged by the other two, with Tinker dealing with the clay-rock monster, and Perma with the skeleton. Tinker's shoulders opened for her missile launchers and she blasted at her opponent, only for some rocks to be fired at the missiles, making them lose their aim and explode somewhere else. The missiles that did hit, however, did not explode, but stick into its clay form, which was turned around and fire back, hitting Tinker. Perma, for a lack of better words, was grabbed by the skeleton, and she couldn't phase through him. “W-what the-!?” Perma gasped. “How am I-!?” “You thought I was a zombie?” The skeleton asked. “Wrong! I’m worse than a zombie! I’m a goddamn Revenant! A ghost like you!” “Ehh, looks like you got the wrong side of the stick.” Perma commented, feeling a little grossed out by how he looked now up close and personal. “Like I haven't heard that before.” He grabbed her in a half Nelson. “How's that robot going for you!?” An explosion came with Tinker flying across the room, legs blown right off. The clay monster looked down at her. “Seems her oh so intelligent programming failed her.” He spoke. “Guess as usual, nature prevails over technology.” Tinker growled at that, still not giving up even after she had her legs blown off. But while she was fighting, she just had to wonder, why did Celestia let these three in if they were only going to fight them? Was it some kind of test? A prank? Or worst scenario, they fooled Celestia into trusting them… or if Celestia isn’t who she says she is, recalling the human changeling hybrids copying other humans. Lavina was knocked to the floor before being binded up by some conjured ropes. The man grabbed her by her hair. “See what just happened?” He asked. “After all that hard training, you're no match for all of us! Now… kneel before your master.” The only response that he got was a spit shot right on his cheek. “I’d rather die.” She only said, still staying strong even in her weakest moment. “Good. I love to hear them scream.” His right hand formed into a sharp pin, and he began to slowly insert it into the back of her neck. The Revenant began to choke Perma, and the clay monster began to crush Tinker's head in. Everything went dark for all of them, until the door opened and Celestia entered. “Sorry about the wait,” She spoke. “I had to see some last- WHAT THE HAY IS GOING ON!?!?!?” What she saw could only be described as a small battlefield; burn marks, blood stains, and she could see that one of the women were missing their legs. Tinker was already gone, eyes dimmed down in a dark gray, it being as lifeless as her body. Perma didn’t look hurt, but seeing the pain in her eyes and face, it was proof enough. And finally, Lavina couldn’t even speak, trying to cough up blood, but it making it worse as her movements made the pin move and go deeper. “Is there something wrong?” A voice broke. Walking from behind Celestia were two other women. Lindsey, in a kinda ugly looking one piece suit, and Tania wearing a collar around her neck. “... Oh shit. We’re caught.” The skeleton spoke. “You think I’m scared of a cake eater like Celestia!?” The man asked, taking the pin away from Lavina's neck, to which the girl fell limp onto the floor, more of the floor being stained with blood. “Well, now you will be.” Celestia spoke in her grand voice. “Seems this demonstration will be done on all you three. Lindsey, if you please.” “Oh, with pleasure.” Lindsey cracked her knuckles and walked to them. “Roco, handle this idiot!” The man shouted. “Of course.” The clay monster walked to Lindsey, making a fist with his clay and rocks. “Better give up. I don't want to-” Lindsey delivered a punch that made him fly across the room and crash into the wall, leaving a hole. “Oh yeah!” She cheered. “Starting to feel like the old days now, only better!” Everyone around had wide open eyes and open mouths. “What… was that?” The man asked before shaking his head. “No, go kick her ass!” The skeleton groaned, releasing Perma and charged at Lindsey. “Tania.” Celestia simply said. The other woman ran up to the skeleton, jumped over him, and let out a loud piercing screech, making him cover where his ears should be. Tania kickflipped him into the air before letting out a powerful scream that made him crash into the floor by the sheer force, his screaming muffled with him unable to move, and Tania stomping on his chest. The Revenant wheezed, out of breath, and his ears still ringing. “What… what is this!?” The man asked. “New members for this team. Lindsey and Tania. Seems I made the right call when I suspected Luna needed some extra help for her team.” “... Oh yeah!? You're still a cake eating fatass! And these two women are just lucky!” He charged his hands with some ice. “The common enemy of fire is ice, and it's time to douse your flames!” “Oh really? Care to show him your secret, Lindsey?” “Oh yes!” The strong woman answered with enthusiasm. “Heh, what's she gonna do!?” He mockingly asked. “Punch me!? I’m prepared for anything she-” In a flash, Lindsey became her giant self, looking down at him. “... Can… throw…” “Heh, can't handle big girls now, can you, pipsqueak?” “Giant…woman.” Perma was able to cough out as she was also laying on the floor, too weak to get up, but eyes shining in amazement as she never seen a giant human… or a ‘normal sized’ human. Lindsey picked the small man up with her right thumb and index finger by his leg. “D’aww, you look so cute like this.” She teased. “I wonder if you taste good.” “Alright, enough with the teasing.” Celestia spoke before sniffing the air. “Hold on… i smell dark magic… powerful dark magic.” Lavina was fighting to stay awake, but she could also sense something dark and chilling in the room… or more specifically, around one of the three strangers that suddenly attacked them. But another thought came up. ‘How… did they know we were making puns... in the pocket dimension? I thought only Luna... could come in and out.’ She thought. Perma, after shaking herself, floated to Tinker, as Tania rushed to Lavina's side. “First aid kit!” She shouted, sounding like Morgan Freeman. “I need a first aid kit here!” She turned to Lavina. “Relax, don't struggle. Let the voice of Morgan Freeman soothe you.” ‘It’s creeping me out more since it’s coming out of a woman’s mouth...’ She thought, able to give a look that the voice was obviously not working for her. “Well, did you want the Arnold Schwarzenegger voice?” The doors burst open as Luna entered in her human form. “No-no-no-no!” She shouted, running to Tinker’s side, getting some wires and connecting them to both the robot girl and an enchanted gem that was on the princess’s back. A surge of electricity made Tinker ‘wake up’ with a stucked up hairstyle. “I seem to be missing some limbs. Care to give me the location?” She asked, her robot persona keeping her from really freaking out. “We’ll deal with that later. Lavina’s dying!” A loud beeping noise came out of Tinker, making the robot girl’s eyes glow green before she literally flew over to Lavina. “I will need some space. Leave us be.” “Whatever you say, robot.” Tania replied, getting up and leaving them alone. Tinker's arms formed into different medical supplies and went to work. Luna froze. “That feel…” She said. “Dark magic… fear… a tantibus.” “A what?” Perma asked. “Quickly! Knock him out!” The man struggled in Lindsey’s hand, desperately trying to free himself. “Nighty night.” Lindsey said before flicking at his head with her free hand, knocking him out. She shrunk back to her small size, placing their unconscious man on the ground. Luna walked over and placed both of her hands on his head. “... As I suspected. He’s been consumed by a creature called a Tantibus; a creature that lives in the dream world and feasts on anyone's fears by subjecting them to nightmares.” “So… we’re dealing with Freddy Krueger?” “No. Not entirely. I’ve… used a Tantibus before, as a form of punishment to myself for trying to take over Equestria as Nightmare Moon. It seems his Tantibus has gotten strong and has indoctrinated him.” “Indoctrinated?” Perma asked. “He thinks he's free, but he's actually controlled by the Tantibus.” “And those other guys?” Tania asked. “Hmm… the Revenant. There's some dark magic, Necromancy to be exact, but being undead, he can't sleep, nor dream. And the other… a golem… nature magic, nothing too dark there. It seems our guy here is the only one affected. They most likely followed him out of fear.” ‘Man, and I thought I wouldn’t have to worry about pain anymore.’ Perma thought, the feeling being so strange, yet familiar. “But I guess they won’t go anywhere without their ‘owner’.” She said, knowing only one person in the trio could even use magic. “Yes, it sounds like that… unless…” She turned to Tinker. “Will Lavina be ready by tonight?” “... She will need some rest.” “Good. Her rest will be important. And… uh… sister… why’s Lindsey and Tania here?” “They're here to join your team, sister.” Celestia answered. “... I… how do they-?” “Tania can let out loud screeches upon will, but needs to clear her voice if she screams for too long, and Lindsey can grow & shrink upon will, with her small self being faster and stronger than every human. They saved your team.” “... Uh… well, thank you. I believe they can help Lavina in this task.” Night time had arrived to Equestria. Perma and Tinker were delivered back to their room; the ghost girl had a home that was modeled to be like an abandoned mansion, with real cobwebs and dirt added for the flair, with the robot girl having a laboratory that had spare parts around for her, and makeshift computers that were powered by some captured Twittermites, allowing Tinker to plug in. While the girl was plugged in, she was preparing herself while Lavina was resting on a hospital bed that one of the princesses brought to let the girl rest on while Tinker was healing her. But now everything was finished and she just had to wait. The procedure was long, having to make a more sterilized hole on Lavina’s neck so she could breath without the risk of choking on her own blood. But with the power of magic and science, that hole was patched up once Lavina was able to sanitized her other wounds, and to clear her throat from the remaining blood that could’ve literally drowned her. While Tinker was almost finished patching up one of her own legs, Perma came through the door, looking a little nervous as she saw that Lavina was still out cold. “H-how is she doing?” She had to ask. “Vital signs are normal, she just needs some time to rest and heal.” She answered, eyes glowing green for a moment before they turned back to normal. “O-oh… okay.” Perma mumbled, taking a seat on one of the working desk, the stuff cluttered on it phasing through her lap. It was silent among the two, but it didn’t take long for the same spirit to break it. “I… I’m so sorry.” “Pardon?” Tinker lifted her head up to look at the other girl. “What happened… I was so useless. I couldn’t do anything. A-all I could do was see you two fight to the fullest… while some zombie just wrapped his arms around me and made me unable to do anything.” Tinker could see white tears forming around her eyes, kind of questioning how a ghost could even cry. “I don’t know why Luna thought I could help… she should’ve known I wasn’t cut out for this after the first day.” One of her tears fell off and onto the floor, Tinker being able to identify it as ectoplasm. Tinker got up from her spot and hopped over to where the girl was, only having one leg fixed and not even starting to put on her other leg. “Perma. Don’t blame this all on you. None of us saw this coming, and I feel just as guilty. Seeing that clay man bring me down so fast, I was so close to self-destructing right then and there.” She ‘placed’ a hand on Perma’s shoulder, making the ghost girl look up at her. “And I have a feeling Lavina feels the same way. Honestly, if I wasn’t so badly damaged, I might just fly away out of shame of myself. So I feel just as bad trying my all, as much as you feel about not giving it your all.” Perma stayed quiet as she looked down once more, wanting to get back at that ghoul, but also feeling too scared to do so after what happened. “Thanks. I guess we would all feel the same way after going down like that… but I guess Pun Battles aren’t going to happen anymore.” “Well, we won’t do them as much, but I won’t stop battling that witch until I win.” Tinker said, a smirk on her face as she was determined to win at least one battle. The door opened and in came Lindsey. She looked at the place. “Hm… nice place you got, Tinky Winky.” She commented before leaning against one of the walls. “So… you’re a real robot and a ghost? I know it’s silly to ask now, since I was in the zone, but surely, you can’t really be what you are.” The two stayed quiet as they looked at each other, then back at Lindsey. “Do you not see the severed leg full of wires?” Tinker asked, showing her leg that was still broken off. “Or all these stuff phasing right through me?” Perma asked, pointing at the junk on the desk. “I kinda thought you’re like my friend Stacy and had Prosthetic legs.” Lindsey replied, pointing to Tinker before pointing to Perma. “And I’m kinda sure you’re under some crazy potion that makes you look or be a ghost for some time.” “I’ve been like this since I got here to pony land.” Perma said, highly doubting that was the real reason. “Prosthetic legs are not made of wires and gears. They are simply made for those who don’t have the remaining part of the leg after the knee joint.” She said, deciding to go back to work, the key on her back hitting Perma, but it going right through her as she went back to her ‘bed’, sitting down and pulling her broken leg out. “Hey, I’m sorry, it’s my first time being with an actual robot and ghost.” Lindsey apologized, getting up and walking to Lavina. “I can trust a witch being here, magic and whatnot, but a ghost and a robot… this sounds like a weird kids movie I may have watched when I was younger.” “This whole world seems like something made for little girls.” Perma mumbled, getting up from her spot and floating to where Lindsey was. “She hasn’t woken up yet.” She told her, referring to Lavina. “Yeah… sweet kid, from what I’ve heard. Strange how, despite being a witch, she was beaten by a wizard. Would’ve loved to see a magic duel.” “Well, she refuses to learn equestrian magic. She only knows spells from our world… even though they were made up in shows and movies.” Perma explained. “And there's only so many spells she can use.” “Hm… I bet that this wizard guy might be able to train her… assuming he’s actually a good guy when we get that Tantibus out of him. If not, I need someone to punch.” Perma stayed quiet as she looked at Lavina again. “I don’t think Lavina would want to learn from someone who almost killed her.” “Yeah… but who knows, they might become a couple.” Perma thought on the idea, a blue blush on her cheeks as she actually thought the two being together would be cute. “E-even so, I think Lavina would be too thick-headed to be anywhere near him.” “We shall see. As Tania was like with Blueblood, I ship it. … Oh, you haven’t met Tania, have you?” “No, not really. We were kind of… dying at the moment. Well, most of us.” Perma glanced away. “Well, is there anything I can do to help then? Maybe Tania can help as well.” “Not really, we’re just waiting for Lavina to wake up.” Perma mumbled. “That won't be necessary.” Luna spoke, opening the roof with her hoof. “Sorry, I had the Revenant and Golem locked up in their own room as we get the Tantibus out of this… wizard, I believe.” “What do you mean by that?” Perma asked, wondering why they wouldn’t need Lavina for this. “Easy. Tinker, continue your objective. Lindsey and Tania will join Lavina in the dream world while I connect them all to the Wizard to get rid of the Tantibus.” “So… we’re going to perform inception?” Lindsey asked. “Sounds simple enough.” “Yes, but it's easier said than done. The Tantibus feeds off of your nightmares. Be prepared for anything. Go tell Tania about this while I tell Lavina what's going to happen. He may have done a terrible action, but I’d rather eliminate the monster in him before it gets out and makes reality a living nightmare.” Perma remained silent as she listened to the whole thing, a little down that she couldn’t do anything to help. Luna took notice. “Don't worry, Perma. You should check on Victor in his room. See how he's doing, and maybe our ‘guests’ as well.” “Okay...” She mumbled, not even going against it as she went through one of the walls and took off, knowing all she can do was hope that whatever was in that wizard would be removed, and that Lavina would be okay. Luna's horn glowed, followed by a blue aura popping out of the tip, which went into Lavina's head. “... Guess that's my cue.” Lindsey spoke, Jumping out of the roof and becoming her normal size. “Hey! Tania! Where are you!?” “Over here!” She called out, sitting down on a small table that the soul purpose was to hold a vase with flowers inside it. She was kicking her legs off the edge while she had a drink in her hand. “Ah. There you are. Come here you!” She got ahold of Tania. “Seems our first day on this team has gotten interesting.” Luna took form in Lavina’s dream world. She was surprised to see that Lavina was busy snuggling a cat-sized pony, that pony being Luna. “So soft~” She cooed, curling close to it. It seemed that this would be the ‘ideal’ size that she would be fine with. All Luna gave was a confused look, not just the fact that Lavina was cuddling with a small version of herself, but the sight itself, as she expected some kind of nightmare to, or something that involved Lavina becoming a powerful witch. “Uh… Lavina? Are you alright?” She asked. “Gah! What!?” Lavina snapped out of it, the mini-Luna running off. “What are you doing here? I thought I told Celestia to keep you out of my dreams.” She glared at her, not happy to see she couldn’t even be alone in her dream. “Sorry, but I had to see how you're doing… which is surprising, considering what just happened.” “I just… wanted to distract myself.” She mumbled, not wanting to think about it. “And I do not want you to feel like I’m judging you.” Her horn glowed, making herself smaller, and having more cat-like features, jumping into Lavina's arms. “Go ahead. Make yourself comfortable. I want you to feel comfortable before your next task.” She began to rub herself on Lavina's chest, making small, but noticeable purrs. Lavina felt a little uncomfortable hearing the Luna-cat talk, but she instinctively started to pet her, feeling the coat was even softer than her dream-Luna. “What kind of task? I thought we were finished after all… that.” She mumbled, figuring that she wouldn't want them to fight with her after that ‘performance’. “It's going to sound weird, but the man who almost killed you, the wizard, is controlled by a monster called the Tantibus. I’m going to connect you to him in the dream world to stop this Tantibus before it’s strong enough to leave the dream world and make reality a living nightmare.” “Uh… what?” “Sorry, forgot to add that you won't be alone. Since neither Perma or Tinker can dream, Lindsey and Tania will be joining you… they saved you and your teammates’ lives.” “... What can they do?” “Lindsey is a giant who can grow and shrink upon will with her ‘small' self being physically stronger and faster than most people, and Tania can change her voice to sound like anyone and can let out powerful, deafening screeches… if that answers your question.” “Oh… okay then.” She mumbled, remembering that one woman that sounded like Morgan Freeman. “The Tantibus feeds off of fear. You'll have to face your darkest fear, but worry not, for you will not be alone. Trust in them, and they will trust in you. I know what he did to you is wrong, and he will be punished for it, but he's also someone who needs help. I would join you, but I have to keep you all connected in the dream world.” “O-oh, alright then. I guess I don’t really have much of a choice.” Lavina glanced away. “I know you don't want to do this, and you have all the right to hate him, but he needs our help, and, like it or not, we may need him and his crew to help us to stop the Changelings.” “And what makes you think they can help us, if I don’t recall, neither did the three of us.” Lavina rolled her eyes. “You saw what we're up against, remember? Hopefully, they will be willing to join us.” “Yeah, so what?” She asked. “I don’t care if he’s powerful than me, I would never want to work with him.” “Well, who knows what he's really like when he's free. From what Lindsey says, and quote, ‘I ship it’. … what does that mean, exactly?” Victor stood and watched his friend, Jim, on the other side of a one way mirror. During the whole month, Victor remained in his solitary confinement room, looking at the mirror in there, barely moving or even saying a word. The only time he did anything was eat and drink anything that entered, but he was like a wild animal that was getting its first meal after a long month. Perma phased through the door at the time, seeing Victor was still there. He always went to the observation room, it being like his second bedroom. “Hey, uhm, Victor. How are you?” She spoke up, floating right beside him. He jumped with a gasp. “Don't do that!” He shouted before regaining his composure. “I’m sorry, I tend to be the only one here.” He turned back to Jim. “What did those Changelings do to Jim? He just… sits there, staring at the mirror, almost like he's waiting for something to happen. And when he's not doing that, he’s like a rabid animal with food and water.” “O-oh, yeah… Jim.” She mumbled, being just as lost as he was. “Well, the princesses are doing their best. But I don’t think they know a lot about changeling magic… or transformation.” Perma explained, rubbing the back of her neck as she glanced away. “I know he’s your best friend… but would he really want you to worry about him like this? It seems like this might take some time. It can’t be done so quickly and easily.” “I know, but I’m sure he would do the same for me… maybe try to get involved, but I’m too afraid to even touch this window… and the same goes for that skeleton and clay guy. Who are those two!? And circle of hell did they come from!?” “Uh… they're… not exactly nice… they… well-” “Nah, don't tell me. I want to meet them as soon as they acquainted with this team.” Perma wanted to say what they did, but was interrupted. “You know, you're a really nice ghost. Guess you were like that before… you know, this?” A blue blush went over her cheeks after he said that, looking down at the floor. “W-well, I guess so… but being nice wasn’t enough back on earth.” She sighed, knowing just how bad it went once too many people vanished from her hometown. “Miss your folks? Same thing here. With luck, you'll find them soon.” He looked around. “Can you keep a secret?” “A secret? Oh… uh… I dunno.” “Oh no, it's a little project I’ve been working on ever since I… well, snapped out of it. Come on, let me show you!” He waved for her to follow, almost excited like a kid on Christmas day. She looked back at Jim for a moment, before she floated over to him, following Victor, a little glad that she was at least making someone excited instead of frightened. They entered his room, which looked more like a garage with junk everywhere, but sitting on the counter was what looked like a metal backpack with straps that lead to leather looking arms, and sheathed on the backpack was what looked liked a rifle. “Like it? It's still in development, but man, I know it's gonna be awesome!” “... What is it?” “A way for me to become a living swiss army knife.” He grabbed a nearby helmet with goggles and strapped on some leather looking armor over his clothes, though, his arms were exposed. He placed his arms through the straps, easily slipping into arm pieces, completing his looks. A huge grin came across his face as he unsheathed the rifle and, after pulling some levers and pressing some buttons, both the backpack and gun glowed with a low hum. “Oh yeah… listen to those babies.” “Are… you trying to be a ghostbuster?” Perma floated back a bit. “Oh no! Not at all! See, when I worked as a special effects artist back in Applewood, I dabbled with some enchanted minerals that had a charge to it. Those minerals were used to make new effects, and were used to bring some machinery up and running, like those turrets. So, I've placed those minerals in this backpack, and the energy is transferred to this… well, rifle.” “... You made a gun?” “Precisely. A gun with oh so many features! Rapid fire, semi auto fire, widespread, single shot, you name it and it can do that! And watch this!” He pressed pulled a lever on the right side of his head. Popping out came a small, Steampunk, spider robot. “Meet my little guy, Spidey! Strong enough to scale me and itself up walls and ceilings, allows me to see what it sees, and doubles as a turret!” “Aww, it’s so cute.” Perma cooed, moving closer to the spider bot. It let out a small hiss at her, making her jump back. Victor picked it up. “Sorry, he's like a cat; you have to spend time with him before he warms up to you. Just be glad you weren't with him when he was… born, I guess.” He turned to the bot. “Bad boy! Back in the pack!” It turned into a disk, which Victor slid it into an opening in his backpack. “So… besides Spidey, what do you think?” “The weapon is kind of… interesting. But do you perhaps have a sun gun or something? Since you know how the princesses are about really harming someone.” Perma asked, recalling how Luna didn’t want Tinker to accidentally shock someone to ashes with the taser gun she had made into one of her hands. “Don't worry, it's all on stun. Of course, I will have to go to the modes that pack more of a punch for tougher fellows, which might need more energy, but, I will be careful. I promise, no one's gonna die. I doubt you want competition in the ghost department.” He nervously chuckled, unsure if it was a good joke or not. Perma couldn’t help but crack a smile at that. “I highly doubt it, but it would be kind of interesting having some more undead friends.” “... Like that skeleton guy?” “Not really. He looked like a gross zombie.” She glanced away, not really seeing the appeal in him. “Besides, he’s a bad guy, so why would we be friends after he helped bring me and my team down?” “Wait, what!?” Lindsey and Tania both brought in their own beds, right next to Lavina’s unconscious self. They were close, but still had space for Tinker to move around. The aura came out of Lavina’s head as it went back into Luna’s body, who woke up. “Alright, she’s not exactly comfortable,” Luna spoke. “But, she will do this task.” Her horn glowed as she brought in their still unconscious wizard. “It’s going to feel weird, but the first thing you should do it try to find each other first before you head to where this man and the Tantibus might be at.” “Find our witch in the dream world and beat up a dream monster, got it.” Lindsey replied, getting herself comfortable in her bed. “I don’t think it’s that simple.” Tania replied “Indeed, it isn’t.” Luna added. “In the dream world, anything is possible, good and bad. You’re all not exactly talented in dream walking, but, I can try to help guide you. Please, just close your eyes. The rest is up to you three.” Both Tania and Lindsey laid down on their beds and closed their eyes. Luna closed her eyes and, with her aura, connected all 4 people’s dreams into one. Tania awoke to find herself on stage, in front of a mic, with a crowd of people cheering for her. She wore a nice red gown, with spotlights all on her, but she was feeling overwhelmed with joy. She smiled as she was quick to grab the mic, a red sun hat floating down and onto her head as she was ready to sing the perfect song with her attire. “Hit it!” She shouted, to which the music kicked in. ‘And to kill two birds with one stone, both Lindsey and Lavina will find me with the sound of music.’ She smiled bigger, taking a breath in to start singing as the music played. “Here we go, Off the rails Don’t you know it’s time to raise our sails? It’s freedom like you never knew “Don’t need bags, Or a pass, Say a word, I’ll be there in a flash You can say my hat is off to you “Oh, we can zoom all the way to the moon, From this great wide wacky world, Jump with me, grab coins with me, Oh yeahhhhh!” It was then that everyone in the crowd joined, dancing and singing along with her. “It’s time to jump up in the air, Jump up, don’t be scared, Jump up and your cares will soar away, “And if the dark clouds start to swirl, Don’t fear, don’t shed a tear, ‘cause I’ll be your 1-up girl “So let’s all jump up super high, High up in the sky, There’s no power up like dancing, “You know that you’re my super star, No one else can take me this far I’m flipping the switch, Get ready for this, ohhh Let’s do the odyssey!” That was when the bass hit and the audio from her earlier singing was mixed into the music around the beginning but moved away from it to give it some variety. But this moment gave people a chance to dance themselves. She cleared her throat for the next part… but her voice was now different… and not in the good way. O̢d͝ỳs̕şy͝,͡ ̛y҉a͝ se҉e̴ ҉O̸dy̴ss̴e͢y̴, ya҉ ̵se͏e ̧Od͡ys̛sy͟,̵ ̀y͟a ͏s͜e̶e̛ Odys͟se̢y͟, y͢a̡ see O̷̡d̴́͝y̴͞҉s̶s̀y҉,͞҉ ͏ya̶͘͟ ̴s̷̛é̸e̕͘ ̢͟O̡dy̶̸ssèy̷̛,̶͡ ҉͡y̷̶̢a̡͡ ̀s͞e̶e҉͟ ̨͜O̵dys̵̢s͢͞y͘͜,́ ̀͞ý̷̸a̕͏́ ̡sȩe̢ Ơ̸͘ḑ̕͡y̕͟ş̨se̢ý͞,̸͝ O̷d̵y̢͠͞s̕҉ś̛͠e̕͞y҉ S̸̴̀͝p̵̶͝͡i͞͞n̸̴̡ ̵͘t̴̶̶͟͡h̴͞é̕͘͜ ̵̡̀͡ẃ̷̢͜͝h̵̡̛ȩ҉͜ȩ̛l̶͜͟͞ ̶̡͢T̡̧͞a͘͘͢k̶͢e҉̨͠҉ ̸̡͠a̧̧̕͘ ̴̡̢c̡̧͜h̷̶̕̕͏a̶̸͘n̨̢c̸̨̕e̷͞͠͝ ҉͟҉̴̢E̵͏̵v̸̵e̸̢͘r̵̛y҉̴̕͘͡ ̷̶̵̴j҉̕͘͢͟o͢͏̀ư̧r̴̴̛͜͝n̛͜͞͠e̶̵̴͜y̶̧ ̷̨͞͏͢ş̴̀t̵́͢͠͠a̕͜r̴̕t̷̶̴͘͡ś͏ ̶̸͠͡á̡̡͞ ̸҉n̴̸͘e͡҉w̶̶̶͝ ̷̡̧̡͡r̡̀ò̡̕̕m̶͘á҉n̸̕c̛̀e̸̕͟ ̴̶́͠A̷̷͞͝͏ ̶̨n̷̨ę҉w҉̸̷ ́̀͞w͝҉ó̴̸͢͢r͏͘l͝͞d͡͞’͏̸̨s҉̧͏̕͢ ̨̀c͢a̸̶l̵̨͜͡ļ̷̛͢͝ì̵̸͜n͟͠ǵ̴̢͝͏ ̢͘͜ớ̷u҉͏̛͢͡t̶̨ ̶̡t̀́͘͜͏o̷͢͡ ̷͟͞͡y̧͡͡͠ó͘͘u͜͢͝ It was then at everyone started to boo at her, throwing whatever they had on them at her. Tomatoes, trash, even their own chairs, all of them hit Tania and the band behind her, causing them all to panic, and the singer to freak out. Amongst the crowd, Tania saw what could only be described as humanoid, yet blob looking monster that, while had a purple outline, was still black with a few stars inside. “H-Hey! You!” She shouted, getting up and chasing after it. The strange mass let out a low groan as it turned into ooze and flew out of the door, with Tania chasing after it, running through the crowd that kept throwing stuff at her. She opened the door, which revealed the entrance was over on the side of a skyscraper, making her almost lost her balance. One of the people inside ran and pushed her out. Rather than falling like she expected, gravity took over, making her fall onto the side of the building as if it was the floor. ‘Oh, right… this is a dream. Anything can happen.’ Tania stood right up and looked around. Floating ‘islands’ made the world, but in the middle of it all was Luna, holding everything together while she was in a ball. “Oh… well… this is a start… but where’s Lindsey and Lavina?” The sounds of smashing buildings were heard, with some screaming, and Lindsey shouting how she’s sorry. What seemed to start off as a nice dream where she was back home, it escalated quickly as Lindsey soon became a giant to everyone and began to accidentally smash the buildings around her. Everyone in her old home city began to scream and run away, looking like ants to her, more or less becoming a scene from a Godzilla movie, but with her trying her best trying to tell everyone not to panic, but failing as she caused more destruction. ‘This is just a dream...’ Tania thought. ‘Wait, this is a dream!’ She realized once more, thinking hard as she was quick to imagine herself with angelic wings(and a halo to match the look). Flaring her wings out, she started flying to where Lindsey’s head was, of course flying being easy in a dream. “Lindsey!” She called out her name. The accidental rampaging giant looked around. “Tania!? Is that you!? Oh, please tell me I didn’t squish you!” “Lindsey! I’m right here!” She was quick to wave her hands(and wings) out to get her attention. She stopped right in front of her face, quick to place her hands on the giant girl’s nose to let her know that she was right here in front of her. “Gah! Don’t do that!” She grabbed her off of her nose, but took a good look at her once she felt feathers instead of skin and the clothes on the small girl. “How are you doing that!?” “Lindsey! You have to remember, this is all a dream. None of this is real.” Tania explained. “Besides, we both know that this wouldn’t happen, and if it did, everyone would know it was an accident.” She added, showing a small smile of both sympathy and understanding. “... So, you got booed earlier?” Tania gave her an annoyed look. “Ok, my bad. But where’s-” “HELLLLP!!!” Lavina’s voice yelled from across the dream realm. “There’s Lavina!” Tania yelled. “Quick! We gotta find her!” “Oh, right.” Lindsey spoke, charging ahead… but stopped and tiptoed over the panicking crowds. Tania groaned. “Just shrink yourself, ok?” With Lavina, she found herself surrounded by the people around her home, all looking more like zombies, muttering phrases as “Traitor” “You left us.” “Why did you leave”, and the likes. “N-No! It’s not like that!” Lavina panicked, backing away and sweating hard. “You said you were fine when Luna took me! I’m getting stronger! Really, I am!” “You left us!” One of them shouted. “The monsters took us! You left us to die!” “N-no. I didn’t leave you, Luna took me. I swear I wouldn’t have left if I had a choice.” She said, tears in her eyes as she didn’t want to listen, but didn’t have the will to cover her ears. “Don’t listen to them!” Tania yelled, landing in front of the witch girl with Lindsey. “Yeah! Ignore them!” Lindsey added. “It’s the Tantibus messing with us!” “But I left them. I didn’t have a choice.” It seemed harder for her to ignore it, knowing that they could be easy targets without her. “But you know they’re much stronger than this.” Tania replied. “Celestia told us how, after you left, they’ve been looking after themselves and becoming a more united community. No one’s letting another get hurt, as they want to be strong for you!” She sniffled as she looked up at them with tear-filled eyes. “R-really?” “Yeah.” Lindsey replied. “I meet a couple during a test run. They really supported you, wishing you good luck in becoming stronger when you return after stopping what’s causing the disappearing villages. And, they all started beating up one guy that robbed… I think it Mr. Panucci's bakery.” “Mister Panucci? Is he okay?” She was quick to ask, more concerned about him than herself, seeming to ignore the criticizing citizens. “Oh yeah, he’s alright. I mean, he whacked that guy with his cane. For an old guy, he packed a wallop from what I saw.” “Hey, less chatting, more escaping!” Tania replied. “We got a Tantibus to stop and some wizard to save. Did anyone see the Tantibus?” Lavina only shook her head as she wiped her eyes. “Oh, poor child, lost and worried for your fellow villagers,” A simultaneously booming and whisper with a distinct echo spoke. Lavina felt some hands, very cold to the touch and wet feeling, grabbing her shoulders, making her shiver. “You see what's happening, don't you? Without your abilities, they're defenseless. Why don't you just… wake up and leave?” “There's the Tantibus!” Lavina yelled, “Do you really trust what they say? Are they really fine, or is this just a ruse to keep you away from what you need to do?’ “Lavina! Grab it!” Tania yelled. “And why should I trust your words over theirs!?” She shouted, making a quick motion to try and grab it, but when she did, she felt nothing but cold air. “Why should you trust theirs?” It simply replied. All the people Lavina remember began to move in very uncomfortable positions. Their skin came off, but underneath was the human Changelings, all letting out a hiss and charged at the dreaming trio. “Time to go!” Lindsey made herself a giant again, grabbing Tania and Lavina before running away. “I knew you're weak. You're just like Francis before he embraced my ways.” ‘Francis? Is that the guy’s name?’ Lavina thought, watching the changeling hybrids become nothing but dots from her view point. “Where is he!?” She shouted, demanding to get the location of this guy. “Who are you talking to?” Lindsey asked. “You don't hear that voice?” “Of course they can't hear me. They're not a magic user as you are.” “Even so, my question still stands: Where’s Francis?” She asked, still wanting to know where this other magic user is. “Where else? His dream. With me.” “Fine then. But why are you doing this? You were only created to make Luna guilty for what she did, why are you harassing this guy when he's done nothing to you?” She asked instead, wondering why him of all people since the world has plenty of unicorns who can use magic. “That was a different Tantibus. I was created by him to make sure he never felt fear at all. Despite being powerful, he was afraid of being weak and powerless. I’m simply giving him that by having him get rid of you, and anyone else that would pose a threat.” “If that's the case, what about his friends and family? They may be close, but they can also be a threat to him.” Lavina asked, not thinking fear would drive him to not trust anyone anymore. “And I'm including those two who were with him too.” “Oh, they’re loyal to him. They won’t question our authority. And I doubt his family is a bunch of magic users like you.” Lavina stayed quiet as she wasn't sure how to think of this. A tantibus that was made to make someone powerful? She had to ask Luna, but she didn't have that time now. “We have to find Francis and his dream.” She told the two, noticing that they were now just running in a blank white area. Not even the sound of Lindsey's footsteps were heard while she ran. “Uh… where are we?” Tania asked. “Is this a dream, or did we land in the matrix?” “I have no idea.” Lavina mumbled, sensing the Tanibus was gone now. “Hello!? Is anyone there!?” The voice of a man shouted, sounding lost, but it echoed around them. “That must be Francis.” Lavina spoke. “Hey! Where are you!?” Tania called out to the voice. “I don't know! Where are you!?” Francis called out. “We’re in some white void.” Lindsey called out instead. “Can you describe where you are?” “A white void as well! … Hold on, I see something! Is that you!?” “I don’t know. What do you see?” Lindsey continued to ask the voice. “A tall figure!” “Oh. That’s Lindsey!” Tania said, quick to jump out of Lindsey’s grip and safely landed on the ground. “Then… why is IT behind you?” “It?” All three of them said at the same time. “... Oh no! No! GET AWAY!!! GET AWAY FROM THEM!!!” Hearing how much the guy was freaking out all three of them turned around, ready for whatever ‘it’ was. “NO!!! STAY AWAY FROM ME!!! I’M NOT YOUR SLAVE!!!” Without thinking, Lavina jumped off from Lindsey and started running to where she heard the voice, ignoring the other two who tried to tell her to not get lost or seperated. “Oh, Francis, how many times do I need to tell you that you're no longer in control, but I am?” The Tantibus mocked. “Shut up! I made you! I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of it easily” “Easy!? Oh, you're as delusional as your oh-so-name, Tiberius” Lavina didn't say anything as she followed the arguing voices, wand ready and glowing as she had a feeling on what she could do. “GET AWAY FROM MY BROTHER!!!” ‘His brother?’ She thought, still running to the voices. “Then you WILL do what I say! Defeat them, and everyone who we deem a threat to us! You cannot stop me like this.” “I’m tired of this! Just let my brother go! He has nothing to do with this!” Lavina stopped as she spotted Francis, kneeling down at the Tantibus, looking like him, and grabbing by the hair was another guy, a near adult teenager in a suit. The Tantibus turned to her. “Ahh, so glad you could visit us. I’m just having a conversation with ‘The Great Tiberius’ about what's going to happen to his brother if he doesn't do what I say… but, you probably know that already.” He took a few steps back. “Go on, defeat them! Get rid of the two, but keep that witch around. She just wants to go back to old life as you do.” “N-no! P-please… stop this… I want my brother back.” “Then let me out!” “Francis! Don’t listen to it. This is all in your head, you brother isn’t in your mind.” Lavina tried to snp him out of it. “Need I remind you why you made me!? To not feel fear anymore? To truly do what you NEED to do to be a legend that defies all legends!? Why stop now? Go on, stop them and be the hero your brother needs.” “I… I…” Francis began to hyperventilate before grabbing his head, screaming his head as he began to throw himself into invisible walls around him. “Guys!!! Where are you!? I need help!!!” “You're all alone. Just you and I, inseparable, for all-” He was interrupted and blasted away by Tania’s screeching, dropping Francis’s brother, who coughed hard on the floor. “ANTHONY!!! HANG ON!!!” Francis shouted, trying to punch the invisible barrier around him down, with no such luck. Lindsey walked to the invisible barrier in her small size, cracked her knuckles, and punched the wall, which shattered like glass. Francis turned to them. “Who… who are you?” “Linsey. The loud one's Tania, and the witch is Lavina.” Lindsey simply answered. “I think we should get rid of that Tantibus of yours.” “Yeah… just let me check on-” He was blasted away by a dark aura. The Tantibus stood right back up, looking down at them. “HOW DARE YOU ASSAULT YOUR MASTER!?!?!?” “You are not his master!” Lavina shouted, quick to shield Francis from the Tantibus. “He created you, so he can get rid of you the same way he brought you here.” “Funny thing you should say that. You say it's easy to get rid of me, but look at him! If he gets rid of me, all his fears of being powerless will return, and if he's powerless, then poor little Anthony will be nothing more but a snack to this world’s residents.” “Anthony… I’m sorry…” Francis teared up, with the very faint screaming of Anthony heard around them. “What the hell is it saying!?” Lindsey asked. Lavina didn’t know what else to do, hearing the screams as well. But she knew that she couldn’t be the one to get rid of him. Looking back at the guy who she thought was nothing but a jerk, she slipped her hand towards his and held onto it tightly. “Those fears are just what they are: fears. And just as quickly you can gain fear, you can also lose it.” She looked right in the Tanibus’ eyes. “And that fear will be forgotten, cause he isn’t powerless, and he isn’t alone. Ponies here might be mean and cruel to humans… but there are more who know that we also have feelings, thoughts, and choices.” As she said that, she could picture the princesses, her partners, and the two newcomers. “... I failed as a brother…” Francis muttered. “I saw it happen… I had the power, but I stuttered… he… he…” “Gone, eaten up by some horse.” The Tantibus appeared, grabbing his other shoulder. “And all because you stuttered and didn't study the forbidden arts that your old professor said. And where was he when everypony heard about how delicious your kind was?” “... Hunting… eating people… including me…” “Francis, don’t listen to this thing! I… I don’t know where your brother is. But once we get rid of this thing, all of us are going to try and find your brother. Heck, for all you know he could be found, safe and sound in one of the village.” The Tantibus grabbed her by the neck, choking her. “SILENCE YOUR MOUTH, WORM!!! YOU'RE IN MY DOMAIN!!! Everything that made you special is gone here!” “Lavina!” Lindsey ran and tried to deliver a punch to the Tantibus, only for it to grab her fist, throwing both ladies to the floor. Tania readied to release one of her screams, only for the Tantibus to make her mouth gone. “You know you all feel the same. Trapped in a world, filled with creatures much more powerful than you, forced to become nothing but reusable food! We’re going to change that, make humanity back where it was, establish a new world under our power! Only our power, and those who submit, will be saved.” “But this isn’t the way!” Lavina shouted from her spot. “Constantly reminding yourself of your mistakes and failures, would Anthony want to see you this way? Would he forgive you for the pain you caused to others to get what you want!?” She got up from her spot. “And Tanibus, this isn’t your domain. The dream world is for everyone!” When she said that, Tania’s mouth returned and Lavina’s clothes turned white and red instead, her hair flaring out as the tips of her brown hair went orange just like the magic aura her wand made. “You may think that you have all the power in the world here, but this is a place where anything can happen. Even your defeat.” “HA!!! Try all you want! I am a part of Francis! Defeating me will also harm Francis! Either way, you all lose!” Dark wings flared from it's back, with a face turning into Anthony. “You wouldn't want to hurt your brother, would you?” “No… I wouldn't.” Francis spoke, standing up. “I don't want them to hurt Anthony… but I’m fine with them hurting you!” His hands glowed blue as he placed both of his hands on the Tantibus’s head, making it let out a wail of pain. “I NO LONGER NEED YOU RUNNING MY LIFE!!! I AM TIBERIUS, AND YOU WILL PERISH!” The Tantibus threw him off. “You will regret this choice! You ALL WILL!!!” “Maybe, but I have friends.” He glowed as his robes turned white and he grew a matching, classic wizard beard as well. “Did you really have to add the beard?” Tania had to ask, not seeing the reason for it. “It really makes you less attractive.” Lindsey added. “It's a dream, ok?” Francis replied with an annoyed expression. “If you had a hormone disorder, you'd understand.” ‘Is he saying he can’t grow a beard in the real world?’ The two thought on their head. “Shut it, let’s get back to why we are here.” Lavina spoke up. “To get rid of blob boy over there.” She pointed her wand right at the Tanibus, her wand also changing to be a giant staff with six glowing gems on the side, all six being different colors: Red, orange, green, blue, pink, and purple. “Yeah, you guys distract him. He’s my problem that needs fixing.” “This hardly seems fair. Let's fix that.” The Tantibus split itself into two, with those two splitting in the middle, making four different shaped Tantibi. “Much better!” “... Ok, change of plans. Let's each weaken our Tantibus before finishing it off.” “Yeah, it would seem kind of boring if we were only here for a distraction.” Lindsey admitted, scratching her arm a little. “And I want to see what my dream wand can really do.” Lavina smirked, not really imagining the wand to look this way. ‘I don’t even know what these orb-shaped gems are for, but I can’t wait to find out!’ She zapped the one in front of her, pushing it back towards the wall, which was much closer than she thought it would be. It peeled itself off, conjuring up it's own staff, before blasting at Lavina. The Witch girl dodged it, though it singed her hair. “Time to teach this thing some manners!” Lindsey cracked her knuckles before charging. One of the Tantibi charged back, having both lock arms and went into a power struggle with each other. Another one of the Tanibi hopped over to Tania, throwing a punch, but was caught by the singer, who threw it to the ground. “Hope you like bells, cause you're gonna hear a lot of ringing!” She let out one of her screeches, blasting it to another one of the walls, making it crack. Francis and his Tantibus’s hands glew, with Francis having blue and the Tantibus orange. “Never thought I would have a PROPER Wizard battle.” Francis spoke “Too bad it will be your last.” Both blasted their elements at the other, instantly creating steam in the middle. The place turned into a battlefield with both sides battling their other; a proper wizard battle, an air dog fight that involved magical missiles fired, a near kung-fu battle, and a street brawl, all happening at the same time with both sides even. While the battle raged on, Lavina was trying to come up with a plan to stop this creature. She had a feeling it would mostly have to be done by Francis, but not even she knows if he has the ability to undo this tanibus spell. ‘Think Lavina, think.’ Her train of thought quickly ended when her Tantibus made her crash into the wall, which cracked a bit. Through the small crack, she saw Luna on the other side in her bubble, sweating and straining in keeping them all united. “Please… anyone…” She strained. “You need to exit out of wherever you’re at! The Tantibus... it’s somehow weakening my connection to you all!” “Lavina!” Lindsey yelled, throwing her Tantibus to the wall, cracking it a bit, before turning into her giant self and swatting the other tanibus away, holding the witch in the palm of her hands. “You alright?” “Y-yeah, I’m fine. But we don’t have much time. Luna’s spell is fading.” Lavina rubbed her head a little. “But I have an idea.” “Anything’s better than-” She was stopped as her Tantibus grew to her size, grabbed the giant, and slammed her to the floor, dropping Lavina in the process. Lavina fell to the floor, rolling upon impact, then turned to see her Tantibus returning, firing another spell at her. She casted a shield spell, which, while it blocked the spell, shattered as it crashed into her, making her roll across the floor, stopping right by Francis’s feet. The Wizard noticed, turning to his tantibus and using a force push on it, making it roll to the wall. “You alright? Need some help?” He asked, offering her his hand. “Y-yeah, thanks.” Lavina took the offered hand and stood up. “Seems like I’m being tossed around like a ragdoll in here.” She commented, turning back to ‘her’ tanibus as it was waiting for her to get back up. It flew right back at her. Francis released another force push, pushing it to the wall, hitting the other Tantibus, only for both to morph back into a common one. “I didn’t pay much attention, but you said you had something planned?” His hands glowed as he prepared himself for its charge. “The Tanibus split into four versions of itself to distract us. Perhaps we can try to make it form back into one, and then all of us hit it with a finishing blow, weakening it, and giving you the chance to finally get rid of it. But like I said, we’re running out of time.” She explained, making sure none of the tantibus heard her plan, blasting any that were near far enough so they couldn’t catch on. “Sounds like a good plan! Want to tell the giant, or me?” As they said that, Lindsey smashed the giant Tantibus into the wall, making a huge hole in it. “YES! I feel you all!” Luna cheered. “Please, hurry!” “Perhaps we should deal with our own tanibus before we tell the others, get rid of one to give one of us a chance to tell her… but she should stop slamming the tanibus at the wall, it’s possibly making the spell break more.” Lavina answered, quick to summon a megaphone, turning it on. “Hey Lindsey!” She shouted through it. “Stop slamming the thing on the wall, your breaking Luna’s spell!” “WHAT!?!?!?” Lindsey yelled back, slamming her Tantibus on the wall again, making another hole. “Sorry, busy in a kaiju fight here!” “Keep going!” Luna cheered again. “I can sense where you're all at! Keep fighting the Tantibus!” “STOP BREAKING THE WALL YOU BIG IDIOT!!!” Lavina shouted angrily. “No! Keep going! It's the only way I can keep you all connected, and the Tantibus at bay!” “What? But we were gonna take this thing down, isn’t that why you did this in the first place!?” “Yes! But the barriers are preventing me from keeping the Tantibus at bay! The barriers are making it… stronger!” As she said that, the walls began to fix themselves. “Quickly! Stop the monster and destroy it's barriers!” “Or don't. I prefer our time together.” The Tantibus mocked as the walls sealed them all in. “Go on, break them! You know you want to. Or would you rather fight me for a while longer?” “... Do we break the walls or not?” Francis asked. “No. We form the tanibus into one, and then use it to break the walls.” Lavina combined her plan with Luna’s “The multiple tanibus might distract us and make us unable to break the wall. But putting it back into one, we’ll use them to break the wall, and distract them from trying to reform them.” “Seems we’re already a third there. I’ll make sure this one stays in one piece. You get the others to do the same.” His hands sparked with electricity, followed by shooting a stream of lightning at the Tantibus, keeping small bits that were going to fall out back in. Lavina turned to see Tania suplex her Tantibus around. “Tania! Bring that Tantibus over to the one Francis is dealing with!” “Kinda busy here!” She replied before getting punched across her face. “Just do it, I don’t think it’ll take all your time.” Lavina called out, knowing the girl could do it. “Ugh, alright, better cover your ears.” Lavina ducked and covered her ears. Tania took a deep breath and let out a powerful screech, one that made the Tantibus wail in pain and backed up into the lightning caged one, morphing together. The walls slightly cracked in the aftermath. “Alright! Now we have to merge this one and the one Lindsey is fighting, and we’ll use the thing as a punching bag to break the walls.” Lavina said, determined that this might actually work. Before she could say anything, Lindsey supplexed her Tantibus to the rest, getting shocked herself, but only resulted in her hair sticking up. The Tantibi were back into one, followed by Lindsey grabbing the Tantibus by it's ‘feet', and slammed it into the walls multiple times with it's ‘head', for a good few seconds, with the walls all crumbling. She took some deep breaths, turning to the three people who looked at her in surprise. “... Was it something I did?” She asked. “Guess you’re not a big idiot as I said before.” Lavina mumbled as she glanced away, but was quick to snap out of it. “Wait, we broke the walls, but what now?” “Finish it!” Luna yelled. “The dawn’s almost here! Finish it!” “Just the time I need!” The Tantibus spoke, tearing a hole into the air, showing themselves all asleep. “Thanks for the time. I will keep you all alive for my entertainment.” “NOO!!!” “So those guys really beat you up?” Victor asked, walking alongside the floating Perma. He wore his backpack, though was in his regular clothes. “That’s what I just said.” The ghost girl replied. “Sheesh, I did not realize a skeleton could beat a ghost like you.” “Same. I thought that-” They both stopped as they saw a tear in the sky over the heads of Luna, Lindsey, Tania, Lavina, and the wizard. “Uh… what is that?” “... Looks like one of those cliched portal in the sky things in Superhero movies.” He unsheathed the rifle. “And an opportunity to see this in action.” “Wait, you didn’t test it!?” “... Not really… those were tests before the tests… but stay with me. Let’s see if this baby will work.” He revved up the gun, with Spidey coming out, letting a small hiss at Perma, to which she stuck her tongue out at the robo-bug. “Hey! No need for that! It’s time to see if we can be badasses.” It gave him a salute, hoping off and crawling away before setting itself on the floor as a turret. “You really need to teach that bug some manners.” Perma mumbled as she crossed her arms. “Arachnid. And I’ll get to that later.” A low growl was heard, followed by the head of some humanoid monster coming out. “LIGHT IT UP!!!” He pulled the trigger. A barrage of lights fired from the end of his gun, and the Spider-sentry’s. The monster roared in pain, trying to battle the lights hitting it as it went out, but was pushed back by it. Victor ran underneath the beast, switching up methods, and shot it with what could be described as a shotgun blast, making it reel back in pain. “Go back where you belong, beast!” “GRAAA!!!” The Tantibus wailed in pain, with Luna using extra magic to seal it back in the dream world. “It's over!” Francis yelled, leaping to the Tantibus and delivering a powerful punch that made it explode with light bursting everywhere. Lavina, Tania, Lindsey, and Francis all woke up with a gasp, with the latter falling off his seat in panic. “Oh god!” He shouted. “What a weird dream I had. It felt… so real.” “I know I just woke up from a dream… but I wanna go back to sleep.” Lavina said, plopping back onto the bed. “Same.” The other two agreed, feeling the same exhaustion. “Wait a minute.” Francis said, standing up and seeing all of them. “You were in my dream!? Wha-!? How!?” “You can thank me.” Luna answered with a yawn. “Seems you were REALLY under control by the Tantibus. You attacked Lavina and her friends with yours.” “... I did?” “You did. All three of you.” “... Oh god. I-I am so sorry, your majesty! Please, punish me! They were following me!” “Oh, don’t be such a kiss-ass, these princesses are just as laid back as any other person… mostly.” Tania got up from her bed. “I know from experience, I work as one of their maids. Even taking care of a certain stallion that’s related to them.” She couldn’t hide the smile and blush as she thought about her special somepony. “Then please, I wish to join this team of yours. My friends, while might complain, will follow me.” “If they're joining, then so am I.” Victor spoke, walking in. “... What are you wearing?” Lavina asked. “The device that kept that shadow beast out of this world.” He held his rifle with pride. “And those Changelings will get what's coming to them.” “I am very much appreciated for your offers,” Luna spoke. “And I accept them.” “Thank you, Princess.” Francis spoke with a bow. “Rocky,  Jack, and I will repay for our crimes in this team… why are you all gathered in the first place?” “Someone's been kidnapping entire human villages and turning them into Human-Changeling hybrids.” “We don’t know why, but obviously it from how these ponies have been treating Changelings… or just some evil act of revenge, honestly, I could really care less.” Lavina spoke up. “... Or is it just their way of survival?” Francis asked. “I read books about Changeling kidnappings. They usually do that to get rid of certain individuals, or groups to feed on their love, but entire villages? There might be a good reason on why they're doing it.” “Maybe.” Luna replied. “But,” She yawned. “I must retire to my bed. Everyone… take the day off. You should tell your friends what's happening. I will get my men to build your temporary homes.” Luna groggily got up and walked away. Francis turned to Lavina. “So… got any plans?” He asked. “Well, there’s no immediate tasks that we have to do, but perhaps we should tell the others about the new members… including your partners.” Lavina decided, thinking to catch everyone up before anything else happens. “... I was thinking going out to eat, but that works too.”