//------------------------------// // End Game // Story: Equestrian Anthology // by Shingo //------------------------------// WARNING! WARNING! LEVEL FIVE LOCKDOWN HAS BEEN INITIATED! PLEASE STAND AWAY FROM THE BARRIERS! The words echoed around as Spike and Twilight ran down a metal corridor. Orange lights were flashing above them as they moved. One by one, metal doors closed behind them as they passed certain areas. They stopped in front of a steel door with magical runes etched into it. Twilight’s eyes were moving in panic as her horn lit up. “Not to ruin the mood,” Spike said. “but why exactly are we going to the danger room?” “Because there’s something terrible going on,” she replied. “The impossible has happened, Spike.” The runes began to give a soft glow. Spike’s eyes widened. “Has Discord returned?” Twilight shook her head. The glow became brighter. “Are the changelings back with an even bigger invasion force?” Again, Twilight shook her head. The glow increased in strength. “Has Celestia become a tyrannical dictator, declaring martial law on Equestria, killing her sister, and sending all those who stand against her to the moon?” For the third and final time, Twilight shook her head. The runes shined with the intensity of a star, and the door opened. Twilight and Spike rushed through as the door slowly closed. “It’s far worse than that, Spike,” she said. “This may lead to the end of the universe as we know it.” “FOR FAUST’S SAKE! WHAT’S HAPPENED?!” he screamed. SHUTTING BARRIERS THREE AND FOUR! PLEASE FIND THE NEAREST SAFE ROOM! Twilight closed her eyes as the doors slammed shut. They reached another door, both Spike and Twilight pulled out a set of keys. “Okay, but be warned, this may only make the situation more tense.” * Twilight was walking towards Sugar Cube Corner with a basket at her side. Spike had been doing his share of chores and a little more. Twilight had decided to reward her assistant with something sweet. When she opened the door to the bakery, her basket dropped to the ground. In front of her was a pink pony hanging streamers on the wall. “So Pinkie was preparing for a party, that’s nothing new.” “Hush Spike, it’s rude to interrupt somepony.” The pony turned her attention to the purple unicorn and let out a wide grin. “Hi Twilight!” she said. “You’re early. I didn’t think I sent out invitations yet, but since you’re here I might as well tell you. My sister is here for a visit and we’re going to have a party in her honour!” “I am aware that Pinkie has sisters. She told me her cutie mark story.” “What did I say about interruptions?” Twilight’s eyes however, were not focused on Pinkie. Her eyes were focused on another pink pony; this one was mixing batter in a bowl. She had the exact same build as Pinkie, but her pink colour was slightly darker. Her mane and tale were the exact same length and had the same characteristics as Pinkie’s. Her cutie mark was near identical to the party pony's, the only difference was that there were two yellow balloons and one cyan. On her face were splotches of batter. Pinkie looked to where Twilight was focusing. “Oh, don’t mind her rudeness,” she said. “She gets really focused in her work. Thulie!” The pony looked up at Pinkie and Twilight and gave a smile that was identical to Ponyville’s party pony. “Oh my gosh! A new pony!” she screamed. “I’ve never meet you before, but I hope we can become instant best friends and…” “Calm down Thulie,” Pinkie laughed. “Twilight, this is my twin sister, Thulianna Abigale Pie.” Thulianna tossed the bowl into the air and hopped to Twilight. She picked up one of Twilight’s hooves and began shaking it. The bowl landed on her mane without spilling any of the mixture. “I’ve always thought that name was a mouthful, so you can call me Thulie! All my friends do! So I guess that means you’re my friend now!” she giggled. “We’ll get to know each other later once the party starts, but that won’t be for a while.” Thulianna let out a large gasp. “How would you like to help setting up? We could have a ‘setting up for this party’ party, that way I can get to know you better and we can get this party ready!” Pinkie in response let out a near identical gasp. “That’s a great idea!” she cheered. “So what do you say Twilight, do you want to help?” Twilight stared at both of the ponies with terror in her eyes. Both of them had wide expectant smiles on their faces. She took in a deep breath, and screamed as loud as she could. She turned and galloped away from the twins, still screaming with fear. “Is that a no?” Thulianna asked. Pinkie shrugged. * SHUTTING BARRIERS FIVE AND SIX! LEVEL FIVE LOCKDOWN COMPLETE! Twilight and Spike removed their keys and entered the safe room. The room lit up, on its floor was a large magical circle. On top of the circle were a table and a set of supplies. The right wall was lined with large shelves full of books while the left was lined with food and water supplies. The back wall was covered in monitors and in front of them were two chairs. The door closed behind them and the monitors came to life. All along the monitors were images of Equestria. Spike looked to the ground, his eyes full of dread. “So you’re saying…” Twilight nodded. “Yes Spike,” she said. “For all intents and purposes, there are two Pinkie Pies on the face of Equestria.” A silence sat with them as the weight of Twilight’s words fell on them. Spike dropped to his knees and covered his face. “Faust help us all.”