//------------------------------// // Unusual transformations // Story: The tale of the Spy // by Andy Ray //------------------------------// This day has ended. It's evening. The mare has lit the lights. Twilight has descended upon everything. Some fireflies are twinkling here and there. It smells like home. The mare streaks hither and thither, doing some chores, and she's happy. A smile doesn't leave her lips. She's humming a tune. She enjoys her chores. Some creatures populating her house -- yes, I'll just have to stick to that term: it's not a den; it doesn't look like anything I've known; -- some creatures are eager to help her with her chores. Apparently, she has a knack for communicating with animals -- though I am at a loss as to how she can do it. She's not a Hunter -- so she can't tune in for emotional waves... With her being not a Hunter I can't know, what appeals her, and what hurts her... no, I know, what hurts her: a feeling of being bullied... She's unbelievably lucky I don't practise bullying. She's extremely sensitive to others' being rude, cruel, inconsiderate, unkind... I wish she were as ticklish, as she is tender!.. But I've digressed. The mare is a mystery. But I -- I am the Spy. And I have proven to be very nifty. All I have to do is to wait, until I may sneak up close and absorb her... The night has come. The lights are off. The animals have calmed down and fallen all asleep. The mare is asleep as well. She wished everyone good-night and if not kissed, then hugged or nuzzled them. Even me. Wow! If I told some weak Hunters of this... treasure!.. They would... probably kill her: they exhaust their prey, which just lies down and... loses its Energy... Loses its persistence... its determination... its will to live... It dies... It's... very... unpractical. If the prey died -- how would they live? A gardener cherishes his flowers, even if these flowers get then replaced by fruits, which in their turn get eaten. But a plant dies, if all life is sucked from it. ...Don't get me wrong: I do condemn them! Really! That's not a way to treat the prey! I would capture it, keep it secured -- but not kill! You must have witnessed it yourselves! She didn't choke with laughter! No! Very displeased, she wasn't hurt beyond repair! So what, if her life would turn to be suffering? Would she die of it? I would! She? -- I don't know... I've never thought of it before... Again, morality is not my strongest trait. If I were of the prey, maybe, I could understand... I just don't get it... Ponies eat food, don't they? They don't hunt. They don't practise killing. This, however, is no excuse to eat vegetative life, is it? When someone eats a flower -- are they appalled? No. Now imagine. A pony might go find a flower to eat. One might plant some. It doesn't matter. They both wouldn't care about what flowers might think of them. But those ponies, who went find flowers, would probably despise those, who grew them, would they not? I think they would, if they were strong, as opposed to those weak... You may be wondering, perhaps: why do I keep mentioning "weakness" and "strength"? Well: do you still remember what I told you about "active" and "passive" Hunters? That's what the scholars tell us all. But I am no scholar. Layman Hunters don't use such sophisticated, neutral terms -- those "active" are called proudly "strong", while the "passive" ones -- "weak". It may be, the weak do call themselves "passive" -- if only to regain their pride. Humph. I don't think I could be proud to be weak. Should one strong come -- one weak shouldn't be able even to defend himself! I can't imagine myself weak! Maybe, if I were, I would hate the strong... No, that's not right. I wouldn't. After all, hatred causes hunger. To all of us. Any kind of negativity does. This, however, doesn't make us all equal: we, the strong Hunters, can feel negativity, but we can also not feel it. While the weak can't: they are made to receive positivity. This is their downfall: the strong feel arbitrarily, the weak -- don't. This makes the strong more superior. The weak fear us and hate us -- which doesn't do them any good, obviously -- while we? What can we do? Can we make them magically strong? No. So, if they choose to battle us -- well... We are prepared! Are we to be blamed for our strength? No! Do they deserve misery? I think no one deserves misery. So I've been holding back: I didn't call the weak "weak", and the strong -- "strong". I reasoned. Well. Some weak Hunter was spotted by me. One feeding on love. He was obviously lying, when he said he fed on unrequited love: though it's possible, I've never heard of any Hunter on such a diet -- never! It's implausible! If one breaks a heart, he doesn't receive unrequited love! He causes the pain of betrayed love -- and the prey's pain causes positivity to flow into the Hunter. To say he feeds on love means, he is weak: he doesn't torture, he evokes positive feelings toward him! I don't tolerate the weak! We feed differently, and positivity would go only to one of us, if we fed together. Also... The weak never acknowledge us as superior. This is unacceptable. Even if every Hunter deserves to be full -- they don't! Because they are unsuppressible! Resistant! Well!.. If they want enemies for themselves! Well... be that way. ...That Hunter!.. I... simply must feed some more... Everyone is fast asleep. I get up and head to the mare's bed. Her face is serene. She breathes evenly. It is beautiful -- I can see beauty in many things, even in such no one calls beautiful. If I were weak... I could probably feed on beauty?.. But I can't. I can't even appreciate it. Only see it... ...I stop. ...I wonder: would she tickle someone spontaneously?.. I drop my guise and become myself again. The animals may pick up my smell, when I smell like myself. It is risky... Well, not to worry. I wrap my cloaking wristlet around her fore hoof. She stirs sleepily. I copy her parameters. Soon a new guise is ready. Excellent. Now to dispose of the original... Before I suck her in, I find boldness to stroke her coat... I am awarded with a smile. She's felt it! This makes me hungry... But I must not wake her up!.. I interrupt my little fun, when she chuckles lightly... It is a fine line between sleep and awareness... So carefully here!.. It is like... a snow slide were about to start... Each step made a sound... but with each step I got safer out of the dangerous zone! Besides... an award awaited me, if I walked through this valley. So-o-o... Her smile widens, and teeth become visible. How curious... Such teeth can't bite... She giggles, trying to escape whatever it is that's tickling her... Her eyes flutter, ready to open!.. My "backstabber" is at hoof. My eyes flash green -- I may assume safely, that she hasn't seen me. I attach the backstabber to stun her... then detach it... Enough goofing around, I decide -- and suck her inside the wristlet... It is back on my fore hoof... I am about to lie in the mare's bed... but I hear a light tapping sound. ...A rabbit is tapping its hind paw. It stands on its hind, actually. It is dark here, but it seems to be looking at me with disapproval... I don't think it can see me: I'm just a dark silhouette... But... what, if it saw me, while the mare was still in her bed? My eye flash stuns it and erases its recent memory. I put on the mare's guise. "Are we connected?" -- I require of her. Her trapped mind answers to me affirmatively. "Take a look, -- I order her, -- and tell me what you think of it". She does so... This is her bunny. Its name is Angel. And it's quite intelligent, enough to be called a he. So, if I had dismissed him previously, he would rat me out sooner or later. How careless of me! I may be compromised! I must hurry and get that spell, before a rumour spreads! But the mare guides me to be concerned more about the stunned bunny. I feel her concern crystal-clearly... "Oh! -- coo I with her voice. -- What's... happened to you, Angel?" I feel what she feels, and suddenly I register a wave of negativity. I am numb to it -- I am strong, after all! -- but my guide responds to it, and it poisons her, as it would a strong Hunter! She's not very assertive, I presume. Naturally: for her kindness is her downfall. It pains her to hurt someone accidentally! She's very sensitive to such negativity -- but I wouldn't have guessed!.. Not only can she feel -- for she's prey, -- but she can tune in to what other prey feels as well! It disorients me completely... But only for a moment. I shut my emotions down and stop feeling anything. I invoke kindness inside myself, tend to the stunned rabbit, who comes to his senses, having forgotten completely about seeing a spy; then lay him for sleep. Then get to bed myself. Before falling asleep I connect to my guide. She tells me about herself and her life -- everything I have to know to pretend to be her. She's very shy. I hardly believe it is possible to be this shy. Her shyness, however, disappears completely amongst animals -- mindless creatures, who... don't mind someone watching. I understand her: she's very sensitive to being exposed. Ponies looking at her cause her to get nervous. It poisons her -- but if she can generate positivity, then how??.. Her name is Fluttershy. Not many have gone with her for a walk: for being friends with her is hard. Most of the time she tends to her many animals here, at her house. Nature fascinates her. Ponies don't. She's sensitive to unkindness -- and is kind herself. This... is hard to comprehend. A bully Hunter may be her nightmare, as well as a weak kindness sucker... She lives off of kindness and is gushing it!.. Why is it, though, that mindless animals are no danger to her, yet a fellow pony?.. What is the difference between these two? Perhaps, it's her attention? She's brimming with it and must, therefore, give it out? I'm sorry: again, I am no scholar. Anyway, she's perfect as prey! What a pity she's not my perfect prey! She has no business in Canterlot and prefers to stay in Poniville... However her close friend, Twilight Sparkle... Yes... Yes! I told security was not at its best deep inside Equestria! A princess wanders Poniville's streets just like that! It's... perfect! Magnificent, gentleponies! Excited (I should be, if I were not of Hunters), I go to bed to face the next day head-on! Morning in Poniville shimmers... The morning shines! It is a beautiful day: the birds are chirping, and the flowers are blooming!.. It's a perfect day to show kindness!.. No, I have not become the mask I've been wearing just for one night: it is unheard of such a thing. I am the Spy, aren't I? And the Spy is an actor, isn't he? Yes, and what a good actor! Good morning, good actor! Good morning, every creature! I shoot up from the bed and jump onto my hooves. With a peppy spring in my step I trot outside. The world is smiling! The creatures all around greet me in joy (if only they can be joyous, that is). Humming a happy tune, I walk around, feeding animals and watering as them, as the flowers. The sun is shining; its warm rays' touch is very pleasant, especially considering the cold morning air. The morning dew has not yet evaporated. Insects (and other critters) are creeping in the grass. What a glorious feeling, isn't it, gentleponies! It's as if the sun were in my heart! The smile doesn't leave my face, as if glued to it! I think I'm happy, even though I can't actually feel happiness!.. When done with my morning chores, I am off to eat, myself. My guide cues me helpfully, there's still something in the cupboard, but I have other plans. I equip my saddlebag, bid a good-bye to my animal friends and trot toward the town. Where is Twilight, anyway? "She lives in the Castle Of Friendship, -- informs Fluttershy me. -- It is hard to be missed". Indeed: the Castle's spears are towering over the small, quaint town -- excuse me, but the pun was unintended. It is really hard to miss the Castle. Almost bouncing, I trot down the streets as happily. But the feeling of dread overwhelms me already, and I feel it burning. My steps slow down. I wish I disappeared completely. Even though the townsfolk is busy; only some wave at me. I try honestly to smile and to wave back, but it's torturous, as if I'd be blinded or my eyes would be burnt, if I should do it. I lower my head subconsciously, and the Castle disappears from sight. I try to keep heading in its direction and dream of leaving here as soon, as possible... In my trying not to look at anypony -- and for anypony not to look at me -- I fail to notice somepony approaching me and notice her, only when she, talking too loudly for my liking, speaks to me: "Howdy, Fluttershy!" It has caught me off guard, but my guide recognises the voice instantly and offers promptly: "It's Pinkie Pie's voice. She's very... um-m-m... loud... B-but everypony l-loves her... Poniville wouldn't be the same without her. She's the most fun to be with!.." She pauses. "J-just fun. She's... all about, um-m-m, fun, actually... She loves company. Is cheerful. And sweet. And she loves sweets. She's full of energy..." I hear "energy" and become alert! I set my eyes on this pink pony and scrutinise her attentively. "Have I startled you? -- she asks sympathetically. -- I haven't meant it, Fluttershy! Sorry! But don't you worry! Hee-hee! -- she chortles. -- It would be a great rhyme, because... hee-hee!.. "sorry" and "worry" are spelt the same!.. Wait, no, that's actually not true..." She lifts a hoof to her chin and starts musing. "There's one small difference... "Sorry" is spelt with an S, while "worry" is with a W... Aargh! confound be the Equestrian language for being so inconsistent!!!" -- she exclaims exasperatedly, throwing her hooves up and standing on her hind, then returning to all fours and frowning at me, as if I were the cause of such inconsistency. Despite my being a Hunter I can't help but smile. I don't know why. For some reason it is funny! "Oh! -- she notices my smile. -- So you're OK, Fluttershy? YAY!!!" She shrieks "yay" so loudly I have to cover my ears. My state worsens. I feel very shy, even shyer, than usually. Poison is accumulated... "Whoops! -- she clasps her mouth with a hoof. -- Sorry! -- she whispers. -- I haven't meant it as well! So!" She beckons me to come more closely. Then leans closer herself and proceeds to whispering right into my still ringing ear; her hot breath tickles my ear, and I myself feel poison building up. I spot, out of a corner of my eye, some ponies passing by. They turn to look at Pinkie Pie's antics, but are not too worried about them. I know what they're thinking: Pinkie's at it again; the world shan't change; and even if it will, Pinkie won't. My eyes shoot a glance at Pinkie Pie: this mare is even more mysterious, than Fluttershy... "So! -- Pinkie Pie whispers in my ear. -- What do you think... about my sister? Cool or uncool?" Her sister?.. "She must be meaning Maud Pie", -- Fluttershy helps me out and brings forth all she knows about her. Pinkie Pie's sister Maud Pie is... like a rock... only talking... and moving of its own volition. Yeah, not one to recommend to push it. I say all this to Pinkie Pie. In a whisper. I don't know, why we're whispering. Fluttershy doesn't remember any secrets related to Maud Pie... "Oh, -- is all Pinkie Pie says (still in a whisper). -- Got it. Thank you for your input, Fluttershy! Equestria will never forget what you've done!" -- she whispers with pride in her voice, as she's put her fore hoof on my shoulder. I recall the frontier outpost... Meanwhile Pinkie Pie goes on: "Everypony will remember our hero!" -- and she salutes. Then returns to all fours. "Pinkie, -- puts Fluttershy in, -- and logic are... incompatible... seemingly biologically..." Have I heard a shadow of a smile in her trapped mind? It's impossible! Apparently, I've lost control over myself, for Pinkie Pie frowns: "What? H-h... have I... scared you? Oh!.." "P... Pinkie... -- I croak. -- Let us... find a less... crowded place..." I fiddle with my hooves. "Oh! -- is all Pinkie Pie can utter. -- A-alright! Let us find some place quiet!" -- and she pulls out a map. Now, I don't remember... "Pinkie... -- stammers Fluttershy, -- ...can do... w-well... S-she must know much about stage magic..." -- and she trails off. ...Legitimate enough. "Alright! -- she hasn't still quit whispering. -- Off! We! Go!" She grabs my hoof and zips off so fast I feel that leg groaning, as if it's about to snap off. I don't think a second has passed by the time we have already been standing near a grocery stand, apparently, at Poniville marketplace. The place seems to me even more crowded, than anything I've experienced before. "No, Pinkie, -- I say, -- this is not less crowded. At all". The negativity... It's insufferable. I sigh internally: who would have thought it would be so very difficult? I share some of my positivity with Fluttershy, opening up to her suffering. It burns... Oh, Sun, how it burns!.. I feel irritation without relief... As if I felt scratchy and couldn't chase the feeling away!.. Is it what skin inflammation feels like?!.. "Oh-h-h! -- stretches Pinkie Pie the word, dropping the whispering completely, finally. -- I thought you said "Lettuce find"!" ...When I start to get it, she makes a motion -- and, I kid you not, a sound effect is played on drums: "B'doot'tch-h-h!" Pinkie Pie cackles with laughter. I, meanwhile... "I... must find Twilight..." -- I whisper very quietly -- not because I've liked the gag. Is... is reality shattering?.. "Ha-ha!.. wait!.. F... Flutter... -shy!" -- she can't breathe, but it's not me, who's making her laugh, so... Oh! I turn to her, neglecting the intent to leave. She's trying to swallow her howling: "Hee-hee... you see... I felt... very... creative... this morning... S-so-ho-hah! I!.." She clasps her hooves to her mouth, apparently trying to stop laughing... Doesn't look, like it helps: her muffled howls are probably heard a mile away from here... I realise suddenly, that she may be my perfect prey... Fluttershy... She is the source of kindness for all kindness suckers to live happily ever after -- and for the bullies, of course; while Pinkie Pie... This laughter is... beautiful!.. I have never heard the prey laugh with... such... relish to it!.. It's... as though she's... made of laughter! "W... wow, Pinkie! -- I am amazed. -- Your laughter has surpassed... -- words can't be found, -- ...everything! You... are really the Element Of Laughter!" -- I scream. Not so loudly. But enough so. Ponies turn their heads toward us. I counter Fluttershy's negativity with my positivity, redirecting the both... It's still as irritating, as it was!.. I haven't even noticed Pinkie Pie's laughter has died down. She's looking at me, as if coming up with a reply, and gives me one such: "Well... Du-uh, so long haven't gone out and not been in public, have ya, Fluttershy?" -- and she beams at me. ...But then she notices something: "Uh... Fluttershy... What's... with your... look?.." -- she asks awkwardly. Well. It must have happened. I must have stopped feeling Fluttershy and must have instead become myself... Of course my guise is still impenetrable -- thanks to the cloaking wristlet! -- but I act as Fluttershy no more... Fortunately, she in person saves the day: "A... assertiveness... Pinkie", -- I utter. ...But I've lost my convincibility. She seems to doubt my words... I can't be fooled -- I sense it! So, naturally, if my cloaking wristlet can't help me... Well... "What is it you see in my eyes, huh, Pinkie?" -- I ask, unlike Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie is disturbed and nervous, but answers anyway: "Well... Uh-h-h... Your eyes... are... n-not yours... somehow..." -- but then some resoluteness bubbles up from inside her, and she asks me with hostility: "Wait! Are you NOT Fluttershy?! Are you a changeling?!" "Look. More. Closely. Pinkie, -- I tell her firmly. -- Do you see anything in my eyes?" I lean forward for my eyes to meet hers... But I don't expect of her to believe me. No. Indeed, how may a spy expect some trust? My eyes flash green -- I start counting from that moment -- and Pinkie Pie is stunned. I delve into her memory and find the moment she noticed the look in my eyes. I calculate the time to leave blank memories for, add up the time since I have blinded her -- and burn her memories away. It takes effort, but I can do that easily. Leaving my eyes still green, I light up the surrounding area. No one must remember anything about my unfluttershyistic behaviour! While everypony is stunned, I rip my wristlet off. My disguise... I have lost control over myself! I've shown my true face! But not for long: I snap the wristlet on Pinkie Pie's fore hoof and suck her in! Then in a moment the wristlet is back on my hoof!.. I flash my eyes green again, in case someone's seen me undisguised... And finally I cloak in!.. ...Then I run away some metres... plop down... Then... then I try to overcome my desire, invoked by the poison inside... ...It is hard to believe, that I am still on the loose! But... Sun... How unbelievably close to failing I was!.. Hunger is overwhelming me... I daydream of capturing someone... If only I had a shelter, where I could hide! I have two wonderful Energy sources! Even one would be enough!.. But I have no shelter. There is no place I know, where I could go to to put my prey, to tie them down and to feast upon them, while no one should hear them scream laughter!.. So all I have to do is to lie here and to wait, until I have suffered through it! ...I have lain for quite some time now, but my suffering isn't over yet. What's more, I sense someone's presence... Someone's connected to me! I call to him... "I am hungry! Ticklish prey is accepted. I must remain hidden at all costs and survive! Assistance in hiding may be required". In response I receive... a scream of suffering? I am surprised. The person tries to flee. But I have gained much poison, so I can suppress his will. I call... I keep calling... Some time passes, and the burning sensation inside me dies down. I am still hungry, but at least I'm not on fire, so to speak. I find the strength to pull up... I am back on all fours. Invisible. Undisguised, but invisible. Nopony is around. Well. Except for someone. It's a pony. He's frozen in place, as if some great realisation has struck him. It's the Hunter from before. The weak one. A love sucker... He seems to be experiencing an emotional crisis. But Hunters don't experience such. He's poisoned. The poison was mine... I have poisoned him. I was poisoned, but he came, and I transferred my poison to him. He could not help me... Could not share his positivity... He felt me, and so my poison became his... If he were of prey, he could have not received my call. Or could have. It should depend on him: the prey does not perceive emotions, only external signs thereof. If it feels, then a connection is established. But what would I receive from it in my situation? If I struck it with my negativity, it should experience... my deviousness, I presume? However my call was not devious. It was not my intent. Besides, the prey shouldn't receive it: it's so unpredictable! Its response should help me, only if I hit the right "string" of its emotional "lyre"... No, I don't think I could have sensed the Hunter's presence, if he were of prey... If, however, he were of the strong Hunters, then my call should not have hurt him: for we, the strong, are fully in control over our emotions. He would have understood me clearly. He might have shared his positivity with me... But he was of the weak Hunters, and that sealed the deal. He was open to my call, but could not help his feeling me. He felt my suffering, so it was transferred to him. What about his positivity, you may ask? It was converted to my poison, but my poison only converts to positivity, when I tickle. And I wasn't. Though burning with desire to find some miserable ticklish... soul (please, forgive me my pun!), I hadn't found one. I hadn't found any. That desire was poisoning me, and, if I had attacked some prey, it should have felt it, it should have not enjoyed it (we may assume that), and the response I was seeking should have been found, so my poison should have gone into my prey: for Energy transferral is only possible, if conversion happens so, that whatever kind of Energy that is undergoing conversion is the end product of Energy conversion inside the one receiving... Perhaps, my explanation is not so clear -- but, again, I am no scholar. Suffice it, that the right response was not found. So I've lost poison, but gained negativity, while the weak Hunter... has lost his positivity and gained my poison... So his happiness has not satisfied me -- it's only eased my suffering. That's OK, though. Both the strong and the weak Hunters are said to deal with poison similarly. The strong can make it into a great weapon. The weak, however, can't. But that's about it: we do die of the same reasons... Still cloaked, I come to him. I consider sucking him in... But I am not sure, what should become of it... It is possible, that I might absorb his core... It can happen: when a strong Hunter is compassionate to a dying weak Hunter, the strong one can absorb the weak one's core. It is as though the dead one's soul were combined with the absorber's... I had probably better not... I have come closer to him. He can't see me: I am invisible -- and he can't sense me: for no connection is between us. But soon I establish one. I transmit: "Assist me"... Hatred... He hates me. More, than he can hate the world. It's... natural. He's poisoned. And since he feeds on love, love is what he needs. But he's received poison -- hatred. Energy conversion may seem weird, true... For me hatred is no poison -- only if I open up to it... Anyway, he's not pleased. What am I to do? What shall it be? I know, it was selfish of me to get rid of my poison that way. So had I better console him? I can't: I'm still hungry. I must get fed. And he -- he can't initiate Energy transferral: for he is weak. Does he deserve pity? Maybe. But, if I show him compassion, I shall be poisoned. And I won't have that, shall I? But I may know a mare... I connect to Pinkie Pie... Loads and loads of garbage data are outpoured! I can't shut her up!.. I try to freeze her mind... It's working!.. But... It's still not enough! I interrogate her... Fortunately, her mind is subjugated, and she answers me. I put on her disguise... and cloak out. ...Some ponies are looking in my direction -- and they don't even bat an eye! I have just appeared out of nowhere -- and they don't seem startled! Pinkie Pie, you are wonderful! I feel warmth inside my chest... This is what the prey uses to describe this feeling... but I am a Hunter, and I can't feel like the prey. So... But I haven't enough time to ponder the matter: the weak Hunter snaps out of it with a start and looks at me suspiciously. I remember what I intended to do. Invoking in myself Pinkie Pie's joy, I speak to him: "Oh, hello there!" Myriads and myriads topics go through my mind at the speed of sound! I barely contain myself!.. My mouth is opened to say something, but I can't pick anything... I can't imagine, how she lives! Does she ever sleep?? "Have you slept recently? -- I blurt out, surprising myself. -- You don't look like you have... Honestly, I don't think you are in a mood to sleep!.. Oh! Nightmares? Have nightmares been bothering you? Heh, worry not! -- and I approach the stunned Hunter, putting my hoof to his chest and wrapping him with another one from behind, a reassuring smile on my face. -- I know of a remedy! Listen!" And I start to bounce to a rhythm I can hear in my head... although it seems, it echoes from everywhere! I feel myself on stage. When I was a little filly and the sun was going dow-w-w-w-w-w-wn, The darkness and the shadows -- they would always make me frow-w-w-w-w-w-wn!.. I stop myself to interrupt: "Actually it's not about nightmares, but -- well! It does happen at night-time! So!" And I resume singing... The song is about no need to fear, but instead to face one's fears, because they can't actually harm one (yes, some fears are groundless); and the best way to see it is to laugh at them! Come to think of it... it is rather helpful! It's one way to stop fearing and to bust the Hunt for the fear strikers!.. Ha... ha... How very odd of me to be merry!.. I have cold blood and a cool mind. But my current guide... she... inebriates me! I don't practise drinking intoxicating drinks -- for I am the Spy -- and yet... I have stopped singing. I am beaming at the lost Hunter -- he's lost me and doesn't follow any more. But he speaks up finally: "Well, uh, anyway..." He trails off. I seize that opportunity: surprising even myself, I drop my goofiness and get serious: "Listen, I see what you're experiencing. And... if you need someone to love -- I know somepony ju-u-u-u-u-ust for that!" I hop close to him, wrap my hoof around his shoulders: "Come!" -- and we're off!.. I forget for a moment about what I'm doing and think of the world... Have you ever noticed, how a drawn road seems to lead far away? Even though it's as flat, as the piece of paper it's drawn on? Have you never considered, that our world may be flat?.. as if drawn? The thought fascinates me. One can do so many fun things in a world of conventionalities! For example, it is funny, how I speed off so fast no one can keep up with me! Why is it funny? I don't know. It is. Anyway, is it possible to go at such a speed? Maybe, not. Though it is much easier, I'll tell you that! However... Perhaps, there is something to the accurateness and consistency, is it not?.. It'd be strange, if things fell upwards, and not downwards, as usual... Or if heat weren't hot, but cold instead. Or... Oh, yeah, right! So, strange things are... well, strange. Duh! How silly of me! Ha-ha!.. Um, but... they had better not be strange, but instead ordinary. I know! Bo-o-o-o-o-o-oring! Therefore-e-e-e?.. Yeah! That's right!! FUN MUST BE HAD!!! ...We have arrived. It's Fluttershy's house. Strange: I've forgotten I'm running... This must be why I've stopped... But... I, somehow, don't recall moving at all... So... Have I teleported all the way here?.. But I don't know magic!.. You see? Strange. It's better just to stick to... urgh, bo-o-o-oredom!.. Bo-o-oring bo-o-oredom! Uh? Oh, what am I here for, again? Ha-huh, I'm sorry, I get so silly sometimes! My friends tell me I'm an airhead. But I've heard, brains are inside... Huh... I wish I saw, what's inside a head... Though... D-do I need to c-cut it open?.. I... I d-don't like the s-sound of it!.. It... brings goose bumps! It is funny, I think to myself. I have almost stopped thinking logically. My mind is as clear, as a child's... Occasional thoughts pop up now and then. Mostly happy ones. Sometimes serious. Rarely unpleasant... The latter are something I don't want to think. They bring frown to my face... What do I feel upon thinking them? It's... as if... someone... had... ruined what I had... As if everything were... so inexplicably cheerful... and then it all went down... Just like that!.. It's really childish, I think. I have forgotten the last time I... But I have never actually "felt" anything: we don't. Huh, confusing... I must have absorbed some prey's recollections, is it not?.. So... an emotional response... I can't place my hoof on it. I suppose... every child believes, justice exists. Should something happen -- and some big good guy would come to undo the injustice... To restore status quo... But, when nopony comes, it is like a dent in the child's soul... He remembers and doesn't forget... doesn't forgive... He's mad at the injustice. Angry with it. Disappointed even... As he feels it, his mood is down, and negativity invades his soul... If he should forget, dismiss the matter, let it go and not think of it, not bother himself -- then, maybe, the negativity would go away, evaporate completely... It is true: kids brim with emotions. I shake myself out of it and march inside. "Fluttershy-y! -- I call. -- Are you here? I've brought somepony! Talk to him! Please?" Of course no answer comes: Fluttershy is not there. She's inside my wristlet. And no one knows it and must not find out. But Pinkie Pie is capable of unimaginable deeds! She may disregard any common sense! "Oh, well! -- I say cheerfully. -- Let me show you all a trick!" I pull out a top hat, set it down and proceed to performing: "For my trick I shall need a hat! Oh, here it is! Good! And now -- prepare to be amazed!" Having made some mysterious motions with my hooves, I have taken off the wristlet, and it has gone into the hat. I clean up Fluttershy's mind. The poor soul shall remember my misadventures, but what can be done about that? At least both my actions and my thoughts are erased from her head. No trail of the Spy... I pull up my hoof jerkily -- and release Fluttershy. Out of nowhere I take a piece of cloth and cover her form, so no one shall see her invisible. At that same time I rip the wristlet off -- and she cloaks out. All I've to do is only to remove the cloth -- and, lo, underneath is Fluttershy! And all are amazed -- and would even say, that I were really good, if they could speak! But they are animals -- except for the Hunter, anyway. But he says nothing. As for the animal spectators -- they go absolutely bananas! And they aren't even apes! Oh, what am I BLABBERING?!.. The Hunter is staring at me in wonder. He must have really never seen anything like this before! "Is it great?!" -- I ask him, excited as no one can be. "W... w-well, yes... Yes! It is great!.. Pinkie Pie, is it?" -- he asks me of my name. "Yep!" -- I confirm. This Hunter must have learnt much about the townsfolk, has he not? "Anyway, -- I remember the whole reason we're here, -- if you need love -- Fluttershy is whom you really need! Have you got any idea, how unbelievably KIND she is?! So, if you feel hatred -- she'll console you". I narrow my eyes as to look untrusting: "I wou-u-uld probably hang out with you, bu-u-u-ut... I know who you are!" Unfriendliness blossoms forth toward him. He's received much hatred as it is, but he seems still adamant to the damage it's doing to him. He's persistent -- how commendable! His eyes open more widely, and I sense a feeling of surprise inside him. He is surprised, but it's a pleasant surprise... it seems?.. "Ha... ha... ha!" -- he laughs. I can read realisation in his eyes. A smile distorts his lips: "You're not really a pony, are you?" Silence hangs in the room. My eyes shoot toward Fluttershy: has she come to? The Hunter reads my mind and comes closer to me. He's still smiling -- triumphantly, I'd say! He hisses: "No. You're empty inside". His eyes open more widely. It's... scaring me... or is the one scared -- Pinkie Pie? Although he looks really scary: madness is sparkling in his eyes... I can say it: it's a smile of a madpony. He's amused at the time, when nopony should be. "Just like me! -- he continues; as he's smiling, he bares his pony teeth. Nervousness is coursing through me. -- In fact... You're a Hunter, right?" I narrow my eyes. I am not intimidated in the slightest! "A tickler, if you please", -- I say drily. Coming out of Pinkie Pie's mouth, it sounds unnatural. Not the "tickler" part -- but my dry speech! "O-o-oh!.. I get it!.. -- he nods in understanding, still smiling, although not so scarily; insanity has left his eyes. -- A fuzziness striker, I presume?" "As much, as you are a love sucker, -- yes", -- I answer. I, unlike him, show no emotion. I look stern, but any Hunter could say I were emotionless. He sounds a nervous laugh. Naturally: he's afraid of me. "S-s-so... -- he says unsurely. -- Why did you let me go?" "The first time I sensed you I had to stay disguised, -- I answer evenly. -- As for now... To tell you the truth, I did not want to absorb accidentally your core", -- I cast him a look. "But... sparing me wouldn't change anything. If... you didn't want to end me..." -- he can't explain my decision. I can't too. "I know, -- I answer. -- So... I want to ask you..." "Y-yes?" -- he replies warily. "You may either get in my way -- in which case I have to dispose of you, -- or not. Or, -- I add, -- you may assist me". I explain: "I am here not to settle. I must find Twilight Sparkle. Do you know where she is for sure?" "Oh... But why, -- he revolts, -- why must you know that?" "She's got something I need", -- I answer simply. "Hee-hee-hee! What is that?" -- he asks, smiling. "A spell", -- I answer. He falls silent for a while. For a short while. "So Twilight Sparkle has a spell, -- he muses, -- and a Hunter -- an "active" one, at that! -- must get it... Hm-m-m. I think, -- he smiles again, -- I know, what's going on!.." "You do? -- I answer him calmly. -- Alright. Elaborate, please". "W-what, if I d-don't know that! -- he counters nervously. -- Have you n-never considered it?" "What for? It wouldn't matter to me, anyway", -- I shrug. "W-well, y-you should... Definitely!.. A... anyway, y-you're... up t-to s-something! I-I know it's g-gonna be sabotage! -- he stutters. -- Y-you've... got... a p-plot!.. A... A-and th-that's... n-no good! You! -- he nearly shouts. -- You're evil! Enslaver!" He would probably say some nasty things, but Fluttershy is finally awake: "H... hello... Who's there?" We both shut up. I invoke Pinkie Pie: "You're up!" -- I scream. She winces -- and I recall her feelings, when she was my guide. But my joy is so overwhelming I drown in it! I hop to her and hug her... My happiness is immense, as is my love toward my dear friend! My emotions give me strength -- and I appear to be crushing the poor pegasus with my bear hug. I weaken it, but refuse to let go... "What's happened?" -- she asks, still shocked. Unsurely and gently she returns the hug, reciprocating... I said before, that love was a wonderful feeling. Giving it out does not cause Energy transformation, for some reason! As if something opened up in one's chest and were giving positivity to all, the lover included! Some, however, can feed on one's love... An example is right behind me. They receive positivity -- but it may kill the lover! Again, I am no scholar, but it looks, as if the lover doesn't lose his positivity, but his determination instead. That is, positivity stops from leaking and thus giving life... It is interesting... No! I am no scholar, so why mull it over? Love is weird, but, again, it is most wonderful!.. I unhug Fluttershy finally. She lifts her hoof to rub her head: "Oh... Pinkie... I've felt... so terribly this morning! Well, before that I felt very... -- she smiles, -- ...happy! But... you know... -- she looks disturbed. -- I-I'm very n-nervous around... ponies, -- she swallows. -- And after you dragged me to the marketplace... I don't know, why you did it, Pinkie! -- she exclaims with hurt in her voice. I feel obliged to frown a little. -- I... I-I felt so... terrible! -- I hear tears in her voice. -- What... happened next... eludes me..." I find it appropriate to assume an embarrassed frown, to lower my gaze and to rub my head's back with my hoof: "U-u-um-m-m... I am really, mega sorry, Fluttershy!.. I... can be silly..." I don't need to look at her to know what is transpiring in her soul: her negativity melts away -- and is replaced with pity and compassion. She gives a small, but nonetheless warm smile and hugs me: "It's OK, Pinkie. I... I'm not mad". "Oh. OK!" -- any shadow of my regret vanishes in an instant absolutely. I am care-free and happy again! Though it seems, Fluttershy is set back by it... "What? -- I ask worriedly. -- Is something wrong?" "Oh... No..." -- she answers, although I see clearly, there is. "Honestly, Fluttershy, -- I tell her seriously, -- your kindness causes you misery. If you forgive me, so be it, and if you don't -- well, I beg for it..." "Oh, but I do forgive you, Pinkie! -- she seems appalled. -- How can I not!" "Well, then don't be upset, you frowny face!" -- saying that, I grab her by her cheeks and try to stretch a smile. A laugh erupts from her, and she, gently, yet firmly, pushes my hooves away: "OK, stop! Ha-ha!" Seeing her laughing fills me with inexplicable... euphoria! I think I may explode!.. ...The moment of unbridled bliss is disrupted, when she notices finally the Hunter I've brought with me. This reminds me: "Oh! Fluttershy, meet the miserable soul!" I hop to him, grab and pull closer to Fluttershy. He's somewhat disoriented. She's... shy, as usual. This doesn't deter me, however: "I found him near you -- and boy was he filled with hatred! -- I accentuate the word, as if confused and not comprehending as to how there can be so much in a pony! -- So of course he needed someone to love him! And you, Fluttershy! Your kindness can cure anypony!" Fluttershy, however, doesn't seem as much excited... I know what to do. I shut my emotions down to assess my energetic state. Various emotions I have experienced so far don't seem to have any effect... Truly, only one emotion can feed me up. Unfortunately, there is no prey suitable for my need... Yet I have just enough positivity to spare. I take it and make emotional backing up of it. Fluttershy would much appreciate it right now. I direct this emotional support at her. A connection is established, and Energy transferral commences. I feel poison burning inside me, and at the same time I sense, that Fluttershy becomes more confident. My support fills her with determination! She smiles confidently: "Alright, I might... try it..." "Oh my gosh! -- she whispers. -- This is exciting!.." That's not to be seen, however, as though she's anticipating to lead a psychological session, but rather as though she's still nervous -- but not scared, not afraid, for I've filled her with confidence! On my expense, though... but I have to stay strong for her as a friend -- although I can't, for I am a Hunter. That's yet another reason I am a bad friend. The other reason is my being the Spy... "What... are you DOING??!" -- I hear. I know what the Hunter wanted to say by that: for I've been sensing his emotions as well, as Fluttershy's. Not only does he feel hatred burning him down -- almost literally by now, so death is dangerously close! -- but he feels lost and confused as well. "What are you counting on? -- he asks in an angry voice. Fluttershy is confused and disturbed slightly. -- There's nothing that can help me now... I... am suffering so terribly... so that..." "Oh, you poor little thing!" -- as soon, as Fluttershy hears it, she snaps into support mode. Her compassion may alleviate the Hunter's condition... So it does: though Fluttershy is no Hunter, a connection is established between the two of them, and her kindness starts to heal him. It will take some time: Fluttershy is using kindness, not love, so hatred won't go away as quickly. But it will eventually. Unlike his perplexity. Though what the cause of it is... I don't know. "Tell me, how are you feeling?" -- asks Fluttershy sympathetically. The Hunter looks at me in desperate incomprehension. I only shrug... that is, visually I only shrug. Emotionally, however, I talk to him: "You want someone to love you, don't you?" -- I think. He repeats that miserably. "Well... Have you nopony to love you? -- asks Fluttershy. -- Nopony at all? That is bad!" -- she gasps. "I... have a friend, -- he mutters quietly. -- But I don't think... he can understand me..." I sense his desire to rat me out. To tell, I was the cause of his suffering. I intimidate him without a word. He senses the threat I've sent and shivers, changing his mind. It increases his hatred. That's my cue to leave. "Welp! I see it, you two are doing great! -- I chirp. -- I hope, you get well!" I pat the Hunter's shoulder reassuringly. "No, wait -- I know you shall!" -- I finish. Suddenly he clutches to my hoof, refusing to let go: "You know I can't repay you for this", -- he says with gratitude in his voice -- but I know the hidden intent behind his words: "If you let me live... I'll come back. I'll expose you! I'll expose your entire race! I'll blow your cover and make you the most hated Hunter to be known to the prey!!" His threats, however, do me nothing. "Yes, I know: you can't! You don't need! That's kindness, is it not?" -- but what I'm saying truly is: "Well, then. I am the Spy. You'll have to try harder, than that". "Then I will!" "Go ahead". This shuts him up, and he looks even more miserable, than before. It doesn't escape Fluttershy's eyes. "Um... -- she utters. -- Is... everything... alright?.." "Oh my gosh, -- she whispers, -- tensions!" "...But... -- croaks the Hunter, now aloud, -- ...why?.. Why is it... that you're... both of you... -- his face expresses now not only miserable confusion, but anger as well, -- ...are so... n-n-nice to me?.." He seems about to cry. Fluttershy only smiles pitifully and gives him a hug, patting him consolingly. "Well, I just... -- continues the Hunter, and I hear tears in his voice, -- ...can't understand..." I hear that as a question directed at me. He can't understand, why I am going through so much trouble and bothering helping him. Well, I can't too... Yes, I despise the weak... But life isn't a struggle, so killing is not necessary... Although he may be right: he might become a nuisance... I might want to end him... But I don't want. I can't chase away the feeling, that there exists a world without cruelty... without violence... How childish, I think to myself. The world of Hunting is such the prey have to see it as cruel. Yet... H-m-m-m. May it be, that Pinkie Pie has affected me so severely? I just turn away and proceed to hopping outdoors. "I can't understand, -- his face distorts; Fluttershy's doing her best to comfort him. -- I can't understand! -- he's shut his eyes, unable to come up with any reason for me to be kind. -- I just can't understand..." But I am already outside, cheerful, it might seem, -- yet befuddled and confused on the inside... What has become of me? Am I the Spy?