Lab Progress Report #1: We have found more information about Subject 46523's past and involvement in the Slender Horse case. She was the first to find out the killer's identity. And she went to Canterlot to warn the Princess.
"Hey, Rainbow Dash!"
"Hey, Cloud. What's up?"
"Did you hear about that news report last night?"
"Everypony in town heard about it. I wouldn't be surprised if all of Equestria was talkin' about this."
"Pretty scary, huh? But I doubt that whoever is kidnapping ponies can get up here."
*CRASH!* *SCREAM!*
"What was that?"
"That sounded like Soaring! This way!"
We ran towards the direction of the scream. But when we got there, there was nothing. Nothing at all. No body, no blood. The only thing here was a symbol. It was a crudely drawn circle with a "X" going through it.
"What is this?"
"It looks like some sort of symbol."
"Who knows what this could mean?"
"I think I know somepony."
We flew to Twilight's house. She was the only pony I know that can solve anything. I knew she could find out was that symbol meant. But when we arrived. It was locked. There was no pony home. But there was a note attached to the door. It said "Went to Canterlot to warn Celestia. Be back soon!"
"She went to Canterlot!"
"Are you sure the symbol is this important? Maybe Soaring just got frightened by a prankster or something like that."
"Soaring has never screamed like that before. We have to tell Twilight. Now!"
We flew to the train station. But I knew that the train would not go fast enough. So I decided to fly on my own to Canterlot. Cloud isn't as fast as me and I hate waiting for other ponies to catch up with me. As I flew towards Canterlot, a dark cloud flew right past me. It was so close. I felt it touch my mane! That's when I remembered. The Pegasus planned a rain storm today. Of course the pegasai scheduled a rainstorm today of all days. The clouds are a lot more solid during rainstorms. It was difficult. But I managed to fly all the way there without running into anything. I tried to enter. But Canterlot was initiating lockdown and the guards wouldn't let me in. Did Twi go home? Or was she still inside? But I knew it was important that I asked Twilight about that symbol. I begged for the guards to let me in. I looked like an idiot, but I had to get in there, no matter what. Surprisingly, they actually let me in. I ran as fast as I could to Celestia's castle. Im not flying because flying is forbidden while in Canterlot.
"Princess Celestia!"
"Halt!"
"It's alright, sir. This is one of Twilight Sparkle's friends."
"Yes, ma'am."
"What do you need?"
"I may have found clues about these disappearances."
"May we see this evidence?"
Good thing they shipped in my new camera today. I presented the photo. I'll never forget that look of terror on the princess' face.
"Are you alright, your highness?"
"Yes. But I may not be soon. This is the crest of a very ancient enemy of mine. Slender Horse."
"You know about this mark?"
"Yes. He was one of the most powerful enemies I ever had to face. He constantly kidnapped fillies and, occasionally, mares and colts. He had the power of darkness, sadness, and teleportation."
"Do you think he's the cause of all this?"
"I believe so."
"How did you defeat him the first time?"
"I didn't."
"What?"
"I fled. It was the first time I retreated from a fight."
"But what are we going to do?"
"We must get every pony we can to another kingdom until this matter is resolved. Somehow."
I had Celestia send messages to my friends telling them to keep in shelter during the night. I also told them to tell everypony they know about this. Tonight was the first night of survival. The first night of a nightmare. We have to survive. We just have to.