The air was still and all was quiet. They had heard the message. Quietly, they had crept into the attic, taking blankets and some snacks with them. Spending an hour inside the hot attic increased the paranoia of the children. They huddled together around light as Mother Wisp had found her husband's old rifle.
Ensuring it was still in good condition, she had loaded it and sat herself facing the steps with the children in front of her, the rifle being hugged against her chest. Help was coming. But they need to survive long enough. The kids had taken some things to keep themselves preoccupied. Tea Stout was brushing and messing with Pallet’s mane in order to keep her mind off of the events outside.
Pallet was drawing, picturing happy and positive drawings that he had strewn about to liven the attic up a bit. Echo Heart sat with Macaroni and three other kids, playing a board game. Torque had, for whatever reason Mother Wisp couldn’t imagine, the box the children had used one eventful day. The filly was able to find spare parts from the old stuff that Mother Wisp wouldn’t miss.
Save for a collection of things she had to ensure the filly not to touch. Merriweather and Alabaster sat with each other, blankets wrapped around them as they were looking through some of the old stuff in the attic. They found an old family photo album and began to look through it. Old, sepia and black and white pics of strangely dressed ponies were either smiling or staring stoically at the camera.
Some were so faded, it was hard to make out. Merriweather continued to dig through the boxes while Alabaster flipped through the album. She came to a stop at a pic and tilted her head. The filly in the pic looked familiar. She held up the album and looked at the photo of a sun-dressed filly and the disheveled Mother Wisp. The similarities were uncanny. Alabaster blinked and walked over to Mother Wisp. The nanny looked down at her tiredly, yet smiled.
“Oh, what did you find, Alabaster?” She asked. Alabaster opened the album and pointed to the picture.
“Is this you?” She asked. Mother Wisp squinted her eyes at the picture and chuckled.
“Ahh, how young I was back then. Back when my siblings weren’t born just yet.” She said. Pallet looked up to her in a small shock.
“You have siblings?” He asked, catching the attention of some of the other children. Mother Wisp gave a small smile. Seeing as the sudden attention from the children as a surprise, she felt this would help alleviate some of the stress right now. The children began to look up from their activities, save for Torque, as the nanny took the album and opened it to another page, showing the children. They saw her in the picture holding a bundle in one hoof and the other clinging onto her foreleg. Yet, she remained smiling.
“Indeed I do, Pallet. One lives back in Dodge City and the other is in Vanhoover. One studies architecture and the other is a sea farer.” She explained. Tea Stout tilted her head.
“Architexture?” She asked. Mother Wisp chuckled softly.
“Architecture, dear. It’s a profession that allows ponies to create buildings for the future. Like a mansion or a skyscraper.” She explained. The children murmured amongst each other. Merriweather, who had pulled an old teddy bear from the boxes, sat next to Alabaster and hugged it as she spoke.
“What’s a sea farer?” She asked. Mother Wisp smiled.
“A pony who adventures out to sea. They capture certain creatures out in the ocean to be transported back here in the mainland. A profitable but dangerous profession. As you have to brave storms for certain rarer creatures.” She explained. Macaroni raised his hoof, as if this was a classroom.
“Do they encounter sirens? Or sea monsters?” He asked. Mother Wisp grinned respectfully at him.
“Fortunately, no. There hasn't been much records of sirens. And you don't go looking for sea monsters out at sea. Well, unless you are Star Bound the Swashbuckling Sea Monster Hunter. But that's another tale for another time." She replied. Alabaster’s looked to the others, seeing their rapt attention giving her an idea. She then held up a hoof.
“So, what did you do before becoming a nanny?” She asked. Mother Wisp sweated a little but figured since this was still an uncertain time, she would indulge just a little.
“I err… used to be an accountant.” She said. The kids had quizzical looks. Mother Wisp sighed and gave a small smile as she flipped through a few pictures. When she found one of her in a business dress and in front of building with a stallion wrapping a hoof around her, she showed off the pic. “I basically managed accounts that ponies used for profit transactions and scheduling my boss his appointments. It was hectic at times, but a fun venture when it really wanted too.” Tea Stout pointed at the pic.
“Whose the stallion?” She asked. Mother Wisp’s look softened and a warm smile spread across her face. She looked at the picture and placed a hoof gently on the pic.
“My late husband, Rutabaga.” She said. The kids were now interested in the background of their caretaker. Alabaster, however, shifted a frown.
‘Late husband? That somewhat makes sense to her visit to Funnel, but… that just feels wrong.’ She thought. Keeping the thought quiet to herself, she listened as one colt asked where he was. Mother Wisp put a hoof to her chest, closing her eyes.
“A good place. One that’ll treat him better than here.” She said. Only a small count if the children understood. Alabaster wanted to push more of the question. “Were you two ever in arguments or something?” She asked, trying not to blatantly mention Funnel. Mother Wisp nodded.
“Of course we did. Out of love for one another, our arguments were rather silly if you think about it. One time, I got on him for bringing in a bundle of bananas with an unwanted guest inside of it. A banana spider.” She chuckled and had a fond, far off look in her eyes. “The kitchen was such a mess and the many bruises he walked away with after my bout of panic. From that point onward, I always told him to check his fruits before selling them.”
Mother Wisp found herself talking more about her late husband. What he did before meeting her, how they ended up together and to humor some future date ideas for Tea Stout, brought up funny moments of her own dates with him and their eventual wedding. The kids soon began to no longer worry so much about the dangers outside as they listened and asked questions, the nanny doing her best to answer to her ability.
Eventually, when the question of what happened to him came up, Mother Wisp’s look changed to sadness.
“He… had an unfortunate accident at his work one day. It… happened so fast he wasn’t able to react in time.” One of the kids tilted her head curiously.
“What kind of accident?” She asked. Mother Wisp sighed and stared at the photo of her wedding. Amber Wisp was so young and happily in love back then. She couldn’t help but wonder where this young mare went. Finally, Alabaster felt it right to call it out.
“So… if you were so in love with him… why Funnel?” She asked. The question was so blatant that Mother Wisp wasn’t able to prepare for it. Her eyes widened in surprise at the filly.
“Wh-whatever… ahem… I mean… what are you talking about?” She asked. Alabaster crossed her hooves, baffling the mare again.
“The gardener. I know you needed the help, Mother Wisp. But that kind of help has been… questionable.” She said. Mother Wisp began to sweat a bit, shifting uncomfortably. Never in her life had she been confronted on a matter such as this, let alone by a filly. The kids looked at Alabaster curiously. The filly closed her eyes and sighed softly to herself, bracing for this talk. “It’s no surprise you and him have been having visits late at night. Has he been hurting you?” Mother Wisp blinked blankly at the filly.
“H-hurt?” She asked, genuinely confused by the question. Alabaster motioned in no particular direction in response.
“I have heard some sounds. Almost as if he’s hurting you. Isn’t that what ponies make when they are hurting?” She asked. Mother Wisp was bright red and brushed her dress softly.
“Heavens no, Alabaster. Funnel has been nothing but kind and gentle. I always appreciated the work he’s done. Sometimes, you just have to… err… ensure they aren’t over doing it. He protected you all from an intruder that was stalking the fields. It was only fair I should check up on him.” She explained, hoping it would be enough to change the subject. Alabaster’s look softened into confusion.
“Oh. I guess so… but… what about the way he’s been treating Pepper?” She asked. Mother Wisp’s eyes slowly narrowed, her mind clicking together gears.
“Whatever do you mean?” The nanny asked. Alabaster continued.
“I caught Funnel pulling aside Pepper behind the shed and telling him that he was out to protect you by looking for something important to you. A letter, I think? He wanted Pepper to poke around your head through your dreams to look for it.” She explained. The pieces clicked and turned loudly in her head. Mother Wisp’s eyes widened in disbelief shock.
‘That… has to be a coincidence… right? Funnel has done so much for this place… he wouldn’t…’ She thought back to the night Funnel had charmed her into her bed. He was quite the smooth talker that she couldn’t hold back her urges. It had been so long that she completely blacked out from it. However, the feeling stuck with her and she felt like a heavy weight had been lifted just somewhat. Yet, when she had gotten out of the bath after Funnel, her meticulous photogenic memory noticed several things off. Somethings were slightly misplaced or out of order. As if somepony had looked through something. She wasn’t sure when it happened, but the only ponies to go into her room were her and Funnel.
Then, there was the night she and him shared a passionate night prior the intruder news. She was cuddling him when he began to start asking her questions. Her urge of affection kicked in and enjoying his company a little too much, she had spoken to him about how she had always wanted to help the children without homes find the one place they belong. She also brought up her family issues and how she has been wanting to cut ties and take The Duke’s deal. Funnel seemed to react strangely at the mention of The Duke.
The moment became escalated into a small argument as Funnel stubbornly began pressing about her financial stability. She felt he didn’t need to know how she is able to keep her hooves up with the orphanage and the children and even though she had fallen to her urges towards him, he wasn’t ready for her baggage. The matter was settled when Funnel wanted to take some time to cool off and disappeared for a time after. The nanny put the pieces together.
It all went back to when she first hired him. As if a regressed memory had broken through. She had seen off three orphans to their new families, seeing a wagon pull up. Funnel had stepped out of the wagon and began unloading his luggage. Before he could make his way to her, he was stopped and looked to a pony in a sun tinted window. Mother Wisp squinted her eyes at the figure, trying to make out the familiarity the pony was giving her. She thought back to it more, having helped Funnel carry his luggage to his new living space.
She had seen a logo engraved into the locks of the luggage. A fancy cursive M.M. Mother Wisp stood up suddenly, the album falling from her lap and startling the children. She looked to Alabaster, the filly completely taken off guard due to the sudden change of demeanor from the caretaker. Mother Wisp leaned down and put her hooves on the filly’s shoulder.
“Alabaster, can you recall anything else you noticed about Funnel? It is very crucial that you answer me honestly. Please.” She said sternly. The filly looked at her worriedly before responding.
“I… Those were the only times I caught him doing anything questionable.” Her eyes widened in dawning realization. “But… maybe he’s been doing it since Princess Luna began teaching Pepper.” Mother Wisp studied the filly and then sighed defeatedly. She pulled away and sat back down on the chair, burying her face into her hooves in frustration. The children exchanged worried glances. Mother Wisp racked her brain.
She was a fool. A complete and utter fool. And to think she shared a bed with him. These children are not stupid. She didn’t bring them up to be. And sometimes they are just clever by themselves. They are not fools. Mother Wisp slid her hooves down her face and sighed, looking at each child. She leaned back in her chair.
“Children. I must apologize to you all. I… I haven’t been the best caretaker for any of you. I’ve been too lax and putting everything off. I’m sure you are all aware of us not accepting anymore into the orphanage. It’s because… a long time ago, an inheritance was written out to me. One that is being contested by the rich and elite of Equestria. I… I have been putting it off for a long time as I am not ready to leave this place.” The kids looked at her curiously. Merriweather hugged the teddy bear and spoke.
“What do you mean?” She asked. Mother Wisp pat her lap and Merriweather stood up, walking over to her. Mother Wisp picked her up and placed her on her lap and smiled at the bear.
“Well. I was never one to really like… crowded places. Out here, it is perfect. Quiet. Serene. Able to be left to my thoughts. My husband and I bought the place so that way we would have a lot of space for our children to run around in. This house means so much to me that when I had lost everything, it only made me that much more determined to ensure children like you have a better, second chance in life. A sanctuary for the lost and abandoned.” She smiled at Merriweather. “Do you know what you want to be when you grow up, Merri?” She asked.
The filly shyly lowered her chin onto the head of the bear, mumbling. Mother Wisp brushed the filly’s bangs.
“Come again?” She asked. Merriweather spoke up, still soft but understandable.
“A-An idol…” she said. Alabaster looked at her in stunned awe. She stood up and couldn’t help but smile.
“I knew you had it in you.” Alabaster grinned. Merriweather blushed and adverted her eyes.
“But… I don’t like ponies watching me sing…” she muttered. Mother Wisp sighed softly to herself.
“Stage fright is a great fear that can be overcome, with the help of those that give you the courage to face it. Alabaster has improved your confidence a lot I've noticed. And you two became such good friends. All of you have. And you all can give each other that same confidence. Keep each other in the light so that the darkness will yield to your strength." The nanny said. The children muttered to each other. The house began to creak, and Mother Wisp motioned with a hoof to silence everypony. All went quiet as there was the sound of something falling from below them. The nanny motioned the kids to cover and get behind her as she grabbed the rifle and shifting it over onto her shoulder to hold it, she quietly stepped towards the stairs. Her breath was quiet, her heart pounding in her ears. The children watched with bated breath behind their hiding spots as the nanny readied herself, the sound of objects being knocked over from down below. She stepped quietly down the steps and peeked around the wall leading to the door out into the house.
She could hear the sounds of whispering from the other side. Echoes chorusing into an unintelligible speaking of words. The nanny shifted the rifle and took quiet aim at the door. As if on cue, the doorknob began to jitter, followed by scratching. Mother Wisp began to sweat as her focus remained on the door. Taking aim, she waited. The doorknob rattled furiously, followed by a banging. She could hear the kids gasp from up above. She was finding it hard to concentrate through the panic. She closed her eyes and found herself remembering back to target practice with her husband. Rutabaga had set up bottles off in the distance of their house. He had taken a couple of shots with his rifle, breaking the bottles. Mother Wisp frowned at him, the mare sitting on the porch swing.
"Dear, do we really need to use such a ghastly thing? Isn't it illegal to own one here in this region?" She had asked him. Rutabaga adjusted his aim and took another shot at the bottle. Seeing as he missed, he shouldered his rifle, turning to her and smiling.
"For hunting purposes, it isn't." He said. Mother Wisp shifted her frown.
"Hunting for what? We aren't carnivores. Unless we are in the black market to sell to griffons or whatever creature that eats meat, must we really have that thing around? What if River hurts himself if he gets ahold of it?" She asked, shifting to worry. Rutabaga chuckled and pat the rifle.
"It was passed down from my father. I plan on passing it down to him when he gets older. As to answer your question, it's not produce hunting. Pest control. There are these nasty little buggers called vespbites. Wasp like creatures that feed on vegetables nourishment for their reproduction. They are instinctual and ruin harvest season out here in the fields. I did talk with someponies to figure out how to deal with them and they recommended that using a fire spitting object like this is enough to chase them off, if not, teach them a lesson." He explained. Mother Wisp tilted her head quizzically.
"I've never heard of a creature. Are you sure they don't retain anything like their wasp counterparts? I don't know... like good memory?" She asked. Rutabaga hummed and rubbed his chin.
"That's... honestly something I need to ask about more. But I've seen them out in the garden patch feasting on the carrots. Had a bad harvest that time." He said. Mother Wisp sighed.
"Dear, I love you, but you need to understand that having that rifle around is dangerous for everypony. What if a vespbite isn't a vespbite and we happen to have a pony lost in the fields?" She asked. "Or worse, River actually does hurt himself with it?" Rutabaga smiled and placed the rifle down before sitting down next to her.
"With the right control and mental training, even you could be the best sharpshooter in the whole land of Equestria. And you should give our son more credit. He may have an active imagination, but he isn't stupid. I've already made it aware to him what it does and what's to say he hasn't been observing me use it before?" Mother Wisp sighed again and leaned against him.
"Y-you're right. I'm just... after Sunflower, I just can't bear the thought of losing another..." She said. Rutabaga's look became shadowed, but he took ahold of her hoof with his and brought her in for a hug.
"Life certainly has a cruel way of testing us ponies. Not even the princesses can prevent everything. All we can do is just give the life we have the best chance we could give it. Forge what we can and maybe... in another life, we would come back to see a brighter future." The two remained quiet after that. The thought pained them both. The loss took a hard toll on everypony. After a bit longer, Rutabaga had an idea. He pat her shoulder softly. "Come on. I'll teach you how to use the rifle." Mother Wisp blinked and pulled away from him slightly.
"Wha? Why would I need to use that ever?" She asked. Rutabaga stood up and motioned with his head.
"If not self-defense, then perhaps just stress relieving. I think you'll be surprised." He replied. Mother Wisp hesitated. But she stood up and awkwardly held the rifle Rutabaga passed to her. He stood just slightly behind her and held up a gold, pointy metal stake. "This is the very thing needed to load it. Without this, it cannot be fired. First, you pull back on the pin." He motioned to the ball-point pin. The nanny began to pull on it, but her husband corrected her by having it twist up and pull back. He then placed the bullet in her hoof and lead her in motion to placing it in the chamber. They closed it with a small click. Her husband then proceeded to help her to the porch railing. Having her level the understock to the top of the railing, he instructed to close her free eye and look down the sights and focus on the very tip of the small point in the iron sight. He even told her that sometimes the perspective is a little weird, but just aiming up slightly would help.
Having taken to the posture and aiming adjustments, Rutabaga pointed out towards the bottles.
"Now, take a deep breath, focus on the target, and when you finish exhaling, pull the trigger." He said. The trigger was comically large enough for their hoof to fit through. She took a deep breath and exhaled. She pulled the trigger and a bottle shattered. Mother Wisp felt her husband laugh happily and pat her back. "'Atta girl!" Mother Wisp pulled back and looked down at the rifle. She was indeed surprised. That felt liberating. And how happy her husband was sent her back to the situation she was in now.
She took a deep breath and readied herself as she watched a shadowy and long tendril seep under the door. It reached for the lock. She then took aim and exhaled, pulling the trigger. The gunfire echoed throughout the attic, causing the children to gasp and cover their ears. There was a loud shriek as a hole punctured through the door and struck whatever was on the other side. She had to admit to herself, she wasn't sure if it would work against something that was a shadow. But perhaps, there might be something physical blanketed underneath it all. She quickly cantered up the stairs and sharply turned to her right, pulling out a mannequin with her wedding dress. She quickly brought it down and blocked off the door, heading back up and grabbing another, heavier box, which she proceeded to stack ontop of the dress and mannequin. She hated to see her dress be used as such, but the children are in danger. It's not like she hasn't found anypony to use it for. Not even Funnel.
'Well, now it isn't an option at all.' She thought frustrative with herself. She already lost a child and three others thanks to him. She will not lose the remaining others. She cantered back up after taking a bit to see if it would come back. She looked around, seeing the attic empty of children.
"It's alright. I scared it off." She said. The kids peeked out from their hiding spots. She couldn't help but smile tiredly. Two of the kids ran up to hug her and she hugged back. Alabaster sat on her haunches and rubbed her foreleg. As much as Mother Wisp seems to be doing her best to ensure their safety, how long would it be till the Princess of Friendship or Equestria itself finally get to them? What will happen to them? The attic went quiet as there was a booming, echoing sound of a drone. They looked to see Torque quickly turning the volume knob down and giving a sigh of relief. Mother Wisp walked over with the rest of the children. "Dear, we do not need to draw attention to ourselves as we have already. I don't know how many are out there but we must remain quiet." She said in a hushed whisper. Torque gave an apologetic look.
"I-I'm sorry, Mother Wisp. I-I was just trying to repurpose the Echo Box into a radio beacon so we can try and get in contact with anypony outside." She said. Macaroni trotted over and rubbed his chin.
"Wasn't this made solely for the theory testing?" He asked. Torque nodded.
"It was. But you should give me more credit. A genius mind like myself can make just about anything out of scrap in this place. I could turn this whole house into a laboratory if I wanted." She said.
"Absolutely not, young lady." Mother Wisp said sternly. Torque gave a nervous smile, only to focus when the box began to crackle. Torque started messing with knobs.
"Hello? Is anypony out there?" Torque asked.
Applebloom pulled Sweetie Bell into the doorway just in time as the floor had finished collapsing under them. They had just barely made it through another trap. This one took a heavy toll on them as all proceeded to take a moment to catch their breath.
"If there isn't one thing the Dark Prince is good at... it's being relentless." Scootaloo rasped. Pepper flopped onto his side, his legs screaming out in pain. For a lucid dream, he didn't think anything would be so demanding on his body. It got him thinking that this is more than just a dream they were pulled into. Even more questions arose as they progressed further up into the castle. What is this all trying to conclude them towards? Their lives are in danger and yet, something pulled them in to test them? Or rather, him specifically. He felt bad that the others are along for the ride. This should have been his whole thing alone.
But Princess Luna in her passage stated that he shouldn't do this alone. And so far, nothing has prevented him from requiring their aid. The further they went, the more dangerous it had become to the point they were unsure if it was a dream anymore. The one important question finally dawned on him.
“What does this Dark Prince have to do with testing me?” He rasped out loud. No pony had an answer. Either that or they were too busy catching their breath to bother. When everypony had their moment, Pepper finally stood up and looked ahead tiredly. Tall, oak wood doors down the hall was the only obstacle in the way. River looked over to the door and his eyes narrowed.
“I can sense him. The Dark Prince is just beyond that door. We actually made it.” He said. Pepper glanced at the stallion. How could he know for sure? It could just be another trap. Too tired to argue, he’d rather save his energy for getting out of the trap. The three fillies walked over to him and exchanged glances.
“So, does anypony know what’ll happen if we do stop The Dark Prince?” Scootaloo asked. Pepper blinked as he saw the glow from his journal under his wing. He withdrew the journal and opened it as another passage wrote out before them:
Thou art close to completion. One final task and thy will wake up with everypony involved. Succeed in this task, Ghost Pepper. I will handle the rest.
Sweetie Bell rubbed the back of her head.
“Well. Luna has been able to watch us for this long. At least we know she’s okay wherever she is.” She stated. Applebloom nodded and motioned for the others to follow.
“C’mon. The sooner we do this, the quicker we can save ‘er.” Applebloom said. They walked down the hall, heading towards the door. Their senses high on alert from all the traps they’ve avoided so far. When they reached the door, River opened it to be greeted with a row of stairs spiraling up a stone column wall. The wall scones were now burning a sinister purple. River nodded to the others.
“Stay behind me.” He said. Doing just that, they made their way up the stairs. The air became chilled. The atmosphere heavy. One that Pepper was familiar with. The colt began to shiver as they reached another hall at the end of the stairs and a strange looking door. When they approached the door, it opened inward for them.
The sight they saw next was something that could be seen out of a fantasy novel. A long and expansive throne room, gothic stone pillars symmetrically lining the room. Stained glass windows shone in a moonlit light. Ahead, a tall throne in jagged nature of design that the colt couldn’t make heads or tails of where it began and ended. His eyes fell to a hulking suite of armor sitting on the throne. As they approached, the helm’s eyes flared a bright red and the figure began to move, rising from his throne.
A long, obsidian torn shoulder cape flowed unnaturally behind him with his movements. River stepped forward and unsheathed his sword, aiming it at the figure.
“Dark Prince! We’ve come to stop you!” He shouted. The figure stopped and seemed to study them. The figure then reached for his helm and took it off, causing Pepper to shrink in fear. Funnel eyed them with uncaring uninterest. River, however, had hatred in his eyes. The three fillies darted out from behind River and aimed their own weapons at him.
“The games up, Funnel! Your wicked ways end here!” Scootaloo said. Funnel tossed aside his helmet and a smirk appeared on his face.
“How adorable. The kiddies still think dreamland is everything. Back off while you can, fillies. Let the ‘big colts’ talk.” He focused on River. “That’s if you think you are a stallion ready to face the struggles of adult hood. You’re years behind kid.” Funnel chuckled. “And six feet under.” Pepper’s eyes widened. Funnel knows? River stood his ground.
“You’re a bad pony, Funnel. The way you are using mom… How’d an evil pony like you trick her?” He growled. Funnel motioned in no particular direction as he replied.
“Whatever do you mean, kid? Your mother was just showing her gratitude towards me being the best helper possible. Though, a little needy and urge filled, but I can’t blame her, since the other half is next to you.” River suddenly bolted forward, sword at the ready. He brought the weapon down, but Funnel blocked it with his hoof gauntlet. River pushed against the stallion, but Funnel remained unmoving, his leg shaking against the blade. “Hah! Guess you really can do anything in dreams. Shit like this could make me get used to being here. Speaking of!” Funnel shifted and shoved River back, causing the stallion to stumble back and aim his blade at him. “Where in the darkest pit of Tartarus are we?”
Applebloom arched a brow.
“You jus’ said this is a dream.” She retorted. Funnel shook his head.
“Not my dream. And I doubt anypony here would dream up something like this unless they were entirely screwed in the head. Yes, kid. Even I don’t think you are able to make this up.” He said, glancing to River. River flourished his sword.
“Shut up, Funnel! I’ll make you pay for tricking my mom and hurting my friends!” He growled, rushing Funnel again. Funnel blocked again, only this time, deflected the blade away and causing River to get closer. River suddenly stumbled back and fell to the ground, sword clattering away. Funnel shook his hoof and frowned.
“Kid. I don’t want to do this. I never wanted to be in any part of this. I’ve been questionin’ this job for a while. But I cannot back away from it now. If you think you can stop me from getting her back, then I’d be glad to put you back into the grave.” He said. The three fillies stood in front of River, ready to defend.
“You’ll have to get through us first!” Scootaloo stated. Funnel slumped and shook his head.
“I’ve been real lenient, kids. All I want is that damn letter. I couldn’t give a damn about the property or that nanny. The old mare wouldn’t even come clean about it.” Funnel rubbed the back of his head. “For what it is worth, I’m sorry this got out of hoof. But you have to understand. I am not in a position to back down. You’re just another obstacle in the way.” Pepper studied the stallion. He sounded apologetic, but so far, his record for lying has still proceeded him. However, the colt couldn’t help but find something was off. Something's missing.
The colt looked around, trying to quickly rack his brain as to what it is. Scootaloo was the first to rush Funnel, yelling as she held her saber at the ready. Funnel, to no surprise, deftly sidestep, bit down on the filly's tail and swung her around before tossing her aside where she tumbled through the air and crashed into one of the stone pillars. Sweetie Bell fired a fireball at Funnel, who proceeded to dodge as Applebloom rushed him, jumping at him to tackle, only for Funnel to lash out a hoof to stop her and bring her back down, pinning her with a single hoof and holding her down at the chest.
Sweetie Bell took aim, only to stop as Funnel tossed Applebloom around and wrapped his foreleg around her neck, bringing her up as a shield.
“Feisty kids. Kind of reminds me of me when I was your age. Sadly, I never had a grand adventure like you all are apparently enjoying right now.” Funnel said as Applebloom struggled against his hold, even biting at his metal gauntlet. River finally stood up and reached for his sword. Funnel smirked and tossed Applebloom aside, crashing into Scootaloo. Sweetie Bell was about to cast a spell, but River held out his blade to stop her.
“See to the others, Sweetie Bell. Funnel is mine.” He said, not taking his eyes off of the stallion. Sweetie Bell looked at him worriedly.
“A-are you sure?” She asked. River nodded.
“I’m not going to let you guys get hurt by this pony anymore. Anything he does to me won’t matter. But you all need to figure out on how we can get out of here.” He then looked to Pepper. “Finish the task, Pepper.” River flourished his blade and rushed Funnel. Funnel smirked and hopped away as River began to swing at him. Pepper looked to see Sweetie Bell canter over to her friends and help them. Pepper withdrew his journal and opened it.
‘Come on, come on! What do I have to do?!’ He panickily looked through the passages. An empty page glowed and words began writing:
You can do this, Ghost Pepper. You have an active imagination. The story is unfinished and only you can end the tale.
Pepper shook his head. But how can he end this whole thing? Isn’t this dream made to test him? ‘Wait…’ Pepper flipped back to the page where he was told it was a test. Re-reading the passage, it was never stated this dream was made to test him. He is being tested inside of this dream. The one Luna conjured to gather every pony involved here. Involved with what though?
Her unusual disappearance into his journal? ‘Come on, Pepper. Think! What are we all involved in??’ Pepper gasped as River and Funnel began clashing blades close by, causing Pepper to retreat behind a stone column. He panted as he ensured he wasn’t seen before going back through his journal. He went back to the first passage of when he entered this dream. An item she tried to cleanse? ‘Wait… does that mean the black book?’ Pepper realized something.
His journal came with him into the dream. But the black book didn’t. He peeked out from the pillar, watching River struggle against an ex Royal Guard. He saw the three fillies talking amongst themselves, as if trying to come up with an idea to help River. Pepper studied the room. He could feel the familiar, heavy presence that he had felt throughout the orphanage. Not only that, but he could also see it. The dark aura around Funnel.
Pepper squinted his eyes. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that Funnel’s armor is a shroud of shadows given physical form. This puzzled the colt. But the clashing of blades told him he still had to do something. Funnel had overpowered River, bucking the stallion down the path to the throne. River’s sword clattered towards Funnel. The shadowy blade in Funnel’s mouth shimmered sinisterly as the stallion stamped on the blade, breaking it.
“I’m growing tired of this game. You will not stop me from getting her back.” Funnel bowed his head, anger and frustration in his eyes. “All I want is that damned letter. If that mare was truly grateful for me in helping around, why won’t she just give it up?” River coughed and stood up, wincing in pain.
“It isn’t yours to have… you weren’t there when it was created. Mom is not an idiot. She doesn’t trust The Duke. No matter what he’s offered, she won’t fall for any ploys.” He retorted. Funnel shook his head, an uncaring smirk across his face.
“And yet, I’ve been invited into her bed.” He said. River began to turn red with anger, almost matching his armor. He roared and galloped towards Funnel.
“Don’t you talk about her like that!!” He roared.
“River, don’t!” Applebloom called out. The three fillies had gotten an idea. However, they were not expecting River to lose his cool. They had snuck around, wanting to distract Funnel enough for River to have the upper hoof. Now, with the stallion angry and rushing him, the three had to scatter as Funnel readied himself, meeting the stallion with a deft sidestep, allowing the stallion to tackle, only to bring River around and lift him up. The stallion’s hind legs flailed in the air as Funnel then slammed River hard onto the ground, the wind leaving him.
Funnel panted and put a heavy hoof on the stallion’s head.
“It’s all in the mind, kid. I’d say try again when you are older. But that’s too below me.” He said threateningly. “Wonder how the old mare would react to hearing how her child died twice.” Pepper bit his lip. He has to do something. His eyes focused on the center of the dark aura coming off of Funnel. Pepper had to make a choice.
Protect your playmates.
Pepper hugged his journal and took a deep breath. Taking off into the air, he began to fly high above to where it would be hard to notice him unless they had looked up. The three fillies faced Funnel who stared them down.
“Don’t try it, kids. You shouldn’t have gotten involved in this. And now we can’t have any witnesses. Just lay down those toys and wake up.” He said. The CMC stood their grounds, their expressions worried but firm. Funnel couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head. “To be young again. Enjoy it while it lasts, runts. It’s only downhill when life really hits.” As he finished, Pepper dove and landed on the back of Funnel. The stallion looked over his shoulder and began to wildly buck, the colt hanging on for dear life.
“What the?! Gerroff!!” He growled. Funnel furiously shook and bucked. Sweetie Bell cheered.
“Come on! While we have a chance!” She said. Sweetie Bell began casting a fire bolt, which zipped by them. Funnel growled and began to gallop down the pathway, Scootaloo quickly flying up to him. Pepper took quick glances to try and pinpoint the center of the dark aura. Scootaloo swiped at Funnel, aiming to divert his pathing. Funnel deftly avoided her and sprang back down, only to meet Applebloom with a maul hammer. She gripped it tightly in her mouth and slammed it on the ground, causing the ground to crack towards them.
Funnel stepped back and bounded around her, ducking as a firebolt zipped over him. Sweetie Bell aimed her spear staff at him. Pepper took the moment of hesitation to look properly, finding the shadowy mass flowing out from the back. Without second thought, Pepper dug his hooves into the shadowy mass and pulled. He pulled with all his might as the shadowy mass was fighting back. Funnel began to gasp for breath, as if it was choking him.
Pepper grunted, seeing something black and rectangular poking out of the mass. However, Funnel then rolled on the ground, Pepper letting go from being hit with the weight of the shadowy armor and letting go. Funnel stood up and growled angrily down at the colt. He reached down and bit on the colt’s mane, the colt yelling in pain as he we pulled along. Applebloom rushed forward and smashed her hammer down towards Funnel. The stallion threw himself and Pepper aside. The colt rolled and crashed into a pillar.
Funnel stood up, his anger rising. He took one step forward towards the readying Applebloom, only to stop at the sight of a glimmer shining in his eye. He looked and saw a locket next to a journal. Pepper shook away his daze and scrambled to his hooves, watching as Funnel reached down and picked up the locket. Studying the trinket, he then opened it and his whole expression softened. Applebloom tilted her head with an arch brow, exchanging it with the other two.
Funnel brushed the picture softly, glancing at the words etched into the locket:
Time is running out.
“Where… did you get this?” He asked without taking a single look at the kids. No pony responded. Except for Pepper.
“I… I found it had fallen out of Mother Wisp’s saddle bag.” He said. Funnel looked at the colt now.
“In… Wisp’s saddle bag?” He repeated. Confusion settled on the stallion’s face. Pepper quickly scampered over to his journal and picked it up. Funnel shook his head slightly. “Why… how…? How did she get this…?” No pony responded. However, their eyes widened when River lunged up and stabbed the broken blade into the back of Funnel. However, no pony expected an in-equine shriek to emit from him. Or rather, the armor itself. Funnel reeled forward, screaming out in pain as the shadowy armor visage began to waver.
The armor bubbled and the shadowy blob threw itself off of Funnel, taking the stallion with it and causing him to roll along the ground. The fillies scampered about as the shadowy creature flailed wildly, crashing into the pillars and even breaking some of them. River galloped and tackled Pepper out of the way as the figure soared towards him. The ponies watched as it finally settled in the middle of the pathway, melting into the ground to reveal a black book with the broken blade stabbed into it.
The locket next to the objects glinted in the scone lighting. River looked over to see Funnel painfully push himself up off the ground. River growled angrily, getting up and power trotting over to Funnel, rolling him onto his back and raising a hoof for a punch. Pepper balked.
“River, stop!” He called out. River froze and looked back at him, Funnel having covered his face.
“Why should I? This pony is bad! He used my mom! For his own selfish ends! My mom doesn’t deserve that! She’s always taken care of us!” He spat and looked down at the stallion. “Why shouldn’t I?!” Pepper hesitated. He wasn’t sure himself why he blurted it out. This whole thing is just wrong. Pepper shook his head.
“I-I don’t know. B-but hurting him won’t help anypony!” He replied. Funnel’s eyes narrowed at the colt while River snorted.
“Won’t help?? The amount of disrespect he gave my mom? Desecrating Mrs. Marigold’s rest?! Not only that, he led you all into the woods and threatened your lives!! What’s one good reason I shouldn’t throw him off the top of the castle?!” River rebuttaled. Pepper slumped.
“I… This isn’t right. I-I know you are angry, but he isn’t the reason we are here.” He said. River arched a frustrating brow at him. Pepper looked over to the mass blob of shadow weaving off and around the black book. “The reason for all this pain and heart ache is because of that book. It’s the reason you had a short life. Your sibling and your father’s life. Making Mother Wisp miserable. Perhaps… even Funnel’s misfortune.” Funnel studied the colt but remained quiet. Applebloom, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo walked towards him as he continued.
“I… I’m not sure why that book has been the evil cursing your lives, but right now, River, Mother Wisp and the others are in danger. We have to get out of this dream and help them." He looked to River pleadingly. River studied the colt before looking back down hatefully at Funnel, who only returned his look with an uncaring one. River sighed and let Funnel go, the stallion stepping away to let him up.
“Fine… but he tries anything and I’ll take matters into my own hooves. What do you suggest we do, Pepper?” River asked. Pepper hesitated again. He looked through his journal and came to the passage with the steps. He pointed at the page.
“W-we need to cleanse the book. Princess Luna has already written out the steps. We follow the steps, cleanse the book and we can be out of here.” He bowed his head. “I-I hope.” He felt something pat his back. He looked to see Applebloom smiling and nodding.
“That’s the most sense ‘ah’ve heard since we started this.” She said. The other two nodded in agreement. Pepper looked ahead worriedly at the mass blob of shadows covering the book. He took a few hesitant steps forward and opened his journal to the steps. Words began to write themselves out. He took a deep breath before looking to the Crusaders, nodding.