Applejack was still fuming about the strange looking guy known as "Konrad". Everything about this strange feller was just bad all around, hurling insults, and more importantly hurting Twilight Sparkles brother and those other two guards. She, along with everypony, including Princess Celestia, witnessed him buck Shining Armor. If that wasn't enough to prove he was clearly a enemy, Apple Jack didn't know what else it could be.
"Ah just don't understand why Twi would even take that feller's side in this whole mess! Ah know that Konrad must have done something wrong with mah sister and Princess Luna. Why if Ah get a hold of that vermin, Ah'll give him a good old country bucking after Ah hog tie him!"
The Elements of Harmony Bearers, with Princess Celestia and Guards surrounding them, were currently walking along, a path of hoof prints and strangely shaped boot prints on the ground. Several of the Guards around them were either pushing, hacking, and using magic against various bushes to make the path more bearable for the mares walking along the dirty and muddy path, one of which a certain Unicorn complained about before receiving raised eyes brows.
Ceasing the complaints of the area around her, Rarity then turned her attention to Apple Jack, expressing concern for her stressed out angered friend.
"Darling, are you alright?" asked Rarity.
"Wha? Ah'm alright Sugarcube. Just itchin' to catch this Konrad." said Apple Jack, whose eyes narrowed at the biped's name.
"Well, I have to say that I had wished for this night to resolve peacefully but I'm afraid that might not happen considering the current mess we're treading, more so if you plan on acting out your anger towards this Kornad."
Apple Jack stopped and look at Rarity raising an eye brown and said,
"Are you saying Ah'm gonna hurt this guy on the spot?"
"I'm just concerned for you my dear. I saw the look of anger on your face when you saw him. I have to admit I've never seen that particular expression coming from you...Well never one that intense. I just don't want you doing something rash that you might regret later."
Apple Jack's face went red and she threw her stetson on the ground in frustration.
"That feller hurt mah sister! How am Ah supposed to feel Rarity?! Ah never been this angry before in mah entire life! You have no idea what it felt like to almost loose your sister forever, and Ah want that Konrad to pay for what he did to Apple Bloom."
Princess Celestia, along with the rest of the bearers ceased walking and watched as the emotional outburst from Apple Jack got their attention. The rest of the Guards ahead ceased as well, not sure of whether they should continue or wait. Princess Celestia extended her left wing in a waving motion before retracting it. The Guards knew this meant for them to continue ahead and report on anything they found. As the forward Guard continued onwards, a new group of Guards replaced them, effectively taking the duties of protecting their Princess and Element Bearers. The Solar Princess continued to observe the exchange between Apple Jack and Rarity, with the other bearers observing with concern.
Rarity then lowered her head, while closing her eyes, imagining the scenario which Apple Jack presented.
"You're right Applejack, I don't know what it's like to almost loose a sister. I can't imagine what I would do if I lost Sweetie Belle..."
Applejack nodded her head, confident that she had gotten her point across before the Unicorn Fashionista raised her head up, determined to get her own point across as well,
"...but you should not let your anger get the best of you. After all, despite being rather dirty and having a lack of real fashion, this Konrad might not even be responsible for Apple Bloom's condition, and as such, you should not resort to rash actions."
Twilight Sparkle, with her elegant tiara that represented the Element of Magic, walked forward and said,
"I agree Rarity, there's just too many unknown variables in play here. While this Konrad is certainly an "interesting character", everything that I have seen and observed has lead me to conclude that he is innocent in the matter of the Blood Hooves. They were pure evil, but this Konrad...I'm not so sure. Monsters just don't go around giving young fillies mane ribbons."
Applejack's face turned into one of confusion before returning back to her original angry state.
"What?! Ah don't understand you Twi! First you loose mah sister, then you defend this critter that hurt you're own brother?! You're own BBBFF?! Why if Ah didn't know any better Ah'd say you're a changeling!" said Apple Jack while pointing a hoof at Twilight Sparkle.
Everypony, including the Guards surrounding the Bearers, gasped in shock at the scathing criticism. The lavender mare just a few steps back in shock of her own and began to slightly tear up in her eyes. It was very painful for Twilight to hear such a hard thing coming from Applejack, especially when she was already racked with guilt from earlier.
"B-but...you said you didn't blame me! I didn't mean t-to...loose Apple Bloom. I'm s-sor..."
Twilight Sparkle then collapsed on the ground, and began to sob, unable to even say anything. Applejack's anger quickly changed to one of regret and sadness. Never before had Applejack hurt her own friend in such a way, and it made the Bearer of Honesty feel ashamed to cause such a thing to her friend, especially when nopony could have foreseen such a tragedy. Pinkie Pie immediately went over to console Twilight as she was sobbing on e the ground, as did Fluttershy. Rarity on the other hoof, turned towards Applejack and gave an accusing look of her own.
"Look at the mess you have created Applejack! Did you forget the fact that Twilight herself was almost killed?! You said earlier in the night that you did not blame her at all, and now you have the audacity to call her changeling simply because she sees things differently? Never before have I seen such loathing behavior come from you Applejack and it is just simply unbecoming of the real friend we all know. This is exactly why I was concerned for you earlier, and I wish I was wrong. I think you have some soul searching to accomplish."
"Oh nelly, what have Ah done?! This isn't what Ah'm supposed to be! Ah can't believe of the low down rotten thing Ah just said to Twi! Oh sweet Celestia, please forgive me."
"My BBBFF was almost killed *sob* and I took the side of the *sob* monster! What's wrong with me?!"
"Oh dear, there's nothing wrong with you Twilight, you're just being a nice pony towards Konrad, whatever he is." said a soft spoken Fluttershy.
"Yeah, you're a good pony Twilight and not a meanie McMeaner Pants that Apple Jack said." said Pinkie Pie.
Applejack looked at Princess Celestia for some advice and all she got was a slight nod as the solar Princess whispered to her,
"I think you see the problem Applejack. Go to Twilight."
Applejack looked at he sobbing friend and slowly walked over. Applejack then gave Twilight heartfelt hug and said,
"Ah'm sorry for saying that rotten thing to you Twi. Ah'm just angry that mah sister was hurt but that's no excuse to treat a good friend like you. Ah still don't blame you, Ah just blame those that hurt mah sister, and when I saw that Konrad feller hurt your brother, Ah thought he must have done the same to her too. Can you forgive me?"
Twilight stopped crying and responded by giving a tight hug that almost rivaled Big MacIntosh's strength.
"I forgive you Applejack, and I'm sorry for what happened to Apple Bloom. You're a good friend."
All of the Element bearers gave off a few tears of sympathy and even Princess Celestia herself was not immune to it. One guard in particular started to sob before getting a few glares from his fellow comrades before blushing and ears lowering with embarrassment. The mares laughed a bit at the Guards embarrassment before ceasing the group hug and returning to their own positions. Rainbow Dash flew to the ground and picked up Apple Jack's stetson and hoofed to her.
The country mare put on her stetson before turning her attention to Princess Celestia, as did the other bearers for guidance.
"It seems a valuable lesson in friendship was learned here, would you care to tell me Applejack?" asked Princess Celestia.
Applejack looked back at her friends who all gave her a smile. The country mare turned her attention back to the solar princess and said,
"Yes your highness, Ah learned that while everypony has a right to be angry, that anger can get a hold of ya, and turn you into something that you're not. Ah was so angry at what happened to mah sister that Ah blamed others for what happened without any proof or justification. Earlier in the day, Ah said I didn't blame Twilight for what happened to mah sister but just now, Ah vented mah anger at her and she was the one who almost died like mah sister!"
Apple Jack then looked at her friend Twilight and lowered her ears in shame, before turning back to Princess Celestia.
"And when Ah saw that Konrad hurt her own brother, Ah was so angry that Ah didn't see the whole picture. Mah anger almost turned me into a monster and Ah hurt mah friend as because of it. Ah ain't gonna let that happen again, and whoever is responsible for this mess, they'll be punished like they ought to without any revenge coming from me."
"A valuable lesson indeed, anger can turn you into something that you are truly not, and can cause you to harm those that you genuinely care about. It's a lesson that my sister learned the hard way, and a mistake that I almost made tonight."
The mane six gasped at what Princess Celestia said, for none of them had even considered that possibility that Princess Celestia herself could even be capable of making such a mistake.
"Yes my faithful subjects, when I learned of my sister's possible abduction by this Konrad, I became fully enraged believing that he was responsible and that he would harm her. All I could think of was having him imprisoned, as all of you had done with Discord a year ago. And when confronted with the possibility that he is more likely a friend than he is a foe, I feel ashamed for feeling such...hatred."
All of the mane six were currently in shock that Princess Celestia admitted to feeling hate. She was their role model, the source of peaceful leadership, there was nothing she could do wrong in their minds. And here she was breaking that child like misconception as if it were as fragile as glass.
"I admit I feel ashamed for thinking like that, but it's one thing to recognize it and stop it before it grows into a much larger infection. Hatred is the path to chaos and suffering, and it something we should all be aware, least we lose our Harmony and happiness. Do all of you understand?"
Applejack, as well of the rest of the mane six, recovered from her shock and nodded,
"Yes Ma'am, Ah understand completely."
"As do I your highness." spoke up Rarity.
"Me too!" jumped up a happy Pinkie Pie.
"A very good lesson indeed!" said Twilight Sparkle.
"I understand too, um if that's okay." said Fluttershy.
Princess Celestia gave a small smile and said,
"Of course Fluttershy! That is what I hoping for."
Fluttershy gave a small smile of her own while Rainbow Dash flew up into the air said,
"Okay, I understand and all, but does that mean were just going to let that jerk off the hook?! He hurt Shining Armor and those other guys!"
Princess Celestia turned to look at Rainbow Dash, who in return lowered to the ground worried that she might have upset the Princess. Princess Celestia then said,
"No, he will have to answer for what he did to Shinning Armor, but I shall determine the proper punishment. As Twilight Sparkle said earlier, there is not enough information to fully understand what is going on. I am curious as to his role in this situation, and where he came from, but more specifically what his message was about."
"I honestly think he isn't part of the Blood Hooves at all. I still wonder what he meant by points and poptarts." said Twilight Sparkle.
"Points?!" said Rainbow Dash," This seems nothing more like game to him, and it's one that I don't want to lose! I just know he's such a jerk, and I'm gonna-"
"Rainbow Dash! Did you honestly forget what we just learned?" asked Rarity.
"No..." said Rainbow Dash with her ears lowering a bit and a small amount of shame," but that doesn't mean I have to like him."
"Ah don't think any of us like him sugarcube, but Ah still don't want him going around hurting anypony."
"Except those Blood Hooves." added Twilight Sparkle with a low pitched scowl.
"S-so what did they look like Twilight?" asked Fluttershy with a bit of fear creeping in her voice
Twilight Sparkle closed her eyes for a few seconds before shivering in disgust and slowly spoke,
"They were...evil. Their flesh was rotten, their coats were black and gray, and the smell...I'll never forget the smell, and especially their glowing red eyes. That's all I can remember."
"These Blood Hoof guys must be no joke, Ah hope everything we'll be alright, Ah'm just glad Apple Bloom isn't...wasn't one of them. Ah couldn't take the thought of mah sister turning into a monster."
"Eek!" was all Fluttershy could say.
"I think all those Blood Hooves are just meanies while Konrad is going to be a good friend! I think he and Apple Bloom are good friends too, almost like a big brother to her!" said Pinkie Pie.
"Wha?! You mean to tell me mah sister and that Konrad feller are almost as close as Big MacIntosh and Ah? Ah think you might be a bit too, what's that word Ah'm looking for?"
"Optimistic?" asked Twilight Sparkle.
"Thank ya kindly Twi. Yeah, Ah think you're a bit too optimistic Pinkie Pie. Ah know mah sister doesn't like anypony to be fighting, and Ah certainly ain't letting her get near that unkindly good for nothing-"
"Applejack! You're still forgetting that fact that he gave her a mane bow, and offered her what we assume are treats! Also, why would he risk walking in our direction after being spotted by the Serpent? Wouldn't it have made sense for him to run in the opposite direction?"
"Well...now that you mentioned it, that does seem a bit confusing." said Applejack.
"I know he hasn't given us the best impression, but we really only know so much. I'm sure that if we talk to him, when we find him, that all of this can be sorted out. We also still have Apple Bloom and Princess Luna's side to hear. And about Konrad-"
"Who is currently getting away! Look everypony, I think we're wasting time! We need to find him and get that jerk already before he gets away! And we also need to find that ghost, whoever she is." exclaimed Rainbow Dash.
"I agree Rainbow Dash, we must move forward and find both of them." said Princess Celestia.
"But I still think-" said Twilight before Celestia cut her off.
"My faithful student, I know what your stance on this matter is, and I'm glad that you are seeing this with a very strong and rational mind, despite all that has happened tonight. We will find this Konrad, and we will treat him fairly, but should he attempt to harm us, we will stop him. Do you understand?"
"Yes Princess."
"Excellent, now everypony stay close and let's move-"
Princess Celestia was cutoff as a scout that was sent ahead came back with a rather odd looking green bag in his jaw. The guards surrounding Princess Celestia and the mane six opened up their formation to let the Unicorn Scout through. He dropped the bag before he and gave a salute to Princess Celestia. Princess Celestia gave a nod and said,
"What have you found Vigilant Sight?"
The unicorn guard's discipline broke slightly as he did not expect the Princess to know his name personally. This made Princess Celestia giggle a bit before she spoke,
"Yes, I know your name. Who do you think gave you and your mare those two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala from last year?"
"I uh...thank you your majesty!"
"Anytime! Now please tell us what you have found."
Vigilant Sight returned back to his disciplined stance and began to report what he had found to Princess Celestia.
"As I was scouting ahead, I found more of the strange boot tracks leading into the ruins of the old castle. It seems whatever it is took refuge in the former castle."
Princess Celestia's eyes narrowed as the mention of her old home brought back several memories, with the most painful ones coming to mind.
"I see...and what else can you tell me?"
"As I went in to investigate, I found not only this green bag, but I found several....*gulp* dead bodies of ponies."
All of the mane six gasped at the mention of dead bodies, and Fluttershy's face was starting to turn green.
"Bb-b-bodies?! Oh dear, what monster could have done such a thing to hurt anypony!?" asked Fluttershy who was starting to tear up as well.
"That's the thing, they weren't ponies, not really, they were dead Blood Hooves. Really, really dead Blood Hooves."
A sigh of relief came across everypony's face, as the guard continued,
"I'll spare you the details, but I found evidence that whatever that thing from earlier was, it was definitely there and I suspect that it is responsible for the Blood Hooves demise....I have never seen anything that terrible before in my life. And I found this."
From a spare saddle bag, Vigilant sight produced an extremely dirty and torn up mane ribbon, very similar to a certain filly.
"Mah sister's mane ribbon! Mah sister was there with him?!" exclaimed Apple Jack as she took Apple Bloom's ribbon.
"It would seem so, and there was definitely a fight for sure." nodded Vigilant Sight.
"Then that would mean this Konrad protected Apple Bloom and Princess Luna! See I knew there was more to this!" exclaimed Twilight Sparkle who was now smiling that she was right.
"There were also signs of excessive magic use, I know this because I performed a scan myself, and a LOT of magic was used." added Vigilant Sight.
"No doubt my sister was the user...interesting for sure. So it would seem that my sister is familiar with this Konrad, and young Apple Bloom must know him as well...strange that he would take care of them only to fight my subjects." said Celestia as she narrowed her eyes at the though of Konrad hurting her students brother.
"Well, I can't even fathom what would go through the mind of such a creature but I believe these are his personal effects, and some of them are rather...interesting."
Applejack looked at the bag with interest, and eyed Princess Celestia with a pleasing look. The Princess immediately nodded and Applejack began to open the bag with her teeth, effectively undoing to tied not that held it together. Applejack noticed through the corner of her left eye that Twilight Sparkle wanted to be the one to "inspect and investigate" the bag, but failed to take the initiative.
Sorry Twi, but you'll get to see the stuff as Ah will. Now just what does this feller have in here? And why the hay does it smell so funky?
As the bag was opened and it's contents were poured out, the ponies looked with curiosity as most of them contents were brown boxes with letters on them, while a few others were cans with blue and silver, and last was a First Aid Kit with a strange latching mechanism. All of the mane six gathered around the brown boxes, including Princess Celestia, who took one with her magic. Applejack began to read the contents of the box saying the words out loud,
"MRE No.12 Vegetable Lasagna. Well, Ah guess that means he eats just like us, and Ah thought Ah was worried that he hurt Apple Bloom."
"This one says MRE No.14 Ratatouille? Well, he may be a rather dirty being, but he does have good taste." said a rather impressed Rarity.
"Well, I guess he's a herbivore just like-"
"EEEKKK!" shouted Fluttershy as she dropped a box.
The squealing noise coming from Fluttershy got everypony's attention, excluding Princess Celestia, who was still reading the box with a raised eye brow.
"Ah swear that mare could be louder than Timberwolf howling at a full moon"
"-us...are you okay Fluttershy?" asked Twilight Sparkle.
"Yeah, what gives?" asked Rainbow Dash who didn't even get to read her own box.
Fluttershy, who was sporting sad and shocked look, pointed at the box that she dropped with her free right hoof, and everypony, except Pinkie Pie and Princess Celestia walked over and looked at what was wrong with the box. Applejack immediately picked it up and began to read it out loud to her friends,
"MRE No.18 Beef Ravioli...what in tarnation?! Am Ah reading this right Twi?" asked Applejack who gave the box to Twilight.
"No...you're not reading it wrong Applejack, it does say Beef Ravioli. Oh dear...he eats..."
"Cows! Those poor *sob* cows were killed for this mean *snob* Konrad! What pony could be so cruel to *snob* hurt them?!" cried Fluttershy.
The revelation that Konrad ate meat in addition to a herbivore diet made things a little awkward and different for the ponies, especially for Fluttershy. None of them had ever heard of a sentient being eating meat, save for other carnivore animals. Rainbow Dash walked back over to see the box that she had dropped, and read the contents out loud,
"MRE No.4 Pork Sausage with Gravy?! Yuck! What a gross jerk!"
This served to only make Fluttershy cry even more as the thought of cute innocent piggies being eaten by this Konrad made her heart ache. Rarity went over to console Fluttershy, as Twilight Sparkle began to think about the implications of such food source this Konrad ate.
Princess Celestia put the MRE box on the ground after reading it's contents which read :MRE No.3 Chicken with Noodles. The Princess had decided to spare Fluttershy's feelings even further.
"Well Ah be, a feller that eats both meat and veggies? What in tarnation is this guy anyway?" asked a confused Apple Jack.
"I believe the term is Omnivore, a being that is capable of eating plant, animal, algae, and fungi food source."
"So basically everything?! Including Ponies?!" asked Rainbow Dash, whose face was getting redder by the second.
"No...well technically yes, but there's no evidence that he eats ponies." said Twilight Sparkle, hoping that Konrad did not eat ponies.
"But ya said it yourself he can eat anything, and that could mean us Twi!"
Twilight Sparkle dismissed Applejacks absurd claim and said,
"Don't be ridiculous Applejack, why would he bother risk his life to save a potential food source? It doesn't make any sense! And just because he has a rather...odd way of eating doesn't mean he could be friend."
"Okay, Twi Ah know that you're a good pony but doesn't it bother you that he hurt your brother?"
Twilight Sparkle stopped and closed her eyes thinking about her BBBFF lying on the ground her. A small frown slowly creeped up on her face before she shook it off.
"Yes...yes it does, but I'm not going to hate him. I just can't see why he would potentially help Apple Bloom and Princess Luna only to hurt my brother. This has got to be a huge misunderstanding! I just know it!"
"Okay Sugercube, if that's how you see then Ah guess Ah can't change your mind. When we find him though, Ah ain't letting him near any cow that he lays his eyes on! Ah know Ah'd be madder than a red bull if he'd do such a thing."
"OOHH!! That's what this can says! Red Bull!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie.
"Now he drinks Bulls?! How cruel can this Konrad be?!" cried Fluttershy.
"Oh don't be silly Fluttershy, you can't drink a bull." said Pinkie Pie.
"B-but that's what the can says." cried Fluttershy.
"Then perhaps we should investigate this Red Bull." said Twilight Sparkle.
Twilight Sparkle used her magic and the can was enveloped in her lavender colored magic hue with it's hum making a low noise. Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie looked at the can with interest. There were several other words such as Taurine, Calories, but the main feature of the can was that it had a small red bull on it and it said,
"Vitalizes body and mind. Served chilled? An energy drink?" asked Rarity
"That is what the can says, but how the hay is it supposed to do that?" asked Applejack.
Twilight shook the can with her magic and sure enough it was filled with liquid as the noise was made. Curious, she noticed there was a notch on the top of the can, along with pattern on the metal top. Concentrating on her magic, she lightly pulled the tab and the can opened with light snap. Twilight held the can to her nose and smelled it, which turned out to be no different than the many sodas she drank through out her life.
"Smells like soda really, I'm not sure if this even has bull essence in it."
"OOOHHH!!! Let me try it!" asked Pinkie Pie.
Why do Ah feel that this won't turn out good?
"I don't think it's wise to-" said Twilight only to be cut off.
With a pink blurr, the can was hoofed out of her magic's grasp and into Pinkie Pie's fore leg. In a instant, before anypony could see, the can was empty and laid on the ground very much empty. A loud belch came from Pinkie Pie, before she began to speak.
"Wow! That was so super duper! It tasted like fruit punch and cinnamon! Ooh and I feel so very vitalizy!"
"Whoa Nellie, if Pinkie Pie's gonna go crazy with this energy, then were gonna have a lot more problems than with those Blood Hooves and that Konrad feller."
"Energy huh? Let me have one of those!" asked Rainbow Dash as she began to search for one.
Before she could reach for one, Princess Celestia got their attention.
"I believe we have learned all we can from "Konrad's" food. We should move on my little ponies."
"Aww....I wanted to try a Red Bull...it's just like Apple Cider." said a disappointed Rainbow Dash.
"This stuff tastes better than Apple Cider." exclaimed Pinkie Pie.
This did not sit well with Applejack as she gave Pinkie Pie a death glare, only to be ignored, and have Princess Celestia's wing drape over her. A small wink came from the Solar Princess, and Applejack immediately remembered the lesson from earlier. Taking a sigh, the country mare let the comment go and the Princess retracted her wing back.
"We must continue onwards if we are to stop this evil from spreading." said Princess Celestia.
"Princess Celestia, I have a suggestion." said Twilight Sparkle.
"Go ahead my faithful student." replied Princess Celestia.
"Konrad might return back to his carriage, well...at least I think that's it is. If I remember correctly it should be close by."
"So that's what that thing was! I know the object that you speak of and I can lead the way to it your highness." said Vigilant Sight.
"Very well, lead the way my faithful Scout and girls, please stay close-"
All of a sudden Pinkie Pie began to shake in the same manner that she had earlier during their first encounter with Konrad. Twilight Sparkle almost hit the ground, but quickly realized that this was the same pattern associated with the loud noise.
"Whoa Nellie, this ain't what Ah think it is."
"Here comes the loud noise!"
The noise was not as intense as it was earlier due to an echo verberating across the forest, but was still very noticeable to everypony.
B-b-b-BANG! b-b-BANG!
When the noise settled, all the Guards grunted and held their staff's ready in anticipation for a fight with Konrad, as many of them knew the two guards that fell earlier. Fluttershy simply cried "EEK" while Rainbow Dash got up on her hind legs and began boxing the direction for the noise, clearly ready to teach him a lesson. Twilight Sparkle and Apple Jack looked in the direction of the noise before turning to Pinkie Pie, taking note that he Sense was still going.
"T-t-there's m-m-moooorrreee!!"
A loud but slightly smaller noise was produced and it too echoed,
p-p-p-PLOP! p-p-p-PLOP! p-p-p-PLOP! p-p-p-PLOP!
Pinkie Pie ceased to shake and looked at her friends with a smile and said,
"All done! He's close by for sure."
"I'll never understand how that works Pinkie Pie, but I don't doubt you at all." said Twilight.
"Thanks Twilight!" smiled Pinkie Pie.
"Guards, start moving and be ready for any enemy that may lay ahead of us!" commanded Princess Celestia.
All of the Guards gave a quick uniform salute that impressed the mane six and even Princess Celestia herself, while Vigilant Sight took the initiative of scouting ahead, quickly disappearing from sight. Princess Celestia turned her attention back to the bearers and said,
"Stay close girls and be ready to use the Elements if need be."
"You got it Princess! Alright Konrad the bozo, Rainbow Dash is on your tail!"
"Well, it seems things are going to get a bit rough from here on out, but I'll rip him apart if he or any of Blood Hoof so dares to harm any of you!" shouted Rarity.
"And I'm going to be assertive to him and tell him he can't hurt any animal never again! NEVER AGAIN!" shouted Fluttershy in the same manner that she did at the Grand Galloping Gala.
"Alright then, it time to show them something more madder than Red Bull!" said Apple Jack.
"I just hope we can all be level headed and not make a mistake, but I'm ready for anything." said Twilight Sparkle.
"I wonder if he's got more food! Oh, I can't to see him, but I hope he won't actually be a real meanie!" smiled Pinkie Pie.
Princess Celestia smiled at all of them before turning in the direction of the noise, determined to find and stop the Blood Hooves while hoping to detain Konrad. Apple Jack stood along with her friends in straight line behind Princess Celestia, and a wall of guards stood before all of them. Using her rarely used Canterlot voice, Princess Celestia shouted,
"MOVE FORWARD!"
And move forward they all did, together resolved to stand against whatever threat that may lay ahead. For Konrad, his night was just getting started.
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Doctor Stable was not enjoying the night at all, for all pony heck broker loose when the Royal Guards barged in to the Emergency Room. At first he had protested their loud and disruptive behavior, such as shouting and neighing orders around until he saw the patients himself. The one patient that stood out the most was none other than Princess Luna, and several of the nurses gasped that Royalty would be admitted to their own Hospital. Now he understood why they were acting the way they were for not only their leader's life was on the line, their own personal honor was at stake too.
"Or their jobs." thought Doctor Stable.
As if that was not enough of a stressful situation, four more patients were rushed in, with three being Guards, and a little filly named Apple Bloom. This only served to shock Doctor Stable and all of the Nurses, with Nurse Tenderheart and Redheart on the verge of crying. Realizing that he had a job to do, Doctor Stable began to order the nurses,
"Nurse Redheart! Take Apple Bloom to room 11, and as well as Princess Luna. Nurse Tenderheart, take the three Guards to room 12, get orderlies if need be."
The Nurses then sprung into action, gathering orderlies and the patients, taking them to their respective rooms.
Doctor Stable galloped his way over to room 11 and prepared himself to check on the females first, with Apple Bloom and Princess Luna being the main priority. As much a he hated to place importance on lives, young children and Royalty came first. When he got to room 11, they were already hooked up to the brand new EKG unit's, a radical leap in medical technology. Doctor Stable then went to check on Apple Bloom first and noticed something rather strange.
Apple Bloom had a very unique mane ribbon made of a strange pattern and it was far different than the ribbon she normally wore. She also had a bandaged wrapped around her foreleg and it had a little bit of Blood seeping through. Doctor Stable ordered Nurse Tenderheart to open the bandage and prepare a new sterile bandage. The wound had stopped bleeding and while that was good, he noticed something really odd.
"These are...bite marks!?"
"Oh no! A Timberwolf must have gotten to her!" cried Nurse Redheart.
"No, these aren't Timberwolf marks, I have seen them before. These look like...they belong to a pony!".
Several of the Guards in the room gasped at the revelation of a pony biting another pony. Such a thing was unheard of and nopony could image why would somepony do such a thing. Doing his best to maintain composure, he went back to taking care of Apple Bloom. Other than her wound which appeared to have already been cleaned and sterilized, Doctor Stable ordered Nurse Redheart to patch it up with a new bandage. He then noticed some slight swelling on her head and he further investigated it. It turned our that she had received some trauma to the head, and that she was out cold.
"Blunt trauma to the head, have her set for an X-Ray just to be sure she hasn't fractured anything. Other than that, she seems fine, but I wonder who cleaned her wound and more importantly, who or what caused it?"
"Probably that ponynapper the serpent saw-" said a Guard before one of Luna's Night Sentinels closed his trap.
"Ponynapper?!" exclaimed a confused Nurse Redheart.
"You heard nothing, just take care of Princess Luna and the little filly." said the creepy looking Night Sentinel.
"But Sergeant Darkwing, they saw-HUDA-MMPH!"
"Private Greenhorn! Keep your muzzle closed! I'm supposed yo Guard Princess Luna, not your muzzle! Geez, how did you even get in that stupid "Spartrota" group?"
As Sergeant Darkwing let go of Private Greenhorn's muzzle, the Private was very close to saying something, but held his tongue as he realized that he as just a Private. Such disorderly conduct should surely be punished in the worst possible way, and the fact that there were civilians present would create a bad image for his Spartrota Unit.
"Anyway, how is the little filly Doctor?"
"I still have an X-Ray to take, but she will be just fine."
"Any Princess Luna?" said Sergeant Darkwing with raised eye brow.
"I'll get to her right now, that is if you care to not interrupt me."
The Night Sergeant simply snort in response, and went back to Guarding the door with Private Greenhorn.
"I swear I could never get used to military types." thought Doctor Stable.
Walking over to Princess Luna's bed, Doctor Stable noted how much of a terrible appearance the Princess had. The first thing that he noticed was her mane and wings were singed, and she had a terrible black eye. It would seem that somepony had the audacity to hit not only royalty but Princess Luna of all ponies! Doctor Stable briefly wondered if it had something to do with the "Ponynapper" that the Guard had mentioned earlier, but he cast it aside as it wasn't important. As he continued his examination, he cast a small magic scan and noticed that she was suffering from an extreme case of magic exhaustion.
He had only seen a few cases of it in his entire carrier, but this one was pretty bad as it seemed that the Princess's energy was severely drained. Luckily, it wasn't something that was life threatening, and all she needed was rest and some water. Magic exhaustion aside and black eye aside, the Princess was in good health, though she wouldn't be able to fly for week until her feathers regrew. As soon as the completed his examination, he noticed that somepony was watching him. He turned around and saw that he was staring straight Sergeant Darking, who had left his post to sneak up on him.
"Ah! Please don't do that again."
"How is she?"
"She's got a severe case of magic exhaustion, but all she needs is rest and water. We'll give her an IV for now until she wakes up. After that, she'll be ready to leave after another examination."
"Excellent, Princess Celestia will be pleased. Now what of Shining Armor's condition?"
Doctor Stable narrowed his eyes and said,
"I haven't gotten to him yet."
"See to it that you do, We'll remain here to watch over Princess Luna. Also, nopony, other than critical personnel and family memebers, are allowed to enter these rooms. No exceptions."
"What?! This is my hospital! What reason-"
Sergeant Darkwing immediately interrupted Doctor Stable, with a creepy smile and said,
"Princess Celestia's orders, now I believe you have a Captain of the Guard, and a Prince to take care of."
"Prince?" asked Doctor Stable.
"Shining Armor is married to Princess Cadence, and as such that makes him Prince. Have you forgotten the big wedding in Canterlot last year?"
"I heard of it, but I was on vacation in Los Pegasus last year. Now, if you'll excuse me I'll see to it that my patients are taken care of, that is if you'll kindly move out of the way."
The creepy Night Sentinel did nothing but smile and move out of the Doctor's way.
"I don't know what the deal is this guy, but he is really getting on my nerves."
Doctor Stable then motioned for Nurse Redheart to come over to Princess Luna's bed. After making sure that Apple Bloom was safe and comfortable in her bed, Nurse Redheart walked over to Doctor Stable.
"Set Princess Luna up for and IV and I also want Apple Bloom to be ready for an X-Ray in thirty minutes. When those tasks are complete, notify me of any changes, especially if they regain consciousness. I really would like to know more about what happened to them."
"Yes Doctor...I just wonder what they are dreaming about." said Nurse Redheart.
"Hopefully not a Nightmare, but then again I can't imagine what could be going through their minds right now. I just hope this night won't get any worse than it has." said Doctor Stable, who was curious as to what Princess Luna was dreaming about.
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The only thing that Princess Luna could remember was the sight of Konrad almost dying at the hooves of the vile Blood Hooves and that scared her never before in her since she lost her parents to Discord. She did not want to become evil like she had before and neither did she want Apple Bloom nor Konrad to suffer the same. They were supposed to escape, and just had too! Princess Luna had used every last bit of her strength to cast a repelling spell at the Blood Hooves called Crimson Tail and Blood Clop, and the pain was unbearable.
They were cast all over to the end of the Throne Room, far away from Konrad and Apple Bloom, giving him his chance to fight back. Princess Luna looked at Konrad and all she could do was smile at him before saying,
"Hazzah...beat that Kornad."
And then blackness over took her, with nothing more to be seen. Princess Luna opened her eyes and was floating weightless in strange black void with nothing in sight. Then out of nowhere a voice came from somewhere, being very faint. Princess Luna did he best to find the source of the voice but nothing could be found. Using her wings, which somehow had been restored, she began to fly to anywhere really. As she heard the voice become stronger, Luna flew faster and faster it, hoping to find the source. As the voice became clearer, the void began to change and morph into something.
All of sudden the voice became clear, and the sound of a young filly crying could be heard close by. Princess Luna was now aware of what was going on, she was entering somepony's dream!
How could I have no seen it that it was a dream?! Don't worry young filly, I will come to your aid!
The background was now clearly the Everfree Forest, and it was the sight of Apple Bloom crying near Konrad's truck. Apple Bloom was on the ground crying and she was curled into a ball, with Konrad's mane ribbon sagging down slightly. Princess Luna galloped over to Apple Bloom, trying her best not to frighten the filly any further. She could hear Apple Bloom cry,
"Ah'm dead! Ah can't *sob* find anypony and Ah can't *sob* find Konrad! Ah'm so scared *sob* and Ah wanna go home!"
Apple Bloom continued to cry some more until she heard Princess Luna walk up to her. The little filly laid her eyes on Princess Luna, unsure if she was seeing a false image. Princess Luna gave heartfelt smile and said,
"Fear not young Apple Bloom, it is only I, and this is only a dream. You are very much safe I assure you."
Apple Bloom's face lit up with confusion, and Princess Luna gave a small giggle and said,
"Yes Apple Bloom, it is I, and I have the ability to enter one's dreams to communicate. You are NOT dead."
Apple Bloom began to wipe her eyes with her hooves and said,
"Ah never knew you could do that, and why would you want to go into somepony's dreams?"
"To ensure that everypony do not have nightmares. I am Guardian and Ruler of the Night for a reason."
Apple Bloom immediately bowed at the mention of Princess Luna being a ruler and as such bowed down. Princess Luna again was surprised at Apple Bloom bowing down before her and too comfort knowing that she was still seen as a ruler. Princess Luna raised Apple Bloom's muzzle up with her hoof and said,
"I once again thank you for being respectful to me, but you do not have to that again young Apple Bloom."
As Luna retracted her hoof, Apple Bloom spoke with a little more of a relax tone,
"Ah'm sorry about that Princess Luna, mah family told me that Ah should always be respectful to mah elders."
"Your family has raised you well. Please let's relax in Konrad's truck for little while."
Using her "magic", Princess Luna opened the image of Konrad's truck and a set of back seats were available. Apple Bloom immediately jumped in and began to relax on the seat as Princess Luna did the same as well. Closing the door, Princess Luna could smell the scent from Konrad's truck earlier.
It would seem that she has faithfully recreated even the scent from his truck. How interesting her memory must be.
As if Apple Bloom was thinking the same thing, the little filly began to comment,
"Ah don't understand why his truck smells like this."
"I believer I can answer that, Konrad has a device that gives off a scent. I believe he called it "New Car"."
"New Car? That's a strange name if Ah ever heard of one."
"I thought the same when he told me earlier in the night. A pity that I had to meet him under less than perfect circumstances."
"Ah wish none of this had happen, Ah just wanted to have something to do after school."
"School? Please tell me why you were in this forest all alone, as you should know that Everfree Forest is no place for a young filly."
Apple Bloom looked at her foreleg that was bitten by Crimson Tail. A sad expression was plastered over he face, and it seemed that she was about to cry. Princess Luna saw this and extended her left wing over Apple Bloom, doing her best to comfort her. The young filly looked at Princess Luna and her sad expression melted away. Taking a breath, Apple Bloom slowly began to tell Princess Luna of how she went into Everfree Forest with Twilight Sparkle and how she wandered into Sunny Town. Princess Luna could only lower her jaw in shock and disgust at the detail of which Apple Bloom spoke.
Probably the worst was how Apple Bloom spoke of finding Ruby's dead body in her old house. It was really a sad tale of how they mistook a cutie mark for the cutie pox, and how Grey Hoof created the Blood Hooves as Ruby had mentioned earlier. Apple Bloom then told her of how Ruby's mother named Mitta allowed her to escape the grasp of the Blanks as the original inhabitants of Sunny Town called themselves.
"It would seem that they are not as evil as I had thought. This Mitta clearly seems to have a conscience, a pity the others to not share the same.
"Speaking of Mitta, you do realize that she is a Blood Hoof like them right?" said Luna's conscience.
Princess Luna's eyes widened at the fact that Ruby's mother was indeed a Blood Hoof herself, and a small smiled crept up on her muzzle. It seemed to the Night Princess that another advantage for her winning Konrad's lover over Ruby had just fallen like a gem in her hoof.
"I see what you mean...this will work out well for me. He would be foolish to chose her over me for she has the baggage of being a ghost and having an undead mother. I just hope he really does want me.
"Unfortunately, anything could happen and you need to prepare yourself for rejection Luna. And if he does choose Ruby, then you'll be back to where you were, and all will be fine."
"Yes, you are correct about that...but still..."
Apple Bloom continued to finish her tale of how she escape from Sunny Town with Mitta and Ruby's help, and how she met Konrad. Apple Bloom also told her of how she fell off the bridge only to wake up in Konrad's truck. Princess Luna remembered Konrad in the water holding onto to Apple Bloom, and smiled that he would risk his life for a filly that didn't even know. Apple Bloom then finished her tale of how they formally met and how he gave her a Poptart. Luna did have to admit, those treats of his really were something, and at the moment Princess Luna wish that she could have one right now, especially the Blueberry Flavored one.
"And that's how Ah got here Princess Luna."
"I see, a shame that happened to you young Apple Bloom. Nopony should ever have to go through what you have experienced and I commend you for being strong in the face of many adversaries."
Apple Bloom slightly blushed and said,
"Aww shucks your highness, Ah was just trying to get home...but may Ah ask you something?"
"Of course you may young Apple Bloom."
"Why are you here? Ah mean...why were you in Everfree Forest? Ah thought you'd be in Canterlot? Nightmare Night isn't until tomorrow night."
This took Princess Luna by surprise as she didn't expect to have to tell her reason for being in Everfree Forest to a young filly. It was embarrassing enough to admit that he acted spoiled and child like by running away from Canterlot, but to admit fault in front of a very young subject? Now that was going to be embarrassing for sure.
"Well young Apple Bloom, that is a rather...complicated matter..."
"Oh, Ah'm sorry if I asked a bad question. Please don't get mad at me."
"What?! No child, I am not angry at you at all, nor will I be. It's just...well, since you told me your tale, I shall tell mine."
Princess Luna then told Apple Bloom the reason why she was in Everfree Forest, about the fight she had with her sister Princess Celestia, and how she felt about Nightmare Night. She also told Apple Bloom the tale of how Discord had taken their parents away long ago and how she became Nightmare Moon. After divulging all the details, Princess Luna was worried about how she would be seen by Apple Bloom. Surprisingly, the young filly did not scold her at all. Instead, Apple Bloom spoke to her,
"Ah reckon that's got to be really hard loosing your parents, and feeling that nopony cares for you. Ah'm sorry that happened to you Princess Luna, and Ah don't think you're a bad pony at all."
"Really?! I uh mean...thank you very much Apple Bloom. That really means a lot to me."
Apple Bloom did nothing but give off a cute smile and Princess Luna couldn't feel any happier knowing that at the very least one of her subjects cared for her and sympathized with her.
"Well...going home and seeing Tia again would be great too."
"And with your favorite human too."
Yes...with Konrad too.
"Wait, does this mean you won't come to Nightmare Night in Ponyville?" asked Apple Bloom.
Princess Luna observed how sad Apple Bloom was at the prospect of not seeing her in Ponyville for the Celebration tomorrow night. After going through the terrible night they both experienced, Princess Luna could definitely use some fun, and what better way to make sure her subjects, especially Apple Bloom, would experience such a night
"Of course not young Apple Bloom! As of now, I wouldn't miss it for anything!"
"Yea! Ah can't wait to get home and dress up for Nightmare Night! Well...Ah don't have a costume, but Ah guess Ah don't need one. No doubt Diamond Tiara is going to make fun of me."
This suddenly caught Princess Luna's attention, as the mention of her new found loyal subject being harassed did not sit well with the Night Princess.
"Make fun of? Who is this Diamond Tiara you speak of?"
"Well, she's this filly in my school and she makes fun of me for not having mah cutie mark a lot. Her friend Silver Spoon does the same thing too, they just never quit."
Princess Luna's eyes narrowed at the thought of Apple Bloom being made fun of for not having a cutie mark. It seems there were always extremists on either side when it came down to cutie marks. Then a brilliant idea popped into her head, and she smiled at how grand it would be. Apple Bloom had a confused look on her face after seeing Princess Luna smile, unable to comprehend what was going on in her mind. The country silly got her answer as Princess Luna turned to Apple Bloom and said,
"Young Apple Bloom, I think I have found the perfect costume for you. How would you like to have some special fun with me on Nightmare Night? I promise that it will be worth it."
"Ah...sure, but what do you mean special fun?"
"This celebration will be a wonderful one, much better than last year!"
"Don't you think that it's a bit much Luna?"
"Silence my voice! This is a great idea and I will go through with it!"
Princess Luna then leaned into Apple Bloom's ear and whispered to her about her special "plan". Apple Bloom's sudden;y broke into a fit of giggles and said,
"That's gonna be fun for sure! Ah can't wait to do that!"
"I'm glad that you agree, it will be fun for sure!"
"And I can't wait to show off Konrad!"
Princess Luna suddenly frowned at the mention of Konrad, and realized that she wasn't awake to explain his presence if somepony found him. It was going to hard for somepony to see a "ponynapper" and he didn't deserve to have a bad welcome into Equestria. Apple Bloom immediately caught Princess Luna's reaction and asked,
"What's wrong Princess Luna?"
"It's Konrad young Apple Bloom, I'm worried about how he will be received."
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it Apple Bloom, when was the least time you have seen a mythological creature such as him?"
Apple Bloom held a hoof to her muzzle and said,
"Never Ah suppose, but Ah don't understand."
"You see Apple Bloom, nopony has ever seen a human before, and imagine what would happen if they see him by himself."
Apple Bloom then lowered her ears and was starting to understand what Princess Luna was hinting at.
"Ah guess they might get scared like Ah did."
"Exactly, and earlier when I was unconscious, Konrad was seen by Sea Serpent and that individual mistook Konrad as a ponynapper."
"Wha?! But Konrad ain't no ponynapper! He's a good feller!"
"I know Apple Bloom, but they don't. When ponies see something they don't understand, they tend to panic. You of all ponies should know this."
Apple Bloom lowered her head in shame and said,
"Just how we panicked last year when you came to Ponyville."
"Exactly Apple Bloom, and that's why we need to be with him until we can show Equestria that he is a friend and not something to be feared."
Apple Bloom then lowered he ears and curled up in ball with sadness in her eyes. She soflty spoke,
"Ah wish Ah was awake and back home...and Ah wish Konrad was here. Ah feel safe hugging him."
Princess Luna raised an eye brow at Apple Bloom and asked,
"You...hugged Kornad? When did this happen?"
"When I ran out of the ruin earlier, he helped calmed me down and said that he was happy to be my friend. After that ah hugged him, and Ah like him just a like he's a big brother."
Hearing that the young filly felt safe with Konrad made Luna "DAWWW!" on the inside and for brief second, she wished she too could hug Konrad, although not in the same manner as Apple Bloom had. Seeing how Apple Bloom was down, Princess Luna suddenly had another wonderful idea. Since this was Apple Bloom's dream after all, why not help the young filly feel safe until they both woke up?
"Apple Bloom, until both of us wake up, I think I have a way making your wish come true."
Apple Bloom instantly perked her head up and Konrad's mane ribbon bounced as she did so.
"Really? How?"
Princess Luna held a hoof to her own muzzle and giggled seeing the cute image of an eager Apple Bloom. Princess Luna ceased giggling like a little filly herself and said,
"Well, this is a dream after all and the mind is very powerful. You are, in essence, the master of this realm. All you have to do is imagine that Konrad is here...and that's it!"
"That's it?!" asked an excited Apple Bloom with a filly smile.
"I swear it on my life Apple Bloom." winked Princess Luna.
Apple Bloom instantly closed her eyes with a big grin on her face, and concentrated real hard. After about five seconds of concentration, Apple Bloom opened her eyes and began to look around, wondering if her imagination worked. Unable to see Konrad, she lowered her ears and became sad only to hear a knock on her window. Sure enough, it was Konrad smiling outside looking at Apple Bloom.
"KONRAD!" shouted Apple Bloom.
The imaginary Konrad then opened the passenger door and held his arms out wide, which Apple Bloom immediately into. Apple Bloom gave an immediate heartfelt hug and began to rub her muzzle affectionately against his neck.
"Hey Apple Bloom! You didn't think I'd leave you behind would you?"
"Nope! No siree that's for sure!"
"You're a good filly you know that?"
"And you're a good human! Stay that way!"
Konrad then began to rub her mane as Apple Bloom relax in his imaginary hug.
"I don't plan on changing Apple Bloom."
As Apple Bloom continued to hug the imaginary Konrad, Princess Luna couldn't only smile at the sight full of DAWWW. It was at that brief moment she wished that this was her dream.
"I'm glad that she will be comforted until she awakens."
"That was a nice thing you did for Apple Bloom.
"It's just my duty for my subjects nothing more."
"Sure Princess, whatever you say. Wish this was your dream now don't you?"
"What?! How dare you insinuate...oh what the hay, you're right. I really do wish this was my dream, and it certainly would be interesting if it was..."
"If only your sister or parents were heard you say that."
"My affection for Konrad has nothing to do with them and my parents are not here. The chances of me seeing them again are practically non-existent and if they were here, I would tell them of the wonderful man Konrad is. Besides, I'm sure he would rather have to deal with my sister and parents rather than Ruby's mother. I can't even imagine what that would be like.
If the universe was taking a massive indulgence in irony, then it would surely be obese right about know. The addiction for such a thing was only getting started as Konrad would be lab rat for such an experiment.
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Konrad was utterly confused at how he was going to collect the Poison Joke plant. The didn't have any gloves nor did he have a bag to put them in. After doing his best to come up with a way to collect them, he about nearly gave up until an idea hit him. He realized that he still had a spare large towel in the back of the Bronco, and Konrad turned back towards the truck. Konrad realized that he still needed to rescue Ruby, but if he was going to take on Sunny Town, he would need a better plan.
"And what better way than to exploit the Poison Joke plant?"
"Be careful Konrad, that stuff could come back and bite you. Pranksters don't like to be pranked."
"Yeah well, the Poison Joke plant can kiss my ass. Besides, those Blanks and Blood Hooves got it coming to them anyway."
"Very true, but still...just be careful."
"I'll be as careful as I can be."
As Konrad got back to the truck he saw the dead Blood Hoof bodies, and let a chuckle escape his mouth. It was just plain to freaking funny to see the Blood Hooves stumble and crash. Konrad looked and saw the Derpy Blood Hoof known as Skull mush and he felt really bad for shooting her in the head. She didn't seem that bad but then again, she did try to hurt Ruby and she would have tried to convert him later on. Konrad was content to use her as a guide to Sunny Town despite being a Blood Hoof...and the rotten smell that she had.
His decision to kill her was due to the kiss she gave him earlier, and should he die at their hooves, there was no way he was going to wind up as her special somepony.
"Oh Skull Mush, you deserved better...and more importantly so did Ruby."
As Konrad opened the back of the truck, he saw a spare large brown towel and retrieved it. As he closed and locked the back door, he heard a loud noise echo out of nowhere.
"m-m-m-m-M-M-MOVE f-f-f-f-F-F-FORWARD!"
Konrad froze in fear at the noise and instantly recognized what it was. It was the voice of none other than Princess Celestia.
"Shit! That was Princess Celestia! And if she's using a Canterlot voice like her sister Luna, then...uh oh."
"You better move on Konrad, you don't want to get caught by her without Princess Luna to defend you."
"I can't believe I'm running away from Princess Celestia and the mane six and towards the gate of zompony hell. I'm starting to think that I shouldn't have listened to Shining Armor, better yet, I should not have fought him at all."
"Good! Maybe next time you'll think twice before letting your anger get the best of you."
"Yes...I know...oh boy Sunny Town here I come...I can't believe I'm actually going to do this."
Konrad then ran as fast as he could up the incline and turned around before walking into the vegetation. As he looked down on the hill, he saw movement far away across the river and saw a lone Royal Guard, scouting the area.
"No doubt he's looking for me."
The Guard began to look around, scanning the area before turning right back around. After a minute, Konrad began to wonder what just happened until another Guard appeared from the same area. And then another and another until a whole line of Guards began to walk out of the tree line. And sure enough, Princess Celestia was among them wearing what appeared to be armor similar to Nightmare Moon's Armor, except this one was made of Gold or Gold colored at the very least. And behind her was the mane six wearing their Elements.
"Wow, I'm actually seeing the mane six and Princess Celestia...but right now they don't look very happy at all, expecially Princess Celestia and Apple Jack."
"Konrad, I hate to interrupt your bronygasm, but shouldn't you be heading to Sunny Town?"
"Yeah, you're right and...bronygasm?! Real classy Ian. Whatever, I guess I should go get the Poison Joke and head to Sunny Town...I just know their going to fuck with my truck, especially Twilight Sparkle."
"Konrad!"
"Fine I'm going!"
Konrad then observed Twilight Sparkle point with her hoof in the direction of Konrad's truck and began to enthusiastically say something that Konrad couldn't comprehend due to the distance. It was as that moment that Konrad knew Twilight Sparkle was the pony responsible for denting his truck.
"I fucking knew it."
Konrad slowly backed up into the vegatation, careful to not make any sudden movements or noises. As he was confident about his concealment and distance, Konrad began to run to the Poison Joke patch and began the careful process of collecting the plant. Before he did anything else however, he put his gas mask on to make sure the Poison Joke didn't have an airborne means of contamination. With his mouth and hands covered, he used the towel to uproot several of the plants.
Konrad could hear the poison joke make it's signature low hum from the show and he knew it's stuff was spreading. Now was the time to find out if his plan was either brilliant, or stupid. Konrad slowly walked away from the patch with the plants in the towel, and closed the towel carefully making a knot to seal it up. He shook the bag to see if the plants were still alive and that they hopefully didn't die after being uprooted. Sure enough he could still hear the humming coming from them, and satisfied that he had it in the bag, Konrad began to double time it to Sunny Town.
For at least a good twenty minutes, Konrad had been running in the direction that Skull Mush said Sunny Town was located. Konrad began to worry if Skull Mush was so incredibly stupid that she would have forgotten the right way. That changed however as the further Konrad began to run, the colder it got. It also got darker and more eerie with every step of the way.
"I'm close...I can even feel Sunny Town nearby...so this is what Sunny Town is like in real life...fucking Story of the Blanks, fucking Creepy Pasta."
Konrad's blood was starting to pump with fear as he began to slowly sneak towards Sunny Town, as seeing an 8 bit NES representation was nothing compared experiencing Story of the Blanks first hand. Konrad started to curse finding that game and he could even hear the Sunny Town Evil Music play in his head.
He remembered running from Roneo in the game and was worried that he would have to see that twitchy bastard.
"Or maybe it was actually Grey Hoof, I can't remember...I just hope my plan works.
Konrad couldn't help himself however as he began to worry and worry more as he got closer. The thought the Blanks tearing him a new one scared the hell out of him, but despite his fear he pressed onwards in the hopes that he would be able to rescue Ruby. Thinking about Ruby began to calm Konrad down and he remembered how cute she actually was. After thinking about Ruby, he also thought of Princess Luna too, and back to his decision that he made earlier.
"Dang it, they both are awesome! Oh God, that was a tough decision but...focus Konrad! You're almost in...
Unfortunately for Konrad, his concentration was broken as the sight of Sunny Town was right before him, with Blanks and Blood Hooves walking about. The Town looked exactly like he had seen in on Deviant Art and it was strange too, most of them were dancing in one corner near an opening by a few houses, while a few were near set of tables in the close by. They appeared to be eating...cake?
"How the hell did they get cake? It's got to be a lie."
Konrad also noticed one house that was completely closed up with two ponies Guarding the entrance. Konrad out of all the ponies Konrad had no clue as to which zompony was what and if he saw Blood Clop, he would take the opportunity to kill him silently if he could. Konrad wasn't able to make out any of the Blanks from the game as their zombie appearance made them all look almost the same, minus their genders. Konrad began to duck as Blood Hoof or a Blank made it's way over in his direction. Konrad was worried that he was spotted but he laid still on the ground in a prone position.
From what he could tell, this pony was a definitely a mare, and that she was humming a strange tune. After paying close attention, this tune turned out to be the Sunny Town Evil theme.
"How ironic, most ponies hum the MLP tune while the Blanks hum the Story of the Blanks theme. This is really the most fucked up part of my life."
Konrad didn't dare move as the zombie was pulling something out of a box near a dark and creepy looking house. As the Blank pulled out glass bowl, she set it down and sighed to herself.
"I can't believe Blood Clop knocked down my punch bowl and broke it...lucky for me I got a spare! Now to put some ingredients in it!"
"Oh god, don't tell me it's going to be gross."
All of a sudden, the zombie pony in front of him dug up a collection of pony flesh from the ground and began to wring blood out of it into the bowl. Konrad could literally feel his stomach protest in having to hold it's contents together, but he did his best to hold it together. Nothing like this existed in the game, and Konrad's hatred for creepy past was increasing tenfold. After putting Blood in the Bowl, the zombie mare put a few more ingredients in it that Konrad couldn't recognize.
"Oh ponyfeathers! I forgot something, I guess I'll just come right back. Oh Gladstone!" said the Blood Hoof.
"I'm over here Three Leaf!" shouted Gladstone in the distance.
"So that's was Three Leaf huh? What gross bitch!"
As Three Leaf ran of to Gladstone, Konrad then saw the wonderful opportunity that laid before him. There was an unguarded punch bowl, and a bag of Poison Joke right next to him. It was at that point Konrad would pull his greatest prank ever.
Konrad looked around and made sure that nopony was around, and after checking that the coast was indeed clear, he pulled the towel open and shook the Poison Joke plant, making sure the he got a lot of it inside the bowl. Satisfied that enough was in there, he put he towel back in a knot and waited for Three Leaf to come by again. When she did, the mare dropped what appeared to be piece of tail, such as Blank Tail. This almost caused Konrad to hurl right there on the zombie pony, something that would no doubt get him killed.
"Oh my god this is so fucking gross. Not only is this worse than the game, but they fucking stink too!"
"Oh I'm so sorry about that Gladstone, I promise to make thing better...a lot better." spoke Three Leaf with a seductive tone at the end of the sentence.
"Can't wait my sexy mare." said Gladstone who came out of nowhere.
This caused the Blank to jump up in the air with a slight gurgle shriek before she turned around and gave him a seductive look. While Konrad learned that these two characters were special someponies, his will to not give him self away was slowly breaking down at the gross sight before him.
"Oh god, so getting sick...got to get away from them...now!"
"Is the punch ready?" asked Gladstone.
"Yup! It's all done! I think it will turn out a lot better. I wonder what will happen if the human tries it later after we convert him."
"Eh, who knows, but I hope he doesn't come back here for Ruby. That cursed little-"
"Urge to kill all of them right now, rising..."
"Well, we should head back to the tables. Everypony will be waiting for us!" said a cheerful Three Leaf.
"There's just one more thing Three Leaf."
"Oh what's that?" asked Three Leaf with an effeminate wink, that is if you could call it that.
"He isn't going to...
As if Konrad's worst fear had come to life, Gladstone walked over to Three Leaf's muzzle and opened wide letting his long stallion blood tongue into hers. She began to reciprocate with her own, and they began to tongue tie each other. This was utterly grossing Konrad out as it looked like something you'd see in a rule 34 environment.
"Oh god! NO! SO Gross! Fuck you creepy pasta! Fuck you! Oh....SHIT!"
Konrad couldn't take it anymore as he let our a slight gag noise and this unfortunately caught the attention of the kissing Blanks.
"What was that?!" asked Three Leaf.
"It came from the ground, maybe a friend is waking up." said Gladstone, who was walking towards Konrad's position.
"Oh fuck no! I'm fucked..."
"What the hay?!" shouted Gladstone, who had seen Konrad on the ground.
"Fuck this shit!"
Konrad immediately got up and stared at Three Leaf and Gladstone. Neither Konrad, nor the Blanks could think or do anything as the stared each other.
"Oh god, awkward turtle, I should probably run."
As Konrad was about to run, Three Leaf shouted out loud,
"IT'S THE HUMAN! HE'S OVER HERE!"
"You will NOT get away human!" shouted Gladstone.
All of a sudden every Blank and Blood Hoof began to run to their position, just in time for them to see something rather embarrassing for anypony that lived in Sunny Town. The stench from Gladstone's and Three Leaf's breath was just too much for Konrad, and the contents of his breakfast came up with a vengeance. A good spray of vomit made contact with both Three Leaf and Gladstone, effectively covering their faces. As Konrad finally ceased vomiting, everypony gasped at the sight they had just witness, and Konrad felt not only scared out of his mind, but strangely embarrassed himself.
"Uhh...parlay?" was all Konrad could say.
Both Gladstone and Three Leaf started to growl at Konrad, and all he could think was...
"I'm fucked."
"Hello Konrad...I'll give you a chance of "Parlay". It's actually the most civil thing you've done all night."
Konrad's face turned white as he turned around only to see a smiling Blood Clop on his hind legs. Then all of a sudden a swift bucking motion was made towards Konrad, and all he was able to say was,
"Shit..."
It was the last thing he saw before going black."