22
Twilight was having a very bad day. A strange doorway was reported in the town square with all citizens from Ponyville gathered around. They looked to her upon her arrival for guidance, a nerve racking experience. Of all the phenomena in the last few days, the monster, the fight, Rainbow, this was the strangest. Although that mess Spike made the other night was still pretty high up there, she was not aware dragons could sleepwalk. She let him get an early bed time today it was late after all.
Lately she had studied a great deal about bipeds from ancient texts. It was true that thing had never been seen before yet she wanted to know more about it. Leaving it on the back burner was proving to be a difficult task. She was happy at least to have the distraction of this door. She had already recognised it as a gateway of some nature. She was nevertheless at the ready to courteously greet whichever visitor was there. Judging by the shape it was from Canterlot and she was anxious to talk to Celestia again. Despite Twilight’s many questions she still had not replied to a single letter after their visit to speak with Rarity.
She awaited with her modestly sized guard before the opening, approximately ten meters across. She took a deep breath and smiled to her friends, each wearing their respective Element of Harmony. Twilight wanted to be presentable to whichever dignitary was soon enough to pass through. She we happy to see Rainbow Dash up and moving again.
Of late she had slowly noticed her friends were sharing her doubt about the monster, always acting very uneasy if she tired to discuss the topic. Yet here she was again, allowing herself to think about it. There was only one question that bothered her; what they were going to do after it got caught and sent back to the cell. She had to admit to herself this monster had not done anything the the citizens since it’s escape. No pony had been eaten or hurt, no buildings razed or dangerous encounters. It was that action that drew the most attention. It almost seemed like it stepped into her shot to protect Rarity’s sister. If it had not been there, she did not want to think about it. That monster was confusing for her. Since Rainbows account she had tried to search for fire spells that it could have used. There were simply too many to think of although she suspected it was some type of powder.
“Twilight...twitch a twitch!”
“What’s up Pinkie?”
“Something bad, something really bad!”
Almost in cue Princess Luna fell through the doorway. It took a moment for them to process the sight; she was weak, battered and still smouldering. Twilight rushed to her side, “Run Twilight Sparkle...” she forced out before passing out in her forelegs. Twilight looked up in time to see the looming creatures fist catch her in the head and throw her far from the fallen princess. Her head seared with pain as the sounds of panic surrounded. She could hear fighting but could not get up. Rarity came to her side projecting a shield with her element to block what looked like fire washing over them.
Applejack picked her up, looking around her friends were all by her. Rainbow Dash carrying princess Luna on her back. It was confusion all around, the pain in her head growing. She did not care how they had Luna, she cared only to beat that creature. Finally it had shown it’s true colours to them proving her right once more.
Fluttershy watched on as she saw the creature barrel through the doorway and hit Twilight hard on the head throwing her far back firm Luna. It did not slow and charged forward, light footed and fast it neatly dodged Rainbow Dash’s attempt to strike it. It carried forward to breathe a terrible fire but Rarity stepped in front of Twilight, projecting a shield. Applejack, Pinkie and herself joining her to block against the blaze. Rainbow Dash flew on to Luna and lifted her to her back, galloping behind the shield when the creatures blaze ceased.
A group of pegasus guards flew at the creature but were quickly scattered as it sent a strange shock through the air to knock them down. Its power had grown, its speed was now formidable. Rarity felt a stinging sensation on her, the pain of Teddy’s betrayal. Looking at it now though, it seemed smaller. She could not see it clearly through the barrier, but the form was different somehow.
More guards rushed to it, it spread its wings to take flight to them, neatly sweeping, breaking horns and wings alike. It’s skin glinted in the lights of the town from the houses, the glints showed a strange form. Landing elegantly, it loomed around to face them. They let their shield drop to stand together at this thing. Rarity could see the others were as disturbed ad she was by this. The residents had scattered to leave the area barren. Teddy looked different to her, a black crystal covering it only revealing that sadistic smile. Rarity was not mistaken, the creature had become smaller somehow, as it spoke the sting she felt was replaced by fright.
“Hello again element of generosity... Where is your pet now?” The voice was familiar, as though they had heard it before, not Teddy’s, different. “I will make it pay for what it did to my king!” There was no doubt now, this was Queen Chrysalis, she had adopted the form of the creature and was making good use of her magic to a terrifying degree.
“It is no pet!” barked Luna. Her voice still strong despite her injuries.
“I will make you regret your actions Luna. I will see you rot with your darling sister.”
“That’s not Teddy Twilight!”
“Who’s Teddy?”
“We must flee now Princess Sparkle. She is too strong.” Luna seemed as panicked as the rest.
“She? Where’s Celestia?”
“We need to flee!”
“She cannot beat the Elements Of Harmony!”
“You mean this?” the queen held up a crown, it looked like Twilights element. She felt her head but there was nothing there, in the hit the queen had taken it off her. She laughed, her revelling carrying around above the screaming residents. “Oh it’s just too precious, you thought that boorish animal could truly best me? Well I know a great detail about it now, it will not happen again.”
“Where’s Celestia?!”
“Oh...you will see her soon enough.” Behind her the black golems pushed through the doorway, a large group. They looked the same as the old ones aside the colour, now a darkened green silhouetted frame against the glowing doorway.
“Don’t let her scare us girls, we still have the other Elements, recover the Element of Magic and we will defeat her.”
“Touching...sister.” The golems charged forward trembling the earth with their bulk as they drew closer. The shield dropped and they darted around them firing their blasts. The golems did not react as the magic washed over them and their strikes met the ponies. The fight was quick and pained, each of them falling to be held down by a single one. They were stronger now, she could feel the icy grip on her back as one of them pressed her into the ground. The others were met with the same resistance, their elements were quickly pulled free and tossed to the queen.
She could see only one thing to do, concentrating Twilight felt her friends and the place behind them. She hated it but she had to run with them. Thankfully the royal guard was not yet done as another wave darted through the door led by Shining Armour and Princess Cadence.
“Listen to Luna Twilight!” he charged into the golems to knock them back with a deafening collision. One golem grabbed him by his head and slammed him to the ground. Now more golems came though after the guard, engulfing the remainders under the tide. Their weapons and magic were not strong enough, it was a repeat of the castle.
“Twilight...”
“Luna! What must I do?”
“Leave me, go get the monster.”
“But that’s the monster. Luna? Luna!” she lost consciousness, Twilight noticed now her midnight black crown was also gone. She could not fight it as the lights around them faded and the screams grew more silent.
A hoof on her shoulder woke her from her daze, “Leave now sis, we will buy you time.”
“Cadence!”
“Not now, we cannot hold her back forever. Get to safety, find that monster if you can, bring it back to help us.”
“Isn’t that-”
“Listen to Luna, go and get help!”
“There must be a solution, it will not help us!”
“Luna thinks otherwise, get out of here now!”
Twilight felt sick as the golems circled them neatly, the queen watching on in contempt. She did not want to leave, she wanted to stay with them, Cadence and Shining Armor were tired, she could see they were strained already. Cadence’s wings were singed, the feathers charred. A flash brought her to the edge of the Everfree forest she whirled to see the centre of Ponyville. Cadences horn sparked its final light as the golems enclosed and swallowed them in the mass. She felt a tug on her foreleg and turned to see a frightened Rarity pulling her to the forest.
For Rarity it had been a close call, she could feel her head being crushed under the weight of the golem, without the royal guards that staggered it she would not have been so fortunate. She pulled her friend to run into the forest, every fibre was screaming to flee. She had no idea where to go, Teddy was still in no condition to help them.
Twilight led her friends through the forest, her owl nowhere in sight. Spike had joined them and was on Applejack’s back trying to see the pursuing golems. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were dodging the flyers. She was frightened, no idea which way to run, away from the queen certainly but no direction where to go. The trees blurred past the darkness as she ran on with Pinkie and Rarity close behind, Applejack darted past her taking the lead.
“This way! Hurry!”
Twilight and the others followed as Applejack led them deeper into the Everfree Forest. It felt as though hours past. They did not care what was out there, as long as it was away from the Golems. The dense brush grew thicker the further they ran forcing them to push through. Applejack knew where she was going, her footing sure and steady. They darted into a clearing with a large stone propped against a cliff face, it was too dark to see but there was writing on it.
Applejack paused a moment and looked around for something. She caught it and ran on beckoning her friends to follow. A golem reached out and grabbed her hoof hoisting her high. Before she could react spike leapt from her back to its head and shot his fire in the eyes blinding it. Applejack fell free and galloped on leaving her hat behind. Before he could leap free the golem grabbed Spike and slammed him to the ground.
“Go! I’ll be fine!” he clawed viscously at another Golem. Twilight was overwhelmed, she did not know why but her hooves carried her away. She wanted to stay but it was no longer up to her, as if she was watching herself. More golems shot out. Applejack grabbed her foreleg.
“Spike’s safe, get going!”
“What?”
“Now!”
Following Applejack into another clearing she was stunned to see the mare turn around and smile. Her friends seemed less disturbed by this action.
“Applejack, what are you doing?!”
She pointed at the Golems as they burst into the clearing forming a circle around them, “Notice something a might different?”
“Please, this is not the time, I’ll clear a path, you-” She stopped dead as she saw the Golems close in. Her stare did not fall on them, but on the shadow behind them. A large wolf, glimmering in the moonlight, its red eyes piercing the darkness. As it slowly stepped in the light the shine caught the Golems attention. The beast growled fierce and deep, her teeth bearing and head lowering.
A dull thud resounded behind them and she turned around to see the hulking form of the creature, its eyes peering through her. It kneeled down and gestured to Rarity, Th.e mare taking the winded Spike with a squeak. It came closer and she could feel her panic rising. She moved before her friends to stand in front of the creature, blocking it. Its expression softened and it bowed gracefully to her.
“Ladies.” Her confusion was apparent. Rarity came by her and grasped her foreleg. The creature walked past her slowly to stand before the Golems. It scanned the area, there were five, a fraction of the group that chased them. The creature was sweating profusely and breathing heavily, it’s breath carrying on the cold night air while mist danced from its head. The question of the pursuers reduced number was answered quickly by the Golem head it grasped in its claw, throwing it to the ground before the others. The monsters watched as it disintegrated under the heel if the creature and hesitantly stepped back. They were however reminded of the wolf when it snarled. Twilight saw what was about to happen. The Golems were trapped now, and they knew it.
The creature darted forward without warning, the wolf doing the same. It leapt on the back of a golem and grasped its head in the teeth They watched shocked as the jaw closed, shattering the head leaving the struggling body to crumble. The creature made short work of two, a single shot to the legs of one sending it crashing to the ground, the second one failing to connect and being thrown to the ground to have the creature crush its neck. The final two ceased a chance and fled into the forest, the creature and the wolf following. They were engulfed by darkness and the hollow groan of a single Golem resounded, peace once more being brought to the clearing.
Twilight could now feel Rarities foreleg around her and she shook it off, she could not imagine what was happening, if the creature had taken control of her friends and was now retuning for her. Its dull thudding steps sounded as it emerged from the bush once more, the fearsome wolf walking beside it, light of step almost without sound. It stepped over the fallen Golem, its breath washing over the form as it spoke. Without the legs it could not run, it tried to throw a punch but the creature brushed it away. It became more violent in its struggles, the creature crouched over it still whispering. Its struggled ceased as one smooth strike to the head connected, the form seeming to turn to dust.
It stood and turned to face the group, as it did it scanned their bodies thoroughly, extra attention paid to her. It stepped closer and she instinctively stepped back. She looked to her friends who were clearly concerned, exchanging looks of worry and uncertainty.
“Please Princess, now is not the time, there may be reinforcements soon. I ask you follow me to a safer location.”
She could feel her anger now, this creatures assumption of her naivety was offensive, “I am not going anywhere with you.”
“Twilight please, it’s not our enemy...”
“You too Applejack?! What have you done to them?!”
The creature still came closer and she felt the rock face against her flank. This was from out of a nightmare, she was surrounded now by her own friends, turned by this monster.
“Nothing sugar cube.”
“Please, it is our friend. They are-”
“No, stay back!” She shot a warning to them, the magic impacting the ground before them, “Stay back!” Her panic was rising, fear controlling her actions. This was now a fight to survive, to remain uncorrupted by the monster, if she fell all Equestria would be doomed to Chrysalis, she had to fight. Another blast sent her friends sprawling on the ground, the creature was unaffected. She fired that spell at it, the one that hurt it in the cell, it washed over it and blinded her to what was happening. She tried to scream as the creatures arms wrapped around her, kicking out, its grip tightening, pinning her to it, her legs could no longer kick out, she did not want it to end now. Refusing to she tried another spell, a fire washed over them, it did not burn her but the creatures face twisted as it seared the body. When the flame was done, expended from her she was weak. Her body was left barely conscious from the tight grip as it choked her. She tried to call to her friends for help but could not see what happened, as her vision faded and all went silent.
Rarity watched helplessly as Twilight struggled against the creature, a brilliant blue flame washing over them. She wanted to stop this but she was frozen, fear gripping her. When her friend was still she could finally speak. “What did you do?” Twilight slumped in its arms and it lowered her to the ground, beckoning fluttershy to it.
“Resuscitate her quickly.”
“What did you do?”
“Wait and see, follow Crystal now, I will join you shortly.”
“What about-”
“There is no time to waste Ladies. Move it now.” Twilight sputtered back to life and upon seeing the creature failed in an attempt to shout out, her weakened cry stifled by its claw on her mouth. The creature spoke, hard and cruel, it sent a shiver up her spine. “Listen here highness. There is no time for your nonsense. You will be quiet and come with me if you want your kingdom back again or I could just as easily leave you here.” Her eyes widened and the creature released standing above her, “Please help her up Miss Fluttershy. As I said, the rest of you follow Crystal.”
“You heard the boss girls, this way!” Pinkie Pies light hearted attitude rallied her friends and they followed with Twilight supported by Fluttershy. The creature pulled away and into the dark forest again to continue its hunt. Pinkie always followed her instincts, they were never wrong. The creature hoisted Luna on the wolf and the beast carried her smoothly.
The walk with the wolf was slow and quiet, its head was lowered the whole time, ears flailing around listening to the sounds of the forest. They dared not interfere with it, the arched body and drawn claws that scraped the ground with each step. Twilight hung over Fluttershy winded and tired, Rarity moved beside her to try and help, Applejack offering her a ride on her back. She remained silent trying not to feel the bruises around her side. It ached and breathing was painful, the creature had constricted her, her main concern was why the flame did not work that well. It used the same magic that could harm it, yet it washed off the monster without leaving a mark, not even the uniform it wore caught fire. She had worked tirelessly on that spell, crossing too many lines to breathe the fire of dragons. This creature was as dangerous as she thought.
“Twilight please say something.”
“I have nothing to say to traitors.”
“At least she’s talking.” This was especially hard for Rarity, the fight they had still fresh in her mind, “Please dear, we are not traitors.”
“That so called monster is actually very sweet. It wouldn’t hurt us.”
“It already did Fluttershy! Were you seeing what I saw? How it finished that Darkling? You’re trying to tell me that is not a threat.”
“Hey, like it or not that threat just helped us out!” The wolf growled at Rainbow Dash. She settled quickly on the ground lowering her voice, “Twilight, it’s not as bad as we thought, it wants to help, it’s sorry for hurting us.”
“It looks just like Chrysalis, they are working together. It is lying to you, just like Princess Celestia warned us. It is lying and waiting for the right moment.”
“To do what?”
“I don’t know okay!” Twilight was now crying, the shock of what had happened was setting in.
“And more importantly why does it even cares what happens to you ladies.” Fluttershy jumped at the creatures voice, it had joined their group silently, no longer making a sound as its paw steps swept over the surface, “My apologies Miss. This monster, young princess, is more concerned with silence now. There is a lot of damage to repair between us and it pains me to have caused it. For now we must be silent, I can hear you all from a great distance.” Fluttershy stumbled and supported Twilight. The run had made her tired, she was used to physical strain working with her animals, but the fear she had in her was now chipping away. The creature stepped before her and Twilight, lowering itself to one knee with its back facing them. “Get on now Princess, you are slowing your friends down.” Twilight stared at the back of the creature, dusted with glittering fragments of the Golems. She could not believe it thought she would, or that she wanted to.
Her mind was spinning and it was getting harder to remain standing. The creature sighed and turned to her, gesturing to her friends to walk on. It placed its claws on Twilights shoulders, she wanted to shake them off but could not find the right muscle to command. She was less afraid now seeing its pained expression, it had probably felt the fire more than she thought, this pleased her. “Please Miss Twilight, I am not that monster you met in the cell, look at me please,” the claw tilted her head up, if felt cold and hard, “Please Twilight, it’s enough fighting for now. Please, in the name of whatever it is here, just get on so we can get to safety.”
“I can walk thank you,” she said bitterly.
“You are the smartest one here I am led to believe. So think about it, the six of you are all that’s left now. You do not need to trust me, you need to use me now, I have a strong back, a safe place and and advantage over your enemy. Your friends there have done more for me than I can possibly repay. Please just get on, hold on and we can be enemies after this is over.”
Twilight looked away from the creature, it turned around and spread its arm supporting itself on the knee. She felt the pain in her sides it had caused, the exhausted feeling. The creature was right, she was smart, and would have to be smart around it. As long as she did, she could follow.
“Answer me one question first,”
“Make it quick,”
“What do you want here?”
It turned to face her, the tired eyes brought close to her face. “Miss Twilight, I want to help you. Not because I am applying some trick, not for money or even your friendship. I want to help because it is all that I can give to forgive myself for all the things I have done.”
It turned around once more, patting the back. Twilight felt tight inside, very confused. She saw the back and felt its warmth now. Princess Luna said to get the monster,she would have to trust her. She raised her forelegs over the shoulder, wrapped her hooves around its neck, fighting the temptation to tighten it as it did to her. She had hated it for so long and now hated herself for not yelling at it like she wanted to. In her mind she had rehearsed their encounter countless times, seeing its fury at her words, watching it feel the pain she did, yet now it felt like she was helpless. The creatures arms came around and supported her flank as it raised her up effortlessly. It moved forward at a faster pace now, closing the distance with the others and striding past them expending great effort to maintain a smooth walk. It did not say another word to her, she suddenly felt faint, fighting the temptation to pass out, she failed.
*
The group came silently through to a large tree, it was amongst many in this area that towered over the scape. It dug into a self made crater that stretched a decent distance in diameter, a mild slope angling to reach the centre composed of tightly packed soil. The creature climbed down a well hidden path to an opening at the base. The path was wide enough to be comfortable to traverse but looking down Fluttershy felt terrified. Luckily Pinkie was there to keep their spirits up and coax them further. The opening was a cave underground, as they entered following Crystal it became apparent this was the creatures second home.
Setting the sleeping Twilight down on a very makeshift bed, it lit a fire in the centre of the cave. Rarity settled Spike down beside her and took in the sight of the room while they tended to the pair. It was not a large space but could accommodate all of them without concern. Barrels were stacked neatly on the side with labels for food or water. The ground was neatly lined with large, thick, dried out leaves making it very soft, there was a makeshift table covered in strange looking devices, crudely built. Applejack shuddered as she saw the far wall, an assortment of strange and familiar weapons covering it; spears, axes and blades she had never seen before made from the same material as the creatures knife was. The smell of fresh earth hung in the air, not an unpleasant aroma.
“So this is what you were up to.”
“I apologise for the mess, please be seated, I will fetch supplies to treat you all.” The creature set about taking strange coloured liquids from around and offered the basic plants to each of them. There were a few bruises and scrapes but it knew which herb would treat what ailment. They quickly began applying the liquids to the burns and bruises. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had the most experience about how to apply Zecora's mixtures after their recent adventures.
The creature stood up and waited at the entrance scanning the area. “Are one of you able to tell me what happened?” Applejack felt the most capable and moved closer to the creature seeing the scrapes it had on the claws. She took them in her hooves but it pulled away sharply with the shock of the pain. It took some of its own agent and gently applied it to the top of the claw. Applejack took the claw back and massaged it in, trying to avoid causing any more discomfort. “The queen is back, she has an entire army now and she...looks like you.”
“What? She is from my land?”
“She is a shapeshifter.”
“I see. What of the monarchs and their army?” Applejack summarised their ordeal in Ponyville. When she finished there was a long silence hanging in the air. “That is not good. I am sorry I was not there.”
“You didn’t know sugar cube, thank you for coming.”
“I will help you of course, we must effect a retaliation before she has a chance to build her forces.”
“Let us get gain our strength back first.”
“Alright, there is more than enough food and water, have to your hearts content. I need to think now, think of a plan.”
“A plan?”
“Is there an echo?”
“Look, we can figure this out but we need to just take a breather, we’re all a little shocked and you’re kind of trembling here.”
“I’m fine Miss Applejack.”
“No you’re not, it's alright to be scared. You can be scared.” She felt the arms reach around her and hold on. It squeezed her tightly, a good squeeze and she let her muzzle dig into the shoulder.
“It’s alright. You can be scared my friend. Why don’t you rest a moment, that was a really good job tracking the place. I need to check with the others now. Have a rest, try to eat something.”
“Thanks for coming.”
“Not done yet. What does this queen want with you all?”
“She takes love from ponies and turns them into changelings.”
“How long does this take?”
“A few days.”
“More than enough time.”
Rarity was torn up inside thinking about her sister and parents. In the fray they had not crossed her mind and now she was having to come to rems with the face that she had abandoned them. She felt that hardened claw wipe her tears away, seeing the creature sitting in front of her, “Miss Rarity, you did not run away from them, you came for help; which is what you found. They will be safe, from the sound of it the queen needs them for their love. You must stay strong alright?”
“I will...try.”
“We cannot have you break down now. I am going to need you for the plan tomorrow.”
“You have a plan?”
“Not yet.”
“Thank you for helping. Not just now of course but for planning and trying to-” She was stopped by the creatures arms around her, its embrace lingered a while. It felt good yet bad at the same time. It released.
“Ladies, could we all come in a little closer please.” They did so each feeling the shock still residing over the events. The creature sat with them all gathered in a tight circle. “So what are we looking at here?”
“What do you mean?”
“I need details of the area, the numbers and the captives.”
“We don’t know, we just kind of...well.”
“You know animals Miss Fluttershy, can we use them to get a picture of what is going on.”
“I think I can go and ask them, maybe with a little encouragement they will be safe.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I meant-”
“Hang in there Miss Fluttershy, they are alright I am sure. Please see if you can get any of them to help out. I need to know how many and where the queen is.”
“Okay.” She nervously stepped outside, Crystal accompanying her, to try effect the creatures request.
“I cant take this, I’m going back! They need me.” Rainbow Dash spread her wings, the creature moved to block her. “Move it now.”
“Theres nothing to do Blue. Be patient we can think of something.”
“What something?! They are out there fighting and I’m here hiding. Rainbow Dash does not abandon those who need her. Now move it!” It did not. “Fine.” She bolted forward and dove past with ease, as the slope to the outside drew closer she was thrown to the ground by an incredible weight. She forced herself up but the grip only served to inhibit her. The creature was on top of her now. “Get off you lummox!”
“That’s enough soldier!”
“You're not-”
“No! You are not leaving here. It is futile.”
“We have to go, every second-”
“They get stronger, but there’s a limit, we will go back, tomorrow evening but you must wait! You are too valuable to just be thrown away of a pointless errand. You will do nothing! Useless on your own! Get it together now! The outburst calmed down, the creature held onto Rainbow as she sniffed, it whispered silently to her. “Please stay calm my friend, I cannot do any of this without any of you. I need you to trust me, have I not earned that.”
“S...sorry.”
“Keep strong. I’m glad to see you are out of that hospital and back in fighting spirits.”
“It’s...good to see you too...sorry.” She felt the body hold tight to her and the fear melted away. She could not understand why they had faded this quickly. She felt the monster there and in its words there was certainty. It got up and dusted her off, returning to sit.
“The rest of you need to please try to understand this, there is much at stake but rushing back blind will result in a loss. There are still your loved ones back there I am sure. We will effect a plan tomorrow evening. Once Miss Fluttershy can provide a clear picture of what’s going on...what's wrong?” Rainbow looked around to see its confusion, they were all smiling at it, It looked behind in its confusion, “Is everything alright?”
“Just glad you’re here Teddy.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
Fluttershy reentered, “My bat friends will check on things in Ponyville, they sort of followed my...umm...screaming when we were running away. They were worried the poor dears.”
“We can think of something. We need to think this out carefully before anything can be done.” Pinkie Pie was poking around the creatures face, prodding the area. It was putting a champion effort to ignore her while she examined it closely.
“If the main force is still in your hometown...we can concentrate on dividing the numbers in the forest...then we can go to the queen...if we have any- would you stop that!”
“Would you stop that then?”
“What?”
She pointed to its face.
“That.”
“Will do. For now we must try to rest-what?!”
“Thaaaaaaaaaat,” she whined.
“... Miss, I am not sure what you're getting at but if this is some crack about the way I look, I promise you this shelter will have one pony less-” It was silenced as she reached up and pushed its cheeks higher. It made to smack the hooves down but she dodged the claw.
“That is very annoying,” it growled.
“Well so is that!” She pointed to its face again.
The creature saw the others holding their mouths closed trying to withhold laughter as they watched the two. Pinkie could see the creature understood what she was trying to do and she was ready to enjoy this.
“I’ll bite, what is on my face.” It raised its brow to her.
“That!” she mimed a frown. As it smiled Pinkie lit up and threw her forelegs about celebrating. “You are my witnesses! It smiled! It smiled!” A sarcastic cheer did little to better the disposition. “I think its a fake. Luckily theres one way I know to make a pony laugh.”
“I’m not a pony though.”
“Same difference! Behold! I will make you smile”. She pulled out a long feather and her friends all gasped playfully. “Dum dum dum! The motivator!” Edging closer with a wicked grin the creature backed away nervously.
“Stay back, I warn you...”
The others caught the cue, slowly drawing nearer. It was hilarious to them to see the monster now afraid. As it braced to run Pinkie darted in and neatly grabbed the head when it tried to dodge. Applejacks collision with its side sent it into the wall and Rainbow pushed against the legs to make it fall forward on Applejack. With outstretched arms it caught itself and avoided falling on top of her. Rolling over to its back it tried to fight off Pinkie but to no avail. Her motivator trickled around the neck and face, a quick snort only encouraging them as it tried to retain the laughter.
Fluttershy and Rarity joined in to pin its arms down while Pinkie worked on it, it was surprising how easy this was for them. The creature struggled but not violently, it was cautious of them and made no strikes or throws to free itself. They all laughed watching this and by the time they were done they lay there exhausted.
“That was unfair.”
“Oh you liked it.”
After a long pause it finally spoke smiling up at the ceiling “I will not deny that.” They all laid down there to gather their calm. Pinkie knew there was always a time and place to spread a little laughter, this was that place. After some minutes the creature stood, “Alright ladies, get to sleep and be refreshed, tomorrow will not be a good day.” They nervously glanced to Twilight who had now seated herself to stare out of the incline leading out. The creature whispered to them. “It is time I fixed the damage I caused. No matter what happens you are all to say nothing and let me work, alright?” They nodded collectively, “Get to bed, there are fresh blankets and a soft floor.”
“One quick question sugar cube, why do you have this place?”
The creature thought carefully for a moment, “I needed time to think here, there has been much happening this week. This place was meant to serve-”
“Be honest please.”
“It was a place to run to, at first. Then I set the markings for you Miss Applejack. After that walking incident I fully...trust you all.”
“Wait, what incident?”
“You ladies catch up then. I need to do this.”
They made to settle in but it was becoming more difficult to try and relax. Pinkie Pie was doing her best to carry their spirits. Although she was managing, the monster still had not gone to speak tot Twilight, it merely paced about them. She quickly pulled it to the weird table and sat down, the smile now gone from it.
“You know you need to be nice to her. Twilight likes nice ponies. Don’t be mean.”
“I had no plan to so so,” it leaned closer to whisper, “Nice work with that feather trick, sheered them right up.”
“A Pinkie Pie Guarantee. Are you alright?”
“Fine,”
“You’re still not smiling.”
“You say that a lot, while we’re talking; of all of them you trusted me instantly. Are you not cautious enough or simply foolish?”
“From what I’m told you're the foolish one.”
“I see Rarity has spoken with you.”
“Actually...if you really want to know...you made Applejack smile.”
“Come now I’m sure she smiles all the time.”
“You don’t need to be modest.” she placed her hoof to her chest, “You helped her smile inside.”
“I think I understand.”
“Oh good!” she made to trot off but the claw settled on her back to stop her.
“Umm. Actually I wouldn’t mind an elaboration.”
“Okay! To eleboramate, she likes you.”
“What?!” the flushed face and darting eyes made her laugh, “Oh relax silly, not that way.” she became very solemn and sat by the relieved creature, speaking softly, “You know, laughter and smiles are easy. The hard part is making somepony smile inside, to give them that feeling to spring their steps. That smile can last a very long time, she never could smile that way. But when she came back after that night she just could. Using my investigative skills I searched her trails and came across some unusual prints and scratches by her farm. That’s when I saw you.”
“I cover my tracks, I rarely leave any.”
“Well your claw print was neatly marked out behind some bushes where a tractor was parked. How do you explain that?”
“Oh...she knocked me down.”
“So you got surprised?”
“I suggest you ask her the story, she is truthful and given the circumstances she will most likely give all the details.”
“I knew she was hiding something! Please, how did you do it? Can I add it to my patented Pinkie Pie Party Planner Palooza?”
“Sure. I didn’t do anything. The journey was hers to make and I was appointed her guide by that funny thing we call coincidence...and that Luna. Is she alright?”
“Oh I think so, no twitching. It sounds like you can’t say what you did.”
“Very observant.”
“Well thank you. Applejack has been so happy lately.” She broke from her solemn gaze to hug the creature. Despite the awkwardness she squeezed tighter and felt the ribs struggling to breathe. Releasing it she instantly returned to that solemn stare into the floor.
“Warn me next time please.”
“No promises. Could I ask you one more thing?”
“You will anyway”
“Why did you hurt Twilight like that? Why did you take away her smile?”
A sigh from the creature brought a sadder mood. “You know that thing I did with Miss Applejack seems like a molehill compared to the mountain of Miss Twilight. Before she rests today I will fix my grievous error.”
“But why did you do it?”
“We fight using everything we have. Unfortunately we use our own greatest fears for we cannot imagine anything worse.”
“You’re like Princess Celestia?”
“How so?”
“Very, very, very...old...”
“No. But if you recall that was not what I yelled. ‘to watch them die’ that is what I said.”
“So you’re afraid to watch your friends die.”
“I’m afraid it will happen again Miss.”
“Oh.” She did not know what to say. A smile this broken she had never seen before. It hurt to watch.
“I am depressing to be around! For ponies sake Miss dry those eyes!”
“You wanna know a secret?”
“Not really, is it something personal?”
“Not really,” she teased.
“Alright.”
“I wish every day before I go to bed everypony in Equestria will smile the next day.”
“Why tell me this?”
“I don’t know, the others have all had something special with you. I guess I want to belong!” she laughed.
The creature reached out and drew her close, squeezing her. “How’s that?”
“Tight.”
“Oh sorry.”
“I didn’t say stop,” she felt the abrasive coat brush against hers and was immediately laughing at how ticklish it was.
“Oh that tickles does it?”
“Oh no!” she laughed as it rubbed the chin and cheeks against her, the prickling of its fur was horrendously powerful, each fibre dragging across only making the itch intensify. She tried to push away but it held tighter. She squirmed as much as she could but it could not be broken away from. It rocked back with her struggles and fell silent. She felt the grip loosen, but not release.
“What’s wrong? Your smiling.”
“Thank you Miss. I needed that.”
“A Pinkie Pie guarantee!”
“Your smile is contagious”
“But I know you don’t smile inside.”
There was something about the way it spoke that managed to quell her smile. It was not hopeful, it sounded as though it was mourning. “Soon I will. Soon.” It looked about, “Well I’m glad you’re all enjoying the show!”
“Sorry darling but it’s too funny!”
“Yeah! The big monster has a soft spot.”
“That I do. Now off the bed with the lot of you.”
Pinkie pulled it close and whispered, “Rainbow has wanted to say something important to you. Talk to her first. Twilight smiled a little just now. Go give her that smile back.”
“Very sneaky Miss, well done.”
“Oh my gosh! I get Crystal!” Pinkie bolted to a startled wolf and immediately lay down next to her. She finally could let go and rest, her job was done for the day.
“Oh my!” Fluttershy scrambled to hug the two bats that had flown in, “Mama’s so proud, did you see anything?” the bats nodded. The creature handed her a parchment and pencil. On it was a map of Ponyville, it was worrying how she was not surprised.
“Did you make this?”
“Oh no, Zecora had a copy or three. Numbers and locations if you can.”
“Okay!” The creature stood up to look to Twilight again. She still sat by the entrance staring up at the starry sky. It clenched it;s fist and turned away to sit by Rainbow Dash, now nestled a comfortable distance from all the other ponies.
“Umm... Thanks for...you know.”
“Feeling better?”
“Sort of. How do you do it?”
“Well you are fast but linear, it is easier to see where you will go so to grab you is not a challenge.”
“I didn’t mean that.”
“Then?”
“When we were fighting together. How did not stop? How are you still here? I was worried you were...gone.”
“Oh...” The creature turned to her, crossing its legs. She lay on her forelegs ready for another paragraph. It held up its claws to her and grasped them tightly, she flinched as the knuckles cracked and they tightened. “This. There are many things that define fight Miss Dash. My kind can go on when there is nothing left to draw on. We are unstoppable for as long as we want to be.”
“That sounds a little scary.”
“Not invincible of course, but it is amazing what we can do.”
“What do think of us?”
“What?”
“Of ponies.”
“You are all quite colourful. It would be chaos in a real battle. You are all very kind. Some more than others.”
Rainbow felt herself blushing as a question crossed her mind. She did not want to ask it but she really wanted to know. Why she needed to ask it was beyond her. Digging in the dirt in front of her she dared say it, “And...what about me?”
“Your kind as well Miss.”
“I meant...” she looked away to a wall, “What do you think about me?” There was enough silence now to dig into her. It was growing in pressure until she was relieved when it finally spoke, quickly rubbing her head playfully.
“You are the most insane thing I have ever met.”
“What?!”
“MIss Dash I have seen soldiers come and go but you. You are easily the toughest. It was an honour to fight by your side.”
“I never got to say thanks for that. You really scared me for a minute back there at Zecora’s, It was like your life was flashing...” she found it difficult to finish that sentence.
“It was Miss Dash.” She was stunned but the claw of the creature reached around and dragged her closer to rest by it. It was a warm creature and she stared into the small fire feeling very uncomfortable at the touch. “Miss Fluttershy pulled my from the abyss when she helped me in the cell. Miss Applejack pulled me from emptiness when I aided her. Miss Rarity pulled me from the icy waters when she aided me. You though my friend, you literally pulled me from the eternal sleep. All I said we true. Then I was ready to go, you however held me up. To hear the concern in your voice kept me going. If one flyer could forgive me for what I did, I wanted to go on to earn the others.”
“But that wasn’t you, Rarity told me there was some kind of...not you.”
“Doesn’t matter. You see that box there Miss Dash?”
There was a small box in the corner with what looked like leaves sticking out. They had beed draped over a frame but she could not make it out. “Yeah...”
“I used to replace arms and legs for a living where I came from, guess what I’ve been doing...” it smiled at her cheekily.
“No way!”
“It’s a start and there’s only one, but after studying Miss Fluttershy’s wings I am almost certain they will work.”
“That is totally cool!”
“I need you to deliver it, and the illustrated design, to her. Please make sure she reads the message I wrote. ” Rainbow dashed hugged it and there was complete silence. She released and cleared her throat, embarrassed.
“Why me?”
“A flyer can tell her I am sorry, it seems appropriate.”
“Why don’t you?” there was an eerie silence from the creature, “You’re scaring me now.”
“Miss Dash I am so tired. I do not think I will be unscathed after tomorrow night.”
“But you’ll be okay, wont you?”
“Course I will, I got you there after all! I simply can’t wait for it, so please deliver it to her asap!”
“You had me worried there!” she laughed.
“Do not worry about this old fool Miss Dash. Thank you for being there for me that night.”
“What are friends for?”
“Indeed feeling better?”
“Much.”
“How’s it going Miss Fluttershy?”
“Well...umm...not...you had better see for yourself.”
“What is it Fluttershy?” Rarity and the others drew in. “it seems she has some kind of umm...castle.”
Twilight spun around, “A what?”
“A castle?”
“You mean with moats, towers and walls.”
“My friends here say that it just popped out the ground.”
“Oh no, Queen Chrysalis has found the ancient archives.”
“Please explain Miss Twilight.”
“The magic she was using was ancient magic. Older than Celestia magic. She must have raided the archives and found the spells. She is too powerful without our Elements of Harmony.”
“Then it looks like you ladies need them back.”
“Right but where would she-” Twilight stopped and stared at the creature, it did not look at her but remained examining the marked out map. “I’ll think of something.” She stormed off and planted her flank back at the entrance. Rarity wanted to follow but the creatures claw caught her shoulder.
“Girls, no matter what happens, you are not to interfere. No reason.” They all nodded. The creature took a deep sigh, a sudden smile crossing its face, “I think I have a plan here. I will sleep on it and we shall run by in the morning. Meanwhile there is yet another trial to go. Life is truly funny, one great big joke. Sleep well my friends, wish me luck.”