//------------------------------// // Chapter 18: The Times that Try Men's Souls: Act I // Story: I Dreamt of Her // by ben717 //------------------------------// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Present)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You see, Doc. As I strolled through the castle courtyard, I recalled the events that had led up to this point. It all started in that quick moment when I wandered my way into Ponyville after some strange unseen force had brought me through the Everfree. I didn’t like leaving, but I didn’t appear to have a choice. I soon began to grow and adapt to their culture and way of life. It wasn’t so different, at least on a social standpoint. I soon began to study the use of magic under my good friend Twilight Sparkle, though I couldn't use it myself being a human. Truthfully I sought a way to use magic. Doesn't everyone want to use it?" I asked as I pulled the amulet off of my neck. It glowed a subtle golden shimmer. "You see, what I didn't realize was that despite all the things I had seen in this world. The strangest and nearly most terrifying, would happen to me on that very night. The events of that night would change this human's roll in Equestria, forever." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Past)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The days events had consisted mostly of politics and debates. The Spring Royal Summit had really taken its toll on me. After that first session I figured the rest would be just as exciting. Unfortunately this was not the case. I slowly grew more and more weary or politics. I wasn't really important anyway. Being the student of a Princess has its perks don't get me wrong, but the part about being an official on the Royal Court is a real drag sometimes. I had to step out and take a breather. There was a certain sense of freedom basking in the sunlight. Little did I know that, for a few hours, it would become my bane, my dread, and my timer. But for now it and the addition of a cool spring breeze ruled over the beautiful garden. I walked through the greenery just admiring the beautiful craftsmanship of the maze. The well tended hedges, the smell of the air, and the color of the flowers were extremely peaceful. That's when I saw her. The dark blue mare that I, as odd and confusing to me as it is to you, had begun to develop a tad crush on. She was standing in the center of the garden under the shade of the small apple tree. Princess Luna had apparently grown tired of the debate as well. Or perhaps they had adjourned the meeting. Doesn't matter, she was here now. I greeted her with a smile and wave. “Hey there, Princess.” I said in a teasing tone. “Can't handle the political scene?” “Good to see you too.” She replies with a smile. “I notice that you are hiding in here as well.” “Well I've noticed its a good place to escape to. Say, what are you still doing up? It's the middle of the day?” I ask, the only other times I've actually conversed with her is during the middle of the night. “A Princess must fulfill her Royal Duties. Yet...” She pauses to let out a yawn. “Here we are... Yearning for a nap.” “Well you shouldn't lose any sleep, you of all ponies should know that.” I say. “Tis true. But the good of the country is my most important priority.” “...” “Thanks for having my back the other day.” I say, referring to the first session whenever I had argued against the creation of a very dangerous projectile weapon. “Twas only the logical thing to do, you seem to know more about the weapon than we did. Was it truly that dangerous?” “It is.” I say flatly. I sit down beside her underneath the tree. Her body was almost as big as mine, I took note of for... reasons. I looked up and down her body to admire the way it curved. I couldn't exactly put my finger on it, something about that mare really got me. Something told me it was just a mad infatuation. A product of no human contact for almost a year now. I looked into her mane and it flowed perfectly in the breeze. She smiled gently at me as I looked her in the eye and I nearly melted. But something held me back. As it turned out, I had met her on almost the first day. I saw her in a dream. By some miracle of nature she was the one to chase off the nightmares. So there was some sort of sense of comfort when I was near her. I lied down in the grass simply happy to be able to breath for a moment. For a moment it was quiet. There are no cars, jets, or helicopters here. The air is clearer than the most isolated point on Earth. “I know I've asked you this before, but what's it like to be the ruler of Equestria?” “A wonderful and beautiful burden.” She replies. I roll onto my side to get a better look at her. She looks deep into my eyes with an ancient gaze that could break hearts. “Pardon me Princess, but hows about a little bit of fun?” I ask She looks at me with a look of interest. “Elaborate.” “Hows about a good old fashion game of Tag? Except with a twist. Using the mazes.” I ask. “Challenge Accepted.” She says, stepping up with a challenging look on her face. “Very well, you're it first. Here...” I reach up and pull an apple off of the tree. “When this thing hits the ground, that's when you go.” “Very well, we accept these terms. Thou best be ready to move.” She says removing her tiara, and kicking off her slippers. Her hair changed to a light blue and her coat lightened. “Whoa whoa whoa! What just happened? Why are you lighter? What just happened?” “The tiara is enchanted. Surely you didn't think my mane flowed like that naturally?” I blinked for a second. It made sense. The soldiers were the same way. They weren't actually all white. I remove my jacket, place it down by the tree, and roll up my pant legs a bit. “Well Princess, I'm a three time county champ in Cross Country. You better be ready for it. Predators call me fast food.” I rear back and chuck the apple high into the air and dart to the nearest path. Before I reach the junction, the apple hits the ground signaling Luna's start. I glance back expecting to see the Princess trotting leisurely along the path in an effort not to sweat. No... NO. NOT the case. I look back and see a mare on a mission. She is barreling at me full charge, horn down, ready to impale me. “Oh sh- *buy some apples!*” I say as I swear I hear Applebloom's voice somewhere. It was a frightening sight. I quickly break into a dead sprint and find myself at the path and quickly break left, then sprinting about ten more yards I take another left. I hear the Princess barreling through the maze. I spot a small split in the hedges that I may be able to slip through. I break her line of sight just long enough to blast through the split. I tear out the other side and look around in a mad scramble to find my next course... That's when I started seeing ghosts. I didn't recognize this section of the maze. It seemed like the day got darker. The air colder. The whole atmosphere became... eerie. The hedges weren't as healthy. They looked smaller and scraggly. They weren't as up kept and looked half dead. The statues were creepy, they seemed almost alive. I felt a chill run down my spine as I saw the center of the new garden. A towering tomb, topped by a spire that seemed to rise straight out of the ground. Then I turned my gaze lower. Just to the left. I saw a hooded figure standing there. Watching from under a scarlet hood. The pony stood there, clothed in red. And stared. It was almost as if I were in a trance. I began to walk towards the tomb. Something in the back of my mind told me to return to the regular path. But some unknown force made me want to walk towards the pony. Suddenly I heard an “aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAHHHHHH!” BAYUM! I found myself staring up at the sky, completely bewildered at what just happened. “TAG! HUZZAH! THOU ART IT!” Shouts Luna straight into my face before dashing off in the opposite direction. I glance around and found the area empty. Where had the pony gone? With that question in mind I turned to chase the beautiful mare that now sought to elude me. Quickly turning back my wits to the ultimate goal of catching this Equestrian woman. I sprint quickly after her. She's fast, very fast for the ruling class. She surprised me. I've chased Rainbow Dash in a footrace, and Luna could give her a run for her money. As my breathing got heavier, my strides grew longer. My legs were beginning to remember how to run. An activity that I had forgotten a while ago. Before too long I found myself just on her tail. She broke left, then right, then left again in an attempt to thwart me. Unfortunately I am a parkour expert, that can't actually do anything cool... But cutting around corners is a no brainer. As I crept closer we entered into a straightaway that led back to the place where we started. Sweat was dripping down my brow and entered my eyes. I quickly wiped my eye and refocused. She was rushing towards the apple tree. I one last ditch effort I poured on one last burst of speed. Leaping into the air in a dive for her hind legs, I manage to get three fingers around her rear hoof. We both trip and go rolling. We roll and tumble until we land underneath the apple tree. We land 'subtly' in a dog piled. She's on top looking down at me with a look in her eye that screamed freedom. She looked down at me and asked, “How many points do I receive?!” I looked up at her and burst into a fit of laughter. That was the most fun I've had in a long time. She joins me in my laughter. This bit continues for a while, slowly my laughing subsides and I sit there and take time to appreciate the laughter of the Princess. I stare up at her. The happiness in her face is more than enough to keep me satisfied. She looks down at me with those pretty blue eyes. She just stands there and smiles. I notice something though that hadn't occurred to me until this point. She wasn't getting off. My heartbeat sped up a bit. Does that mean anything? Surely not. No she wouldn't go for me. I mean what would she? Why? My mind was racing as I tried interpret a most likely completely innocent gesture. I took a deeper breathe than usual. I began looking her face up and down. Then down to her lips... Wondering... Should I try? Her smile had now faded. There was a very different look on her face. One that composed of confusion, misunderstanding, and... want? I sat up straight and found myself closer to her face than I had anticipated. No words were said. I glanced all over her face, desperate for a sign, a reading of some sort. It looked to me like she was searching for something herself. My heart was pounding at this point. I was unsure of what to do. My heart... and other unnamed organs... told me to go for it. My mind told me two things. 1. That I shouldn't do it. 2. You are a freak and you need help. The air was quiet. The wind whistled in the leaves above our heads. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Present)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "My mind objected, but my emotions told me yes. It was crazy, I wasn't even remotely ready for this. Yet, despite these warnings, I made a decision." I tell the doctor, "It was the mistake I made that nearly doomed us all." "Keep going.. We have still much to go over." I ignore him for a moment as I hobble to the coat rack. "Luckily I was able to change fate... For everyone.." I put a hand onto my red cloak, "Well. Almost everyone." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Past)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My heart raced and my adrenaline was going crazy. I slowly found myself closer to her. I couldn't tell if it was me leaning in? Or she was meeting me halfway. I looked her up and down. Her lip was just barely hanging open. My breathing became unsteady as I approached. She did not budge an inch. I didn't know if this was happening or I was going crazy. I cocked me head to get a better angle. Her jaw slackened up. Mouth opening a smidgen more. I could hear her breaths getting shorter as I leaned in close. Our lips were about to meet when. I stopped. My breathe became short and I was taking in short quick breaths. My mind was screaming not to get involved. This was one of the Rulers of Equestria we are talking about here. She's over a millennium young and not even a human. Yet I wanted her for whatever reason. She closed her eyes and edged closer. I closed mine best I could. Yet part of me yearned to watch. Then.. It happened. Our lips brushed. I saw it, a final chance to leave things as is and walk away, as I should do. Or throw caution to the wind and start something that is better left alone. Guess what I chose? I let myself get lost in it. I took one last look and our lips were in a deadlock. I breathed in her breath and it felt so wrong, but yet it didn't. For a moment I felt almost human. Yet not a moment too soon. “Princess Luna! Princess Celestia sent me here to fetch you and-...” I'm so bucking dead. I'm so bucking dead... The Princess and I shot apart. Luna, Shouting very audibly, “AND THAT MY DEAR SUBJECT IS HOW A MOTHER BIRD FEEDS HER YOUNG!” I, who am just as hysterical, “WOW! WHAT A GREAT BIOLOGY LESSON. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR BESTOWING THIS KNOWLEDGE UPON ME. I DID NOT KNOW YOU HAD SUCH A VAST KNOWLEDGE OF ANIMAL SCIENCE.” I look over to the guard to see who had interrupted the lesson about Avian Feeding Habits. Oh. My. Celestia. Why...? Hot Shot... Poor Hot Shot... Stood there. Mouth agape. In shock, to what he just witnessed. Luna being the authoritarian figure, regained her composure much quicker than I. “You- d- eh- Soldier!” Eyes still wide in bewilderment, the well trained Hot Shot snapped to attention. “What is your purpose here Honorable Sir?” Questions Luna, rear hooves wobbling from embarrassment. “I... I- I-I I...” “Well go on! Spit it out!” “The next session of the summit was about to go underway... and the Princess sent me here to fetch you... Would you like me to tell her that you will not be attending?” He says in a complete and utter daze. “No that will not be necessary, honorable soldier. Thank you for this information. I will be there immediately.” Luna looks over at me. “Will thou come join us.” “Uh... No...” I say in a complete trance. “I think I'm going to sit here and... contemplate...” My heart was still racing. I was so embarrassed. Not only did I get walked in on, but it had to be HOT SHOT of all ponies! As I watched Hot Shot escort the Princess away, he dropped back a bit in order to look at me and give me a wink and a metaphorical wing-five. Oh. Great. Just great. I watch the two trot off. I bury my hands into my hair. Celestia what just happened? I just kissed her sister is what happened. My mind was completely blown. Holy *buy some apples* that just happened. That just happened. That literally just happened. I repeated the revelation in my head at least a million times. I just performed mouth to mouth resuscitation on the Princess of the Night. I had just played 'tonsil hockey' with the Mare in the Moon. I didn't know what to even think. What was I supposed to do? What was I thinking? This woman was over a 1,200 years young. I was nearing 18. This is wrong. This is insane. This is foolish. It a child's prayer. She had been grown for over a millennium, I hadn't even yet become a man. These are the demons that haunted me. Well... Not all demons are internal. The day was getting darker. The clouds had begun to roll in, I could feel the cold front moving in as the weather ponies prepared for the scheduled downpour. Canterlot had neglected the rain on account of the important ponies that were in town due to the summit. But the grass and plants needed new water. I felt a chill run down my spine as I felt I was no longer alone in the garden. I looked around yet... It was just me... The sky grew darker. Something told me it was time to get inside. It was late, the storm was imminent, I stood up from the tree and grabbed an apple for the road... I grabbed my jacket and put it on. Rolled back down my pant legs. Looking at my watch I glanced at the time. 6:27 P.M. Wow. How long had I been here? As it began to sprinkle I started towards the exit. The subtle silence began to creep me out. I don't know what it was. It seemed like someone was watching me. Like I had eyes staring into the back of my head. Then... I heard something drop behind me. I heard it smack the ground and let out a small cry. At first the sound startled me. I walked back to the tree. Laying under it is small baby bat. The poor thing must have been in the tree and fallen. As it wriggled on the ground pathetically, I noticed the creatures wing was broken. It was a pathetic little thing. I hear a crack of thunder as the rain begins to pick up. I see pegasus ponies flying through the air frantically returning to their shelters. I look back down at the baby bat. Having a bit of pity, I scoop the thing off the ground. Perhaps Twilight could take a look at its wing back in the Castle. The wind picks up and howls through the maze. Time to go. The rain begins to downpour. I take off bolting down the path towards the Castle. Placing my tiny passenger into my inside pocket, I take out a full stride. As I ran I swear I'd see a shadow along the side of the path. Out of the corners of my eyes, I'd see a figure. But when I glanced to get a better look, there would be nopony there. As I ran through the rain I smelled a strange scent. I only smelled it for a second before it was gone again. I smelled the stench of decomposition. This was an alien concept. In all my time in Equestria I hadn't smelled that smell. I stopped and stood to get a better smell. But the stench was gone. Maybe I was going crazy. I cautiously picked up my pace. Getting somewhat paranoid, I felt like there were eyes watching me from the bushes. Like there were whispers in the air. Yet I was completely alone. As I was running I felt something running down my face that wasn't rain. I raised my hand up to my nose. On my finger was a crimson liquid. Weird... In my entire life I had only ever had two.. now three nosebleeds... I didn't have any tissues or anything to wipe the blood with so I kept running. The path opened up as I moved further down the path. I tasted Iron as the blood dripped from my nose into my mouth. I swear I heard hoofsteps behind me as I trudged along. But alas I would glance and nothing would be there. Then as thunder cracked overhead I approached the exit... That's when I felt it. You know that feeling when you're at the end of a dark hallway, and you feel a presence behind you? I began to feel the walls of the hedges closing in. I picked up the pace. My heartbeat was pumping. I felt like I was being chased. Out of the corner of my eye I swear I was seeing ghosts, figures were appearing and reappearing in my peripheral. I began to hear the whispers, my adrenaline was pumping. I was genuinely frightened. I was now sprinting towards the exit. Legs carrying me as fast as they could. I heard the frightening sound of hoofsteps behind me. I felt something creeping up on me. As a chill ran down my spine I gave the last few meters everything I had. The hoofsteps grew louder more and more audible. I kept telling myself it wasn't real. It wasn't real. It wasn't real. I had to make it to the gate. The gate was my only option. The rain was pouring by now. Thunder cracked. I crossed the threshold of the garden gate. I felt safe. I slowed down to a stop as I exited. I moved my hand up to my face in order to assess my nosebleed situation. I looked at my hand. It came back completely clean. Come to think of it. I couldn't taste the blood anymore. I turned around to the garden to find everything peaceful. Just as I had left it. Another chill ran down my spine. Something didn't sit right with me. But I swore there was somepony... or something after me. “Are you ok sir?” Asked a guard standing by through the storm, “Your face is pale white. You look like you've seen a ghost or something.” I look down into my pocket to see my passenger safely tucked inside. The bat was snuggled up against my body to soak in the warmth. I look back up to the guard. “Yeah. Something like that.” I reply, gazing back into the vacant garden. Despite the oddities and spine chilling experience I had just had, I decided that my paranoia had just gotten the better of me. Though one fact hadn't changed... It was storming. I hurried up and high tailed it inside where several other ponies were bustling through the corridors. I had guessed the day’s second meeting had been adjourned and the delegates were returning to their places of rest. In the grand hall, the rain sprayed up against the great stained glass windows. It truly reminded me of an ancient cathedral when the sun wasn't shining. It was a strange and wonderful place, Canterlot. This castle seems to hold more secrets than Hogwarts. That fact is a remarkable feat in its self. As ponies bustled past me I bumped into an... acquaintance who looked less than thrilled to see me. “Oh hello Mr. Rich.” I say, in a respectful tone. As hot headed as I was with Shining Armor, deep down I'm mostly timid. Especially who had done nothing to disrespect me or my friends. “Hello Human... I'll have you know that the weapon that you so cleverly discharged, in court, was going to completely revolutionize the way the kingdom conducts its armed forces!” He says rather miffed. “Well sir, no disrespect, it was a good idea in thought, but if you create a weapon, you best be ready to die by it. Guns don't belong here. I hope you don't think I was trying to disrespect you personally. I know you were trying for good but its a technology that needs left alone.” We stand for a moment before he speaks. “These ponies are all mad, I swear... They are considering doing away with the postal service in order to make room in the budget for the development of cotton candy transport.” says Filthy. “Is this what you ponies debate at these things?” “Not always, but when you call a second Summit meeting in one day, all for something ridiculous like this it makes you less than thrilled.” He states. “I understand. I've noticed ponies have very strange devotions when it comes to sugar coated food products.” I say “Well it’s been a very nice chat but I must go, I am meeting with several of my executives in an hour. Can’t run a business lying down.” He says. I hear a crack of thunder from outside. “It has been nice. Be safe, it’s storming out” I advise. “I will... You know my daughter talks of you.” He says as he trots away. “Your daughter?” I ask “Diamond Tiara? From Ponyville.” “Diamond Tiara is YOUR daughter?” I say surprised. “Yes. She’s a little sweetheart might I add.” He says. Not the word I would’ve used, but she’s been getting better in the way she conducts herself. “Well it’s been nice meeting you sir. Until next time.” I say, waving him off. “Until then.” He trots away. Turning towards the stairwell I begin my ascent. I’ve been here about two weeks now so I’m fairly accustomed to the long trek up to the study. I was walking up the stairs I came upon a group of guards. They were standing guard on the doorways. As I neared they made eye contact with me and smiled slyly. Not knowing what to make of this I continued on my way. As I was passing them and my back was to them. I hear some, pounding of hoofs, which is the pony equivalent of clapping. I turn around to see what was happening and see the guards smiling at me again. “What?” I ask. They stand back at attention again not answering me. Acting as if nothing happened. A little annoyed I continue on my way. When I reach Twilight and I’s study, the guard doesn’t do anything strange. I greet him with a “Hello” He replies with a, “How do you do?” With no signs of witchcraft I deem him fit for duty and head inside. Yet soon enough I feel a wing smack me on the back of my head. “I told you not to think about it!” He says as the door closes. Hot Shot... With my next target in mind I sit down at the table and crack open my books. I feel a wiggling in my pocket as the baby bat that I had forgotten about squirmed. “Oh gee. Sorry little guy.” I pull it out and grab a pillow to place it on. “You can stay there until Twilight arrives.” The little bat settles down and rests on the pillow. Feeling better now that it is in the warm castle. Setting the pillow down beside me, I crack open the books and begin my studies. The evening that followed was largely uneventful. The wind howled outside. Rain sputtered against the windows. Suddenly the door to the balcony blew open. “Aah!” I cried as my pages got spewed everywhere by the wind now filling the room. Suddenly all the lights in room blew out. Great... Now I can’t see. I stumbled towards the open door tripping over various objects in my path. Despite my precarious plight, I manage to reach the door. After fumbling with the lock for a few seconds I latch the deadbolt, ensuring the door wouldn’t blow open again. I turn back into the dark room and reach for the matchbox. This surprisingly is where it was last left. Lighting one lamp at a time I eventually am able to see in the now visibly destroyed room. With a sigh, I begin picking up the books and various objects and putting them back in their place. As I pick my way through the cluttered mess I pick up the little container that held the miniature star I had received from the Lunar Princess herself. I smiled and thought for a moment at the thought of her and I. Maybe there was a chance? Shaking off these thoughts I refocus on the task at hand. Quickly finishing up what was left I return to my desk to resume working. Luckily I was able to reorganize my papers fairly quickly and resume my work. The following minutes... Something seemed off. I kept glancing around the room to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. I look at the bookshelf that contains the Amulet Vault. Yet everything seems in order. The balcony door is dead bolted shut. Twilight’s section of the room is fairly intact. Speaking of which she hasn’t been back for a while. It was getting late. The sun had gone down about an hour ago. There was still a feeling of unease in my stomach. I couldn’t put a hoof... er... finger on it. It almost felt like somepony was watching. There was a presence in the room. The air almost seemed to get heavier. My unease was affecting me to the point where I couldn’t focus on my readings. I felt a draft float through the room and I glanced around again. Once again everything in the room seemed in order. No windows were cracked. Nothing was moving. There aren’t any fans in the room. As I looked back at my book I began to get goose bumps. The temperature seemed to drop. My paranoia was beginning to set in. I blinked a couple times and realized I couldn’t even read my own writing anymore. It was really fuzzy. I blinked more and more. Suddenly I felt that feeling you get when there is someone standing over your shoulder. I was frozen. I wasn’t in a state of panic. I was in shock. I felt a chill creep up my spine. I wanted to jump up and throw a wild elbow back at a target that I was 68 percent sure wasn’t even there. For a moment I felt the draft again. This time it was warm. Like breath on my neck. Then, lightning flashed and thunder cracked and I jumped straight up from the desk shouting to myself, “F*ck it! F*ck it! F*ck it.. I’m done.” Looking around and seeing nopony else in the room, I wrote it off as a freak happening. Glancing back at my books, I reach down and close them. I glance over to the pillow, “Well buddy that was really strange wasn’t it- it... it...â€� Where the hell’s the bat..? As soon as I ask myself the question I hear a small squeak from overhead. Looking up I see my bat friend hanging from the rafters. “What in the wha-? How did you get up the-? You know what? Nevermind. I don’t even...â€� Running my fingers through my hair, I decide its about time for bed. “Just stay up there please? I’m a little freaked out as it is.” I say to my companion. Walking into the bathing room of our little suite/study/room. I remove my articles of clothing, step into the shower and begin washing. A few minutes pass and I notice another oddity. My nose begins bleeding again... As the water runs down my face it takes blood with it. I watch the reddened water flow down my body and run off onto the floor and into the drain. I run my fingers along the top of my lip and assess the damage of my nosebleed. I don’t understand what is happening. My best guess would be the change of altitude from Ponyville to Canterlot. But I’ve been here a little over a week. So why would it start now? The bleeding soon stops as soon as it begins and I shut off the water flow. Stepping out I grab a towel and begin drying myself. I put the towel down and put on my bed clothes. I look into the mirror and grab my tooth brush. I brush till my teeth feel good and sparkly. I lean down to spit out the paste and grab some water to clear it out completely. When I return to the mirror. I have a mini-heart attack. On the walls behind me is a red mark. Just over my left shoulder, its on the wall. I quickly turn to the wall to get a better view. I have to blink twice to believe it. But the mark is gone. I turn back to the mirror. It’s still there. I tilt my head and nearly laugh. It was a mark on the mirror. Using my thumb I wipe the blemish off the mirror and continue my routine. I exit the bathroom and return to see Twilight laying on her bed. Looking rather exhausted. “Thank Celestia, you’re back.” I say while letting out a chuckle, “I think the storm is getting to me. I swear I’m hearing things.” She smiles and lets out that usual dorkish grin.”Well perhaps you need some sleep?” “Thats what I figured, it’s where I’m headed.” I say while walking over to my bed. “Oh hey! Before you dose off, did you let a bat in?” She asks. “Oh yeah, thats uhh...” I struggle to think of a name, “Jeffery” “Well what’s Jeffery doing in here?” “You see I was in the garden just before the storm broke and I found him on the ground struggling. I THOUGHT he had broken his wing, but apparently not. I just figured he could ride out the storm until morning.” I say “I see.” “Well, I’m rather bushed and I’ve had a very strange night. I’m headed to bed.” I say. “Goodnight!” says Twilight. “Night.” I blow out my bedside candle and dose off. ------------ At some point I hear a *bump*. Groggily I open my eyes. The room is dark. The only light comes from the miniature star on my shelf. I soon here another bump. This time more audible. I glance over to the area of the room where the bump came from. “...Twilight?” I call out. Then comes the light from a unicorn’s horn. The vault door slides open slowly. Noiselessly. “Twilight.” I say louder, “What the hay are you doing.” A subtle light fills the room as the light emitting from the Amulets is exposed. Twilight is quiet. I see her figure. I know its Twilight because she's one of three ponies that can open the vault. Two of which should be asleep, the other, should be making sure the night is sound. She trots into the Amulet Vault without a word. Curious I get up and walk over to the door of the vault. Eyes adjusting to the new amount of light. Twilight is humming a tune I don’t recognize. Shuffling around the room. Prodding each amulet with her hoof. Almost as if she was somehow testing them for something. “Twilight. What are you doing?” I say with a yawn.”Do you know how late it is?” No answer, she just continues her work. Soon she has her selection and begins trotting towards the door. I step in front of her.”Twilight?” She’s focused on the Amulet and bumps into me. Yet she keeps trying to keep going. She has this dazed look in her eyes. Like she’s in a trance or something. She must be sleep walking... trotting. “Twilight.. Wake up.” I snap my fingers in front of her face.”Hey.” I say louder. She blinks. “Hey, wake up.” I give her a gentle smack on the cheek. She blinks again and looks down at the Amulet. Focused intently on it. Looking down at it myself. I notice it gives off a blue glow. She seems focused on it. Unsure of what to do with it. I place my hand over it. And look Twilight in the eyes. She still looks dazed but yet scared to let go. Returning her unfocused gaze. I can clearly tell that she’s under some sort of spell. A standard hypnosis by the looks of it. The only way to break it is to break the objective. “Twilight.. Give me the Amulet...” I say quietly She blinks twice this time. Slowly focusing on my eyes. In a quick motion, I snatch the Amulet from her. In an instant she lets out a”Wha- who... What...” She looks around the room. “What are we doing in here?” She asks. “I was hoping you could tell me...” I say quietly. “I’m sorry I went to bed and the next thing I know I-...” She pauses as a flick of fear comes over her face. “What? What is it?” I ask urgently. “I.. I... I...” Then she looks away from my eyes and gazes past me. Fear filling her face. Mouth opening slowly. “What is it? What the hell is behind me Twilight!?” I whip around as Twilight lets out a scream. I see nothing but a dark blur as I’m hurled across the room and slammed into the back of the vault. I struggle to regain my breath, but still hold the amulet in hand. Through short breaths I look up and see Twilight out cold in the corner. Standing where I previously had been was a figure. A dark figure cloaked in red. I blink as my eyes refocus and regain my breath. I still am immobile. The pony is dark, he or she is wearing a scarlet cloak...a cloak with a hood. She... yes she... Removes her hood and I see the face of our attacker. The mare’s dark red, glowing eyes survey the room... They fall upon me. Looking down into my hand I attempt to hide the magical object. “Ah, ah ah... I still need that.” She says in a voice that sounds as smooth as silk. Yet... something about it struck fear in my heart. I back up against the wall as she begins to slowly trot towards me. I soon find myself in the corner. A chill runs down my spine as she grows closer. My heart rate speeds up. I search my body for any ounce of strength I had, but I had none. I was a sitting duck. She stands over me menacingly, I am frozen like a baby bird looking into the eyes of a snake. I cannot move. I want to call for help but I can’t. I feel something warm run down my face. “Oh?” She says.”What have we here?” She reaches a hoof out to touch my face. Which I promptly turn away. “Ah.. Now child... don’t be like that. Let momma see it.” As soon as the words leave her mouth. My body becomes her puppet. I feel my muscles betraying me. I can no longer move on my own. I cannot speak. I cannot fight. I look her straight on. Her hoof graces my skin. Her fur is ice cold. Fear courses through my veins. She moves the red liquid on the tip of her hoof to her lips. As she licks the liquid off her hoof I see something truly horrifying. It all begins to make sense as I see something that I hoped I would never see. The strange events of the day unfolded all in a moment. The strange smell, the eerie feelings, the bat. What I saw when she opened her mouth. I saw fangs. Acting out of pure terror, my body breaks free of the spell and I kick her off of me and dash towards the door. I make it out of the vault two steps until I am hit in the side by the force of three NFL linebackers. I fly towards the balcony door and smash through the door. I cough and wheeze as I roll in the rain, blood, and glass shards. Though unable to move, I see her dreaded figure trotting towards me. Wanting to run, but powerless to do so. Being the prey when your entire life you were a predator. It’s terrifying. Her figure stands over me as I wallow in pain and fear. I want to scream but can’t. She stoops down beside me. “I wished it didn’t have to some to this.” She says in a tone that said otherwise. She flipped her mane, revealing a horn. I feel magic tugging on my body, and lifting my body off the ground. “..no.. no no...” I squeeze out. “...” She stares at my now fully exposed neck. “Please.” With an evil smile she moves like a blur. A pain that hurt worse than fire ripped through my entire body. “AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!” I cry as I feel the blood leaving my body. My body ran dry of liquids. I feel my own eyes roll up into the sockets. One by one I felt my body systems failing. My cardiovascular system dropped off at a horrifyingly quick rate. Yet... I couldn’t move. I was seeing tunnel vision. It was then that I felt my heart stop. I gasped for breath, but I knew it would do no good. There was no blood to deliver oxygen. As my vision fades, she picked me up high in the air. I drop the amulet from my now limp hand. I was dying. Among the last things I saw before I died was the mare lick her lips and smile. She held me high over the edge of the balcony. I looked down at the ground hundreds of feet below. There I was, a bloodless corpse dangling over the edge of the world. She said, “Bon voyage!” and dropped me. I closed my eyes as the ground rushed up to greet me.