“Brother.” The younger, bespectacled donkey nodded to his almost elderly brother.

“Dear me, Wisely!” Cranky Doodle gave him a hug. Wisely was taken by surprise.

“So how was school there in Trottingham, come in, come in!” He let his brother pass.

“Brother I went to Trottingham only for the career scholarship. And it was years ago.” Cranky Doodle turned annoyed.

“Now you sound like your formal self. You were acting unusually light-spirited today.”

“Ah, drop that. Tell me.” The old donkey sat in his couch, inviting Wisely to take the other one. He declined.

Cranky Doodle burst in laughter. “Hoohoohohoo. Don’t play with me. I would notice if you were actually there. All graduation photos are published in the newspaper. You don’t appear in anyone.”

“Certainly you didn’t notice the cropped one.” Wisely said, sipping a cup of tea he got handed.

“Indeed. Those blithering snobby unicorn bastards….” Wisely whispered the insults. Cranky shook his head.

“Well, what did you expect? It’s a MAGIC academy and you…well…you are not even a pony to begin with.”

“But I do have the brains to make a change. They accepted me because of my higher grades, and only under the condition that I won’t appear in any public official photograph. Actual photos are deep into the archive.”

“They will deny its existence if it’s made public. They said so themselves. To protect their image and reputation; quoting their words.”

“Then why the hell did you applied there if nopony will acknowledge your specialty there?”

“Donkey stereotypes aside, that Academy has a massive library and data useful for research. Also, inside I was able to study and question what others dared not to. That helped me to get through all the mockery I was subject to inside that damn city.”

“No. Another condition for my acceptance was to lock myself into my laboratory or room whenever she was nearby. Even during the classes they dismissed me whenever she was scheduled to visit.” He said, as if it was the most unimportant thing in the world.

“Well baby bro, I’m glad that you at least got able to achieve higher than most donkeys have, even myself.” He said with a warm smile that again, caught Wisely by surprise.

“Well, yes! I’m happy for you to finally visit your old brother now a full, smart and complete adult donkey.”

“I’m baffled to hear those words coming from you.” Wisely turned and kept drinking his tea.

“What exactly…” he said and almost choked in his tea when he saw the reason of his older brother’s newfound happiness.

“…miss. Miss Matilda.” he said, now taking the seat he refused not long ago. He remembered his old brother’s sweetheart from long ago.

“Oh, thank you for the compliment dearie. Always so smart and polite, you. Now I’m Mrs. Doodle.”

Matilda interrupted. “What brings you here? Are you staying for a while or just for a holiday?”

“Well, right now I’m working in something big. Monumental. I dare saying even death defying.”

“My goodness, what is it?” Matilda asked. Wisely stressed the “death defying” part even more.

“As I said, is death defying. So to protect myself and you I rather not reveal it. Don’t worry, you’ll eventually find out by yourselves, and by then I’ll be far gone.”

The look of concern of his brother and Matilda demanded more information than that. He continued, looking at the other side. It was not in his nature to ask for things.

“The thing is, all of my resources have been spent on equipment and a vehicle. And I’m being funded from a great source, but yet…I have to stretch my economic resources the most. So I was wondering…If I you let me stay in your house for a while. Not for yonks, I assure you.” He said, quickly making clear he wasn’t staying for too long.

“You have nothing to worry about! Of course you can stay. Right, dear?” Cranky said, turning to his wife to make sure they both agreed to it. Taking unilateral decisions was now out of the question for Cranky. Matilda nodded.

Wisely blushed a little and chuckled. He nervously raised a hoof to cut her potentially dangerous maternal tendencies. “Please don’t. I can sustain myself and provide you with all commodities science can offer in exchange. Also…” he stopped, glancing at every corner of the house.

“I need a hidden space to accommodate all my devices and to function as a temporary laboratory.”

“Oh…well. If that’s the case…” Matilda turned to her husband and nodded.

“Besides, you are now a married donkey, brother. I believe you both need privacy. I can accommodate the laboratory to be my dormitory as well.” Wisely finished, resuming his tea drinking.

“But Wisely, when are you going to go out and look around Ponyville?” Matilda asked, worried.

“Oh Matilda, this is how this boy is: workaholic, no friends, all numbers and sciency stuff.” Cranky told her, causing Wisely to roll his eyes and sigh. “Still, it is unhealthy to be shut inside a laboratory without a break for fresh air every now and then.” He pointed out. Wisely placed the empty cup on a nearby table.

“I’m working hard to change history, brother. I have no time for social interactions.”

“Well I bet that you are working your ass to make everypony’s lives better don’t you?”

The young donkey put his glasses back on place. His brother was also so used to use “everypony” as a general, inclusive word. He hated it. He vowed he would never use the term to refer to everyone when amongst Equestria’s sentient beings were donkeys, griffins, mules, elks and even intelligent beasts. Besides, he was somewhat of a grammar nazi. “Not just every pony, brother. Everybody has the right of a better life.”

“Well, whatever! The point is to get out there and meet some of those whose lives you’re trying to improve!” Cranky Doodle stood up to talk some reason into him. Wisely just smirked and turned away.

“I…know already what they need. They would never take me seriously unless they realize that I did what I did. And to get there it has to be done first. I’m not stalling this legacy for such a distraction.”

That did it. Cranky gave up. “Fine brother. Do as you like. You’ll have our support and our house if you need it. But at least give it a try. By the way, don’t you wonder how did I find Matilda?” That sparked Wiseley’s interest.

“Well if it wasn’t for this great friend of ours, I might be still the mean donkey you grew up with!”

“A friend, you say?” Wisley quickly lost interest. If he wanted to be incognito he needed to move fast and unload all his equipment into the Doodles basement as quickly as he could. He stood up and walked to the door.

“Oh, I hope you meet her someday, she is a gem! Yeah a bit annoying at times, but she knows when to put a smile on anypony’s face.”

“Yeah, a blast alright. Oi, do you mind helping me to unload my equipment from my dirigible?” Wisely said, not even turning around. Cranky sighed and followed him.

“Looks that way. But don’t worry. There is the friendliest mare in Ponyville around. She’ll find him first.”

Of course Pinkie Pie knew about him. She somehow found the family album and he had little choice but to tell her about him. It was better telling her about little Wisely than about himself as a baby.

There was an uneasy feeling inside the train which transported the six mares and Spike, bound to Canterlot.

As if there wasn’t enough mystery already, the letter Princess Celestia sent to Twilight didn’t say much:

My Dear Twilight,
First thing in the morning tomorrow, there will be a transport for you and your friends. I need you to come to the Castle and discuss a very delicate matter.
Love,
Princess Celestia.

“Rainbow Dash, you okay?” asked Applejack. She noticed Rainbow nodding off in her seat.

Right…. Well, besides that I was about to be GODDAMN HANGED, there was nothing new, really.

“I can’t blame you. Such a stressful event certainly took a toll on your nerves, darling.” Rarity said empathically.

“You don’t really have to worry about me, guys. I’m OK.” She was of course lying. Adrenaline might helped her to flee away, but once she realized how close she was of being killed…that dreadful sense kept her from feeling any relief, even after being out of danger.

Pinkie Pie was unusually more silent. After knowing the news she felt terrible. To think that those cheerful inhabitants, those almost carefree residents of Ponyville… the very same dwellers she knew and considered her friends too and would often join her in her singing flash mobs were actually in that crowd, taking indifferently the death of one of her best friends.

To imagine that there were even among those who demanded for harm to be done on her ponies she smiled and laughed with…it was that feel of being betrayed.

High-spirited or at least smiling as always, she asked to all of those who brought the news to her to NEVER include names. “Yes, I know they did wrong but please, don’t tell me who was in the crowd. I don’t want to know.” she told everyone.

Of course, being Pinkie, she managed to prepare a welcome party for both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy in the little time she had available before parting to Canterlot. She vowed to make something bigger for those of her pegasi friends who returned to Ponyville too. She definitely meant it.

“I swear Fluttershy, your rodent friends have a real overfeeding problem!” Applejack said.

“They do if they still have more food to eat. They have their rations already set. Tough I left you alone with this responsibility…”

“Speaking of rodent friends, what is with that bull guy, anyway?” Pinkie asked.

“Another power-hungry nuisance”, Twilight said. “That guy and his pseudo-intellectual friend are the least of our concerns right now.”

“Oh my gosh, Wisely is with the Bull!?” She hopped in the air, beaming. “That donkey is the brainiest of scientists I’ve ever met! I know because I never understood a think about his nerdy talks!”

“Of course, silly! He is Cranky’s little brother! He’s been staying in his place for like...lotsa’ months I think.”
Twilight stuttered. “Are-are-are you telling me that a NATIONAL THREAT was staying under our very snouts and not only that, but you BEFRIENDED HIM?”

“Well, duh. Cranky is my bestest old donkey friend and I just HAVE to know if something new is going on with him. So this nerdy donkey guy crashed into his place and I was like OH MY GOSH you have a little brother! I MUST DO A PARTY FOR HIM!”

“Of course I did. But he didn’t attend. Remember that party when Gummy was so drunk he barfed into your drink?”

“Oh wait; it wasn’t that one…” said Pinkie, taking a thinking pose. “I know I gave him a good scolding for not coming after he Pinkie Promised…”

“Girls, girls!” Twilight interrupted. “I…am still coping with the fact that we lost one of our primary suspects with no evidence, no incriminating letters no…NO NOTHING arrrgh!” she slammed her hooves on the window.

“Of course you do, silly! I’ve sent you with Spike lots and lots of papers he did because I wanted to keep up when chatting with him. You know, to know what he was talking about.”

“You did WHAT? Spike! WHY YOU DIDN’T…!” She turned to Spike ready to scold and demand an answer at the same time. Spike stopped her on her tracks while still drinking his lemonade, not taking his eyes off his book.

“I did. But you told me to shove all Pinkie correspondence into the SPAM folder. Fortunately for you I never throw away anything until you read it.”

“Pinkie, listen to me” , said Twilight grabbing Pinkie by her shoulders. “I need you to tell me anything suspicious you remember seeing from this Wisely character.”

“But I said everything on notes! You didn’t read them?” Her curls started to shake.

“Yes! I mean…no. But the point is…” Twilight was feeling nervous. She never took anything Pinkie sent her seriously. She usually sent her chain mails of the who-knows-how-she-kept-track-of-them kind…

“You…IGNORED me?” her pink color began to go darker, while whimpering a little bit.

“Pinkie! That’s not important right now!” Twilight’s eyes went shifty, while sweating and biting her lip.

Twilight gave her a stern look. She was sorry, she vowed she would take her friend more seriously (again), but her information was now vital. Pinkie returned to normal, but took a more serious tone.

“Alright. But I still resent that.” She said, her snout now up. She happily started to talk about the donkey scientist:

“So Wisely was in Ponyville right, and I was like oooh, a lot of nice metal devices with lots of wires and buttons and screens and stuff…like you, Twilight!” said, somehow mimicking a lifeless apparatus. It’s a wonder how she managed to do that.

“He used to go out with this nice ballooney thing he had to Cloudsdale, the forest, and other nice places…I even managed to sneak into his saddlebag in a trip around the Ghastly Gorge.”

Twilight and her friends cringed at the fact that she took all of this “stalking somepony” very casually. She was thankful for that, tough.

“Then he often talked about his lord here…his lord there…funny he didn’t mention much besides the “Stay away from me” line.” She kept saying, dismissive.

“Yes, he enjoyed sometimes calling me names like “Pink Menace”, “That unwelcome guest” and my favorite: “immature pest”…but he was nice overall.” She finished with, a wide, victorious smile.

She really doesn’t get it even if somepony is OPENLY disliking her, does she? Was the general thought.

Twilight sighed. She definitely needed whatever Pinkie managed to write/copy (not steal, that would’ve been outrageous) about this donkey. She turned to Spike, who already was waiting for Twilight to speak to him.

“Spike, I need you to give me all of Pinkie correspondence about this donkey.”

“Gee, I would love to, but, since the SPAM folder is too crammed, I can only manage to give you one letter each five hours. Besides, I’m underfed.”

“Maybe once back home I can get access to the physical copies I got. If you need them NOW, that’s all I can do. Take it or leave it.” He said, crossing his arms.

He burped the scroll and handed it to Twilight. She opened it and began to read.

My older brother’s friend, an annoying character to put it out nicely, this young mare called Pinkie Pie came to visit. Even though it’s the first time we’ve met she talks to me as if we knew each other for years. I disliked her immediately. She is rude, obnoxious and hyperactive. Bad combination for a top secret laboratory run by a misunderstood genius. I wonder why Lord Bashan wanted me to finish my Magic code research here, but fortunately in this town I had someone I could stay with.

It’s embarrassing to disturb the peace of a married couple, no matter how familiar you’re with them.

I don’t like this Pinkie Pie. She insisted on inviting me on a party in my honor. I assured her first that I would rather let myself be mauled by a reptile before attending a social gathering. Then she showed me a pet alligator. A PET.

After so much insisting I agreed to attend. She even made me to participate in a subjective ritual she dubbed “Pinkie Promise”. Strange superstition. Of course, I have no intentions in attending.

I am close. Close to finish the code. Once I finish I will present this to the only reliable public figure chosen by Lord Bashan himself. A disgraced conspiracy journalist called Phony Falssan. For some reason his name doesn’t give me too much confidence, but I will not question my Lord’s decision.

Enough about me and the foolhardy notion of socializing. Today I will resume working.

To recap, and to keep my brain memory functional I will brief myself and this journal about my research.

All equines share a common nervous system and brain functions, according to anatomy dissections and various experiments carried out before my time. With this as a starting point there are several aspects to be considered about the nature of magic…

“We are here! “ the train conductor announced, much to the displeasure of Twilight.

As the train entered the tunnels to reach the Canterlot station, the sight of the castle filled the six mares with hope.

The Castle opened its gates and the six went through all security measures. The guard was at full alert. Did they knew about the bull and his plan already?

In the throne room, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were in their thrones, waiting for them. Looking at them put Twilight Sparkle’s heart at ease. It really was a long time.

“My faithful student. I hope these days were treating you well.” Princess Celestia greeted.

“Princess.” That was all what Twilight could manage to say. She bowed with respect. Her friends awkwardly did the same.

“Come now. We are all friends here. Let’s be all less formal.” The princess chuckled. Pinkie Pie was the first to oblige.

“Not THAT informal.” Princess Luna coughed. “We are pleased to see you all today.” , she said in a more serious tone.

“We received this letter and came as soon as we could, Princess. We are so relieved to finally be able to talk to you directly after so long.” Twilight said.

“So am I. Finally now it’s the time to break the silence. But first, tell me. What is troubling you now?” she said, eyes closed, as if waiting for a wrong answer.

“Princess, I don’t know if…” Twilight doubted. She looked back at her friends. They urged her to take the initiative and speak up. Rainbow Dash didn’t want to wait that long.

“The drought is causing a food shortage all around Equestria.” Applejack seconded.

“Pegasi were blamed and hunted for this drought.” Flutteshy said, she had to repeat herself because of her low volume.

“Some fear for their lives.” Rarity said, now without much left to add, everypony else said the most important points anyway.

Twilight grew some confidence. “And now, there are those who are spreading lies across Equestria. Trying to make us question…” she stopped. Was she really going to tell the Princess this outrageous thought?

“The reason why I gathered you is to advise you of things to come. Contrary of what the public may think, I am aware of all that’s happening outside Canterlot walls. Yet, I have refrained to intervene because we no longer are the only ones who look for the Harmony of this world. You, as the bearers of the Elements have to share with us that part as well.”

“We are the rulers of this land. We are a symbol of unity and take the decisions that will steer this world to its rightful place. But we are no mothers. What have you as bearers of harmony done to ease this situation?”

“What about you two, Highness?” said Rainbow Dash, looking down, not taking any part of that illogical remark.

“Hey, I had to keep my mouth quiet for a while to take all pegasi I could out of that racial meltdown on Ponyville and almost got killed. We had to do that because no official statement came from here. Now that finally we are about to hear from you…we are being asked that?”

Dash snapped out of her trance when the Princess asked her: “…what about you, Rainbow Dash?” she turned to see her friends staring at her, hoping if she had, unlike all of them, anything to say.

“Well…I was about to be hanged…trying to…save a fellow pegasi.” she said slowly.

“And that certainly was unacceptable; I trust the Mayor took care of that issue, didn’t she?” Luna was quick to say.

“Yes, but…” Rainbow Dash found a small bit of nerve to talk back, but she was cut short by Princess Celestia’s remark.

“This world is going through a phase of transformation, in which we all have to be ready, little ones.”

“Not even we can foresee it, but we know that it will affect the lives of everypony in this world. The weather issue is nothing compared to what is to come…” she declared.

“Why did you summon us, princess?” Twilight finally brought that important question.

“This world will need you all more than ever. We will do our part, but the population needs to look up at you all as a fixed, unmovable role model. I need you all to be true to your Elements and keep the optimism in these dire times.” Well that didn’t say much.

Rainbow Dash wasn’t very convinced. “Isn’t there anything else we can do? Being optimistic doesn’t seem to change much about…”

“Now, tell us about this bull.” Princess Celestia interrupted. Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash who only nodded.

“He showed up in Ponyville telling lies about you. That the droughts are being caused by a…poor sun management?” she said the last sentence very awkwardly, she tried to explain the situation the best as she could.

“This character is luring precious subjects into his scheme and all those who were hurt and prosecuted will be the first ones to be persuaded.” Princess Celestia said in the most serious tone they all have heard.

“There must be something we still can do. It’s not too late, is it?” Twilight asked, very worried.

“I’ve already dispatched a group of soldiers to find this bull and bring him to me. If all he can do is to spread lies, I don’t think he is much of a threat. Not like Discord or Sombra in their time.”

“Yes. I’m not taking any chance. Not with what is coming. Once they bring this bull I…”

“That won’t be necessary, highness. I’ve turned myself in.” The Bull mockingly said. He walked towards the throne and the six who quickly ran toward the thrones, seeking refuge under the two princesses.

Princess Celestia was far from amused. “I don’t see the fun in this matter.”

“I was joking. I needed to come here. As you probably know, I-” Pinkie Pie recognized immediately the Bull’s underling who was following him closely.

“Oh bloody hell….” The young donkey was caught by surprise. Of all places (where she probably would be as well) she was right THERE. “um…hi.” He said while covering his face with his coat.

“I’m afraid so, sir.” He sighed. “Not to worry, she is just a…” the donkey glanced at the crowd where Pinkie was VERY expectantly staring at him. The Princesses where just looking at each other. “…fffffffffffffriend of mine.” He completed, defeated. He litteraly fighted to say those words.

“Yay!” Pinkie whispered. “How are you…!” Pinkie was about to greet him the noisy, usual way, but she saw his “slow-down-not-now-we-talk-later” face she learnt to read. “Oh, right!” she covered her mouth with her hooves.

“I see.” The Bull said. He then returned to his defiant pose: “Please forgive my faithful assistant here.” The Princess nodded, more relaxed. “This unusual icebreaker must be enough proof that we have come peacefully.” He finished.

“Who are you, and why are you here?” The princess asked, not wanting to beat around the bush.

“I am the Bull of Bashan. I come here in the name of the People’s Republic of Equestria to offer our terms.”

“Terms? You are the first one to offer terms to us. It’s a good start.” The Princess responded, a bit hopeful.

“As civilized and sentient beings it should be natural for us to engage in talks to prevent a disaster while it’s in our hooves to do so.”

The Bull was about to declare his terms when somepony called his attention: that rainbow mane which belonged to a poor mare he happened to save when she was to be lynched by that racist bastard just the day before. Coincidence?

“Hello, young one. Are you ok now?” he asked her. She wasn’t too surprised now, she knew who he was.

Rainbow Dash interfered. “Sorry Princess, it’s just that…that bull there saved me just before getting hanged yesterday.”

Princess Celestia was taken by surprise. Maybe there was hope after all. “Is that so? Well, I must thank you too for that.” She gave a small bow.

“Princess, if you are ready, I’ll give you my terms” the bull said. There was once again tension in the room.

“Abdicate and surrender your ruling powers to more fit hooves.” He solemnly demanded. Twilight Sparkle could swear that she heard a faint snort coming from the throne.

“If only I get a bit every time an enemy asks this…” she whispered at Luna.

“Fear not, the P.R.E. will not harm you or any noble in Canterlot, but the nobility will be abolished altogether.”

He was cut short. “Enough of your nonsense. Tell us your motivation.” Celestia responded, in a stern manner.

“You, Highness, are no longer fit to rule.” The nerve the Bull had to question her rule was infuriating. How dared he, if he was an outsider? Did he even know her?

“Only my people have the right to judge that.” She calmly said. It was too long since the last time she had her ruling wisdom put into question, but she was not going to play along now.

“Well, if you stick your head outside the walls for a moment you can see that they are unhappy. Also, this drought is beyond any logical thought.” He taunted.

“That is a matter I’m not discussing with you.” She was losing her temper. Was that normal?

“You have no excuse. Either you are powerless to ease this drought or else, you are doing it on PURPOSE! ” he lifted an accusative hoof at her. She was not going to take that.

“I have no idea who you are, but what you want is clear to me. And we will protect our world from the likes of you like before!”

Twilight Sparkle felt the necessity to activate the Elements. Was it her? Were the Elements acting on their own? A force of magical energy and a flash of light engulfed the entire room. As unexpected as it was, the other girls joined her with their Elements as well.

Wisely, who was taking cover behind his Lord, glanced at the scene. “Pinkie?” he asked. It was not possible. All this time he, the most analytical scientist (his perception) was in front of an Element Bearer all this time?

“Teehee, sorry Wisely. I gotta stick with Twilight in this one.” She shouted at him.

“Well bugger-me. She is one of the Elements.” He said, before taking cover again. Who knows what kind of psychological meltdown or personality brainwashing effect that magic could muster.

Their eyes, opened to reveal a white, pure light and the elements irradiated a massive, palpable rainbow of pure energy. Just like in previous battles, the rainbow was directed right at Bashan.

The bull grunted, his body taking the whole blow, taking a few steps back at the force of the attack. Suddenly he stood his ground. The attack lost its momentum and the rainbow was reduced to a faint orb of light in the middle of his horns that vanished in a small burst. The bull was panting heavily and said:

“Shame, really. It would make things a lot easier.” Bashan said, more recovered.

Twilight turned and desperately turned to Celestia. “Princess, I didn’t…”

Bashan raised his voice to make a point clear. “Well, I see now that negotiations are over. You deliberately attacked a messenger AND a commander with peaceful terms. Needless to say this is an act of war.”

Celestia looked unfazed “It’s a shame we had to come to this. But we will answer to any aggression accordingly.” The bull turned to Luna first, then to the whole group.

Princess Celestia gave him a final plea, which sounded more a final warning. “Please reconsider. You lack the strength and support to wage war against us, even after a long peacetime.”

“Just like a power hungry mad being. You have my pity.” She said, saddened. By then the bull and his underling were outside the throne room. It was foolish to attempt against them, if he withstood a direct attack with the very Elements of Harmony.

Twilight Sparkle was very disturbed by what just happened; so were the other girls, however, the thought of failing in front of the Princess was much for her to bear. She turned to her in tears.

“But we failed you! What are we supposed to do now that the Elements are not working with us?” What was going to happen now? Were new bearers a possibility?

“Go outside and you six work on it. Together. Equestria is not in ruins yet. You still have time.” She calmly exhorted them. Of course. Maybe their friendship was once again a bit rusty and needed to be reaffirmed. Twilight glanced at her friends who nodded at her. Good. They all agreed. It was a good start.

“Princess, I swear that I won’t let the power of our friendship to wane. Or let Bashan to set foot again in this Castle!” she declared, as convinced as she was the Princess most Faithful Student.

They all left the throne room, not quite sure where to start. Her only clue is whatever that donkey has written. “Girls, we have another challenge in front of us.”

“Not that we have any other choice.” Rainbow Dash added. “We need to stick together.”

“We are going to the Library to get all the information Pinkie got. We have no time to lose!” Twilight urged.

Once they got to the station, they got greeted by Spike, who was waiting for them.

“Not now, Spike, we have to go back to Ponyville at once. I’ll tell you everything in the way.”

“Well, I got handed this note by a donkey guy a few minutes ago…” he showed a note that was quickly snatched by Twilight.

“What does it say?” Fluttershy asked. Twilight dropped the note and almost fainted.

To whom may it concern (and yes, I mean you girls):

You may want to join us in our victorious taking of the Crystal City. We already have a sizeable force, just waiting for our orders to attack. Oh, in case you were wondering, the capture of high-ranking officials and nobles are within our objectives.

Be wise and take the best decision with this information!

Bashan.

PS: Wonder why the Elements didn’t work on me?

Regarding the Bull of Bashan Affair

by Lisboa

Canterlot I