//------------------------------// // Letter #1 // Story: The First of Many // by Spirit Shift //------------------------------// ‘Dear Princessses Celestia  and   Luna                          “Hello! I’m finaly donigi as you askd. I knowyou’ve probably bbeen asking about me! Honestly hahaI’m  n  ot exatly sure how long it’s been since I’ve written to you since well you know I.’m guessing a month from what I can tell . I mean, heh, can’t really tell tell with the amount of sunlight that I can see. Ha!Get it???Oh no matteryou’ll get it soon enough. But i feel that I’m finally comfortable writing to you again. Isnt that great?! I think it’s great! I know that you must be curious as to what I’ve been up to and I’m certain that you’re curious about my odd script. III will agree that I’m not used to writing this way. Ha!, it certainly was a challenge II’lll ad mit. Anyway, I guess I to answer your first question I should finally tell you the whole story of that whoole mess from lastmon th. Now? Where to begin…. I’m I’m going tobe hon   est The whole things sort of a blur but I’ll try to remember most of the details.’ ~The following few letters have been translated for convenience~ You know, I never understood the conking sound pony heads make when they hit hard objects. It’s actually kind of funny and I’ve been meaning to research it, that odd coconut sound. I probably just haven't found the right object to swing. Anyway, my head made that sound when I planted it firmly on the table in annoyance. I glanced over at the clock and watched as the long hoof ticked past the twelve once again. Marking the third consecutive hour of the meeting that consisted of nothing but nonstop arguing. Honestly, can’t these ponies finally agree on something? I actually set up a sound nulling spell around me to have some reprieve, but I quickly realized that, as the mediator, I really needed to listen to everything. Being a Princess is annoying sometimes. I deactivated my spell and let the sound attack my ears once more. Those five minutes were nice while it lasted. A barrage of angry voices and random, nearly unrelated, topics assaulted my ears. I instinctively folded them back. It didn't help either that I was up all last night trying to decide my Nightmare Night costume. Have you ever tried choosing between Clover the Clever or Einstein the Brain? Magic vs Science? It’s nearly impossible! Anyway, it took me a second, but I finally managed to adapt to the level of sound being outputted. I focused on the current loudest speaker, a blue unicorn sitting at the side of the table. “Applejack, I do not want my little sister out at night in these dangerous times!” she yelled. “Waddaya mean, ‘dangerous times’? So there’s been a few ponynappins. So what? This ain't Manehatten. We look out for our own here in Ponyville, so it’ll be fine,” Applejack replied. “I don’t care, Applejack! I don’t wanna take the chance. Manehatten’s already canceled theirs, and I say we follow their example.” I found my attention directed back at the one who caused this meeting, a pale yellow earth pony with a splattered red bright orange mane. “C’mon, Carrot Top. Ah know your filly is comin’ back from Canterlot in a few days, an’ ya wanna keep her safe. But didn't you go an’ tell me that she was looking forward to Nightmare Night?” That got me to raise an eyebrow. Carrot Top has a filly? I actually didn't know that….  I really wish I had remembered. Maybe then I wouldn't have chosen her. “Yes, but that was before ponies began disappearing!” she replied. “I agree with Applejack, but there is also the issue of assigning a new chaperone for the foals going on the Nightmare Night Scare trip,” Rarity added, “While it is true that Zecora will be regrettably unable to assist us this year, I’m certain we could have somepony else volunteer.” “That’s also a problem! Then we’d not only be putting the foals in danger, but also the pony who’s accompanying them,” said Mayor Mare. “I see what you’re saying, Ms. Mayor,” began a brown-coated stallion that I recognized as the town’s resident watchmaker, “but that doesn't excuse that nearly every foal in this town is eagerly anticipating Luna’s return this year. Even though the crown left the decision up to us, I don’t think Luna will be exactly thrilled when she learns that she can’t visit her favorite town.” The Mayor’s eyes shrank from hearing that. Time Turner smirked and received a death glare from Carrot Top. The two seemed to have some sort of feud going on between them from what I could tell. I really hope that they work something out soon. I know that it isn’t my business, but I wonder if I could help them after all this is settled. The Mayor cleared her throat and regained her composure, “Be that as it may, my point still stands. On the off chance that there is a group of ponynappers, anyone who’s outside at night is in danger. Being away from the main part of the town will make the situation worse. I propose that we simply cancel that part and let the rest of the night go on.” Finally, progress. Now I can end this. “Well how about this idea,” I said, “Let me take the foals this year. As you all already know, I planned this year’s Nightmare Night scare trip. If Zecora is busy and nopony else can take over, then it makes sense that I take them personally. I know several high level protection spells and even a few that can detect malicious intent. I mean, I probably would’ve had to come along anyway.” Looking back, I’m actually fairly sure that I brought this up earlier. “Now that sounds like a mighty fine idea, Twi! Good lookin’ out.” Carrot Top scoffed, “One pony, guarding a dozen foals? Forgive me if I don’t have much faith.” Ow… my confidence. See, now I remember why I chose her first. “Please, not just any pony. This is Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. Sister to the most powerful shield caster in all of Equestria, and the Element of Magic!” exclaimed Rarity, “I couldn't imagine anypony I could trust more with Sweetie Belle’s safety.” I smile and blush a little. It’s nice to know that somepony has trust in me. “Plus, if you don’t trust her, why not go with her?” Turner asked. Carrot groaned, “You know I can’t! I’m headed to Fillydelphia tomorrow. I’ll be gone for at least a week, so I won’t be back in time.” Now it was Turner’s turn to scoff mockingly, “Oh, how convenient is that?” Carrot stomped a hoof on the table, “Don’t test me, Turner!” The Mayor leaned forward and pleaded, “Ponies, please! We don’t fight in city hall!” Carrot ignored her. “And why are you two even here?!” she yelled, pointing at Rarity and Applejack, “It’s obvious that Twilight would side with her best friends. She isn't a mediator, she’s a extra vote for them!” I lean back in offense. That was absolutely not true. I’m very impartial. I even ruled against Rainbow Dash at the Falls…. Wait… should I even be bragging about that? Rarity reeled back, clearly offended, “Well, I never!” “Now, hold on a sec. That is not true!” Applejack yelled. Carrot rose up and matched her, “Oh, yes it is! She just said that she--” Oh no! I’m not letting them argue again. “ENOUGH!” I yelled. I’ve been working on my royal Canterlot voice lately. It still pales in comparison to Princess Luna’s but I was glad that it was at least enough to silence this small group. “Enough arguing! This is supposed to be a civilized meeting of Ponyville representatives. Rarity and Applejack are large contributors to the town and often volunteer in many public activities. While Time Turner and Colgate--sorry, Minuette--are actually on the city council. By comparison, Carrot Top, as the monthly representative, you are the least qualified to be here.” Seeing Carrot Top slump back down in her seat allowed me to take some solace, knowing that an end was probably in sight. I took a deep breath and continued, “Planned activity or not, my role here is to make the final decision based on what I hear from you six. Now, since it’s been three hours and you all are still arguing, we’ll settle this the way we should've from the start. With a vote. A blind vote. Everypony put on one of these.” I conjured up six black blindfolds and floated one over to each pony. Carrot rolled her eyes. “Why even make it blind? We all know who will choose what in the end,” she said, tying the band over her face. “Oh, shut up already,” muttered Turner. Soon everypony was blind and ready. “Now, as mediator, I only get to vote in the event of a tie. So first: who votes for there to be no Nightmare Night?” I watched as a number of ponies’ hooves went up. I counted them silently as to not give away the number too early. “Now, who votes for there to be a Nightmare Night?” Once again I counted the number of hooves raised. “Now, with the final score being four to two, it seems that we will have Nightmare Night this year.” Carrot Top’s mouth hit the ground while AJ and Turner high hoofed each other. “What?! It should have been a tie! Who changed their vote!?” she looked over to Minuette who shrugged, then over to Mayor Mare, who avoided her gaze. “You! Now I get it! Worried about your image huh? Can’t bear to disappoint not one but two Princesses?” The Mayor turned back to her, “Now hold on. That’s not--” “No. It’s alright. I get it. But when somepony gets hurt, or ponynapped, I know who’s getting impeached.” Carrot Top finished her rant and hopped out of her chair, leaving the room entirely. Minuette quickly rushed after her. “Yeesh, what’s rustlin her jimmies?” Applejack asked. “Don’t be mad at her. She’s simply being overprotective of her daughter,” Turner answered. “Don’t worry about her. We need to discuss how to deal with the new ponies moving into town--” While they went on about something I turned back to the clock. I never did check the exact time. “Oh no! I promised Spike I’d be home by now!” Spike gets upset at me if I’m out too late without telling him. He’s cute that way when he’s being protective. I like to choose to believe that it’s not dragon instinct, but genuine love, that causes him to act that way. At least, I hope it is. “Sorry everypony, I have to get going. You guys can go on without me right?” I announced. Before anypony could say anything, I teleported away. ~~~ “So, I’m confused. What’s all this about ponynapping?” Spike asked, scratching his head. I trotted over from the closet, placed a few sets of clothes on my bed and examined them. “I told you, Spike. Over the past few weeks, there’s been a string of ponies going missing. Right now there are no leads as to who, or what, may be causing it," I said. “Do you think it's the Diamond Dogs again? I mean, they did abduct Rarity before. It could also be the Changelings." Hmm, that idea actually had some merit. The dogs are known for occasionally abducting ponies every so often. But they’re usually so dumb that anypony, even a foal, could escape them. Although, it’s never a good idea to dismiss something based on assumptions. "That's an interesting theory, Spike. The Diamond Dog one anyway. Abducting ponies isn't something the Changelings do without taking their place, though. I will ask Princess Celestia about looking into the dogs.” Actually, I shouldn't assume that the changelings are still doing the same things, either.  “A-hah!" I cheered, holding up a set of robes in my magic. "What's that?" "My Clover the Clever costume from Hearth’s Warming Eve. I'm thinking of wearing it as my costume for Nightmare Night. How do I look?" I posed a little so Spike could see. “I dunno, Twi it looks smaller than it did last year. Did you shrink it in the wash or something?" “I... don't think so. Maybe I'm just taller. I guess it does feel a little tight.” I looked down to see that the robe no longer reached down to my fetlock, but rather, ended at my knees. I really am getting taller. I’m guessing it probably has something to do with me being an alicorn. I don’t know, something about me being taller than the rest of my friends just doesn't sit right with me.“Do you think Rarity would mind if I asked her to lengthen it for me? No doubt she had tons of orders just like this." "I'm sure she’d love to. Anyway, what do you have planned for this year?" I smiled widely at him, "It's gonna be great, Spike. You know that small graveyard near the edge of Whitetail woods?" "You mean the one that's like two miles in?" "Please don't exaggerate. It's not that far." "Still too far for me to walk." "I plan on teleporting us to the middle of the forest and walk the rest of the way. That should set the mood. Then, we should arrive at the graveyard by the time all the foals are sufficiently nervous. Once there, I'll tell the creepy story of the zombie pegasus that Rainbow Dash taught me. Since Zecora couldn't come, I'll have to use my magic to create the effects. Once that happens, I'll spontaneously teleport everypony back to town and before they know it, Rainbow Dash will jump out and scare them with her zombie costume. It’s perfect!” It should have been. I had spent a week planning everything out. I’d even considered asking Fluttershy if some of her animal friends could provide some creepy noises when we were walking. But I reconsidered when I started thinking that it would’ve been too much. "Wow, nice! You sure thought everything through. But then again, I'd expect nothing less." "What's that supposed to mean?" Spike chuckled before grabbing his biker coat and aviators out of the closet, "Nothing. Anyhow, I'm only in this thing for the candy, so you probably won't see me tonight." I rolled my eyes, "Don't worry, I'll be sure to head to Rarity's place when I need you.” Spike tripped, causing him to drop his fake mustache. He gave a sheepish smile before turning and running out of the room. “Don’t eat too much candy this time!” I yelled out at him. ~~~ Two days later I emerged from Rarity’s home dressed in my newly resized Clover the Clever robes. Oddly enough, Rarity wasn't wearing anything at all. “Thanks again, Rarity.” Rarity locked her doors, a habit that has begun spreading lately after news about ponynappings reached Ponyville. I honestly wasn’t sure what to feel about that. I’m glad that ponies are taking this seriously. But Equestria’s such a peaceful place, relatively speaking, that ponies haven't had to lock their doors in fear for years. Ponies shouldn't have to worry about their neighbors hurting them…. I just realized how hypocritical that sounds. Rarity trotted down to meet me and we trotted into the town proper. “It was nothing, really,” she said, “Such a simple task only took a few minutes. I’m just sorry it took me this long to get to it.” I adjusted the rope around my neck; it was made of a smooth fabric that didn't chafe. I bet it would still feel nice even as I slowly tightened it around somepony’s neck. Once again, Rarity goes above and beyond what I asked of her. She’s so nice sometimes. I’m glad she’s my friend. “No. I think it’s perfect, and you did it just in time. Look, everypony’s already outside,” I said, pointing to the center of town. Everypony was in costume and having a blast. I looked around and the first pony I picked out was Pinkie Pie, darting around as a timberwolf. I then saw a familiar gray mare rolling around in a giant bubble. I felt my smile grow when I saw that Applejack was dressed as a lemon. She looked very unhappy about it; in fact, I was willing to bet she lost another bet with Big MacIntosh. Once I reached the center of town I finally decided to pop the question. No doubt she had something fabulous planned, I thought. “So, Rarity, I give up.” “Pardon?” “Out of all the days in the year, why did you choose today not to wear anything?” Rarity gained a large smile and an equally large twinkle in her eye. “That’s because I wanted everypony to see me when I do this.” “See wha--” I had to stop and shield my eyes when Rarity’s horn lit up and blinded me. It also seemed to gain the attention of everypony around, as they all came to see what she was doing. By the time the light faded everypony’s jaw fell flat on the ground. Standing in the center of town was a stunning white alicorn with a flowing violet mane. She stood tall, regally outfitted with stunning silver regalia similar to Princess Celestia’s. “Aba...yuo….ahhwa….” For a few moments I couldn't even manage to form a cohesive sentence to respond to what I was looking at. “Rarity? How in Equestria did you do that?!” I finally yelled. “Ohhhh, it worked!” she squealed, looking herself over. “ Do you like it Twilight? I spent weeks with Spiky-wikey’s help trying to master this spell.” “Yeah, I love it! But how are you doing that?” “Do not panic. I have, unfortunately, not actually ascended. This is just an illusion spell that I modified to last me all of tonight.” “It’s amazing!” Spike walked up next to her, decked out in his full biker costume. He lowered his shades and looked her over, “Ehh. I liked her better before,” he muttered. I turned to glare at him, but luckily, Rarity was too enraptured in the attention from others to notice. I didn’t have time to lecture him, because at that moment my eyes wandered up toward the large clock in the distance. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately. I actually kind of miss it now. “It’s almost time for the field trip! Rarity, I’ll see you later. I need to go meet the kids.” “Yes. Yes, you go have fun with the children,” she replied waving me off with a regal hoof. She immediately turned back to pose for a photo for a small colt that was dressed as a dalmation dog. I quickly ran to the meeting place at the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres, where the participating foals were supposed to have gathered. I immediately saw the Crusaders, who decided to wear their talent show costumes. Probably because they were out of ideas. I also noticed a colt that I didn't recognize right away. Standing near the front was a small brown colt whose mane was somehow styled in an odd spiky fashion. However, the only thing weirder than his mane were the clothes he wore along with it. He wore baggy pants held up by brown suspenders that were slung over his dark purple sweater. He had on a single shoulder guard that had screws sticking out of it and a metallic hoof band. I examined him curiously, desperately trying to work out who he was supposed to be. “You’re that new colt. Sweetie Belle’s coltfriend, right?” “No he’s not!” Sweetie yelled, blushing hard. “Hi, Princess! My name’s Button Mash. But for tonight,” he declared raising his hoof high, “I am former SOLDIER 1st Class, but current Shinra resistance member, Cloudy Strife!” Turning his neck around he grabbed the large wooden sword that was sitting on his back and took a cool fighting stance. I must have just given him blank stare because something caused the colt to groan in annoyance, “Oh come on! Cloudy Strife? Of the Final Fantasy series? Protagonist of the best one?! Does nopony appreciate good story?” What? I love a good story… but somehow I still didn't recognize who he was talking about…. Actually, I began to wonder if that was what I was like last year when nopony recognized my costume. “It’s alright, matey. That’s a smashin’ good costume, it is.” A small spotted colt trotted up to Button and patted him on the back. “Pipsqueak! You showed up!” I cheered. “I wouldn't miss it fer the world! It’s my favorite part ya know.” “Why are you dressed as a pirate again? Weren’t you one last year?” “Aye! T’is true. But I’ve been promoted! I’m now Captain Pipsqueak the Pirate.” This time, instead of a bandana and pirate blouse, Pip was dressed in full captain regalia, complete with a large hat, long jacket, and even brandished a mid-sized plastic cutlass. The only thing I noticed he was missing was the classic shoulder bird. I actually thought that he would've looked nice with one. “An’ this here’s me first mate!” A small filly with a light blond mane stepped up next to him and waved at me. She wore a similar costume to the one Pipsqueak wore last year except that she lacked the eyepatch and sword. “Hello, Dinky,” I greeted. “Okay meet and greet, done! Can we go now?!” Scootaloo groaned. “Alright, alright. Are you all ready? Is everypony here?” There was a chorus of affirmative answers. Once they quieted down, I nodded and smiled excitedly, “Okay then, gather around.” The foals did as they were told and the next thing they knew, they were smack dab in the middle of a forest. I looked at their startled faces and squealed inside. This was already going perfectly. “Who? What? How?” Button screamed, swinging his sword and talking through his teeth. “Wh-where are we!?” Button was soon joined in his weapon swinging by Pipsqueak, “Arr, what sort of black magic be at work here. Where have ye brought us!” Hmm, I noticed Pipsqueak’s pirate accent actually got better over the year. It was cute. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked around and began to panic, “Twilight! Why’d ya go an’ bring us to the Everfree?” “Girls, this isn't the Everfree. It’s Whitetail Woods,” I soothed. I didn't need them too freaked out. We hadn't even started our trek yet. Scootaloo rolled her eyes, “Pfft, obviously. Scaredy-cats.” “Um, Scootaloo? Could you get off now?” Dinky asked. Scootaloo blushed and quickly released her hold on the small unicorn. Dinky giggled and patted her back. “Whatever,” Scoots groaned, “It looks the same in the dark anyway. Why are we here again?” I smirked and looked over to the two colts, “Well, when those two decide to stop swinging their swords around, we can go.” Button and Pip finally stopped battling invisible enemies and the group followed me further into the forest. “Umm, Miss Twilight?” “Yes, Dinky?” “I’m scared…. Where are we going again?” We kept walking, but I decided to take a second to glance back at the group. The crusaders were huddled together and the colts were jumping and pointing their swords at anything that even resembled movement. I was so glad to see my plan working that I felt myself skipping slightly. I bet they're having so much fun right now. “Well, that’s for me to know and you to find out,” I probably sounded way too giddy when I said that. “W-will Princess Luna be there at least?” Pip asked. “Pip! Don’t drop the line! The monsters will attack if they see an opening!” Button screamed. “Sorry, Pip. Luna’s back in town, but I asked her to let me handle this without her help.” Pipsqueak looked downcast and moved back to assist Button in his imaginary fight, although with less energy. “I’m not scared, I’m not scared, I’m not scared.” Scootaloo muttered. I turned to take a second look at them. That’s when I realized that something seemed off. Even with the dark setting, they shouldn't be that scared. We haven't even gone that far. I wonder why-- I almost screamed but I caught my breath when I hopped backward from a long jagged spike that jutted out at my throat. I could've sworn that there wasn't even a tree shaped like that on this path. I realized that my horn was glowing brightly. I had to concentrate to contain my magic. Once I calmed down I realized that I must have startled the children, because they were huddled behind and struggling not to scream outright. I turned back to the tree and realized that there were in fact, no trees out to stab me. In fact, the path was clear of almost any foliage whatsoever. I was seriously confused about all this. Maybe the foals were right. Maybe we should turn back. Something didn’t feel right. “W-w-w-what was it? What’s wrong?” Sweetie asked. “It’s uh… nothing. Let’s move on,” I answered. Maybe a little further wouldn't hurt. I just need to keep a closer eye on the foals is all. Moving forward, I decided to hold some magic in my horn for emergencies. Just enough to teleport or for a defensive distraction. This caused my horn to glow in the dim light as we moved along. As we moved through the forest I couldn't have helped but notice how dark the forest was getting. Which was weird because from the path we were on, I could still see the moon. By all accounts, it should’ve been-- I heard a noise and instantly lost my train of thought when I threw my head to the side and lowered my horn in aggression. Nothing. This was the fifth time I’d been startled by nothing. By this point, my eyes were darting in every direction. I was effectively a nervous wreck. I simply couldn't understand it. I felt like I was walking right through the middle of the Everfree Forest, as if there was a timberwolf or ursa right behind every tree. I was hesitating in my steps for no reason. Whitetail Woods is probably the safest area in Ponyville, it was a peaceful place that even Fluttershy had no problems with it. So why was I so afraid of being there? Eventually we made our way into the graveyard. Even though I hesitated to take my eyes off of my surroundings, I turned around to talk to the foals. What I saw made my heart fall. They were staring at me with complete fear on their faces. Looking back they did ask me several times if they could go home. I guess I was so nervous and preoccupied I didn't hear them. I felt horrible. That’s it! Forget the trip, we’re going home, I decided. But I swore that I would be coming back here to… to…. It was then that I realized that the foals weren't looking at me. The second I realized that, my entire back went numb when a sudden chill stuck me. There’s something behind me I realized. I needed to turn around. I had to turn around. I had to see what’s behind me. I needed to… turn…. Turn around! Finally, my body moved and I bolted to stand in front of the foals protectively. What I saw caused my eyes to shrink to dots. There was a tall creature standing on top of a tombstone looking down on us. I tried to open my mouth, but the second I did something flashed in my vision and my breath caught in my throat. Horrible images  Creatures fighting a horrible bloody war.  tHEfAngsANDhOrns!  Sorry.... Sometimes… I can still see them. These images in my head. Creatures with pointy horns, and rings. Swords and other weapons. My head began to pound harshly. At some point the creature began to talk. “Now, how in the world did you all get here?” Startled, I accidently let out the bit of magic that I was holding onto. Even though it was just a small amount by my standards, to a normal unicorn it was a headache-inducing amount. And it was aimed straight at the creature. Somewhere in the back of my head, I’m pretty sure I saw an image of Fluttershy being angry at me. Luckily… or maybe unfortunately, the creature seemed to simply I shrug it off; as if it had absolutely no effect on him whatsoever. “Cute. Are you going to answer me?” This isn’t good…. I have to get the foals out of here. The foals are the first priority! Wait! A single thought blared in my head. They’re foals. Foals scream when they’re scared, right? So why aren't they screaming?! “Hmph. Ponies. Well, I don’t know how you managed to get in here, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Instantly, he spread two enormous wings and, shamefully I began to cower. My own wings covered my face in fear. My only regret was that I never told Spike how much I loved him. I waited for the pain, or at least something, but nothing happened. After a few minutes of silence, I decided to open my eyes. From what I immediately observed, we were back to where I had teleported us the first time. I supposed that it was too much to hope for that the entire thing was a strange hallucination. However, fear surged within me again when my vision began to swim, and everything grew dark. Something did happen! What did it do?! Did it hurt me? My chest hurts! I can’t breath! I-- Something slammed into my back and my lungs finally reinflated. I soon realized that, somehow, throughout everything that just happened I hadn't taken a single breath. My vision recovered and I hunched over and instantly began hyperventilating. Once I calmed down some, I turned and looked at the foals. Sweetie was crying, and Pip was shivering in a wet puddle while Dinky appeared to be trying to comfort him. Scootaloo had passed out and Button was nowhere to be found. Directly behind me was Apple Bloom. She looked calm on the outside but I could tell by her wide eyes that she was just as scared as the rest of us. She took a step closer. “Twilight?” she began, her scared eyes darting around nervously, “W-wh-*gulp* Ah tried to run, ah really did! Ah tried to scream or move, or somethin... but ah couldn't do anythin’.... I--" tears began forming in her eyes as she finally focused hers into mine, "What just happened?” I could only look at her, feeling horrible that I couldn't even offer a semblance of comfort or insight. “I-I don’t know....” ~~~ After pulling ourselves together, and finding Button Mash holed up in a bush crying for his mom, we made our way back to Ponyville. As much as it embarrasses me to admit it, my nerves were too frazzled to teleport. We all felt better when we finally made it into town. Much better, actually. In fact, when Dash came up to us to ask what happened, we all felt like nothing even happened. However, what did happen weighed heavily on our minds. Even though weren't afraid anymore, the memory of what made us that way was still fresh. Rainbow Dash saw us from a nearby cloud and flew up to me in her zombie pony costume. “Twilight? What the hay? I thought you were bringing them to the middle of Ponyville. Why are you coming back this way?” I was about to answer before Button Mash stepped in front of me. He had a weary, soulless look on his face and, at some point, lost his sword and shoulder guard. “Miss Twilight, thanks for the trip… I think I’m gonna go home now and go to sleep.” Without waiting for my response, he trotted off slowly, his head twitching every so often. The other foals said similar things before also trotting off in various directions. None of them even thought about finishing Nightmare Night. “What’s with them?” Dash asked. I wanted to answer her question, I really did. I knew the answer, and I’m sure Rainbow would be concerned. But I was also really out of it at the time. All the energy had been sucked out and I had a lot on my mind. I decided to take a page from the foals’ book and go home. Good thing Spike wasn't home yet; I don't think I could deal with him throwing up molten remnants of candy on the ground again. I simply walked in, dropped my robe and lay down on my bed. Many thoughts were running through my head at the time. “What was that thing?,” I muttered, voicing my thoughts, “Why was I so scared of it? It doesn't make any sense. What was it doing there? Why did it tell us to leave? Did anything even really happen or was it all an illusion or prank?” I jumped out of bed with a startling realization. “That’s it! It was an illusion. Not the creature, but the fear. It was unnatural, gradual. It affected the children first because they were the least resistant.” I quickly ran to look for a spellbook I know that I've read about a fear spell, one that Luna developed as Nightmare Moon. I found it after a few minutes of searching. “Here it is! This spell creates an area around the caster at least half a mile wide at its strongest. Those caught inside are subjected to horrible visions and jump scares that are related to their worst nightmares. Wait, that doesn't sound right.... I remember only seeing visions when looking directly at it and they weren't my worst nightmares. They were... something else." I definitely remember seeing something. I struggled to recall those images but nothing surfaced. I grunted in annoyance and decided to shelve this thought and come back to it later. "Whatever. Maybe whoever or whatever used this spell modified it. For now I need to find out what it was." I reached over with my magic and grabbed several creature encyclopedias. Just as I opened the first one, I realized something. "Let's see. It was tall, had wings, umm.... what else. Liked hanging out in cemeteries. Ugh! Why can't I remember? I was starting right at it! I mean, sure it was dark but it wasn't pitch-black. I could see the kids just fine." "Twilight, why are you yelling at yourself?" "Agh!" I found myself falling out of my seat when Spike appeared behind me. "Woah," he chuckled, "Who pranked you tonight?" "Spike! Great timing. I need your help." "I don't know if I'm up for research, Twi. I tried not to eat a lot of candy, but I guess I did anyway. So I’m pretty tired." "Don't worry, it'll only take a second," I said, trotting up to him. "What do you know of a tall creature with wings who can cast magic?" Spike looked at me like I was crazy. I couldn't blame him, I probably looked pretty frazzled back then. "I-Is this a trick question?" "No, Spike. It's a serious matter and I need help figuring this out. Do you know anything about a winged creature who can use magic?" "You." "What?" "You're a winged, magic-using creature." I looked at my back, staring at my still rather new wings. I turned back at Spike and leveled a deadpan gaze, "Spike, this isn't a joke. There is something potentially dangerous in Whitetail Woods, and for the life of me I can't remember what it looked like. All I know is that it had wings and apparently can cast fear magic." "But that's the thing. The only winged creatures that have both wings and external magic are alicorns and dragons, but dragons can't cast fear magic. I guess it could be a changeling. Or maybe Discord? I dunno." I opened my mouth to rebut, but I quickly realized the validity of Spike’s point. I trotted back over to the encyclopedia. "That's true. But it couldn't have been Princesses Celestia or Luna; and I'm absolutely sure that Cadence doesn't know any fear spells. You may have a point but I don’t know if changelings can even cast fear magic." "By fear spells, do you mean like the one Sombra used?" "N-no. No, it couldn't have been. Sombra’s worked by directly showing us our worst fears and making us believe it to be true. Whatever this was it was far more powerful. We felt scared, Spike. For no other reason than simply feeling absolutely terrified. Like whatever caused it directly simulated that feeling inside of us." "Wait. Are you talking about something that happened tonight?" "When I took the children out for the Nightmare Night Scare. We encountered something. I don't know if it was a trick or an illusion. But the fact remains that it literally scared the magic out of me. I can't even imagine how the kids felt. They were stone-still during all of it. Apple Bloom told me herself that she couldn't make her body do anything. I need to go find them tomorrow to make sure if they're alright." "There's an idea! You could check to see if they know something." "No, I wouldn't want to remind them too much about tonight. I actually think that I'll head back up there tomorrow. Just to see if it was real." "But you said it yourself. That thing could be dangerous. At least take somepony with you." "I don't know. I don't want to put anypony on high alert just yet, so I’ll probably ask one or two to come. Really, I just need to verify if it was real or not. I’ll even prepare a teleportation spell beforehand. The second something happens, I’m out." “Then you’ll come back with the elements right?” “No, I’ll tell Princess Celestia and let the royal guards handle it. We don’t exactly have the elements anymore.” “Well, just don’t do anything crazy. Please.” I heard the concern in his voice, so I trotted up and gave him a small hug. “I promise I won’t do anything reckless. Do you mind helping me find an anti-fear spell?” “Sure!” So then we went to work looking for a spell that would allow me to get through the fear barrier in the forest. Looking back now…I think that I can see that this is probably where everything went so wrong. So... very wrong. Sorry for the stains, I need to change my bandages. I can feel blood dripping.