//------------------------------// // 5. Birds of Prey // Story: Welcome to Pony Vale // by Distaff Pope //------------------------------//         “Hey, Rarity,” Twilight says as her friend checks on her in the control booth. “Have I mentioned how incredible this radio is? It’s like something out of a science-fiction story, but I’m touching it with my own hooves.”         Rarity smiles, sitting next to the other unicorn. “You’ve only mentioned it several dozen times, and really, it’s not that fascinating. I’m sure the secret lab under the town has much more interesting toys for you to investigate.”         “Maybe,” Twilight says, rolling her eyes. “But I can’t exactly get there, now can I?”         “No, I suppose not,” Rarity says, her smile tightening. “Well, I’m glad you’re finding something to occupy yourself with. Is there anything else you need?”         Twilight’s eyes light up. “Books. I’ve looked through your house a few times, and you don’t have any books but romance novels, and I read those on my first week here. Do you have anything that explains that weird rune language you use? I’d love to know just what all these equations mean.”         Rarity’s smile vanishes. “No, any books pertaining to our town’s secret knowledge are stored in the library… For security, of course.”         “Security?” Twilight asks, raising an eyebrow. “I thought this town valued knowledge.”         “And we do,” Rarity says, laughing nervously. “Knowledge is the most valuable thing in our society, but… value is determined by scarcity, you see, so we put our books in a place that only ponies truly possessed by the desire to learn could reach. That would be the library.”         “But I walk past the library all the time,” Twilight says, pouting slightly. “I could walk into it pretty much anytime I want. I just… haven’t, for some reason, which now that I think about it, is kind of weird. I wonder why that is.”         “It’s because your survival instincts have more sense than you do, I’m afraid. Walking into the library isn’t the challenge, it’s dealing with the librarians.”         Twilight laughs at that. “Oh, come on, Rarity, I’m sure they’re not that bad. I thought you were being serious when you said the library was dangerous. Everything else in this town is.”         “The library’s not dangerous, Twilight, but the librarians are absolute monsters,” Rarity says. Twilight opens her mouth to say something, but Rarity shushes her. “No, Twilight, I’m not exaggerating or engaging in metaphorical speech. The librarians are literally monsters. Only one in ten ponies who walk into the library leave.”         Twilight gulps. “Oh,” she eventually says, “how bad is it?”         “Only one in ten ponies leave. I feel that should sufficiently answer your question,” Rarity says, tilting her head at Twilight.         “Fine, maybe I should…” She trails off before shaking her head. “No. I need to know what they did to me. I need to know if I can fix this… To know if… I need to know, no matter what the risks are.”         Rarity gives Twilight a wan smile. “Spoken like one of our scientists, determined to unlock the mysteries of the universe even if it kills them or drives us all horrifically mad. Are you sure you’re not a scientist.”         “I don’t think so,” Twilight says, “but the idea doesn’t sound too terrible. Can you imagine how I’d look in a lab coat?”         “All too well,” Rarity says with a sigh bordering on the idyllic before staring off into fantasy.         “Rarity!” Twilight yells. “You’re doing the day dream thing again, you know how uncomfortable that makes me.”         “I’m sorry, dear,” Rarity says, “I can’t help it, you’d just look so cute in a lab coat and… You know, I could try my hoof at sewing if you wanted.”         Twilight laughs to herself. “And I’m sure you’d be great at it, but right now can we focus on getting me ready for the library?”         “Of course, dear,” Rarity says, getting up on her hooves. “I’m sure we can find something to make you a lean, mean, librarian-fighting machine – Not an actual automaton though, I’m afraid the process for that is far too time consuming and tends to drain the subject of their equanity.”         “I’m not sure if I should be excited or terrified about the fact that you had to clarify the fact you were speaking figuratively,” Twilight says. “Do you think we can see one of the robots some time?”         “It could be arranged,” Rarity says as they exit the control room. “Now let’s see what I have in the armory.” ***         An hour later, Twilight stands in the living room, clad in leather armor, a shotgun floating beside her, and saddlebags filled with ink, quills, and shells. “Now remember,” Rarity says, “The shells are loaded with my own special blend of shrapnel and rock salt, wrapped around an anti-evil equation that… I can’t explain in detail without violating several of the town’s rules. Oh, and take this.” She floats a headset up to Twilight for the unicorn to use. “This will allow you to hear me clearly and relay messages back to me. We’ll be in constant communication throughout your entire journey.”         “Uhmm… shouldn’t I be able to hear you anyways, you’ll be on the radio while I’m gone, right?” Twilight asks. “Also, why do you have leather?”         Rarity’s eyes go wide as she glances from her friend to the clock and back to her friend again. “Oh dear,” she says, before sprinting up stairs to the broadcast room, leaving Twilight behind with an unanswered question. Lyra sits at her usual spot in the control booth.         “When did you get here?” Rarity asks as she takes her seat.         “You were busy playing dress-up with your marefriend, so I figured I’d just set things up while I waited. You ready?”         Rarity nods as the On-Air light switches on. “Five dimensional thinking in a three dimensional world. Welcome to Pony Vale.” ***         Some of our more observant citizens might have seen the birds of prey – Twilight tells me they’re called griffons – flying above our sleepy little town. The weather team tried to appreh– Err, welcome the griffons to our town, only to find that they are almost completely intangible, with the exceptions of their claws and beaks. If you see one of them in the sky, return immediately to your home, close the blinds, and stay there until your teeth vibrate to the town’s “all clear” signal. Also, if you see the vivisected remains of one of the ponies in our first contact team… Well, you know what to do.         Oh! Listeners, you’ll be thrilled to know our blood sacrifices led to a very successful apple harvest. The Apple family wishes to thank you all for your blood, sweat, and tears, although they are, of course, most thankful for your blood offerings. It is, after all, what allows us to enjoy that rich Apple Family Cider and stay safe from the marauding apple trees for another year. Mhmm, apples. Is there anything better than a fresh crisp apple in the morning? I certainly can’t think of anything. The first batch of cider should be ready within a fortnight, so get ready, everypony.         The Ponyville PTA had its monthly meeting last night, where a few over-protective parents thought our history textbooks lengthy descriptions of crimes committed by the crown, our chemistry book discussing just how to make timed explosives, and our physics books discussing key structural weaknesses in Canterlot Mountain might constitute treason. Listeners, that is ridiculous. First of all, we aren’t encouraging ponies to do anything, merely offering a wide-array of facts that could conceivably be used to fan the passions of our youth and train an armed insurrection against our corrupt monarchy– Excuse me, my lovely and adorable roommate has a direct line to me, and she is not happy about my description of the crown. Yes, dear, we can discuss it when you get back from the library, but if Celestia really cared about you, don’t you think we would have seen some sign of her search by now? Yes, I know, we can discuss it later, just stay safe on your trip, and I’ll be using my scrying orb to keep an eye out for librarians. Anyways, as I was saying before, is it treason to present information that could possibly be used to lead an armed bloody insurrection, or is the real treason keeping ponykind ignorant so that the shadowy draconic cabal that controls Equestria can continue their oppression of us? I’ll leave the solution to that problem as an exercise for the listeners. The concern of guns in school was also raised during the monthly meeting, with weaponsmith Friendly Fire arguing that our children simply aren’t armed enough to deal with potentially violent incursions in town. while Cheerilee claimed that the solution isn’t arming our children but creating heavily-armored weapon platforms capable of patrolling and defending our school. Now, I try to avoid letting editorial bias tinge my show, but I have to say building these so called “death bots” is simply a short-term solution that doesn’t prepare our children for the harsh realities of the world. If they are to thrive in this dangerous world, they need to know how to defend themselves as soon as possible. Not to mention the fact that properly arming our children is the cheaper solution that also prepares our town for… liberation day.         [A second of silence]         No, Twilight, I promise our town isn’t preparing an armed incursion against the tyrant– against the crown.         [Silence]         Of course, I completely agree, violent armed uprisings are never the answer to civic problems, even though every mayor of ours has achieved the office by violently deposing their predecessor.         [Silence]         Yes, I fully agree, such customs are barbaric… Excuse me, I’m having an issue with my headset, so I need to turn it off for just one second. Also, could you please use the equation of yours that dampens your ability to hear the radio to prevent interference? Yes? Good. Listeners, she means well, but she spent her entire life as a pawn of a crown that abused and ultimately discarded her. It’s going to take her time to see things properly, and until then, I’m simply… humoring some of her more fanciful notions. Alright, Twilight, I’m back. I hope you didn’t miss me too terribly.         Speaking of our children, the Cutie Mark Crusaders will be recruiting soon. Children who have been… chosen will receive letters in the mail with a red dot on them. Families of the chosen must bring them to the squat black building covered in ancient hieroglyphics on induction day or face the consequences. We cannot bargain with the Crusade, and I’m sure we all remember what happened the last time we tried.         [A pony can be heard shuddering]         Besides, why would we want to? The Crusade is an established Pony Vale institution, and every family has children who are members. When the Crusade’s black doors finally swing open on the day of judgment, I’m sure we’ll all be thrilled to see the children of past generations returned to us as they bring purification to Equestria. Why, I can already hear the scream of the heretics as they’re thrown on the pyre. Remember, our souls must be kept clean so we’re not found wanting.         Listeners, I am pleased to report that my darling Twilight has reached the front door to the library, and is preparing her expedition to find some ancient tomes on… our town’s history. Of course, she would never look for anything dangerous, she’s simply an inquisitive mind who better wants to understand the town she found herself in.         My Twilight is opening the door, trotting inside the library – be sure to close the door, Twilight – and… there are no librarians in sight. Twilight is commenting that there’s no way such a massive library can fit inside such a tiny building, and I must admit, the rows and rows of bookcases are far larger than the building’s small exterior would lead you to believe. Who knew you could fit so much knowledge in a small tree library.         Now, Twilight, I love hearing your thoughts, but I have to ask you to go silent now. The librarians hate nothing more than ponies talking in the library. If you’re quiet, you might manage to find the books you need without ever seeing a librarian. I’ll be using my scrying pool to keep an eye out for librarians, and if I see something, I’ll let you know as quickly as possible.         During my weekly luncheon with Fluttershy, out near the Everfree, I actually got a chance to meet one of her… winged unicorns. Apparently, they are all named Erika and have come to our town to stop the unraveling of all things before it can spread back in time and unmake us. According to… Erika, with a K, apparently that’s very important, the world is being unmade from the past, and if not contained soon, things will go… missing.         Erika was vague about just what would go missing, but Fluttershy assured me that everything would be fine. She said the… winged unicorns have been very kind to her and are doing everything they can to stop the unravelling. You see, the winged unicorns are here to help, so there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. Everything’s fine.         Twilight, I have finally found the librarians. They are currently hanging from the ceiling, clustered together with their long reptilian wings forming a sort of cocoon. As long as you stay away from the… back-left corner of the library, you should be fine. Just… don’t make too much… or any noise. Their massive ears are tuned to hear even the faintest sound.         A word from our sponsors: Why are any of us here? Glorious souls are trapped in broken bodies of bone and flesh, doomed to wither and die with every second. Cursed with the knowledge that we are inexorably being drawn towards oblivion, we break, indulging in base senseless pleasures, the taste of an apple or the caress of a lover, desperately seeking some distraction from our own frail existence. We indulge the same senses that tie us to such a mundane and broken reality in the hopes of finding some escapism and reducing us to the level of animals. But we are not animals. We are luminous beings, desperate for the chance to escape this curse of flesh, and we shall not despair because judgment is coming. The day we can all escape these frail mortal forms is rapidly approaching, so rejoice! Rejoice and exalt! Judgment is coming! This message paid for by the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Remember, the Crusade is coming.         An update on the old lady standing on the edge of town reciting the litany of our sins. She’s still standing on the edge of town, still reciting the litany of our sins, and we still have no idea what she’s doing there. When members of the weather team tried to apprehend her, she turned to them with her infinite black eyes that contain the cosmos and recited the secrets they dare not tell themselves to all who could hear her. Since then, nopony has approached her.         Several fights have broken out in town as old sins have been exposed to the entire town, and several grudges and rivalries have been reignited. For the last week, the weather team has been pulling double shifts in an attempt to keep order in the southern part of town as an increasingly sleep-deprived populace lashes out at those who wronged them.         On the upside, we’ve found the source of the incessant droning as a swarm of locusts are emerging from the old lady’s mouth while she continues her infernal recitation. The size of the locust swarm is currently three times as large as the old lady, raising several questions about just where the locusts are coming from. More on this story as it develops.         Twilight have you finished collecting your books? The librarians have started to stir from their slumber, and I don’t know how much longer you have until they start patrolling the library.         [Silence]         No, you should still take some time to copy what you need from the reference books.         [Silence]         No, you definitely shouldn’t remove the reference books from the library. The librarians are very… protective of them. Retrieving them is one of the few reasons a librarian will leave the library. Also, did you know direct sunlight drives librarians into a murderous frenzy? Besides, what if somepony comes along after you and needs those books? The threat of an excruciating death doesn’t excuse selfishness, and–         Twilight, a librarian has dropped on to the floor and started patrolling, pushed forward by its squirming tentacles, taloned claws ready to toss anything into it’s toothy maw. However, I must say it’s being remarkably quiet. I suppose that comes with being a librarian, though. Several more librarians have followed suit and are starting to patrol the area. Now that I have a better look at them, there’s something… vaguely equine about their shape. Yes, the back legs have been twisted into a mass of tentacles, and the forelegs  now end in taloned claws, but there’s a touch equanity in those twisted faces. They also have a large jagged bony protrusion emerging from their heads, reminiscent of a unicorn’s horn, and… oh, it is heading right for you, Twilight, so… I’d write quickly. Very quickly. If you can write while running, I’d try that.         Oh, uhmm… Twilight dear, I’d hate to be the bearer of bad news, but… when I told you to run, I might have made a small… mistake. You see, I forgot that running is loud. The librarians are releasing a shriek that is… Yes, my ears are bleeding now, and I can only imagine how traumatic their wailing is for my dear Twilight. I–         Hi there!         Listeners, the Pink Herald is in… she somehow appeared in my studio. The Herald is–         Please, you can call me Pinkie. All my friends call me Pinkie. In fact, I insist you call me Pinkie.         Yes, well… Pinkie, what’s on your mind? Anything in particular that brings you into the studio today?         Oh yes, I’ve got a great little deal for you, but first… Can we do the thing where you play music?         I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about, Pinkie.         Oh, you know, the one that starts with you saying “And now listeners, the weather.” ***         “Alright,” Rarity says as the music turns on. “Do you care to tell me just what’s so important? And… what are you doing here?”         “Oh, silly, I just wanted to congratulate you on running such a super-awesome radio program. It’s probably the best show in the whole world,” Pinkie says, laughing.         “It’s the only radio program in the world,” Rarity says, glancing nervously at the Pink Herald. “Is that all? If so, I thank you very much for your consideration and kind words, and I ask you to leave so I can turn my attention back to–”         “Watching your super-secret crush getting eaten by monsters?” Pinkie asks, her eyes lighting up as she looks at the reflecting pool showing Twilight being chased by a pack of librarians. “It’s just so fun, right?”         “No,” Rarity says, her eyes fixed on the reflecting pool. “I’m actually trying to save her, so–”         “So anyways, the town council is just super thrilled with your work, I mean, you have no idea how happy your little show’s made them. Actually, it’s funny, they’re going to approach you with an offer to turn this station into a twenty-four hour broadcast center with a whole slew of new shows. You’ll even have station managers and it’s just going to be so funnerific,” Pinkie says, her lips twisted into a vicious parody of a smile. “Anyways, I just wanted to strongly advise you to say ‘yes.’”         “And why should I do that?” Rarity asks, eyes suddenly narrowing. She created this station with her own hooves, and her gut twists in revulsion at the idea of seeing the town gain control of it.         “Well,” Pinkie says, smile still splitting her face in two. “It’s the only way to save her for starters. Or… it makes me feel inclined to save her. You know, you help me, I help you. Or at the very least, I don’t make the exit to the library open back into the library. Same difference, really.”         Rarity swallows nervously. On the screen, Twilight sprints to the door, throwing aside the reference books as she pulls it open to reveal… the library. Around her, the librarians encircle her, cutting off her escape. “So… I give the town council control of my station and you save her?”         Pinkie laughs. “Oh no, silly, that’s hardly fair on my end. No, you agree to the town council’s wishes and I let her leave the library. The saving is for another deal, and I’m sure you’ll be really just… super happy to take it when the time comes. Ooh, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise. It’s going to be funnerific.” As she talks, the tallest librarian slithers towards Twilight, eating the blasts of magic energy the unicorn hurls at it before grabbing Twilight with one grasping claw and lifting her up to its eye level.         “Alright!” Rarity yells as Twilight’s screams echo in her headset. “I’ll agree to anything you want, just let her live. Please… Please.”         “Shh…” Pinkie says, looking up from the scrying pool, a box of popcorn in her hooves. “This is the good part.” With its other grasping claw-arm, the head librarian lifts a single talon up to it’s jagged broken horn, delicately touching the tip before moving to touch the tip of Twilight’s horn. Giving a small shriek, it gingerly sets Twilight back on the ground, and bows before her. A second later, the other librarians follow suit as the door shifts violently to show Pony Vale’s exterior. The librarians end their bow and slither off back into the dark recesses of the library, leaving a confused Twilight Sparkle to stagger out of the library, careful to shut the door behind her.         “Just remember,” Pinkie says, leaning in close to whisper in Rarity’s ear, making sure Rarity’s headset can relay the message to Twilight as well, “I let her leave today. I let her live today. Any future she has is mine to give or take, so you should probably work reeeaaaaal hard to keep me happy. Otherwise, who knows what might happen? Anyways, your weather’s almost over, so I guess I’ll be popping off now, catch you later, Rares!”         With that, the Pink Herald ducks under the table and vanishes from the room, leaving a perplexed crying Rarity to stare into the scrying orb as Twilight staggers back home. ***         The Pink Herald is gone and Twilight is safe. All is right with the world, and… listeners… Sometimes… Sometimes you do something terrible. You don’t know how terrible it is when you agree, but every fiber of your being warns you that the consequences of your decision will follow you for the rest of your life.         It’s terrible, and you know something unspeakably foul will happen because of it, but the alternative is so completely unbearable you have to do it. You have to sacrifice something that’s dear to you to help somepony you… care for, knowing that the deal is imperfect, that something is now broken and might never be restored, and you tell yourself its all fine because at least they’re okay. At least they still have a future, no matter how terrible it might be.         We all make… sacrifices in our lives. Be it a job, or a treasured possession, or our souls, we will all be called up on to give up that which is most dear to us. That which we can’t live without, because… Because other ponies are worth it. I think we must be generous, and even in the face of those who seek to twist our generosity into something wicked, we must endure. We must not fall into selfish greed that devours all it touches, we must think always of our fellow ponies. I’ve always believed that, and this evening my principles were put to the test. I pray I lived up to them. Good night, Pony Vale. Good night. ***         An hour later, Rarity still sits behind her table, staring numbly at her blank scrying pool, hoping to see all the possible futures that might emerge from her choice. Lyra is long gone, and the lights to the studio are dim. She doesn’t hear the door open or the sound of hooves trotting on soft carpet. She barely registers when a pair of purple forelegs wrap around her neck and barrel. A voice whispers into her ear. “Rarity, I heard everything you said. I know, and it’s… Thank you.”         As soft fur nuzzles against her cheek, a small smile forms on Rarity’s lips. For a second, her doubt vanishes, and she allows herself to believe the trade was worth it.