“Hey, dad, can you help me with this?” Spike asked Orion, holding the length of cloth around his neck.
“Sure, come over here kid,” the graying unicorn said. His magic wrapped around the fabric, tying it expertly into a bow. “There you go. Looking good.”
“Let me see you,” Velvet said, prompting Spike to turn around. Almost immediately, she started tearing up. “Oh, my little Firebug's all grown up and getting married.”
“Hey,” Spike wrapped his mother in a hug. “I'll always be your Firebug, nothing can ever change that.”
“I know. It's just that my last baby is getting married and I feel so old.”
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Applebloom's glare continued as she said, “So all that rantin' and posturin' was a show? Why? What's Celestia done that got you so worked up?”
Nightshade bit her lower lip for a moment before replying, “She... She let the pony that murdered me go.”
“You was murdered?”
Nightshade let out a bitter, bark of laughter. “He did far worse than just that. You want to know how I died?” Applebloom nodded. “Fine, I'll show you.”
“What do you mean sh-” Applebloom's words were cut off as the world around her shifted and warped.
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Applebloom looked up as what she thought was a pony rose to its hooves. The tall, imposing figure was at least as tall as Luna. Its jet black coat and dark blue mane only added to the comparison. That was where the similarities ended, however.
Instead of the majestic, feathery wings of an alicorn, leathery, draconic wings spread from its back, held out threateningly. A long, muscular tail stuck straight out behind her, a wicked looking blade capping it off.
The creature stared at the farm mare from serpentine eyes and hissed in a feminine voice, “Why are you following me?”
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Nag-Ta slammed his servant against a tree, and snarled in his ear, “Unless you preferred being tiny pieces scattered across the tundra, I'd suggest you answer my questions.”
The stallion growled, but swallowed his pride. “My apologies, master. Yes, I am well versed in magical artifacts and natural phenomenon.”
“Good,” the demonic coyote released his grip on the pony, letting him get back to his hooves. “Now, what do you know about this... Mirror Pool?”
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Act IV: Love, Lies, and Betrayal
Coming Spring, 2015 Maybe
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The sound of whimpering echoed off the pristine, white walls. Chains rattled as the mare pulled at her bonds. Despite all her strength, they held firm. Her hope was crumbling, replaced by the feeling of being betrayed and used.
“W-why?” she cried out. “Ah thought you were mah friend!”