//------------------------------// // Crossover part 1: Equestria's mighteist goth chick! // Story: Of Lightning and Lassos // by Darth Pestilence //------------------------------// "And that is story of Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel, the two characters we dressed as," Thomas said, finishing his tale of the two fictional superheroes. "Wow!" Midnight exclaimed. "Your planet has such interesting literature, I would love to hear more stories about these "comic books" as you call them. Might be a good way to pass the time." "Trust me, this is just the tip of the iceberg. How about I tell you the story of when the Lantern Corps fought undead-" Thomas started to say before being rudely cut off by Solar Flare. "As much as I'd like to hear more outrageous stories about humans in tights, I think we should start making our way back to the main village," he said. Midnight pouted. "Aw, but can't we hear at least one more story?" Solar Flare sighed at his wife's antics. "Once we get back to the village you can listen to all the made up stories you want to but we really need to get going before more of the Queen's forces find us." "Oh all right," Midnight answered. "Wait, how are they going to keep up with us? Unless they can fly, I don't know how they'll be able to follow us." Thomas and Angela looked at each other with a knowing smile, and nodded. They both proceeded to make themselves hover off of the ground, to the astonishment of the two Equines. "Woah...You weren't kidding when you said that you got their powers!" Midnight said in amazement. "They...they're flying...without wings?!" Solar Flare said, struck dumb by the two humans. Angela chuckled. "Alright, enough gawking; Let's go to that village you were talking about before it gets dark." "Okay." She looked over at the astonished stallion with amusement. She reached over and closed his gaping mouth with a forehoof. "Close your mouth dear, it's rather unattractive to leave it hanging like that." Solar Flare snapped out of his stupor. He grunted in annoyance and brushed his wife's hoof away from his jaw. "Hardy har har. Enough with the jokes, we need to leave." "Don't be such a stick in the mud Flare, I'm just messing around," Midnight said with a smile. The two super powered humans chuckled at the banter between the married couple. 'Reminds me of how Bobby and I used to be.' Angela thought sadly. "Well enough with the jokes, let's..." He trailed off when he stepped on something odd. He lifted his hoof off of the foreign object and inspected it. Not recognizing it, he lifted off the ground with his magic. "Hey, this belong to either of you?" he asked. Angela floated forward and took the object in her hand. It was a Black Ankh with the cross colored white, shaped like a lightning bolt; next to it was a long Bull's horn and a feather of a hawk that had been threaded together into a necklace. "I'm sorry, but this doesn't belong to-" Angela said. Suddenly, a voice came out of the Ankh, startling the cave's inhabitants. "I am Black Alice. If you need a hand beating the shit out of someone/thing, need some healing, or just want to hang out, then summon me and I'll be there." "What the heck?! Did that necklace just talk!?" Solar Flare said, startled once again by something else he had thought was impossible: a talking inanimate object. "Yeah it did. What was it saying about summoning someone?" Midnight asked. "It said that we can use this thing to summon someone named Black Alice. Hmm... That name doesn't ring a bell, have you ever heard of it Thomas?" Angela asked. "Not really. I've heard of Black Adam but not Black Alice," Thomas replied, inspecting the strange looking necklace. After a brief moment of silence, Angela spoke. "...Should we try summoning whoever this 'Black Alice' is?" "I'm not sure, but how would we even summon her?" Thomas thought for a minute before saying the first idea that popped into his head. "Try putting it on or something." Left with no other ideas, Angela reluctantly put the necklace on. "Black Alice. Come forth!" Meanwhile on the other side of the multiverse, Black Alice was sitting in her favorite Rocking Chair reading her the newest issue of Zebony when suddenly she felt a slight tingle at the base of her skull. The voice of a woman suddenly resounded in her head, "Black Alice, come forth!" Putting down her magazine, Alice summoned her Token. "Oh goody. For once I'm being summoned and not doing the summoning. Wonder what I'll encounter this time." Alice got up and stretched before activating her token, which opened a portal to the void. She then jumped inside. A portal opened up in the mouth of the cave and out stepped Alice. She gave a quick look around where she arrived and noticed two unfamiliar Alicorns and near them stood the new 52 versions of Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel? Alice grinned mischievously and gave the good captain a sultry look, "Oh this is just too perfect. One of my greatest fantasies has come true and now I can die happy." The four of them stood stock still, not knowing how to respond to the woman. "Um...what?" Thomas said, not sure what to make of this woman, or the sultry look she was giving him. "Heh. Nevermind, so what does the World's Mightiest Mortal and the Princess of the Amazons want with little ole me?" "Well...nothing. We just found some weird necklace lying around and Mom just put it on and said something; and then a portal opened up and you came here," Thomas answered, gesturing to the necklace that was hanging around Angela's neck. "Who are you?" "Wait, did you say mom?" Alice eyes turned to look at Wonder Woman. "Well fuck. I just flirted with a boy in front of his mom. Excuse me, I must now go and commit seppuku." Alice turned away in embarrassment. "Melodramatics aside, my name is Black Alice, or just Alice if you prefer. And let me ask, how long have you been here? My guess is not very long, correct?" "No, we've only been here for about an hour and a half. How could you tell?" Thomas asked. While off to his side, Angela was giving Alice a glare that could give Superman's heat vision a run for it's money. "Don't even try it princess, it will end badly for you. And to answer your question Billy, you and your mother have that look about you that screams rookie. The same one I had a long time ago. But don't worry, I'll help you and your mother get through this even if it kills me. Let me start by telling you a story." "Once upon a time there was a boy and his mother. One day the boy received some very exciting news from his mother. They were going to this year's Comic Con. a very big and special event where many people gather to share and indulge in interests that they all shared and as an extra special surprise they would dressing like their favorite heroes. On the day of the event they traveled very far to reach where Comic con was being held and when they got there they grew more and more excited. Time passed and eventually the boy and his mother arrived at a special stand full of unique items of interest. Now both the boy and his mother spotted something they each wanted very badly and the one who was running the stand offered to sell them the items at a very nice price. The mother bought the items for both the boy and herself and was ready to begin enjoying the rest of the con but...something went wrong. Suddenly the boy and his mother felt very odd and soon blacked out. When they came too they found themselves lost in a strange land, the boy and his mother despaired but there was hope. It seemed that by some twist of fate they had gained the abilities of the very heroes they idolized and so they set off to explore this strange land and during their journey they encounter talking magical ponies. To be continued maybe...." "Does any of that sound familiar to you?" Alice asked. Midnight and Solar Flare looked over to the two other humans, seeing shock written all over their faces. Angela even dropped her glare because she was so surprised at the accuracy of Alice's story. "T-That was incredible! You must have been through the same thing, because your story was almost completely accurate!" Thomas exclaimed. Alice smiled ruefully, "Well yes and no. That was not my story but yours and mine and countless others. You see dear child, you and your mother along with me are part of a collective of individuals known as the Displaced. Various beings who through some reason or another wound up taken from their native Earth in their native multiverse and placed in a new multiverse. One based on a particular TV show known as My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. The origins may differ slightly or greatly depending on the individual/s but in it's core it is all the same. If you still don't believe me despite the evidence I gave you then have your mother use her lasso on me, I won't resist." Angela reached for her lasso and threw it at Alice, making it tighten up around her. "Black Alice," Angela said in a commanding voice, "If you speak the truth, then what is your power?" "Oh you just had to ask that didn't you? Truthfully? I have far too many to count." "Well, then show me one!" Angela commanded. "You do realize that that is the lasso of Truth not of subjugation right? But very well, I'll need a moment." "Very well." Angela released Alice from the lasso of truth and waited. Suddenly, Angela found herself bound in her own lasso. Alice grinned but something was different about her, her outfit had changed to look like a darker more customized version of Wonder Woman's pre New 52 outfit. Lasso included. "Now Wonder Woman, tell me your own name, and the name of your son before you became Wonder Woman and Captain Marve,l as well as the names of your Alicorn friends." Angela struggled, but found herself forced to answer Alice's question. "My name is Angela Burner, and my youngest son's name is Thomas Burner. The two Alicorns are Solar Flare and Midnight." Thomas's eyes narrowed. "Hey! Let mom go!" "Don't worry I will. I'm just getting a little payback for her previous question. Do you know how rude it is to ask someone that especially using the lasso of truth? You may as well ask a woman her age, weight and breast size." Alice released Angela from her own lasso. "Anyway I hope you learned your lesson Diana because next time it will be much worse than simple humiliation in front of your son." Alice said sternly. Thomas walked over and helped his mother to her feet, sending a glare Alice's way. "You're lucky I'm nicer than Robert, he wouldn't have taken that as calmly as I did. Are you alright mom?" "Yes, I'm fine." Angela said as she got to her feet. "She did ask me to show her one of my powers you do realize that." Alice pointed out. "Well I didn't ask you to do a demonstration on me!" Angela retorted. "If I did it to your son do you honestly think you would've kept a cool head? You would have attacked me, I would defend myself and hurt you, your son would've gotten mad and attacked, I would defend myself and so on until you both would either be dead or seriously injured. And that's not why I'm here, I'm here to help you until you are able to stand on your own two feet as it were." Alice countered expertly. Angela growled before conceding. "You have a point. Just let me know next time." Off to the side, Solar Flare and Midnight had been listening in on the entire conversation. While they didn't understand half of what Alice was talking about, they were starting to get worried that another argument might break out, and frankly; the power the three humans wielded slightly frightened them. "I hate to interrupt but we really need to start heading towards the hidden village. There are many ponies waiting for us there, so can you please continue this while we travel?" Solar Flare said. Alice shrugged "Sounds like a plan to me. Last thing before we go. I apologize Diana for before. Friends?" Alice offered her hand Angela looked at Alice's hand before reaching forward with her own, shaking Alice's hand. "Friends. And please, call me Angela, I prefer my real name." "Very well then, Angela. Now then let's go. FOR TRUTH! JUSTICE!! AND YOGURT!!!!" and with that declaration Alice rocketed into the sky. Seeing that the conflict was over, and feeling a little silly; Thomas took to the sky, shouting loud enough for all of them to hear. "AND FOR AMERICA!!!" "FUCK YEAH!!!" Alice added. Angela shook her head and turned to the two very confused Alicorns. "Come on you two. Let's try not to get left in the dust." Angela then took to the sky as well. Midnight and Solar Flare looked at each other for a moment, both of them thinking the exact same thing, 'The trip with these three is certainly going to be interesting.' And then both of them took off, intent on showing them the way to the village. After an hour of flying, storytelling, and endless fields of snow, they finally reached the place where the alicorns were looking for. "Stop everyone! We're here," Solar Flare said. The three humans looked around in silence before Thomas pointed out the obvious. "Solar Flare? There's nothing here. That place where you're pointing is just MORE snow." "You have the power of Shazam boy. Use it!" Alice chided. "I'd prefer not falling to my death by calling out the word, thank you." Thomas said. Alice facepalmed. "Thanks to the power of the wizard, specifically Solomon's wisdom you have the ability to see through such a simple cloaking spell." 'Idiot.' Alice thought. "Also you're the New 52 Captain Marvel. That means you won't change back by simply saying his name. You have to want to change back for that to happen." Alice reminded her friend. "Oh!" Thomas said. He looked back to the area Solar Flare pointed out and began concentrating. Sure enough, he saw through the cloaking spell, revealing the town below. "Oops. I kinda forgot about that. You know, with a woman coming from another dimension my powers briefly slipped my mind," he said sheepishly. "I'm surprised you were able to see through my spell, only extremely powerful magic users can," Midnight said, impressed at their skill. "But we should get inside, just let me turn off the spell so we can go in." "Lead the way you two, we're right behind you." Alice said. Midnight lit her horn up with a dark blue aura, and the cloaking spell faded, revealing the town to anyone who might be looking. They all descended into the town, getting the attention of all townsponies that happened to be in that general area. Once they touched the ground Midnight reactivated the cloaking spell, concealing it once more. "It's alright ponies!" Midnight called out to the townsfolk. "They mean us no harm!" The various mares and stallions nodded in understanding, going back to what they had been doing. "So...Now that we're finally here, what happens now?" Thomas asked the group. Alice shrugged "You tell me, this is your world though I suggest we head to a secure location, away from prying eyes and ears. Loose lips sinks ships after all." Alice answered. "You can come with us to our house for awhile. We need to check up on our fillies anyway," Midnight said. "Sounds like a pla..." Thomas trailed off when he realized what she just said. "Wait! You have children?!" "Yes! Two little fillies. I must have forgotten to tell you," Midnight said with a sheepish grin and small blush. "So that's why you two were so eager to get back here, you were worried about your daughters," Angela said with a knowing smile. "Yes, so how about we get home so I can show them to you?" Midnight suggested. "Honey! That's..." Midnight shot him a glare out of the corner of her eyes. "..a great idea! Let's go." Solar Flare said as he begrudgingly led the way. It wasn't long before they arrived in front of a modest looking two story house, Solar Flare opened the door and led the way inside. "We're home!" Midnight called out with glee once they were inside. The groups heard hoofsteps running around above them before bolting down the stairs. The two Alicorn fillies rounded the corner, beaming at the sight of their parents. One of them had a white coat of fur like her father, her tail and mane were a cotton candy pink. The second had a dark blue coat of fur, her mane and tail being a lighter shade of blue. Both were small, being about as tall as Angela's knee, their wings were also not fully developed. "Mommy! Daddy!" They called out as they leaped forward into their parents outstretched hooves. "Celestia? Luna?" Alice wondered aloud. All four Alicorns focused their attention on her. "How do you know their names?" Solar Flare asked with a raised eyebrow. "Artistic lucky guess." Alice said simply. 'So it's like that eh?' Alice thought, 'This changes things a lot whether for the better or not remains to be seen. Looks like my new friends are about to have their work cut out for them.' 'Celestia and Luna? Where, or rather when did we end up?' Thomas thought to himself. 'Looks like we're definitely not in the Equestria I'm familiar with.' Angela on the other hand, had no idea who these ponies were, so she was not shocked by the two young princesses. "Aw! They're so cute!" She gushed. "Thank you," Midnight said with a smile. "We love them so much, and were so worried for their safety when the village we visited was attacked." "Hey, where is the foalsitter?" Solar Flare asked. The filly Celestia lept out of Midnight's arms and bolted out of the room, coming back with a piece of parchment a moment later. She presented it to her mother, who took it with her magic. She read over it before putting it down. "So Tender Care had to leave for awhile?" She asked Celestia, who replied with a quick nod. "Mommy? Daddy? What are those things?" Luna asked, slipping out of her father's hooves. "They look weird." 'Insulted by a filly on the first day. Wow.' Thomas thought with a frown. Midnight giggled. "Those things are called humans darling, and they helped us get home." Luna tilted her head. "Human?" she said, sounding the word out slowly. Thomas felt a tug on his cape, looking down he saw the wide eyes of Celestia looking up at him. She was silent for a moment before saying, "Sis is right, you are weird looking." 'Ouch.' Thomas thought. "Hah! You got burned by a little filly." Alice laughed at her friend's misfortune. Celestia looked up at Alice in confusion. "Why are you laughing at it? You're weird too." Thomas burst out laughing. "That's rich!" he said. "Damn straight! And proud of it!" Alice acknowledged with a grin "So thanks for the compliment young one." The two parents rushed forward and covered the fillies' ears. "Watch your language around the children!" Angela said sternly as Solar Flare and Midnight led Celestia and Luna out of the room. "You're welcome!" Celestia shouted from another room as the two older Alicorns returned. Alice blushed briefly and looked away in shame. "Oh right, sorry. Sometimes I forget that you're not supposed to do that around the young ones." Midnight sighed. "It's alright, you didn't mean to. Just don't do it again." Alice nodded in confirmation but still refused to look back. "Awkward things aside," Thomas said once he regained his composure. "What village was destroyed?" "Well as you know, there are hidden villages scattered around Equestria; all of them filled with ponies fleeing from Queen Domina Mors. Many of them just like this one. We visited one about five hours from here to see how the citizens were holding up. But we must have been followed, because we were attacked. Flare and I helped some of the ponies evacuate before escaping from the legion of soldiers she sent to kill us. But we were attacked by Windigos on the journey back, and were frozen solid before we knew what was happening. That's when you two found us," Midnight explained. "Damn," said a voice from the hallway. Everyone looked to see a beaming Luna standing there. "Damn," she repeated. Midnight and Solar Flare shrieked, leaving the room with the now frowning filly in tow. "Was it something I said?" Luna asked as she was dragged out of sight. "If I'm being honest a part of me finds this hilarious, the other part is ashamed of that part." Alice said flatly. "I'm going to have to fix this aren't I?" she asked. "I don't think you can," Angela said. "Children are very impressionable at this age." "True." Alice agreed "But then most people don't have the ability to wipe other people's memories. I do however possess such an ability." "Are you sure that's a good idea? Doesn't erasing memories lead to problems to both the mind and psyche? Plus, I doubt her parents would be enthusiastic about the idea." Angela said. "If you can get them to agree, I have no problem with it." "Normally you would be partially correct but I'm not going for a total memory wipe. I'm only targeting that particular word. I'll be as precise as a laser scalpel. Besides I've done it before so I'm no amature." Alice countered. "Alright, just get the okay from Midnight and Solar Flare before doing it," Angela said. "Don't worry, I will." Alice said before letting out a few snickers. "Alice? Since we have some time, would you mind answering a few questions about the token we used to summon you?" Thomas asked, holding up the item he had used to summon her. "For starters, where did you come from?" "Oh right, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. Your first question has many different answers so please clarify. Do you mean 'Me as I originally was?' 'Me as in the character I've become?' or 'Me as I am right now?" Alice asked. "The "you" as you are now," Thomas answered. "Ok. I came from Appleloosa in an Equestria very different to this one. Think of it like this: My Equestria is Earth-1 and yours is Earth-616. What separates us is a force/dimension referred to by most Displaced as "The Void". Think of it like the Speed Force. And accessing it requires a certain something in order to traverse it due to it's inhospitable nature. Tokens act as universal keys to access the Void while at the same time doubling as armor protecting you the harshness of the void. Think Corridors of Darkness and Green Lantern rings. Only few Displaced myself included are strong to move among the void freely and survive without suffering any adverse effects." Alice took a deep breath before continuing "You," she gave Tom a piercing gaze, "Can too as long as you stay in your transformed state but your Mom cannot. Not only does she not posses the power to access the void without a token but she would only survive temporarily before eventually succumbing." Alice finished. Thomas collected his thoughts before speaking, "Why? I thought Wonder Woman was nearly equal to Captain Marvel in terms of power, are magic users the only ones who can survive without a token? Also, since you come from your own version of Equestria does that mean you have your own set of friends and enemies?" "…." Alice burst into major fits of laughter for a few minutes. "Oh that's rich. Wonder Woman equal to Captain Marvel? Not even on her best day. Whoever told you that was either lying or doesn't know or understand the Captain Marvel mythos." Alice let a few more chuckles before become serious again. "No, magic users aren't the only ones who can survive the void without a token. It all depends on the characters itself. For example, a Green Lantern would be capable due to the protective nature of the Lantern ring, and the Flashes would be able to due to the Speed Force, but that's purely speculation on my part. As for friends...." Alice paused a moment before giving a big smile "Yeah I'm really close friends with the Buffalo Tribes that live there along with the ponies that live in the town itself." Alice frowned "As for enemies....I've got more than I can count and not all of them are MLP natives." Alice paused for a moment and gave Tom and Angela a look that sent chills down their spines. "Listen up this is very important. When you came here to this world your respective enemies came with you. Don't ask me for an explanation because I can't. All I can say is that whenever a Displaced shows up in an Equestria the enemies belonging to that Displaced always show up too. Every. Single. Time. Without fail. It happened to me and the same thing will happen to you two." Alice sighed. She didn't want to scare her friends but they needed to know the truth as soon as possible especially since they wound up in Equestria's past and would likely be at a disadvantage. "Well...thank you for telling us. But back to the token, how long does it allow you to stay in another world?" Thomas asked. "Until either the summoner sends the summoned back by saying the appropriate words or the summoned uses the token to go back of their own volition. In order to send someone back all you have to do is say 'X our contract is complete.' And the token will instantly send the summoned back. So unless either scenarios happen, one Displaced could stay in another's world indefinitely." "When the summoned Displaced leaves or is sent away, does the summoner get to keep the token afterwards?" "Yes. Once found the token stays with them and before you ask, yes you can own more than one Displaced's token at a time. One important thing to note is that anyone or anything can use a Displaced's token even ponies." "Well that's good, I was worried I might not be able to talk to you again once you leave." Thomas said, relieved that he would still be able to talk to his new friend once she left. "Oh don't worry, I intend to keep a special eye on you two so you will definitely see me again." Alice gave the two a friendly wink before becoming solemn again. "Realize tokens while beneficiary can also be a double-edged sword. As I said before anyone can use them, so what do you think will happen if an enemy gets their hands on one and happens to summon a Displaced who isn't as nice a me?" Thomas smiled, "Then I'll just summon you." "Heh, smart boy. But I won't be available all the time. I'm just warning you that you may one day have to fight perhaps even kill others that are just like you. So be ready." Alice warned Thomas frowned at the thought of killing. "Kill? ...Only if absolutely necessary, I don't like the thought of murder. And neither does mom." "When a soldier fights and kills an enemy for their country's protection it's not murder. Murder is when you kill someone with no real reason other than malice." Alice clarified. "Besides as we've proven earlier neither of us are above harming or even killing anyone if it means protecting the ones we love." "Only if there's no other option," Angela said. "I can respect that. Anyway, any other questions for me? You haven't asked any at all Angela." "Hm..." she thought for a moment. "Not really, I think Thomas covered everything." "Ok then now the next thing is creating a token." "How do we do that?" Angela asked. "Well that depends. In Tom's case he can simply use his magic to create an object, or he can get an already created object and simply channel his own unique void magic into it. I suggest you have your son create a single token and let the two of you share it, because I'm willing to bet you don't like the idea of being separated for too long." "Yeah. And...Tom? Is that your nickname for me or something?" he said. "Well isn't Tom short for Thomas? Would you prefer I use your character's name, Billy?" "There's nothing wrong with it, I've just never been called anything other than my full name." "Well get used to hearing it from me until I think of a better nickname." Alice said dismissively. "Alright, that's fine. You can tell me when we meet again," he said. "Woah hold your Rahkshi! You sound as if I'm about to leave any second now. " "Again, I know. I was just under the assumption that you might not be able to come up with something for awhile," he replied. "Right then. Best get to work," Alice suggested. "Might as well," Thomas said with a shrug. "How do we start?" "Just think of an object or objects that are closely related to either yourself and or your character. Then use the power of Shazam to create said object. Next, fill it with your own unique void magic, create a message identifying yourself and whatever you think is relevant, then cast it into the void." Alice finished instructing. "Alright, just give me a second to think," Thomas said. He thought of an appropriate item for a minute before concentrating. Angela watched in awe as an object formed in her son's hand. She studied the object once it was fully formed. It looked like Wonder Woman's tiara, with a lightning bolt on the front, the entire thing bound in a small red rope. "What an interesting object!" Angela said. "I like how you put aspects from both characters." "Thanks ma," Thomas said, proud of his creation. "Now to make a message, do I just speak to it?" Alice nodded. "Don't forget to tell them how they're supposed to use it, like are they supposed to wear it or whatever." "Okay, just one second." he thought for a few seconds before speaking. "I am Shazam, otherwise known as Captain Marvel if you prefer. If you have good intentions and a noble cause, put this tiara on your head and say aloud: "Shazam! Come to my aid!" And my partner; Wonder Woman and I might come and help you. But if you are a villain that seeks to harm others, then be prepared to face the power of the gods." Thomas finished. "Now how do I send this into the void or whatever?" "Now you just channel your and your mother's individual void magic," Alice opened a portal to the void "And chuck it. The rest takes care of itself." "Okay...let's do this mom." Angela nodded and walked over and placed her hand on Thomas's shoulder. They channeled their void magic and chucked the token into the void. "Now what happens to the token?" Angela asked. Alice shrugged, "It'll self-replicate and search for the nearest world that doesn't have a copy of itself. What happens then is completely up to fate." "World? Or worlds?" Angela asked. "Either. Take your pick. The multiverse is finicky." "I would imagine so," Angela said. "So, any other things we should know about our situation that you haven't already told us?" Alice thought for a moment. "No not really. Other than you should learn to have a lot of patience. You'll be doing a lot of waiting." Angela raised an eyebrow. "Why?" "You realize as Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel you'll age very slow if at all. I'm sure you can guess what I mean." Both of them were silent, before Thomas grinned and said, "Then it's a good thing we've befriended Alicorns." Alice sighed, "I wouldn't get too comfortable with that idea. Besides in time you'll become friends with others who aren't so fortunate." Thomas gave a sad smile. "I know what immortality entails, I'm just trying to think positively while I still can. I don't want to think about what you're mentioning." "Best make peace with it now while the gettin's good." "We will, trust me, we will. Just not yet, I'd like a little longer before I think about such morbid things," he said. Alice nodded in understanding. Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of hooves coming up behind them. They looked to see the two stressed Alicorns waking towards them. "I wish that Luna hadn't heard you say that," Solar Flare said. "She's going around saying the new word over and over without knowing what it means." "Yeeah. Sorry about that. Hey if you want I could make Luna forget she ever heard that word." Alice offered. "And how exactly would you do that?" Solar Flare asked. The group of three explained how Alice can erase memories without causing damage to the target. "...I don't know," Solar Flare said, hesitantly. "What do you think Midnight?" "Well, if you're sure that it won't harm her then I'll let you. You are sure this is safe right?" Midnight asked. "About as safe as anything can really be called." Alice responded before shifting into a new outfit. "Alright then, LUNA!" Midnight shouted. Luna came trotting down the hall, stopping in front of her parents. "Yes mommy?" "The nice lady is going to help you, just stand still," Solar Flare said, slightly put off by the change in costume. The filly nodded and looked up at Alice. "Don't be afraid." Alice said in a slightly ethereal voice "I'm just going to dim your memory of a word you weren't ready to hear yet." after she said this Alice simply touched Luna's forehead. "There. Done. And for being a good little filly here's something special for you." A thick wad of cotton candy on a stick appeared in Alice's hand and she handed it to Luna before shifting back to her default outfit. Luna's eyes went wide at the sight of the delicious wad of sugary cotton. She snatched the treat from Alice's hand and quickly ran to where her sister was. "Sister! Look what I got!" she shouted as she ran to Celestia's room. "Did it work?" Solar Flare asked. "Why don't you find out? If you won't take my word for it." Alice suggested. "Okay then, LUNA! Come here for a second!" he shouted. Luna, followed by Celestia came down the stairs, with Luna still eating her sugary treat; the sight of which, was adorable. "Now Luna, do you remember that new word you learned today?" Solar Flare asked. Luna didn't answer, instead, she pondered the question. "No," she finally answered. Solar Flare and Midnight smiled. "It worked! It actually-" Midnight began before being cut off. "Do you mean damn?" Celestia asked. Luna stopped eating her cotton candy, and smiled widely after hearing a new word. Thomas and Angela looked at each other, before face-palming simultaneously. "In hindsight I should've seen this coming." Alice said flatly before changing into her previous outfit again. In a matter of seconds Alice quickly teleported behind the two sisters, touched both their foreheads, gave Celestia her own stick of Cotton candy and teleported back. "Thank you!" Celestia said before beginning to devour her own treat. "Yeah sure. Just keep on being good fillies." Alice replied as she shifted back. "When aren't we?" Luna replied before she and Celestia ran off to go play. Midnight gave a sigh of relief, "Thank you for that." Suddenly, the front door slammed open, and a mare with white fur and a pink mane came in. "I'm finally ba..." she trailed off when she noticed the two Alicorns that had hired her, as well as the three humans. "Oh! I didn't realize you were home already," she said. "I also didn't know you had...guests." Midnight gave a warm smile. "Hello Tender Care, how have the fillies been?" "They've been absolutely wonderful while you've been away," Tender said. "They didn't cause any trouble." "Well that's good to hear," Solar Flare said. "Yes. But I assume that you haven't heard the news since you're all back here," Tender said. Midnight raised an eyebrow, "What news?" "Some of the ponies from the town you visited have entered the city." Midnight's eyes widened, "They have?! Flare and I must go see how they are doing, would you mind looking after Celestia and Luna for just a bit longer?" "O-Of course my lady," Tender replied. "Thank you, we won't be long," Midnight said as she and Flare rushed to the door. "If you three want to come, then follow us." Thomas nodded, "We should go help them, come on!" he said as he jogged after the two Alicorns. The Queen sat on her throne, awaiting news about her newest Windigo guards. The door to the throne room opened, but instead of a guard, her second in command entered. "Shade, how do you do?" she asked one of the only beings she would ever consider a 'friend.' Shade kneeled, "I am doing excellent, my queen." "Rise." Shade stood up. "I'm guessing that you have come here with a report?" "Yes. Your soldiers have destroyed another hidden village and are currently chasing the citizens that fled," he said. Domina smiled maliciously, "Good, and how goes the search for the Dark Crystals?" "My scouts have found a possible location for the fifth one and are excavating it as we speak," Shade responded. "Very good," Domina said. "And how goes the search for the vault?" "My spies have uncovered an ancient manuscript that they believe refers to the vault. They will bring it to you as fast as they can." "Excellent!" She said before breaking out into evil laughter, Shade joining in as well.