//------------------------------// // Raising of the Moon // Story: What must be done // by Foxgear //------------------------------// What must be done ch 7 By foxgear “Mac… wake up… wake up MAC!” Applejack yelled pounding on her cell wall. She felt sick to her stomach from whatever Maddie had injected her with and this time something was happening to her, she didn’t know what, but she now had scales on her hands. Mac wasn’t looking much better as a patches of scales dotted his neck as he lay unconscious, but she’d be damned if she didn’t talk to her brother at least one last time! “Wake up dammit!” Mac groaned as he rolled onto his back staring at the ceiling with empty eyes. “What is it AJ. Ah’m tired…” he said sleepily. “Don’t you know where you are Mac? You’re in a cage for apple’s sake! Snap out of it!” A ruff animistic growl escaped Mac’s throat, causing Applejack to scoot away from the wall of her cell. “Sorry, I reckon your feeling as bad as I am.” He sighed as he looked over to his sister’s fallen expression and got up and sat down across from Applejack. “I’m sorry,” Mac said placing his palm on the see through wall, “I don’t mean to be so testy. I’m just… well I’m a lot of things right now. Angry, disappointed, most of all I feel like a failure. I failed you, I failed Applebloom and I failed dad. I couldn’t protect you like he asked me to.” Applejack smiled as her place her hand over Mac’s, his were so much bigger then hers, it was like a child comparing their hand to an adult. She remembered doing the same thing with dad. “You did your best and I know ya gonna say your best wasn’t good enough, but sometimes all you can do is your best. Frankly Ah’m just glad to talk to you again. Ah…” Applejack choked up as she thought of the night they argued, “Ah thought, Ah wasn’t going to get the chance. First you get caught in that barn fire, then the hospital catches fire, I thought for sure Ah was gonna lose you.” He smiled, chuckling a little, “It’ll take more than a little fire to get rid of me, trust me I’ve faced worse.” “Speak of that,” Applejack said narrowing her eyes at him, “When were you gonna tell me you were out hunting monsters with the sirens? Better yet, when were you going to tell me you were hanging out with the sirens?” Under Applejack’s determined stare Mac broke down and told her how he found dad’s tapes on his eighteenth birthday and how he’d tracked down the sirens after the battle of the bands and recruited them to be his helpers. He left out the more dangerous monster hunters, as well as the Sirens’ constant teasing of him and more then friendly flirting. However despite this Applejack’s first questions after he finished his story was… “So are you three… you know,” She held up her finger and made a gesture that granny would have smacked her silly if she’d been around to see it. “Not that I mind, it’s certainly not my business, but Ah’ guess I’m having a hard time believing you now have three girlfriends.” Mac gave Applejack a blank stare, he swore this had to because of Rarity, that girl was the gossip Queen of Canterlot. “All that and the fact I have three girls living with me is the most surprising thing about this?” “What? You never had a girlfriend before, so it’s just amazing that three girls, need I remind you are sirens from another world, all have the hots for you?” She did have a point, though… “I’m certain they just like teasing me. I doubt there’s anything beyond that, beside our comradely.” Mac looked over to the Sirens’ cell; all three of them were still out cold, making Mac worry about their health. Applejack hummed and gave him accusing look, “You sure it’s just flirting Mac? I did talk to them for a bit and I gotta say they seem… they seem to genuine care about you. Why else would they stick around for so long? Surely by now they would have at least enough money to go off on their own, why stay on the farm and keep working for you?” “Maybe they like it out there,” Mac replied trying to keep his blush under control. It was all wishful thinking; there was no point in getting too excited about the idea of the sirens liking him to the point of loving him, or vice versa. But Applejack didn’t back down and said the exact thing that’s been plaguing his mind since he became certain the sirens weren’t going to run out on him, “Or maybe they like you?” Once again Mac looked to the three sirens, they were the best friends he’s ever had, they were there for him when others abandoned him and they’ve only known each other for three months and they were tighter than a band of thieves. Shaking his head, Mac brushed away those thoughts for now, “Enough about my…” “…Love life?” Aj offered making Mac’s expression turn sour. “No,” He said with controlled irritation, “Well… no just forget it. We need to figure out how we’re going to get out of here and change us and our friends back to normal. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but you have claws now.” Applejack raised her hands in front of her, her eyes widening to dinner plates as she stared at her clawed and scaled hands. “Oh wow… that’s not good.” “No,” Mac agreed looking at his own hands, which were in a similar condition. In fact he could fell something on the back of his neck, probably more scales. “I think this is the end Aj.” “Don’t say that Mac, there’s still time… urghh! Oh God, that hurts!” Applejack groaned as her stomach did a flip flop. She fell onto her side, her eyes wide with fear and tears. Slowly her vision began to fade to black her final thoughts were of Applebloom and what was to become of her with her and Mac gone. Mac watched helplessly as Applejack slipped into a comatose state, her transformation finishing almost instantly. She looked like she usually did when she ponied up, but with a few extra features, such as claws on her hands and feet and patches of orange scales on her skin. Her ears were atop her head like usual but they had some sort of orange like crystal spikes on them. “Oh she did turn into a dragon, how wonderful!” Maddie exclaimed happily outside Applejack’s cell, Mac growled at the mad scientist punching the wall of his cell as she teased him on the other side. “Oh, looks like someone isn’t far behind, but before that happens I have a little something I want to try before you change completely.” He watched as Maddie opened Adagio’s cell and drag the siren across the room to his cell. He narrowed his eyes as Maddie injected a pink liquid into Adagio’s neck. “What are you doing to her?” He demanded as Maddie unlocked the door to his cell. He made a break for it, to try and over power her at the door, but another wave of pain left him stunned and unable to move. Letting Maddie peacefully enter his cell and deposit Adagio inside. “Oh don’t worry; this experiment is one you should enjoy. You see this little number here?” Maddie asked holding up another one of the pink vials. “This little guy suppresses inhibitors. You know the things that stop you from doing what normally wouldn’t do because for whatever reason.” Mac scoffed as he picked himself off the ground, the pain subsiding for now, “And what’s the point in that?” Maddie smiled, which really pissed Mac off, “Oh Mac, Mac, Mac, haven’t you ever wondered? Wondered why three gloriously beautiful sirens would stay with you, why Sunset acts so strange around you? Yeah, I know this stuff; people tend to ramble about their darkest secrets well under the effect of some of my concoctions. That’s beside the point; the point is that what do all four of these girls have in common? Can you guess?” “No,” Mac growled unwilling to play along. “You’re no fun,” Maddie frowned, “But regardless I’ll tell you. I’m just nice like that. The reason these four ponies turned humans are so attracted to you Mac is that fact you, yes you, are the only actual stallion in this world, to them at least. You Mac are the perfect blend of pony and man; you have that natural attraction to them that the other males in this world lack. What I’m interesting in seeing is what happens when this girl is allowed to act on her baser instincts without being held back by her human brain.” He didn’t quite know how to process what Maddie just said, but one thing came to mind, she was insane. This woman was defiantly insane. “So you just made Adagio want to…” “Exactly,” Maddie confirmed with a head nod. (I’m sorry for what I’m about to say Granny.) Mac took a deep breath and slowly exhaled and looking Maddie straight into the eye he said, “What kind of crazy bitch are you? You’re going force us to have sex?” Maddie shrugged, “I prefer to call it intercourse, sounds better when you’re writing a scientific report, but yeah basically that’s what I want. I mean if you think about it, with a herd of pony girls and a stallion, I could have new subjects for a live time and best of all I can select the best genes to carry on ensure a better stock. I’m starting to wonder why I didn’t do this sooner!” “Your fucking insane if you think I’m gonna do what you want!” “Oh Macintosh,” Maddie sighed laying her head on her hand, “What makes you think you have a choice? I’ve already injected you with the same drug as Adagio here, it’s only a matter of time really. Don’t worry though, I’ll leave and give you two some privacy, in fact why don’t I do this?” Maddie clapped her hands, causing the walls of Mac’s cell to darken so that you couldn’t see inside. “There the mood is set and there are no prying eyes to bother you two, have fun! I’m off to do some “conditioning” to some of your little friends.” Maddie opened the door to Rarity’s and Fluttershy’s cells and dragged the two girls out by the neck; both were unconscious at the moment, with Fluttershy retaining her bat form and Rarity being covered in crystals. “Have fun while I’m gone!” Mac punched the wall as he heard the sound of the door slamming. Behind him Adagio moaned as she began to wake and there was faint musky smell. He tightened his fist as he resisted the need to turn around and look at her; already his body was betraying him. “Hmm Mac, you smell so good, have I ever told you that?” Adagio said wrapping her arms around his waist, her breasts pressing against his back. This was not going to be easy. “Adagio, you’re not yourself, you gotta fight it.” “I’ve been fighting it for a long time now,” Whispers Adagio huskily into his ear. “I didn’t want to upset Sonata and Aria if I made too bold of a move, but now… I really don’t care. I just want you.” Mac spun around holding Adagio an arm’s length away, “This isn’t you Adagio. You don’t act like this, you… well ok you are flirty, but you’re not mushy. You need to get a grip, you need to…” Mac didn’t get to finish as Adagio jumped and landed a kiss on his lips. They fell to the floor, his grip on her wrist loosed and he snaked his arms around her thin waist and pulled her closer, deepening their kiss. He couldn’t fight it anymore. He put up with the flirting and teasing for three months. He didn’t bat an eye when all three sirens teased him as they swam in the pond in bikinis; he kept his cool whenever he accidentally bumped into them as they walked out of the shower in only a towel. He’s even walked in on them changing a few times. He just couldn’t do it anymore; he can’t fight off their advances, more specifically Adagio’s advances. With sure and steady hands Mac unbuttoned Adagio’s shirt. Applebloom stood outside the school with Sunset’s journal clutched tightly in her hands. The time was four o’clock in the afternoon, hours after Mac and Adagio had said they would be back from rescuing Applejack and the others. With little hope she wrote the message her dad left her in Sunset’s journal and waited by the statue as he told her to do. She’s been here since ten in the morning and no one has come through the portal yet. “I’m sure Nico’s friends are coming any minute now.” Luna tried to reassure her, though she didn’t seem very confident herself. She’s been standing here the same amount of time as Applebloom, only leaving to get some rolls and juice for them while they waited. Luna was beginning to wonder if she would have to full fill her promise to look after Applebloom. A responsibility she was willing to do of course. She was just uncertain if she was actually ready for such a thing. Especially not knowing what’s become of Applebloom’s siblings and the others. Made only worse by the fact that she did know something happened to them. God how was she going explain this Granny Smith and Celestia? After everything that’s happened lately the truth wouldn’t be that outrageous, but should she tell them? Should see tell them of the grim reality or give them a happy lie? She didn’t know and she didn’t want to find out, so she was praying like hell that something, anything would walked out of that mirror and help them. She stared at the smooth surface of glass and nothing happened. Disheartened she sighed and pulled Applebloom along by the hand. There was a bench nearby; maybe a little break would do them good. They were almost to the bench when the sound of metal clicking against stone drew their attention. There standing in some sort of battle garb was another Luna doing her best to stay on two legs. “By mother’s mane how do these creatures stand like this?” She shouted as she wobbled. “Ok, ok, that’s it and yes, success!” The other Luna cheered hopping up and down, her dark ethereal hair bobbing lazily behind her. When the other Luna ceased her celebrating she finally noticed the presence of Applebloom and Principle Luna, the three stared at on another awkwardly, neither sure what to do. Thankfully the silence was broken as four more individuals crossed through the portal, each one dealing with their new anatomy as best they could, each one managing to at least stand by their princess’s side without falling over. “You are this world’s Applebloom correct?” Princess Luna said finally addressing the two; she got a slow nod in reply. “Excellent, you may already know this, but I am Princess Luna of Equestria, Ruler of the Night and I have come to help you. Behind me are, shall I say, are very good friends of your father.” The tall orange haired man of the group stepped forward and crouched down so he was eye level with Applebloom. He reached out with a gloved hand and ruffled Applebloom’s hair. “So you’re Nico’s kid huh, can’t say you look anything like him,” The man chuckled, “Names Sixes, I served alongside your father, or better to say he served alongside me as I was his commander. I hear you got a brother and sister missing right?” Applebloom nodded tearfully as she began to hiccup from trying to hold back her tears. Sixes pulled her into a hug and patted her on the back; she wrapped her arms tight around his waist and buried her head into his fur collar to muffle her cries. He was wearing the same coat, the exact same coat Mac wore, the same coat as her dad’s. It was familiar and comforting. “That’s it, it’s alright, you’ve been a brave little girl,” Sixes cooed, “Don’t worry we’ll get them back.” Gently he pushed Applebloom away so he could look her in the eye. “I swear to you, we will get them back.” Principle Luna couldn’t help but smile, she didn’t know what kind of people would be coming through the portal, but she wasn’t expecting someone so kind and understanding as Sixes. She’s been trying to get Applebloom to open up to her all day, but the little apple just kept everything bottled up. That being said, she couldn’t help but feel a little unnerved by the fives presence, seeing her other self from another world was defiantly something else, but it was the four that her counterpart bought with her that had Luna on edge. Like something in the back of her mind was telling her that despite how normal they all looked, there was something in the air about them, something that made her brain scream they were dangerous. “I suppose proper introductions are in order,” Princess Luna said as Sixes finished consoling Applebloom. “You already know me and Sixes here, behind me are my best retainers. The white mare is Kira Perfecta; beside her with the red hair is Fierce Fury, and finally our last minute tag along Topaz Slicer.” “Very nice to meet you all,” Greeted Principle Luna as she pulled Applebloom closer, the youngest apple sibling was busy wiping her last remaining tears on her pant leg. “We are very grateful for your help and we will assist you in any way we can.” Princess Luna smiled at her counterpart, “We gratefully accept your help. Tell me did Nico happen to say where they were going?” “The library in the city,” Applebloom spoke up, “We can take you there. Right now, come on!” “Hold up young Applebloom,” Princess Luna said pulling the young girl back, “I understand your impatience, but there is another place we must go first. The first rule of combat is to know your enemy, and as of now we know little to nothing about ours.” Luna’s heart ached at the sight of Applebloom’s down trotted eyes, but she pushed through and stepped towards her counterpart. The two Luna’s sized each other up, with Principle Luna having to crane her neck to meet her Princess counterpart’s eyes, who stood at least a half a head taller. “We are in need of your assistance other me,” Princess Luna said pulling a note from a hidden pocket. “Can you take us to this location?” Principle Luna took the note and read it over with a keen eye. The only thing written on the note was an address up in the city. She didn’t know the exact location in the city, but it was a ways away from the library. “I can, but why? What’s there?” “Information on our enemy hopefully,” Princess Luna replied, “It was encoded in the message sent by Applebloom from Nico, I can only guess as to what we’ll find there. Now come, we are wasting time.” Principle Luna looked warily to her two seat black ford mustang and the six people standing on the sidewalk. There was no way she was getting all of them in her car. Reluctantly she flipped open her cellphone and hit the speed dial. The person on the other end picked up almost immediately. “Hello?” “Hi Tia, I need to barrow your van.” “Do I want to know why?” Celestia asked with a deep sigh. Luna held back a chuckle remembering the last time she borrowed Celestia’s van for one of her bar hoping nights with some of the other staff, Celestia was not happy, course who would be when your call smelt like vomit. Cheerilee could not hold her liquor. “No, no you don’t, can you bring it to the school? I don’t want to leave my car on the street unattended.” “Fine,” Celestia sighed, “I’ll be right there.” Crystal Apartments, Room 1101, current resident: Maddie Hoof or someone that looked like her. “Maddie” was currently sitting on her couch in nothing but a tee shirt and panties, eating a bowl of ramen. On a normal day she’d be dressed to impressed as she portrayed the perfect professor, wearing turtle necks and slacks, but at home she like to unwind and just lounge around, since the real Maddie hasn’t called for help with any experiments recently she was enjoying a little extra leisure time. Maddie chuckled as the thought of the real Maddie, only for her smile to drop as she looked into the mirror. It was still weird, even after all these years playing the part to see a different face then the one she was born with. She touched beneath her chin, feeling the surgical scars hidden there. Hard to believe she was once Moon Dancer, the girl everyone liked to pick on. It was silly and stupid to think of her high school bullies in her twenties, but those last years of high school and even into college had been rough for her. She didn’t know if she wore a sign on her back or if she just that unlucky, but everyone and she meant everyone treated her like she was their personal bitch. She shuttered remembering the crueler pranks her fellow female classmates pulled on her. Like the one time they stole all her clothes and left her naked in the locker room for hours, or the time threw ranch on her face and took a picture, spreading it all around the school. The ranch had looked like… well a certain white body fluid and the rumors spread by themselves. However there was one light in her high school years, Maddie Hoof, her only friend. The girl that enacted revenge on her bullies on her behalf and got her into the best college in the state and then gave her the best job in the world, being Maddie Hoof. Sure the surgery had been painful, but she got to live life as Maddie, she was treated nicely and respected and she was allowed to show her own personal research and give lectures to future generations. All the while receiving Maddie’s paycheck and living in the most luxurious condo available. Her life was great, well Maddie’s life was great, she should say. Her life, her life was still crap, even if she wasn’t living it. Her parents hadn’t even batted an eye when she disappeared or stopped calling them. Maddie was right; they didn’t care, not like Maddie did. Moon Dancer leaned back, her hands traveling all over her body, yes Maddie, her friend, her savor, her lover, her everything. Her hands drifted further downwards when the doorbell rang. “Ugh, who could that be?” She whined, not expecting guest. (Maybe it’s Maddie!) She thought excitedly. Jumping on the couch she didn’t bother put on more clothes or even look through the peep hole, or check the security chain. She just flung open the door and was instantly tackled roughly to the ground! “Whoa?” She gasped as she felt the hard heavy body of a man fall on top of her. She tried to scream out but a hand covered her mouth, a female hand. With eyes filled with panic she looked up at the white haired woman kneeling over her, she smiled down at her as she tied a cloth around her mouth. Moon Dancer was tossed onto her stomach, her face pressed into the carpet as more people walked in to the apartment. She heard the door shut and the lock click as her hands and feet were tied. Roughly she was placed on one of the wooden kitchen chairs and then tied to the chair. She trembled as her attackers surrounded her in a semi-circle. She didn’t know who any of them were, but they looked angry, no, they looked furious! Their eyes seemed to glow with hatred as they stared at her. No matter how much she was ever bullied, she’s never felt such disdain toward her. Fear crept through her body turning into wave as she thought of all the horrible things that could befall her. She began to hyper ventilate, her chest heaving made the ropes tighten. She felt wetness between her legs and the smell of urine. She had peed herself. “Oh sweet Celestia’s, what the buck!” One of the men, the red haired one, groaned waving his hand fan away the smell. “This little twig of a mare is supposed to be Madhoof’s daughter? Cowardice runs in the family it seems.” They knew Maddie’s father? Moon Dancer spotted something on the coat of the orange haired man, the patch he wore on his shoulder, it was the same as the man’s that killed Maddie’s father! A unicorn skull with wings, stitched below were the numbers 6666. It wasn’t just him, they all wore the patch. It finally happened, they’ve come for revenge! Moon Dancer thought back to that night, the night the school caught fire. She had been on her way back to pick up something, some homework maybe, it doesn’t matter and she stumbled upon the school basement ablaze and walking out of the flames was a silver haired man wearing the same jacket as the people in front of her, the number 088 stitched below the patch. The man had looked at her, his eyes distant, his face burned and bleeding with Maddie draped over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He laid Maddie on the ground in front of her and walked away. Afterwards Maddie lived with her and her parents till graduation. She never spoke of the man, only that he was gone and there was nothing to worry about, except perhaps if his friends ever found out he was gone. Well those friends were here now and they looked ready to kill her! Was this part of Maddie’s plan? Was she set up to take the fall? No, no Maddie wouldn’t do that, they were friends; friends don’t do that to one another. Despite her best efforts, Moon Dancer began to cry, going into a full out wail of anguish with tears streaming down her face and snot, always snot, she was going to look so pathetic in the crime scene photos! One last humiliation before the end she guessed; the story of her life. “Alright, enough,” A tall woman with floating black hair said stepping in front of the group. “Let’s get what we came here for. Sixes do your thing.” “Roger that ma’am,” The orange haired man said kneeling down in front of her. He held one of her cooking pots in one hand and in the other a small orange candy that looked like a jaw breaker. He bit the candy between his teeth, a faint glow of orange outlining his body for several seconds before fading. Taking the pot in both hands Moon Dancer watched with amazement and fear as the man’s hands started to glow turning the pot to a bright red orange color, the heat was intense, but he didn’t seem to mind as he crushed the pot in his hands, rolling it as one would dough, till it was only a small glowing marble. “Alright little lady, we have some questions. Now when we remove you gag, you will not, I repeat will not scream for help or any of that nonsense. You'll answer our questions, all of them, truthfully and we’ll know if you’re lying. When our questions are answered we will let you go and you never see us again. Now if you scream or lie, I’m gonna drop this little red hot piece scrap down your throat and it only gets worse after that. Understand we are trying to be the nice ponies here, don’t make us have to be the bad ponies, but don’t think we won’t play that role if we have to.” Literary shaking with fear Moon dancer nodded. The man smiled as he continued to play with the hot red marble in his hand. “Good to hear, Kira, if you would please.” The white woman in the kimono like dress untied her gag, allowing Moon Dancer to take her first true breath in several minutes as she greedily sucked in air. Sixes stepped back, allowing the other orange and blue haired man to kneel in front of her. “Hello,” The man said, “I’m Topaz Slicer. I am very acquainted with your father Madhoof.” His eyes narrowed, he grabbed her chin tilling her head up so that he could see her scars. “Princess, we have an issue.” “What’s wrong Topaz?” Luna asked kneeling down beside him. Topaz pointed to her scar, tracing it with his finger, “See this here?” The princess nodded. “This isn’t Maddie Hoof, this is a fake.” He roughly released her chin, his eyes boring into her. “Who are you?” Maddie licked her lips as sweat poured down her forehead, “I-I-I am Maddie Hoof.” Topaz’s eyes narrowed even further, “Sixes.” Sixes held up the hot ball of hot metal and brought it towards her lips; she could feel the heat rolling off the hot steel as it drew closer and closer. She decided to change her tone, fast! “Moon Dancer! My name is Moon Dancer!” The hot steel retreated, she sighed in relief. They looked at her expectantly and she resigned herself to what she needed to do to survive. “I’m Maddie’s best friend. I help keep her public image alive when she gets too involved in her work.” Princess Luna’s eyes narrowed at her, “Do you know what she’s doing?” Moon Dancer gulped, “Yes… I help sometimes.” The air in the room took a nose dive. She maybe shouldn’t have said that as the hot metal in Sixes’s hand went from red hot to white hot. Through gritted teeth Topaz asked the next question, “So you are aware of what she does. What she does to… what are these creatures called again?” “Humans I think,” The woman behind her said, “Shall we call upon your other self and confirm princess? She is an educator in this world.” Princess, other her and not knowing what humans are? “Are you guys from the other world Maddie talks about…” They glared at her. “I’ll um… be quiet.” “No, you will not,” Luna said getting right in her face. She was scary angry, her hair was flying wildly around. “Now next question, what do you know about the experiments? What do you do to the victims of your sick madness?” “We… well Maddie she made this serum. Actually Maddie’s father, Madhoof made it, she’s just improved it, the serum works by injecting it into the subject. The serum mixes with the subject’s natural energies and forces any latent magical energy to emerge. The three most common changes are animal, elemental, and mythical. Animal subjects take on animal like traits, one girl named White Tail, gained the attributes of a white tail deer. Elemental are as they sound, they gain control of the elements, though usually they lose their personality, Kerosene became a fire girl and Tundra became an ice girl, both lacked a lot of their former selves. I haven’t seen any mythical transformations personally, but Maddie said their supposed to take on power of mythical beasts like dragons or unicorns or something. If they were mad at her before, they looked ready to kill her right on the spot now. “How do you control them when they’ve transformed?” Topaz asked her as Sixes took Luna to the other room. “I doubt their very happy with you when you’re done.” “Maddie has this special serum she uses, when it’s injected it makes the mind more open to suggestion, it takes several daily doses for about a month for it to have permanent effects, but she can have complete control of the subject for as long as the serum is in their system.” The room fell silent as the five strangers gathered around in circle speaking in hushed whispers. Here and there she caught snippets of their conversation, but nothing concrete. They spoke for several more minutes, each one feeling like eternity to Moon Dancer as her fears of them simply killing her continued to rise. When they finally broke apart, they looked her with… sadness? “What? You’re planning to kill me aren’t you! That’s it isn’t!” “No, no, no, that’s not it.” Sixes said gently as he untied her and helped her out of the chair. Her knees gave out beneath her, but he caught her before she could fall and handed her over to Kira. “Get her washed up and into some clean clothes, keep an eye on her though.” Kira nodded, taking Moon Dancer into the bathroom and helped the trembling girl wash, though she ended up doing most of the cleaning herself. Kira hummed a soft tone as she washed Moon Dancer’s hair and handed her towel so Moon Dancer could wash her more personal areas herself. “Been a long time since I’ve had to do this,” Kira chuckled as she rinsed the shampoo from Moon Dancer’s hair. “I think the last pony I bathed was my grandchild Nagasaki, scurry little brat I’ll tell ya. Got me covered in water, after that I told my son, Hiroshima, he was washing his own kids; was getting to old to do that stuff anyway.” “You’re a grandmother?” Moon Dancer questioned looking the white haired woman up and down, she had a few crow’s feet around her eyes and she did have an air of maturity about her, but she certainly didn’t look grandparent age. “Aye I am, or I was,” Kira said sadly, “It was a long time ago. Being a dragon pony I out lived my children, my grandchildren and even my great grandchildren, didn’t even get to spend that much time with them. I guess falling asleep for hundred years or more without even thinking about it is another trait we share with dragons.” “Why are you telling me this?” Moon Dancer asked as Kira helped her out of the bath and wrapped her up in a big fluffy blanket. The grandmother brushed her cheek looking sad. “You were nervous; I was just trying to soften the mood. Sorry for the threats, Madhoof is a rough subject for us all on a good day and today is not a good day.” As they walked into Moon Dancer’s bedroom they passed the night stand, which had a picture of her and Maddie, the real Maddie, and her before the surgery. Kira picked up the picture, “Is this you?” Moon Dancer nodded staring at her former face, “Yeah, that’s me. Wasn’t much to look at was I? Just a nerdy girl everyone liked to pick on.” “Nerdy?” Kira said looking puzzled, “Ah that term for intelligent, but physically weaker ponies, we called them philosophers when I was young; a much more respectable term in my book. Still I can’t imagine why you would do this to your face. You were rather cute, if I may say so.” “It was for the better,” Moon Dancer retorted hotly, “You wouldn’t understand! My life… my life was pathetic. In high school I got picked on every day, by everyone, except Maddie and in college things didn’t get better! Then Maddie gave me a chance at a better life, her life, how could I turn it down?” “What about your parents? Do they know what’s become of you?” “No,” Moon Dancer said dejectedly, “And they don’t care. They never even bothered looking for me when I stopped calling them.” “You’re a grown mare, I’m sure they just wanted you to live your own life, besides why haven’t you contacted them?” “Firstly I’m not a pony! I’m a human and in this world we are referred to as people, man, woman, and persons and secondly I haven’t contacted my parents because… because…” Someone knocked on the door saving her from having to answer, because she didn’t have one. “Kira,” it was Sixes, “Are you two done in there? We’re on a time schedule remember.” Kira sighed shaking her head, “Yes, yes, Sixes. We’ll be out in a second. It’s a good thing you had a son, you’d never survive having daughters.” She chuckled winking at Moon Dancer, “Don’t mind him, he’s sweet, but a bit of grouchy old stallion too. Hard to believe we’re about the same age.” “Yeah,” Moon Dancer stuttered as she was led out into the other room, dressed in fresh underwear and sweats. The mood of the room was very different from before. Kira’s friends shared a look of pity as they gazed upon her and she wondered why. “Sit down please,” Sixes said gently offering a seat on the couch, which she accepted with only a little apprehension. They were acting strange, like they were about to give her some bad news. “This isn’t the part where you guys tell me you have to kill me is it?” Sixes shook his head, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he patted her knee. “No, no, nothing like that. In fact we want to help you.” “Help me with what?” Moon Dancer asked warily. Did they think she was sick or something? Well she was pretty terrified of them; maybe that’s what they meant. They just wanted to change her image of them, which if asked, she would answer still scared, but also fascinated. Topaz sat down next to Sixes, his hands folded together beneath his chin, “Moon Dancer, you told us that Maddie has a mind control serum of sorts, I have seen its effects on my fellow ponies before, and I’m afraid to tell you that you are not acting of your own free will.” “That’s not possible,” Moon Dancer scoffed, “Maddie is my best friend! We’ve been together for years! She’s protected me from my bullies, helped get into the school I wanted, got me my dream job…” “And made you take on her face and give up your life,” Topaz interrupted, “Tell me is that something a friend does? She just causally asks you to give up your entire life and live as her, and you do it just like that? No hesitation? No thought as to why she would ask you to do such a thing?” “She… um…” Her mind was drawing a blank, why had Maddie asked to her take on her appearance? Why did she agree? Cause she loved Maddie of course! Yes, that was natural reason to undergo a life changing surgery, a painful one too. “It doesn’t matter, she’s my friend and I help my friends.” “Ok, that’s fine,” Topaz replied calmly, “When is Maddie’s birthday?” “May 7.” “When is your birthday?” “May 7… no, it’s in August, August 22.” “And what did you give her for her birthday?” Moon Dance blinked at the question, not sure what they had to do with anything. “I gave her well… that’s kind of personal,” She blushed red, remembering the gift, it was an adult themed gift and she’s rather not say what it was.” Topaz raised an eye brow, but continued with his questions, “Alright, what did Maddie give you for your birthday?” “She…um… she gave me…” What had Maddie given her for her birthday? Actually when had she even celebrated her real birthday? Also why was it suddenly so warm in the room? “It doesn’t matter, gifts don’t make friends!” “True,” Topaz agreed, “But usually friends give gifts if they receive gifts or just as a random heartfelt jester. Tell me, what was last gift you received from Maddie?” The last gift she received from Maddie? That was a tough question because… she’s only ever received one. The picture frame Kira was handling earlier. “That doesn’t matter! I don’t need gifts to know Maddie cares! She’s looked out for me when no one else would, she was always there when I needed help and that’s what counts!” “Touching,” Topaz said evenly, “But have you considered she might be the cause of your misery?” “What… what do you mean?” “We overheard your conversation with Kira and we also have this,” Topaz held up her dairy, how the hell did they get a hold of that? “And by your own accounts and I can safety say Maddie set up the attacks on you.” “That’s impossible Maddie…” “Just happen to know you were in the girl’s locker room with no clothes or no means to contact anyone else and on a day that would have left you stranded there for the entire weekend and also with your parents out of town? How about this one? An embarrassing photo of you is spread thought out the school, yet somehow Maddie is able to quell the rumors and get rid of the pictures? Tell me how would she do that?” Moon Dancer shrugged, “She’s Maddie, she gets stuff done, it’s always been that way.” Topaz raised an eye brow at her, “So Maddie was popular?” She nodded. “Then why would you, her best friend, be the target of so many pranks? Why would they dare go after you? After all going after someone’s friend is a good way to get on their bad side don’t you think?” She hated to admit it, but he had a point. Looking back she’s always been the girl everyone ignored growing up, no one really like her, nor hated her, so why the sudden shift at the end of high school? In fact even after attending a college where the only one who knew her was Maddie, why was she harassed as much as she was? Moon Dancer remembered her first boyfriend in college, a boy Maddie introduced her to. They’d been together for two years, everything was going great and then he dumps her. She remembered how heartbroken she’d been, how she’d ran to Maddie’s arms. Maddie who had been waiting with her favorite ice cream and treats she liked to have when she was sad. How did she know to have it ready? Not just on hand, but she literary had a bowl of ice cream waiting for her at the door! Someone placed her cell phone in front of her, her parent’s number displayed on the screen. “We’re gonna gamble on this one, call you parents, get their side of the story and whatever happens we’ll leave, whether or not you believe us.” Moon Dancer reached for the phone, but hesitated to pick it up. How long has it been since she’s called home? Has it been two, three, maybe even four years? She didn’t know. She stopped talking to her parents before the surgery. After the surgery she almost deleted the number from her phone, but decided at the last second not to. Taking a deep breath she picked up the phone and hit call. The phone rung and rung and she thought they maybe weren’t home and then the phone clicked and she heard her mother’s voice for the first time in years. “Hello?” Her mother, Salsa Dancer answered. Moon Dancer gulped, she could do this it was her mother. No problem talking to your mother after several years of not talking to her, right? Softly she said “Mom?” “Moon Dancer, Is that you baby? How are you doing? Is everything alright? Are you done with your research trip?” Moon Dancer frowned, research trip? What was she talking about? “My research trip?” “Yeah, Maddie said you were going with a team to the south pole for a few years, it was so sudden, but I guess that’s something you don’t turn down, thought I wish they would have let you at least call us, but you’re a big girl and your father and I know how out of it you get when you get to researching.” “Maddie told you… she…” “What was that dear? I couldn’t hear you? Are you ok? Do you need a ride home? Are you coming in by boat or plane? Don’t worry about the cost; you know your father and I will come get you wherever you are.” “No, no I’m fine. I’m actually still on my way home. I just really wanted to talk to you.” Moon Dancer smiled brightly to try and add actual cheer to her voice, but even as she smiled tears were rolling down her cheeks. “Do you and dad still hold that memorial day picnic with the family?” “Of course,” Salsa answered, making Moon Dancer smile even wider. “That’s good, I’ll see you then. I got some work to sort out till then, but I promise to be home to see you and dad and everyone else. See you then, mom.” “Ok honey, I love you.” She hung up. “Love you to,” Moon Dancer whispered as she put her phone on the table. She felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, it was Kira; the grandmother smiled down at her and patted her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. The gesture warmed her heart. “Thank you… I… I don’t know what else to say.” Luna smiled, “We are just happy to help. I apologize for our earlier behavior and I hope you can forgive us for any trauma we may have caused. I would hate to leave you in such a vulnerable state, but we must go save our friends. I trust you have no issue with us putting a stop to Maddie’s activities?” Moon Dancer shook her head, “No, but can you promise that you’ll try to help her like you helped me? Even if she was the one behind all the things those things, Maddie is still my best friend, and friends don’t give up on friends, at least not without trying to help them first.” “We’ll do our best, but I make no promises,” Luna said as the other filed out the door; leaving Moon Dancer sitting alone in her apartment. She sat there her mind a buzz, her entire life playing through her mind like a movie. She saw everything she should have seen, but didn’t, she didn’t see how Maddie was controlling her life. Chipping away at her till she thought of only Maddie and no one else. She thought of all the friends she could have had, but didn’t because Maddie convinced her they weren’t really her friends. She thought of all the loves of her life that she let pass by till she was convinced Maddie was the only one who loved her. She thought of her parents, who went years not knowing what actually happened to her, thinking she was in the fricken south pole! It was Maddie’s fault; it was all Maddie’s fault. Yet even knowing the truth, she couldn’t hate Maddie. Walking out onto the balcony, cell phone in hand she spotted Princess Luna and the others hoping the fence and climb into a white mini van parked on the other side of the street. She watched them drive off. They would be going after Maddie now. Moon Dancer looked at her phone and brought up Maddie’s number, one last time she would help her friend. She pressed dial. “What is it?” Maddie answered with a hint of irritation in her voice. In the background the sound of heavy breathing could be heard, long pained breaths, Moon Dancer knew the sound well. Maddie was experimenting. “I just got a house call from some interesting people, Princess Luna of Equestria and four of her guards. They’re on their way to you now to get their friends back.” Maddie cursed, “Dammit and I’m almost done too! How much did you tell them?” “I didn’t tell them much, they know about the mind serum, but they already knew you location.” Maddie growled on the other end, there was a sound of something being hit, “Be still damn you! Moon Dancer listen I need you to…” “No,” Moon Dancer said adeptly, making Maddie pause. “What did you just say to me?” Maddie’s tone was for the most part, angry, and Moon Dancer didn’t care. “I said no, I won’t help you. The Equestrians showed me the truth. You’ve been using me. This phone call was out of sense of duty for our friendship, because despite everything you are my best friend Maddie and I love you and sometimes you have hurt your loved ones for their own good. This is my advice, give up Maddie, there still a chance you might receive mercy yet, if you give up now.” Maddie sighed as she held the phone in between her cheek and shoulder, washing her bloody hands in the sink. “So you know I was the one that put those girls up for stealing your clothes, your boyfriend leaving you and convincing your parents you were in the arctic huh. Took you long enough, I guess I can also assume you know about the mind serum I’ve been force feeding for years.” “I wasn’t sure, but I assumed so. I’ve notice there are gaps in my memory, things that should have tipped me of that something was wrong but didn’t.” Moon dancer clutched the rail of the balcony, gritting her teeth as she prepared for what she was about to say and the answer she might receive. “It was the blueberry juice wasn’t it? Every time you wanted a favor you would make it, it’s my favorite or at least I thought it was. Tell me though, why did you start giving to me? We were friends for years before you gave me the first glass, why do it at all? Even back that I was practically attached to your waist like a pathetic puppy. You didn’t need it.” “You are smart,” Maddie chuckled, “but yeah it was the juice. I did it because you were my friend and I wanted to keep it that way. You never knew it but you looked damn adorkable and believe it or not there were a lot of guys and a few girls that would have just loved to steal you away from me and I couldn’t let that happen. You are my friend, my little treasure; nobody was going to have you but me.” Moon dancer’s hand tightened around the rail, “Not even my parents?” “Sun Dance and Salsa are nice, I do like them, they did take me in after my father died, but yes, not even they could have you. Look on the bright side at least I said you were in the arctic alive rather then killed in a car crash right? Though I did have the planned out and ready to go, even had one of your bullies all dolled up to look like you and ready get hit by a semi-truck, but she’s enjoying the arctic now I guess. Got a call from her last week too, she loves it down there, course it might have to do with all the guys she’s with and she’s kind of into that scruffy sea captain look all the guys have down there. I would be interesting in documenting her stay down there, do you think she’s, well you know.” “You really don’t feel any remorse for what you did to me do you?” Moon Dancer said choking back sob. This was her best friend. She was friends with a psychopath! Maddie chuckled, “Well it’s not like it really matters. You do remember right?” “Remember what?” “That just because you’re aware you are under the sway of the mind serum doesn’t mean its affects have stopped. I mean you’ve been chugging that stuff for years. It would take at least a year of cold turkey for its affects to go away and you know what that means right?” Moon Dancer’s blood went cold. “Now where are you again?” “On the balcony of the apartment,” Moon Dancer answered roboticly. She had no control of her body! She couldn’t move! “I see, why down you be a dear and jump off the side for me, if you survive the fall I’ll patch you up and then maybe forgive you for betraying me.” “Sure,” Moon Dancer said as she dropped the phone and climbed to the top of the rail, “I still love you Maddie; I want you to know that. No matter what, you were my best friend.” She said crying as she lifted on foot of the rail. “And you were mine, good bye Moon Dancer,” Maddie said hanging up the phone. Moon Dancer closed her eyes and jumped. Principle Luna put the van in park as they pulled up to the old city library; the entire area had a bad vibe to it. There was no one around, there weren’t even any alley cats or dogs to make noise, it was just quiet; creepy quiet. “Thank you for your assistance… um Luna,” Princess Luna awkwardly said as she and the others exited the car. “I would suggest you two take your leave. I have a feeling things will get… chaotic from here on out.” “Sounds like good advice to me,” Principle Luna agreed wanting to get the hell out of dodge, or at least this neighborhood, “We’ll be two blocks that way, flag us down when you need a ride.” Applebloom protested, “I want to stay, my brother and sister are in there!” “We know little Applebloom, please trust us to get them back for you. I fear what is to come will not be appropriate for one as young as you to see.” Princess Luna pleaded. The youngest Apple huffed and crossed her arms, “I’ve seen R rated movies.” She mumbled. Princess Luna blinked, “I have no idea what that is, but I feel it don’t not qualify you to be on a battlefield. Please take her away from here Luna… ugh it’s so weird saying my own name!” “I second that,” Principle Luna agreed starting the van, “Be careful,” She put the van in drive and drove away, leaving the five ponies turned human in the middle of the street. “Well this it,” Sixes stated as they all turned towards the library. As one unit they marched up the stairs, Luna in front, Fury and Sixes on her left and right with Kira and Topaz to their right and left. Their walk was an eerie one. Each of them expecting an attack at any moment, but none came as they climbed higher and higher, till they finally reached the top, where they were greeted by their enemy, Maddie Hoof and behind her stood their rescue targets all ten of them in a line. Their eyes dull and empty, full mind control, great… Maddie waved at them, “You must be Princess Luna and the night patrollers, so nice to finally meet you. Dad told me a lot about you.” “As did Moon Dancer,” Luna replied, “Seems the apple does not fall far from the tree. You’re just as twisted as your father and his cohorts were. Shame Madhoof isn’t alive to know of their fate. I assure you, the same is waiting for you.” “Death threats, I would have thought such things would unbecoming of a princess.” Luna growled, stepping ahead of the others, a small blue candy between her fingers, “I make no threats, only promises. Release these children from you control and I may yet show you mercy, refuse and you will suffer the same fate as the others that came before you. Trust me when I say, their fate is not one you wish to share.” Maddie laughed aloud mockingly as she point a finger at Luna, “Oh and what did the pretty pony princess do? Lock them in a dungeon full of stuff animals?” “Actually we burned their eye socks out, along with their ear drums and tongues and left them to wonder blind, deaf and mute in the desert, till they died of dehydration.” Sixes answered nonchalantly, making Maddie stare disbelievingly at him and the others. “Wow, and you accuse me of being messed up.” Luna coughed, “Regardless, the time has come Maddie Hoof, answer for your crimes and you will receive a fair trial, resist and take your chances against me and my night hunters. The choice is yours.” “I think I’ll choose… resist. Get them!” At Maddie’s command the ten charged for Luna and the night hunters, who each pulled a candy from their pocket and broke it between their teeth. Magic shimmered around them as they charged to meet their opponents. Luna and the night hunters didn't want to fight, but it what must be done to save them. To save Nico's children and their friends, they must fight them.