Intro Theme:
DWC’s Comment
As you are about to answer Octavia, the door suddenly opens and you and everyone else turn towards it.
“Yo Octy, I got more Vodka, Whiskey and…” Vinyl Scratch stammers off as she sees you, Lyra and Crackle all standing in the living room surrounding Octavia.
There is a short pause before she suddenly sighs and starts backing out the door. “Nope, nope, nope! I am not getting involved with this Horde stuff again, I don’t care how hot he is, too much crazy.”
“But Vinyl- “ Octavia starts.
“Nope, Nope, Nope! If you need me, I’ll be getting drunk on the porch till your secret meeting is over,” the DJ declares before shutting the door.
After the door slams you all look back to Octavia who is facehooving.
“Soooo,” Lyra says, “That was kind of…um…”
“Blarg Honk?” Crackle guesses.
“Yeah, exactly. Blarg Honk. What’s up with her?”
Octavia sighs. “She and I have been disagreeing about our little fan club starting back up again, thinks the government will come and take me away, which is ridiculous, we’re clearly not Crimson Knights.”
“Well maybe she should be cautious,” you speak up. “I mean, didn’t the Offender himself say that the Horde should disband?”
Fireheart1945’s Comment
She sighs at this, “See? This is why I said no telling anyone Lyra. We get the ones who keep trying to talk us out of it like Spike and Fluttershy, and now Mr. Tennant.”
“Hey now look, I like the Offender just as much as the next guy, but come on ladies, shouldn’t now be the time to throw in the towel? I mean, all those radicals JUST got taken down,” you implore.
“That’s exactly why we must come back though. We are not the Crimson Knights, and if we just have one small group made up of the absolute devote to him, then we can still support him and show what his true message is,” Octavia answers.
“But what if you all get thrown in a dungeon or something, he’s still not popular.”
“Perhaps not, but Mr. Tennant, please understand, we are merely becoming what we once were. A fanclub. Surely nopony can claim we’re breaking the law for just supporting someone we care about.”
“Honk Honk!” Crackle agrees.
“But, still…”
“Look, if you don’t want to join back up you don’t have to man, it’s entirely your choice, just like Vinyl. We’re not forcing anypony into this,” Lyra says.
“I…Do you swear you guys aren’t going to do anything…um…”
“Ill conceived?” Octavia ventures.
“I was gonna say stupid, but yeah, that works too.”
“We will not. We just wish to have at least a few voices defend him, even after everything.”
“Yeah, I mean, the dude ate a freaking GHOST. How cool is that?” Lyra perks up.
Oh what an insufferable B!%$#...I’ll show her cool…Drugged Sombra grumbles.
“I…” you sigh, “Alright, I guess I can’t really stop you. But please try to keep it like super secret and quiet.”
“That was the plan, till Bon Bon blabbed. I’m gonna have to steal some of her snacks from the fridge as vengeance,” Lyra smirks.
“Fine. I won’t say anything then, former member’s honor,” you swear.
“Thank you Mr. Tennant, and sorry for dragging any un-pleasantries up for you,” Octavia apologizes.
“No problem. Just thought I’d check.” You then look to the dragon in the room.
“Crackle, don’t you think you should be going home by now? I’m sure there’s friends and family missing you.”
She shakes her head and honks, before gesturing towards the other mares in the room. The message is pretty clear. ‘These are my friends now.’
“Oh alright then. I guess I’ll be out of your manes then…Goodbye ladies.”
“Goodbye Mr. Tennant,” they all say while Crackle honks.
You then exit the door, just as soon as you hear Lyra ask,
“So Tavi, what’s up with the flowers?”
Shutting the door, you see Vinyl Scratch with a nearly empty bottle of booze in her hoof.
“Ey, Tennant my bro, Wassup?” she slurs.
“Nothing much, just leaving,” you admit.
“Ah, dang dude,” she says looking at her bottle.
“Um…” you rub the back of your head. “Look Vinyl, if I give you something, will you please not take it the wrong way?”
“What do you mean?” she asks. You then hand her the bouquet of flowers.
“Just…getting a few mares some gifts.”
She looks from the flowers back to you,
“You’re sending me a lot of mixed signals here BST.”
“Yeah I’m sorry about that,” you chuckle. She then holds a full bottle of whiskey to you.
“Tell ya what, if you drink this bottle in the next five minutes you’ll be just as trashed as me, and we can see what happens,” she insinuates giving you a heated glare.
Sweating nervously you say,
“You’re drunk Vinyl.”
“Yeah I know, I’ll regret my words later, heh heh,” she says turning away and taking another swig.
“Right, well I’ve got to be…somewhere else, like right now. By Vinyl!” you yell as you run.
“Later sexy dude!” she calls out after you giggling.
When you are out of sight you take a breath to calm yourself.
“Whelp, that’s three down and three to go.”
While you trot off to your mission, you wonder how Nightshade’s doing on hers.
POV Change: Nightshade
Kersey’s Comment
"Uh... Nightshade, are you okay?" Diamond asks
"I-I'm fine! Why do you ask?!" you respond defensively.
"You just gobbled down an entire table of hors d'oeuvres."
"I always eat a lot,” you respond indignantly.
"But that's your fifth table!"
You really don’t want to let them know you’re stress eating, so you say, “Well, it’s good fancy food, reminds me of the stuff I got at "Eggsy's Exorbance" in Vanhoover
“Oh, you’ve been there too?” Diamond speaks up. “That place was great when Daddy took us there during a business trip.”
“Well it WAS great,” Silver adds. “That giant monster fight probably wrecked it like most of the down town.”
“Oh, you mean that fat flanked Crimson Knight? Yeah, that was…weird…” you reply.
They nod their agreements and now that you’re all satisfied with eating, you all sit around the pool side and talk about just about anything. As long as you all talk,
it’s easier not to think about leaving. It gets to the point where they start gossiping.
Kichi’s Comment
“And rumor is that Rainbow Dash got some other Pegasus kicked out of the Wonderbolts Academy,” Silver gossips.
“Oh, I heard about that from Ms. Twilight, apparently the mare was kind of a B!&$# that almost got all of them killed.”
“Really? Dang, and here I thought she was just using her influence to take out an opponent,” Diamond surmises.
“Eh, I would have thought so too, what with the Filly Fooler’s past shenanigans,” you reassure.
“Why do you keep calling her that? Isn’t she all gaga over your Dad?” asks Diamond confused.
“Eh,” you shrug, “Kind of a force of habit after three years,” you explain vaguely.
“Ooookaaaay…” Diamond and Silver trail off looking at each other, before Silver changes the subject.
“Anyway, did you hear about Ruby Pinch’s lemonade stand?”
“Who?” you ask in confusion causing her to raise an eyebrow.
“Ruby Pinch? The reddish filly with the purplish mane in our class?”
You remember back to when you were in class, and the description sounds familiar.
“Oh wait, now I remember, isn’t she the daughter of that mare that owns the bar and who beat up Flash Sentry for stealing Waffles?” you come to a realization.
“That’s the one,” Diamond nods.
“Okay, no I haven’t heard about her stand, what happened?”
“Well apparently the lemonade and juice she was selling turned out to be bad. It would make you feel dizzy and kind of funny. If you drank too much, it would make you sick.”
“What was it, bad lemons or something?” you ask, but Silver shrugs.
“I don’t know, but it tasted pretty bad, but for some reason a lot of adults kept buying from her and she made more than what OUR allowances are.”
“Which is weird, because it smelled like mom and dad’s fancy drinks,” Diamond adds.
“Huh, well dang she’s got a good business plan. Makes me kind of wish I’d gotten to know her,” you add as a bit of sadness at wasted time hits you. Trying to ignore this you ask,
“So, what other juicy tidbits you got?”
“Hmmm,” Diamond ponders. “Well, Ms. Derpy the mail mare has been sad for the last few months. Nopony knows why, and all we’ve heard from Dinky is a bunch of stories.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty imaginative stuff that she should probably write down, what with aliens and monsters and time travel,” Silver explains. “But she seems to be hiding behind the stories and not telling the truth. Everypony thinks she’s sad too.”
“It’s kind of sad actually,” Diamond continues. “She keeps saying that she hasn’t seen her doctor in a while, so it’s gotta be something bad.”
“Well she is always going on about how she actually has two hearts, so maybe it’s just a medical doctor…hopefully,” Silver says causing your eyes to widen.
You know for a fact why Derpy would be sad, but Dinky is a surprise for you. You knew she was Derpy’s daughter, but you didn’t know she knew about The Doctor.
And wait a minute, aren’t Time Lords the only ones with two hearts? You think in confusion. Whatever this info means, you can’t figure it out, so you decide to file it away for later and move on.
“Yeah, hopefully…So you girls seem to know all the gossip then eh?”
“Not all of it, but we hear things. It’s one thing we can’t really turn off,” Diamond chuckles sheepishly.
“Right, well is there any gossip or rumors about…the CMC?”
“Well…I don’t know, we’re kind of friends now…” Diamond says tepidly.
“It’s fine guys, I’m just curious is all,” you reassure. They reluctantly look back at you before silently nodding.
“Let’s make it easier, what do folks say about Sweetie Belle?”
“Oh what don’t they say?” Diamond responds. “Mostly about how most of the boys in class seem to fawn over her, but how she only seems to have eyes for that Button Mash guy.”
“Oh, I’ve heard about that one actually. Does he seriously not know?” you reply.
“I think playing so many games has rotted his brain a bit,” Silver jests, causing you all to giggle.
“Okay, what about Scootaloo?”
“Well the biggest one is that she’s an orphan,” Diamond starts.
“That’s not true, I’ve been to her house,” you reply.
“Yeah yeah, I know, but I’m just laying out what’s been told. They also say she can’t fly.”
“That’s…actually kind of true,” you say feeling a bit bad. “They think there’s something wrong with her wings.”
“Oh...” both rich fillies say in understanding.
“And to think, we had that one saved as an insult,” Silver says a bit in disgust. As the two fillies silently berate themselves, you cough to break the tension.
“And Applebloom?”
They both chuckle nervously and rub the back of their heads,
“Well it’s actually pretty mean,” Diamond clarifies.
“Really? How mean?”
“Very mean…” Silver trails off piquing your curiosity.
“Let’s just say, some claim that her parents are actually…her brother and sister,” Diamond finishes with a gag.
“What? Oh! OH!” you shout at that horrible image. “That is messed up and gross!”
“Yeah we know, it’s just something others say,” Silver explains.
“Bleh! What is wrong with ponies?!” you say trying to mentally bleach your brain. “Let’s talk about something else, anything else!”
“Yeah, good call,” Silver shudders.
“Oh, do you want to know about the gossip about you?” Diamond asks.
Rolling your eyes, you reply,
“I already know about my own gossip, what with my heavy eating, violent tendencies, and not being able to watch my filthy bucking mouth, and that’s not even counting the stuff about my dad.”
“Yeah…that is mostly it, aside from the newest one,” Diamond nods.
“What new one?” you ask.
“Actually it’s something we wanted to know too,” Silver says.
“Okay, what is it?” you ask impatiently, wondering what others are saying about you.
“Are you and Spike dating?” they both ask curiously.
“Wh-what? N-No we’re just friends…” you stammer with a blush.
“Really? Because everypony’s noticed that you hang out with him alone a lot,” Silver points out.
“So what? You two hang out all the time.”
“Yeah, but we don’t hold hooves, or rather, claws with each other at the movie theater,” Diamond say a little jeeringly.
“Hey, the movie was kind of spooky…”
“And your Dad is always freaking out when you’re with him,” Silver giggles.
“Daddy’s psychotic towards everypony,” you whine.
“Also, you’re the only one besides Ms. Rarity that he gawks at like that.”
“That over mascaraed meat shield doesn’t deserve him! Always leading him on like that! What a Bi…” you snap causing them to smirk.
“Sh-Shut up,” you huff and look away while they giggle.
“Oh come on Shade, we’re just having some fun. Besides, he actually is pretty cute, dragon or not,” Diamond responds.
“I’m not talking about this with you guys,” you respond hastily, “Now tell me some more gossip before I lie on the bottom of the pool and die of embarrassment.”
“I think you’d die of drowning before that occurred,” Silver brainily points out.
“Whatever,” you mutter.
After a few more giggles, you all get back to slinging rumors, and you learn a thing or two about how pony’s in this town, or at least how the gossipers think.
Though you eventually get tired of this and decide to just bring out the videogames from your inventory and hook it up to Diamond Tiara’s 72 in, Plasma screen TV.
Mareio Kart never looked so good…
POV Change: Bugze
Kersey’s Comment
ONE CLOSE MASSAGE AND A NEAR CATFIGHT LATER
"Luna, time sure flies by in this town." you say to yourself.
I concur, although time does feel like its skipping forward a bit.
"Yeah, it's like my life is some story written by a hack who has no idea how to properly use a time ski-" *pow* "Ow! Why did I do that?!" you say after punching yourself in the face for no reason.
Shrugging that off, you think about your trip to the spa, even though you’d rather not. Let’s just say Aloe tried to show how…appreciative she was for the flowers.
Yeesh that mare is a predator I tell you, and as a rule of horn, never try to go for the girls that Grandbuggy preferred. Thank goodness Lotus was there to stop her…again.
If that tart truly wanted to stop her sister, she’d get her some hormonal medicine or institutionalize her, Selena chastises.
If only we were so lucky, you think with a sigh. At least the encounter with Dash and Applejack went better.
You shouted in the Royal Canterlot Voice to keep them from catfighting again. Honestly, why is there always mud when these strumpets get territorial?
I know right? It seems comically and pervertedly convenient…
Well I blame you. I told you not to present them with the bouquets at the same time. she berates.
I was trying to speed things up! You whine. Besides, it turned out Okay. Dash had to go teach Scootaloo some tricks, and I Batmaned out of there before I was left alone with Applejack.
Irrelevant. But I suppose you did deliver your gifts to your stalkers and said goodbye. Is there anyone else?
I guess I could go see Pinkie Pie, I kind of wanted to get some food for the road anyway. Also, maybe a few treats for Nightshade, I know this has got to be hard for her.
Get her some frozen milk treats. Sombra druggedly pipes in.
What is he babbling about THIS time? you mentally ask Selena in annoyance.
How in the world should I know?
The sweet frozen milk in those waffle holders.
Sweet frozen milk in waf- Wait, you mean ice cream cones?
Mmmmmm, yes, she will love them he answers.
Since when have you been concerned about our child's well being? Selena demands.
Even a drugged-up ruler of crystal-y shadows like me knows that the young overlord will feel…hollow losing her friends! I should know... he trails off.
Rolling your eyes at his crypticness, you reply,
Well I can’t exactly buy ice cream for her then go searching, by then it will only be soup, so that’s a no go on ice cream Sambadino. No, we’re getting something that lasts longer than five minutes in the sun.
With that, you head towards Sugarcube Corner.
TheRutherford’s Comment
AT SUGAR CUBE CORNER
As you enter the bakery, Pinkie looks up smiling.
"Hiya BST!"
"Hi Pinkie. Can I get a, heh, a baker’s dozen of your chocolate cupcakes and a baker’s dozen of your blueberry muffins?"
She giggles at the pun,
"Sure thing. Somepony's a bit hungry today huh?"
Chuckling you say, "
Well you know how Nightshade and I can get. I just figured that I would try to nip that in the bud before tomorrow comes."
Pinkie gives you a frown before her eyes widen.
"Oh so it is you and Nightshade that are leaving huh?" surprise suddenly comes across your face, but thank goodness for your scarf.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. Hehehe" you lie badly.
"My Pinkie Sense told me that a friend was going to leave soon. I kind of figured that it was Flash Sentry, but now that I think about it you would make more sense because we all knew Flash had to go back to work in Canterlot soon," she exposits.
Bucking Pinkie Sense, How Do You Work?!
I told you, she MUST be an eldritch abomination.
If she is, then those things have way less tentacles than Hay P. Lovecraft led on.
Sighing in defeat, you respond
"Well please don't tell anyone. It is hard enough saying goodbye without all of them finding out. I hate that I have to leave, but if I don't then I just know something bad is going to happen."
She gives you an inquisitive stare before her face brightens. "Oki Doki Loki, Don't worry about it." She starts crossing her hoof across her chest, “I Pinkie Promise I won't tell anypony.”
You let out a breath of relief. She may be psychotic and mysterious, but even she is beholden to her own rules. She gives you a smile, before a worried look comes across her face.
“But what do you plan to do now? Just wander around and say goodbye to your friends if you randomly bump into them? You could miss somepony and that would be terrible!"
“Well I haven’t missed any yet, I already took care of my stalkers, and even Twilight. Heck, the only ones I haven’t said goodbye to are Rarity, Derpy and Flash…and he’s leaving soon,” you say as your ear wilt.
You see her face light up with a good idea, but you shoot it down before she speaks.
“I’m trying to keep this on the down low, so no parties.” She visibly deflates at that.
“Oh, Okay…Hmmm…”Pinkie sits on her flank as she starts to hold her head
“Think, Think, Think…” suddenly you literally hear a chime as she looks back at you, I got it!”
"What? What is it?" you ask looking for the source of the chime and not finding it.
"I know just what to get my sisters for Hearths Warming Eve!"
You facehoof at this.
“And…” she adds with a giggle, “I know a great way for you to literally say goodbye to a good chunk of your friends and get away with it.”
“How?” you ask unhoofing your face.
“Well, Flashy is going to be leaving in an hour or two, and we’re all going to be wishing him off at the train station. When we’re all saying our goodbyes, you could say them amidst everyone elses and nopony will know the difference.”
“That…might actually work,” you say in thought.
“Of course it will silly. It will be a small group too and consist of only our closest friends, and I guess I could get Derpy and your stalkers there too,” she chirps.
“Umm…just the inner circle and Derpy, three of my six stalkers will already be there thank you very much,” you say holding your hooves up.
“Oki Doki Loki,” she replies. She then gives you the baked goods you ordered.
“On the house, call it a going away present for BST…on the down low of course,” she smiles.
“Of course. So what do we do, just all meet up at the train station?”
“Yuperooni. Flash is probably spending some time hanging out with Twilight after her Animal Juggling practice,” she then gets close and whispers, “Don’t let the hater voices know,” she then leans back and resumes talking normally, “And when she walks him to the station, we’ll all be there to wish him goodbye.”
“Sounds like a plan,” you smile to which she returns. “Thank you so much Pinkie, I really do appreciate it.”
You then do something you don’t think you’ve ever done. You take the initiative and give Pinkie a big hug, surprising her before she returns it.
"No problem BST. Anything for a good friend."
You then leave the bakery in much higher spirits than you left.
Well that was unexpected. Have you grown fond of that conundrum?
Well, when it comes right down to it, after Fluttershy, she’s my second favorite member of the Deadly 6. She doesn’t stalk me, she hasn’t revealed El Hunko as the Offender, and I guess I still feel somewhat indebted to the otherworld Pinkie. If it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t be here.
I see, and I suppose I can see your point. Confusing and possible mindsplitting origins aside, she is more preferable to your stalkers, the meat shield, and the Sun’s annoying protégé.
Exactly. Plus, she’s given me a loophole to say bye one last time before we Batmane away. Kind of wished Flash and I could have hung out just a bit more…but chances are I’ll see him again.
Indubitably. At least you had time with him yesterday.
Barely, I had to share with the bookworm. And then we ended up talking about the dangers of taking drugs, you huff as you sit down on a bench waiting for Flash to arrive.
FLASHBACK
Kersey’s Comment
You and Flash and Twilight had gone to the Oatburger, even though they were the ones mostly talking while you sat in the middle.
Why? You were insurance for yelling at the annoying voices. As your meals arrive Flash perks up and says,
“Oh, hang on a moment, supposed to take this with food.” He then pops some of his pills. Not to be outdone, you say,
“Good idea buddy,” and pop your own.
I didn’t even say anyth…oooooohhhhhh…
Twilight just stares at you both inquisitively until you both simultaneously ask,
“What?”
“I didn’t want to seem intrusive before, but what’s with you both and the pills?”
“I need mine for…behavioral problems…” you say slyly.
“Yeah…me too,” Flash agrees.
Twilight just rolls her eyes at this.
“Honestly you two, I know you have problems with anger and…outbursts, but it’s not something that you HAVE to chemically placate. I’m sure with practice and some good old friendship, both of your quirks could be solved.”
You and Flash look at eachother then back to her.
“No I think I’d rather take the drugs.”
“Ditto,” Flash agrees causing Twilight to roll her eyes.
“Oh you boys are hopeless. Can I at least see what it is you’re taking?”
“Sorry, no can do Bookworm, it’s against my religion, the worship of Nunya,” you say putting the Elephant Pills away.
“Nunya?” she asks confused.
“As in Nunya Business,” you smirk causing Flash to chuckle and her to roll her eyes again.
After his chuckle subsides, Flash hands her his bottle. “Here ya go Twi, you can look at mine,” he says with a smile.
“Kiss Flank,” you chuckle under your breath.
Twilight looks over the bottle with confusion.
“Um…Flash? This isn’t anxiety disorder medication, these are Psycho Stimulants, specifically methamphetamine” she says worriedly.
He looks to you but you are just as confused.
“Is that bad?” he asks.
“Well it’s not good, these are highly addictive and can make a pony jumpy and irritable, and cause their emotions to get out of hand, the exact opposite of calming you down.” His eyes widen at that. “How long have you been taking these?”
“About a week or two after we thought BST was…well…,” he chuckles nervously.
“You’ve been eating these things since the fire? That was almost a year ago,” you say flabbergasted.
“Hey, I needed them. I had headaches and I thought you were gone, I didn’t know what they were. I got these from my doctor in Canterlot” he defends.
“And who exactly is that? Because this is a grossly misdiagnosed medication,” Twilight exclaims.
“Dr. Quacksalver,” he responds and you facehoof. “I just got this bottle last month.”
“Well there’s your problem, you got drugs from an id…wait a minute, last month?”
“Yeah. And I got my first order in Canterlot.”
“That…that can’t be right,” you say.
“Why not?” asks Twilight.
“Because he was working in Ponyville and then he moved to Tall Tale to work at an asylum. He was there a month ago, not Canterlot,” you ponder.
“Well I don’t know what to say, that’s who I got it from…although he did seem more calm and rational…” Flash trails off in thought.
Something about this situation feels fishy, but before you can place a hoof on it, Twilight interrupts both your thoughts.
“Regardless of whoever gave them to you, you can’t keep taking this Flash. These are more than likely the reason why you’ve been overemotional and jumpy, and why some of your latent prejudices get shouted out every so often.”
“I don’t have latent prejudices!” Flash growls.
“Uh Huh, and you weren’t shouting them out before you even had these drugs?” you reply in a smart aleck manner.
“Shaddup!” he wails.
“Flash,” Twilight says in a calming manner as she places a hoof on his shoulder, visibly relaxing him. “Please tell me you’ll stop taking these?”
He looks at her and smiles calmly,
“Oh yeah definitely, now that I know I have the wrong stuff I’ll be able to get the right medication…although this stuff did take
away my migraines…”
“Flash,” she says warningly.
“Alright, alright, I’ll go cold turkey…man this week is gonna suck,” he moans.
“You’ll get through, I know you will,” she pats his shoulder before looking to you.
“Now, how about we take a look at-“
“Still nunya business Twilight. Besides, the drugs aren’t to blame for my excessive insanity, paranoia and saying stupid things, that’s all natural,” you say as you bite into your oatburger.
BACK TO PRESENT
POV Change: Nightshade
ThePonySpartan’s Comment
After hours spent with your former enemies turned friends, you look out a window and realize it’s getting late and that you should probably find Daddy. You let Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon know and they walk you to the door. When you're about to leave you turn to them and say,
"I had a fun time with you two. I really wish we did something like this sooner."
They happily agree with you. "I had a lot of fun too, it would have been boring with just us two, and I'm happy we brought you along Shade." Diamond says while Silver nods with a bright smile.
"Maybe we can hang out again soon with the crusaders! How does tomorrow sound?" Silver asks.
That question strikes you in the chest. You've just made amends with these two and now you're about to leave without them.
"I... I'll see."
They don't notice your sadness and nervousness. "Alright then!" Diamond starts. "If you're coming let's meet up at the Crusader Clubhouse tomorrow after school."
They're about to close the door when you speak up suddenly.
"Hey, girls?"
"Yeah, Shade?" Silver asks.
Your back is turned away from them, hiding your tears. You try your best to hold back any sobs as you speak.
"If I can't come tomorrow, tell Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo that I love all of them, alright? Oh, and remind yourselves that too. And…and Spike as well. I care about all of you and want you all to have fun tomorrow whatever happens..."
They stand silently behind you in confusion.
"...Um, alright, will do." Diamond says.
“No problem Nightshade,” Silver adds.
You nod and whisper,
“Later…” as you start to walk from the mansion.
"See you later too, Nightshade!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon yell behind you, oblivious to what's really going on.
The minute you hear the door close, you sprint fast, looking for your dad. The tears are already leaking. Diamond and Silver, two more friends to leave behind.
Gotta get to the Inventory, Just get inside and stay just like Dad always made me do. That way, no one can make me cry anymore…
After fleeing through the town, you spot your dad sitting on a bench, staring off into space, as if remembering something.
Seeing his vacant stupid face, a bit of anger comes over you.
“Yeah, just flashback dad, because apparently you didn’t get hurt today,” you growl to yourself. “Whoa where did that come from?” Surprised at the anger, you decide that a part of you really doesn’t want to talk to Dad right now, so you try to sneak up and get into the Inventory before he snaps out of it.
Unfortunately.
“Dang pills intervention ruined the rest of our bro day. But still, it couldn’t have been Quack that gave them to him, it makes no sense…" he mumbles coming out of a flashback before looking to you.
“Oh hey, there you are Nightshade,” he says giving you a smile, causing you to sigh.
“Eyup, here I am…” you say unenthusiastically as you sit down next to him.
“Did you get to say your goodbyes?” he asks causing you to sigh again.
“Ya, totally. Bon Voyage and all that to all those I care for.”
He seems to pick up on your mood.
“Nightshade, look, I know this was hard for you…”
“Ya think?” you grumble causing him to falter for a second before he continues.
“But we have to leave tomorrow, before anything bad happens. My friend told me so.”
“What friend?” you growl looking him in the eye. “The one we’ve never met? The one who keeps leaving stuff for you and who doesn’t explain ANYTHING?! That friend?”
His ears droop at your outburst, but you continue. “We don’t even know who this guy is Dad, how can we trust him?”
“He hasn’t steered us wrong so far honey,” he points out.
“He hasn’t steered us right either,” you grumble.
“Look, honey…either way, you know why we have to go,” he lectures.
“Yeah I know, doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“I know baby, I know,” he says patting your shoulder. “But unlike last time, we’ll write to them. You’ll still be able to keep in contact.”
You shrug off his hoof and let out a huff,
“It’s not the same and you know it. You can’t run around and play games with a letter…”
Dad gives you a worried look then reaches into the Inventory and pulls out two boxes of baked goods from Sugar Cube Corner, they smell really really good.
“I got these for you. I figured I’d unground you considering the circumstances and you could have as much as you want,” he says with a hopeful tone.
You look at the box, and you are tempted by the bribe…but your heart still hurts.
“No thanks, I’m not hungry,” you say pushing the boxes away, making your Dad’s eyes widen in surprise. “In fact, I’m kind of tired. I’ll just go to bed.”
Before he can say anything, you hop into the Inventory. You sluggishly walk to your bed and lie down. Only when you’re sure he’s not going to try to get you out do you let loose and cry. As you do, you feel a soft paw upon your back. You turn to see Mangle looking at you worriedly.
“Oh Mangle,” you cry as you pull her into an embrace, burying your muzzle into her fur. The robot fox strokes your mane and lies down with you.
“I…I don’t want to go…” you whimper.
You stay like that for a long while, holding onto your precious pet for any scrap of comfort. You stay like that till you mercifully fall asleep.
POV Change: Bugze
As Nightshade hops into the Inventory, you let out a stressed sigh as you stare dumbly at the baked goods.
“Dang it, I knew she’d be upset, but still, not this much.”
She has formed meaningful bonds, as the young tend to do. And with our life, she clings to whatever stability she can find. We are once again ripping that away from her.
Yeah…If only our life wasn’t so bucked, we could give her what she wants. If only…
If she is indeed heading to sleep, I shall accompany her, try to smooth things over, Selena says.
You decide to give Nightshade space as she clearly doesn’t want to talk, so you sit there with the muffins, until it’s time to see Flash off.
True to her word, Pinkie has gathered the Deadly 6 at the platform, and Derpy is there as well, even though she doesn’t personally know the guy. Also First Base who is heading back to Canterlot with his big brother.
You save one box of muffins in the Inventory, and bring the other towards the others to share.
BrownDog’s Comment
You take some time to talk to Derpy.
“Derpy, I just wanted you to know that…well, if I ever see the Doctor again, I’ll give him a piece of my mind.”
She looks conflicted at that.
“You don’t have to go out of your way for that Bugze,”
“The heck I don’t, especially after what he’s done to you. I owe you so much, and I will call him out for it.”
“No, don’t,” she implores. “No matter how things ended I just…I just want you to let him know that I understand. That I can accept his decision, and that I miss him.” she says hollowly causing you to frown.
Even after all this, she still cares about the guy that broke her heart?
Love is a fickle thing, and often contradictory and making no sense. I came about because of that traitor’s wish and hatred for it, Selena philosophizes.
Right…but still, it’s wrong seeing her unhappy. I guess I could help with that.
You then take one of the boxes of muffins Nightshade didn’t want and hand it to Derpy who’s eyes light up at that.
“Oh wow, thank you Bugze,” she says and hugs you.
“My pleasure. Enjoy yourself and be happy,” you say patting her back.
After this exchange, you walk over to Flash who is speaking with, (who else?) Twilight.
“Now, when you get back to Canterlot, I want you to tell Shining about the prescription mix up OK?” Twilight lectures Flash.
“Twilight, Twilight, I get it,” he says with a good natured chuckle causing her to smile.
“Just checking,” she giggles.
He then looks left and right,
“And…well, if you’re ever in town, um…”
“Yes?” Twilight asks nervously.
“Maybe you and I could…”
“Gangway before the voices shout,” you yell out, getting in-between this moment and ruining it. To make up for it, you rush up and give him a manly hug, which is like a normal hug, only manlier. It causes all of the mares to “dawww”
“I’ll see you around Flash, you take care now ya hear?”
“Yeah, you too buddy. This time, for the love of Celestia, write and keep in touch,” he says thumping your back.
“Already planned on it,” you say truthfully. Out of them all, you know Flash is the one you’ll probably see again…even if it’s on the battlefield. How long that is, you don’t know.
As Flash and First Base step onto the train and it departs, all of the Mares start waving and saying goodbye. You stand slightly in front of them, and unbeknownst to them, you take their farewells for yourself.
“Goodbye everypony,” you whisper as you wave at Flash.
After that, not much happened, Pinkie and Fluttershy being the only ones knowing you’ll be heading on gave you an extra hug, and Twilight was able to keep Rainbow and Applejack from fighting, also a threaten of a restraining order which calmed them down quickly. It was in no time at all that the little train station party was disbanded. As each of the friends depart their separate ways, you give a little smile.
“Eh, as far as last days go, it could have been worse. Still, I’m going to have to make it up to Nightshade big time…”
You then head to your shack and sleep in it one last time (if all goes according to plan)
The Next Day
You and Nightshade are walking down the road towards the outskirts of Ponyville. You’d gotten up a little later than you planned, (which was Dawn again, but you’ve been getting tired of seeing the sun rise) and you’ve hurried Nightshade along. You have to be gone today, and you’d rather not tempt fate by giving it more time.
You look to Nightshade and see that she is still pouting, keeping her head down and not even looking at you.
You sigh once again in frustration, you don’t like making your little filly upset.
Did you talk to her last night?
I tried, but she is as frustrated at me as she is with you. I spoke our reasons and uttered many apologies, but if she acknowledged them, I do not know, she says forlornly.
Ugh, we’ve only had her three years and already we’re hitting the teenaged emotions as I feared.
As you reach the edge of town, near the trees of the Everfree, you realize
ThePonySpartan’s Comment
Maybe a visit with a certain Zebra might be in order. She doesn’t live in Ponyville, she’s on the way towards Appleloosa, and she’s someone that Nightshade likes.
You stop at the edge of the trees and look to Nightshade who is about 15 feet behind you.
“Honey, I know you’re mad at me,” you say as you sit down, “And I know you will be for awhile. I can’t ask you to forgive me, but I can ask that you try to let me help you.”
She silently looks up at you, not saying anything.
“We can go visit Zecora, maybe she can teach you more fighting moves for your Kendo Stick,” you say luring the bait. She still doesn’t say anything, but you can see that she’s thinking your proposition over.
“What do you say? Wanna go see our favorite shaman and learn some kickflank moves you can use on your old man?”
She nods to this, still with that sad expression, but at least she’s acknowledging you. This at least causes you to give a small smile, which you decide to show her. Being somewhat within the trees and out of sight, you decide to show a grand gesture as you take off your BST disguise and put it back into the Inventory causing her eyes to widen.
“Even though BST has officially left Ponyville, your daddy is still here honey. Always. Will you still trust him?” you say, with your arms outstretched.
She gives a small, sad, silent smile and slowly she begins to make her way towards you.
“That a girl. Look I know it’s not going to be easy, but I promise I will make this up to-”
*WHUMP*
“What the buck?!” Both you and Nightshade cry out in alarm.
A glass like barrier has landed right in front of you, separating you from your daughter. You look up and see that it stretches into the sky and curves. Looking through the barrier, you can see it envelopes all of Ponyville.
“Daddy! What’s going on?!” Nightshade’s depression drowned out in favor of her surprise and worry.
“I…I don’t know!” you panic as you touch the glass like substance and see that it is actually magical. You give it a punch, but all that serves to do is hurt your hoof.
Nightshade looks all around her.
“It’s…It’s a dome Daddy, just like in the Crystal Empire,” she explains.
Your eyes light up.
“Or like during the Wedding…”
Oh No... Selena mutters.
You then worriedly look around.
“Daddy?”
“If this is a city shield, it means it’s supposed to keep something out, like they did for the Changelings or Sombra! This must have been what My Friend was warning about. Curse my poor timing!”
Nightshade gets a bit more nervous at that.
“Oh No, You’re on the wrong side Daddy! You’re on the side of the threat,” she exclaims.
“Yeah, I know that, hang on!” you then try to dig at the dirt around it…but it’s like the dome goes into the dirt like a sphere.
“Crud!”
“Oh no, oh no! What do we do?” she asks.
You look around in panic, looking for any sign of a threat.
“OK, here’s what’s going to happen honey. You are going to go back into town where it’s safe.”
“But Dad, I know I wanted to stay here, but not like this!” she whimpers.
“Look, focus honey. Sparkle is more than likely the only one with enough juice to pull this spell off, just like her brother did. I want you to get to her Library, it’s probably the safest place in town right now. I’ll find a way in!” you command.
“I…OK. Ok, I’ll go to the library,” she says in worry.
“Alright, now whatever this threat is, if it gets in, I want you to Pinkie Promise me you won’t try to fight it or anything, not while I’m not there.”
“But Dad-“
“Pinkie Promise!” you order.
“Alright, cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” she says.
“Good, now get to the library, I’ll find you there!”
“OK!” before she turns, she says, “And…I’m sorry for being upset with you and mom. Just be safe alright?”
“We will honey, we promise.”
“Now fly my precious, do as your father says and get to safety,” Selena says through your mouth.
She nods and trots off back into town.
“Dang it, if we had just waited till we got into the woods to talk then we wouldn’t be separated! Now I’m stuck outside a shield in close proximity to whatever they’re trying to keep out! Bucking Lady Luck!”
Focus Bugze, we have to find some way inside. I can sense this magic it is…incredible in strength. They obviously don’t want something strong getting in.
“Perfect!” you yell as you start skirting the edges of the dome. Even though it’s not as big as the one in Canterlot or in the Empire doesn’t mean it’s weaker. In fact, in a smaller location it’s probably that much tougher.
“Just perfect. Ugh, why couldn’t My Friend be less cryptic?”
After awhile of looking for a chink in the dome, you come across…
“Twilight?” you ask in confusion.
The purple unicorn is on a path leading towards the Everfree Forest which confuses you. She turns towards you at the sound of your voice and gasps in surprise.
“Shouldn’t you be in the middle of town keeping the bubble up? Or did you forget to stand inside it or something?” you ask.
“YOU!!!” She growls, a snarl adorning her face.
“Um, yeah? What about…me…?” you trail off as you realize you have absolutely no disguise on. You are just plainly showing off your changelingness and orange hair.
“Offender!!!” she growls again and starts stomping towards you.
“OH CELESTIA BUCKING DAMNIT!!!” you scream to the skies.
Before you can think, run, or do anything, she slams you up against the barrier with her magic.
“Is it true that this is all for you?!” she accuses.
“What?” you ask, still a bit dazed from the magic sucker punch.
“Did you know this was going to happen?” Twilight snarls.
“What? What are you talking about?” you blather in confusion.
“Do you not know?!” she yells.
“Oh forget this cryptic bullspit, Would You Kindly get blown back?!”
You then use your telekenisis, which pushes her backwards, allowing you some breathing room. Before she gets up, you rush over and put a hoof over her chest.
“Now, would you kindly stop going nuts? And before you ask again, NO. I have no idea what this dome is for, I thought YOU had set it up.”
She again glares at you, but then becomes flabbergasted.
“What? Of course I didn’t set it up. SHE did. She said it was the only way you’d come back to her. She said that it was to punish me and Ponyville for tricking her. She said this was all for YOU.”
“What did I say about being cryptic? Who? Who said this was all for me?” you ask confused as all Tartarus.
Twilight’s tired eyes look up into yours and she says a name that sets your world on fire.
“Trixie…”
...
...
...
*SNAP*
Your eyes begin to glow.
“What did you just say?” your voice cracks with barely restrained wrath.
“I-It was Trixie. She showed up, tormented my friends and other citizens, and then she beat me in a magic duel and kicked me out of town,” Twilight explains with a bit of fear in her voice.
“So…" you seethe, "She’s still in there…while you’re out here? Causing problems?”
“Yes. She’s way more powerful now. Many of her spells should be impossible.”
You look through the barrier towards the town you’d just sent your daughter to.
“Oh You’ve Got to be Bu-“
POV CHANGE: Nightshade
“-cking kidding me!” You declare as you see the one pony that you’ve held more anger towards than any other being. She is being pulled down the street by Snips and Snails, laughing maniacally the whole time. Her stupid silver hair over her stupid blue coat, and her stupid cloak held together by some stupid black and red jewelry.
“Ha ha ha!" She laughs with her stupid laugh.
"Now that your precious Sparkler is gone, there are going to be some changes around here presided over by, The Great and Powerful Trixie!!!” she commands as her eyes briefly glow red.
“Tttttrrrriiiixxxxiiiieeee…” you seethe in anger, not only for her, but because you promised not to engage the enemy while dad was outside the dome.
Stupid bucking Pinkie Promises! Oh just you wait you skank. When daddy gets in here, you are so bucking de-
“Starting with a giant statue of Trixie in all her greatness, and her bestest of best friends The Hooded Offender!”
“…Say what now?” you ask taken aback.
“It’s the least you peons can do for bambooziling Trixie into betraying him! When he comes back, he and Trixie will judge you together!” she declares as lightning strikes and she begins laughing maniacally.
As she laughs and ponies either run, or are forced to do her bidding, all you can do is stand there with your jaw hanging open as your brain tries to reboot.
“…WHAT?!”
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Outro Theme:
After finding out the dome is made of glass...
Bugze's thoughts: I don't want to do this, but it's for Nighty...
Bugze: Twilight, buck me!
Twilight/Selene: what?!
Bugze: buck me in the balls!
Twilight blushes
Selene: ...Phrasing...
Bugze: (flustered) N-not like that! Like applebucking! Like Applejack and Big Mac!
Twilights blush strengthens
Selene: ... More phrasing...
Bugze: (groan) I mean hit me in the balls!
Twilight: Why?
Bugze: because if you hit me in the balls, I'll shriek loud enough to shatter the glass.
Twilight: why not an ice pick?
Bugze: (flinch) because I need pain, not a maiming!
Twilight: N-no! I mean on the dome!
Bugze: oooohhh. Where will we get one?
Twilight: I don't know...
Bugze: ... How about Zecora?
A small banner pops up in front of you, saying: Congratulations ! You are now Twilight's fetish! Turn into her brother to fulfill it!
You glared and centers your attention to Trixie and Trixie only, your eyes glowing brighter ever second. Soon, your horn started to spark a bit with blue magic as you continued to stop yourself from engaging Trixie in rage.
The CMC and the two rich fillies walked up to you in worry and confusion. "You okay there Nightshade?" Your eyes immediately stopped glowing and you turned to them with a slight jump. "Huh- what?"
"Your eyes were glowing white again." Silver said.
"Oh! Um, yeah. Sorry." You then avert your gaze from them and ask while staring at Trixie. "I was kinda sleeping until now, um... what happened while I was gone?"
You get off of Twilight and say, "If you're leaving you better get some reaaaally good medical help because I don't think any hospital with fix her when I'm done with her." You say angerly and crazily.
"Y-you're not going to..." She gulped. "Eat her, are you?" She asks in horror.
You look at her with your glowing orange and red eyes. which she steps back at, and say. "It honestly depends on what she does." You look back at Ponyville. "For example, if she tries to hurt my baby I'LL BUCKING KI-
Bugze! Enough! I think we both know that Nightshade is capable of dealing with that whorse. Just get there and make sure she's safe first.
You breathe out and calm yourself.
"You're baby? You mean... the alicorn filly?"
"If only Discord didn't erase your memories. You would remember how close the two of us are." You exhale. "Yes. I happened to let her go into Ponyville alone to get a quick snack from Sugarcube corner." You lie. "And now, I just happened to trap the both of us in this stupid town once again. So if you don't mind I'm going to go get my daughter and show Trixie why you don't show your face to me a second time!"
((Nightshade))
Trixie notices you glaring at her and smirks.
"You mother bucking..." You whisper out in rage.
"Trixie knows how much you can't help but stare, but please not with such a angry face like that."
"You're so lucky I promised not to hurt you!"
"And what would you do to Trixie if you could?"
"I would make you beg for forgiveness, for what you did to me and The Offender."
"Trixie was told that Twilight Sparkle was the greatest magical user in Ponyville. Are you telling me that you, a young filly, thinks she has a chance of facing Trixie?"
"Stop using third-person, you bucking b!@#&!" The adults all looked shocked at your words, some like Dj-Pon3 agree with you, while all the Foals looked at you in agreement and awe.
"My, my, what a dirty mouth. FIne then. How about a magic duel?"
"A... a magic duel?" You ask, your eyes glowing a bit dimmer.
"A duel which tests who has better magic tricks."
"So I don't have to hurt or fight her. I guess daddy didn't say anything about that."
"
When no one is watching, you pull Nightshade into an alleyway with your disguise off and calm her down. Then you tell her, "Alright, we have two options here. 1. You to off your disguise and we appear as The Hooded Offender and the alicorn filly, with Mr. Tennant and Nightshade gone forever. Or 2. I put back on my diguise and we pose as Tennant and Nightshade while the Hooded Offender ran off with his daughter."
Nightshade looks conflicted a bit as she thinks for a bit. "...I don't know.
When Trixie tells you what she did to Twilight you are about to knock her teeth in. "How dare you do that to my teacher!" Even if she's your enemy, when Twilight is not hostile she is a great friend.
P.O.W Nightshade
As Nightshade look at that, she know she can't defeat Trixie, well, she could defeat her very easy but she promised her daddy that she will not fight, so instead decided to find somepony that could fight.
Her first stop was miss Fluttershy House, if there was a being that could defeat Trixie powered up it was the god of chaos, even if she didn't like him much it was his chance to show he was reformed, so Nightshade run to the cottage.
Not a couple of minutes later she was in front of the door knocking.
"Miss Fluttershy! Miss Fluttershy! We need help!" Shout Nightshade
"Ummm... There is no one in house, Please return after the crazy blue unicorn leave. Thank you" Say the voice of Fluttershy from inside
Nightshade groan and knock again
"Miss Fluttershy, it's me, Nightshade" Shout Nightshade again looking to the door and waiting for Fluttershy to answer
As Nightshade wait in silence, she can hear the sound of many locks being open and the sound of chains, but instead of finding Fluttershy, Nightshade is being received by Angel Bunny that glare at her.
"Let me guess... In her room?" Ask Nightshade as Angel nod with the head
"Under the bed?" Ask Nightshade and again Angel nod with his head as both of them sigh
Nightshade walk to Fluttershy room as she look around noticing how there are not many animals.
"Miss Fluttershy... I know but you know that there is a crazy blue unicorn and even if I could defeat her if it was not for the stupid Pinkie Promise that my daddy forced me, I..." Nightshade begin to explain but was interrupted by the yellow pegasus
"No! It's too dangerous, I can't help" Fluttershy shout
"eeehh... As much as I could like your help, I was thinking more around Discord, you know, god of chaos that stay with you?" Ask Nighthsade
"Ohh... Umm... He is not here..." Say Fluttershy
"WHAT?!" Shout Nightshade in the royal Canterlot voice
"I'm sorry but, he told us something about fixed point in time or something like that and that he was not going to be able to help" Say Fluttershy as Nightshade groan
"Perfect... And I don't suposse you can just kick Trixie, right? I know you fight with Harry sometimes" Say Nightshade
"Fight? Oh, no... I don't fight, is just that sometimes Harry is a little cranky and I give him a massage" Say Fluttershy smiling
"Of course..." Groan Nightshade as she face-hoof
"Okay... Plan A, search for someone else to fight seems that is not going to work... Let's try plan B..." Nightshade leave Fluttershy and decides to go to the library in search of Spike to see if he could send a S.O.S to Celestia or Luna, as much as she didn't like them, they were alicorns so surely they could defeat Trixie
P.O.W Bugzee
After hearing the story from Twilight, Bugzee look to Zecora
"I don't suposse you have some zebrican artifact or potion or something that could defeat her, right?" Ask Bugzee
"As much as I could like... My house is not where you need to search" Answer Zecora
Just then a figure appear in the sky and crash with the shield, Bugzee facehoof looking at Garble
"Black alicorn filly! I know you are there! I'm back after training in the mountains, don't dare hide from me!" Shout Garble
"Black alicorn Filly? What is she talking about? Wait... Where is that filly that followed you, did she got free from your brainwashing?" Ask Twilight
Just then a dark aura appear around Bugzee
"Don't you dare to compare me to him, I don't brainwash fillies" Say angry Bugzee
"Him? Who is him?" Ask Twilight
Meanwhile in a secret prison
3.270.032 bottles of cider on the wall, 3.270.032 bottles of cider. Take one up and add it to the mount, 3.270.033 bottles of cider on the wall..." Sang the voices of some of the most dangerous inmates in the prison, the Crimson Knights in a choir.
"Gah... Someone shut them up" Say the voice of the guards
Back to Bugzee
"Someone that I don't want to mention" Groan Bugzee as Twilight look more confused
"Yeah... Whatever" Say Twilight, leaving the topic aside, as it was not the moment to have a fight
"Wait... Zecora, you are friend with the offender?" Ask Twilight surprised
"My mind very safe is, so the lies of Discord didn't take in" Comment Zecora
Meanwhile Garble was punching the shield and trying to use his fire but the shield stayed.
"Stop hiding from me!" Shout Garble
Twilight looked at Garble and then to the offender
"Should we not do anything?" Ask Twilight
"Leave him, he will get tired and leave after a while" Say Bugzee
Back with Nightshade
"So... Are you telling me that this shield don't let you send messages to Celestia?" Ask Nightshade
"Yeah... Sorry" Comment Spike
Nightshade groan and then sit down
"Okay... Finding another champion is not going to work... Maybe I need to think differenly..." Nightshade closed her eyes and begin to think.
"Okay... If I can't use a super magical artifact or find someone powerfull enough... I need to do something else... But what..." Just then a light appeared above Nightshade as she did have a idea.
"I have a idea... But I will need help... Maybe the girls can help me, and not only them... Spike, could you make a emergency reunion of the remaining loyal members of 'the horde'?" Ask Nightshade
"Ummm... Sure, it's not a problem, but why... What is your idea?" Ask Spike
"Very simple Spike... VIVE LA REVOLUTION!" Smirk Nightshade
--------------------------
In the end it did go a little big, even if I cut a part of the final because I was not sure if it was going to continue in a part 4.
"Why is this amulet thing so b#$5ing unfair!!!!" Bugze shouts in frustration.
'I don't know!!! it's taking literally everything we throw at it. We might have to resort to using the Nightmare tails to beat her.' Selene says, equally frustrated by the ineffectiveness of their attacks.
'This is the power of darkness. And I don't like it. IT FEELS SO WRONG FOR ME TO SAY THAT!!!' Sombra exclaims, suddenly sober again.
"Offender? Why are you so angry? I'm right here, best buddy." Tribe says, almost loopy the way she's ignoring the situation as a whole. The crimson shield around her thrums from power that almost seems to come to her too easily.
'At least when we fought against your insane version of yourself we could deal damage that we could see. This is so frustrating.' Selene adds to her previous thought.
'The power of your rage will give you strength.' Sombra suggests darkly.
"GAAAAHHHH! B#$%ING B$%^ YOU!!!!!" Bugze shouts before just rushing straight at Trixie's shield, his frustration finally overwhelming his sense of reason.
He gets it back after bouncing off of Trixie's shield with nothing but a small ping.
"Owwwwwwwwww..." Bugze groans, rubbing his face.
"Come one Hoody, why are you so angry at me? I did all of this for you. I'm punishing these ponies for tricking me into betraying you. I won't ever fall for that again, and I'll protect you like I should have done in the first place. I'll be a real best friend this time. I promise." Trixie says with hope her glowing red eyes.
Bugze looks up to her incredulously.
'She wants to be friends again?!' Bugze thinks angrily.
'How can she expect us to forgive her after what she did. Everything bad that's happened to us started off with her betrayal.' Selene mirrors his thoughts of disbelief.
'... Stop fighting her.' Sombra says.
'WHAT?!' You and Selene ask him, surprised that Sombra of all ponies suggested such an action.
'You are not able to beat her while she wears that amulet. And it is entirely possible it can draw in power from your anger. But there is more than one way to hurt someone. If you can't harm her body, harm her heart. Just stop fighting her. Get up, walk away, and leave a biting remark. She obviously wants your approval, so the remark alongside your rejection will harm her worse than anything physical you can do to her.' Sombra explains coldly.
'...
'...That... is both dark and insane...' Bugze comments to Sombra.
'...It could work though.' Selene adds.
'What?! Now you're going along with him?' Bugze asks Selene.
'We don't have much choice by this point. And it sounds like a viable strategy that works along the darker principles of friendship, using her bond to hurt her more. Which begs the question of how you came up with it.' Selene directs the last part at Sombra.
'I don't wanna talk about it...' He mumbles quietly.
'... Fine. I guess emotional trauma it is.' Bugze thinks with disappointment.
Bugze struggles to stand after getting bouncing off of Trixie's shield. He looks Trixie in her red eyes, and everything, all his anger and fire and hatred for the mare gets condensed into one, single, cold stare. Trixie's smile falters at his look, and she backs up a step after a minute of his stare. Then... Bugze just turns around, and walks away.
"H-Hoody? Where are you going? Aren't you glad that I'm here to be a real friend again?" Trixie calls out to him in confusion.
Bugze keeps walking, the gathered ponies around them stepping out of his way.
"If you're still angry about me betraying you, I'm sorry! I made a mistake that I wish I could take back, but I'm making up for it right now!" Trixie pleads some more.
Bugze doesn't halt his progress.
"Please, wait!!! Stop!!! Say something!!! Anything!!! What do you want me to do?!" She keeps pleading.
If Bugze weren't feeling all his anger for the mare right now, he would most surely feel his heartstrings tugged by her desperate tone. But as it is, he keeps walking, Trixie trying to keep up, and the crowd of ponies following as well.
"Is it the Alicorn Amulet?! Are you mad that I'm stronger than you?! Fine, here you can have it!!! Just please, answer me!!! What can I do to make you forgive me?!" Trixie begs while the click of her unfastening the amulet around her neck is heard.
At this, Bugze stops. He looks back at Trixie to see that she's just a few hoof-steps behind him, holding out the Alicorn Amulet out as if that's the one thing she needs to do to get his forgiveness.
It isn't.
"Do you honestly think... that anything you say or do now... will ever make up for what I had to go through ever since you turned your back on me?" Bugze asks Trixie, his voice edged with venom. She flinches back from his words.
"You made your choice. Now live with it." Bugze says to her, then turns and walks away. He only hears the small clinking of something metal falling on the ground, no sound of anypony following him.
7978682 I like this. I think this is a good way to end the arc.
7978333 To continue off your idea.
POV NIGHTSHADE
You and Spike manage to find your friends and are looking for prior Horde members before finding the Deadly Five (since Twilight is out of the dome). You start with the mare looking to restart it, Octavia.
AT OCTAVIA'S AND VINYL'S HOUSE
Spike: "Hey Octavia!"
Octavia: "Oh hello Spike. I'm sorry but now is not a good time. I am entertaining some guests that you said you want to have nothing to do with."
Nightshade: "That is why we came here. We need the Horde's help with Trixie."
Octavia looks at you, Spike, the CMC, Diamond Tiara, Silverspoon, and Button Mash before she says:
Octavia: "Very well, come in."
As you tell them your plan to try to make Trixie's life a pain, Vinyl walks into the room:
Vinyl: "What the buck is everypony yelling about? I have a hangover the size of Tartarus and it sure as buck isn't going away with you all yelling this early in the morning!"
Spike: "Actually Vinyl, it is almost Noon. And right now we are discussing, not yelling, about how we can make Trixie's life Tartarus since she took over the town."
Vinyl: "When did this happen?"
Spike: "About two hours ago. She showed up, used some weird magic to humiliate Twilight's friends, bounce me against the ground like a kickball, (He did not notice Nightshade's eyes turn white while the CMC quickly calmed her down) and threw Twilight out of town before putting a huge magical barrier around it that is preventing me from telling Princess Celestia."
Vinyl: "So you are going to do what? Prank her and just cause a headache for her until Twilight comes back or something?"
Spike: "I figure it is either that or until Princess Celestia and Princess Luna arrive tomorrow with the delegates from Saddle Arabia."
Nightshade: "Um, why would you just wait for Twilight to fix the problem?"
Everyone else (In a matter-of-fact Tone): "Because she and her friends always fix the problem."
Nightshade: "Huh, well ok then. But do you think you can help us Miss Vinyl?"
Vinyl looks around before she smirks:
Vinyl: "I can think of a noise complaint or two I can cause for her."
Octavia: "I thought you had a horrid headache."
Vinyl: "Don't you know Tavi? Wubs cure everything!"
So you, your friends, and members of the Horde (current and former alike) have been running around causing all sorts of headaches for Trixie. For example:
You pull the Junk Jet out of you Inventory and use it to launch anything harmless from Tennis Balls and Whoopee Cushions (Generously donated to the cause by the Horde member who runs the Joke Shop) to a large procession of mops that Pinkie Pie had (In case of mop emergencies). (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZHVI2LR4n4)
Trixie: "Arg! Who dares hits me with a mo-" *Another mop gets launched into her mouth, which she spits out* Seriously, that is disgust- *Another mop, another spit-take* Who honestly has that many mops? It is ridiculo- *You guessed it, another mop*"
This continues until you ran out of mops (Silver Spoon: "You fired 20 mops at her...seriously why did she not make a shield around her?") At that point you decided to retreat and regroup to conduct more pranks (I mean resistance operations).
I am having trouble coming up with more pranks and general annoyances for Trixie. Everyone feel free to contribute.
7978907
Yeah, normally, anything comedic I come up with just sounds dumb and not that funny. I think I'm a little better at the serious stuff than comedy, so I just threw that out there. To be honest, I fell out of reading this for a while, and pretty much completely forgot about Trixie betraying him until it was mentioned again earlier in the story. i'm just going off of vague stuff that I saw in this chapter in all honesty.
7979026 It works I sometimes just go back to reread the earlier chapters and stories to make sure I remember the past events. I went back to read the Trixie chapter before I commented.
NOT ANOTHER FUCKING CLIFFHANGER
First off, this must happen:
I mean come on, this is Ponyville under a dictator's rule. They sing literality for everything else that happens, why not when trying to overthrow Trixie?
Now as Bugze tries to Flacon Punch the same spot over and over again, and manages to punch a hole through....that seals up around his hoof as soon as he does. Que a scene with him freaking out and trying to pull it out, while Twilight just laughs her flank off.
Also, Nightshade sees Trixie talking to a weird white and black stuffed bear with a wicked red eye, and for some reason goes on about how much despair she is gonna cause when HO comes back, and her laugh for some reasons is just her making Pupupupu sounds.
Might add more later
7979223
Hey, it gets us to keep coming back for more, and it's not like they haven't been there since the start. This story series has always had them, you just don't notice them because you had to play catch up on the past stories. (That's right, I know you had to read the first one all the way through before you got up to here. I should know, I had to do it too. )
7979455 uuuuhhhg,Its not the fact that the damn things there, its the fact that all week every. single. fucking. story. i must WAAAAIT, ugh....I need some weed
7980760 So long as you do so safely and legally, then go ahead.
7980904 thank you.... want some?
7978319
"You want a magic show?" You hop onto a small rock. "Fine!" Using your earth bending, you bring a large boulder hidden underground up to the sky, everyone looks up in awe as you earth bend some more to chip the boulder and create the head of your mommy with an angry face, but since she has the same face as Princess Luna every pony mistakes it such.
You drop your mommy's rock head above Trixie, who had plenty of time to run out of the way.
"Beat that mother bucker!"
You decide that it's better to not let Mr. Tennant be seen again today, and you tell Nightshade to take off her disguise. You then exit the alleyway with Nightshade by your side and head over to Trixie. Everypony you pass looks at you in shock, some with hate some with admiration. Nightshade glances at all of her friends nearby staring at her and notices that Spike and Apple Bloom are the only ones who look like they know something. She guessed that the two talked a lot about you being secretly alive. Of course, when the deadly six, minus Twilight and Fluttershy, finally notice you, they glare at your father and stare at you... well, Pinkie just made a goofy looking glare.
I can hardly even remember anything from season 1 except the nightmare and bucking Lady Luck.
7982325
Basically, Bugze met Trixie and they made a stage act to make money. Trixie would "capture" The Offender get the bounty prize, then use some of that money to bail out Bugze and set him free. But instead, she stabbed him in the back and ratted him out from trying to escape from prison. Bugze got mad, escaped the ponies, and chased after Trixie who brought in the Ursa minor at the time. The Ursa minor stepped on and destroyed a trailer (I think) and Bugze, thinking Nightshade was still in it, activated Nightmare mode for the first time in rage and beat up the Ursa. The ponies stopped bugze from hurting Trixie and Bugze escaped.
Yea, we all hate Trixie... almost got our sweet Nightshade killed and betrayed us.
7981731 Nah, I'm good.
7978333 you keep doing P.O.W Instead of P.O.V. and I keep thinking prisoner of war. I like your contributions just that small thing always makes me laugh. you keep being you.
After calming down and trying to make rational decisions, you and Twilight head to Zecora’s to figure out things. While on the way, Twilight hesitantly asks you questions.
“So…Hooded Offender…couldn’t help but notice you’re not wearing your cloak…”
Rolling your eyes you say, “I’ve told you time and time again Sparkler, I don’t want to wear the cloak, but out of necessity, thanks in no small part of your own, I end up wearing it at the wrong times. Today I just didn’t feel like it OK?” you grumpily huff.
She just gives you an inquisitive glare before shaking her head.
“After three years, I still don’t know anything about you. You’re so confusing.”
“What’s confusing about me?”
“You keep saying you don’t want to be this figure, and yet you ALWAYS show up at the most random acts of madness around, and knowing you, you always end up smashing things and making it worse.”
“I don’t plan this! If you want to research something, research why Lady Luck has singled me out for torment. Also, I’d like to see you try to solve half the problems I’ve dealt with without violence,” you grunt.
“Like at the Crystal Empire?!” she throws back causing you to grit your teeth.
“If you hadn’t have been there, Spike and Cadence would have returned the heart and nopony would have been hurt. But You…many bystanders were harmed by your fight, and at the end…” she the shudders and looks away from you.
“Yeah…I know what I did,” you say guiltily. “You think that still doesn’t give me Nightmares knowing that my body contorted and morphed in a way to be able to eat a full grown stallion?”
“But why? Why and how did you do that?”
You just look forward and answer, “Your brother got stabbed. I thought he’d been killed. Then I just saw red. You try asking a tornado why it tears apart a home…”
She shudders, no doubt remembering how her brother bled with the spear in his gut.
“But I’m in control now. So believe me when I say, that if anyone’s getting their commeupence, I’ll be personally overseeing it.”
That stops in her tracks, causing you to look back at her.
“And is that what you’re going to do to Trixie?” she accuses. “Are you going to eat her too? Or are you just going to murder her while she’s already in custody like in Fillydelphia?”
That hits you hard. Her words trigger you, because they are true. You close your eyes and hold your head down.
“Look, I’m not going to defend what I’ve done, and I never will.” You then look to her, “I have no plans of killing that lying traitorous whorse, no matter how much I hate her. But I WILL make her know pain. Pain equal to the three years of hardship I faced because of her,” you growl, your eyes flashing, causing her to back up a bit.
“Wh-what do you mean by that?” she stammers.
“Every bullspit thing that has happened to me, including our fights and my…failures, are all because she sold me up the river!” you growl.
“You blame her for the last three years?” Twilight accuses.
“I thought she was my friend! We were supposed to just put on an act! She would “Capture” The Hooded Offender, she’d get fame and glory, and then we’d split the reward money and go! It was that simple! But no, she broke me out, just to kick me back in for more praise!” you rant.
“And then that bear showed up, I thought my daughter was killed, I lost hope and my power manifested. I finally crossed a point of no return and tried to kill you and your friends…and it’s all been downhill ever since.”
“You can’t just blame one moment for all your hardships. There are decisions that you made, she didn’t force you,” she argues. You then turn your glare back towards the Unicorn.
“I know that. Yes, I killed Flag Burner, and Sombra, but if you want to look at the start of the path that took me there, you look to that egotistical bitch’s betrayal. My true start of darkness.”
She defiantly endures your glare and gives her own.
“I don’t care how much she’s hurt you, your little bouts of “Justice” always end in ponies getting hurt. Whatever our plan may be, I’m not just going to let you beat her to death!”
“That’s not what my plan is!” you defend.
“Oh, I know it isn’t, but with you it’s always, “Oh, I didn’t mean to lose control, I didn’t mean to kill those guys I was savagely beating. I’m a good guy I swear, why are you still hunting me? It’s not like I did anything wrong if I’m super sorry about it,” “ she says in a mocking tone before glaring at you.
“It gets old pretty fast Offender.”
You audibly grind your teeth in anger.
“Back… Off…”
“No! I won’t! There’s always another way! Violence isn’t always the answer!”
“The why the buck has that always been your answer for me since day one!” you shout, your voice echoing through the woods.
Her eyes widen a bit, but she still stands before you defiantly.
“For all that is holy and right!
Please, Please do not on my lawn fight!” comes a rhymed cry of alarm that snaps you and Twilight out of your stare down.
You both look to Zecora who looks nervous and is holding her staff out towards you both.
“If you’ve come for me, then lower your voices and we’ll talk,
Otherwise, take a walk!” she commands.
You both let out a sigh and you unglow your eyes, but not before you say one last thing to Twilight.
“I don’t care what you think or say. Trixie’s face has an appointment with my hoof. You can have her after that.”
She doesn’t answer you, but just gives you a stern look.
7982716 Thank you :)
7982468 I was thinking there should be a recap of pertinent info at the end of the chapters. Then I remembered there's a giant one at the beginning of each story so I'll just go and reread that next time. Thanks for the quick recap though.
7978682 My question is will Twilight just let the Bugze go. How far would she go to try and bring him in and would she even try with the amulet. The answer: probably not, but it's fun to think about anyway.
7984815
Sh#$ if I know. I may have made the comment, but I don't write the story. I left it vague for the dude to finish it off how he wants to, since this is "Comment-Driven" not "Comment-Dictatorship". If he doesn't want things to go that way, or maybe he just wants to change a small tidbit here or there, I'm perfectly fine with that. I just had an incomplete idea that I thought he could use for the story.
Use your head;
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!" *WHAM* "Owwww."
Even with a running start, all you accomplish is a headache.
Try it again! Sombra suggests a little too quickly.
Silence pest.
================
Put on the Hooded Offender Cloak. You're already with Twilight and Zecora anyway and are planning on a... reunion with Trixie.
================
7982718
Your fatherly instinct kicks in when you blame Trixie for why your baby can't have a normal fillyhood.
7984871 Let's be honest with ourselves, this is a benevolent dictatorship.
7985302
Not to mention that the comments thread is filled with spoilers.