They were here.
She feared this moment. She dread the thoughts about it and finally, her enemies waited at the doorstep of Canterlot.
What once looked like a serene night quickly became ruined by the changelings that lurked in their hovering hive, their floating temple blotting out the stars. Luna's calm night had been disrupted from silence to madness. In a state of panic and terror, the ponies of Canterlot began to wake with a surge of fright pushing through their system, either hearing screams or witnessing the unwanted airship that haunted the city. Some took to the streets, gathering loved ones and friends, demanding answers from the guards while some even demanded an explanation from the princesses. However, the terrified were to numb with fear to move as they stayed in their homes, cowering with friends and families.
Twilight's hooves pounded against the glossy floor, hurrying through the spacious and graceful halls of Canterlot's Castle, almost feeling like she had been running in an endless corridor. The moment her eyes met with the looming ship back at the gardens, she quickly took off back into the castle. As the alicorn bolted through the seemingly never-ending halls, drawing breath as she panicked, fear still latching onto her, the princess' eyes were wide with horror, picking up the sight of many guards yelling and preparing, hurrying to their stations while familiar residents of both Canterlot and Ponyville cowered with uncertain, frightened faces, hungering for answers as they huddled with friends and families.
Finally, nearly exhausted by running with anxiety boiling inside her like a cauldron, Twilight reached the throne room of the Royal Sisters, throwing the doors open. As her hooves echoed through the area, she showed no hesitation in stopping or even slowing down, the alicorn rushed to the other end of the room seeing how it was empty and vacant of any life. Steadily, she hopped up the steps and rushed behind the two thrones of the alicorn sisters, exiting the throne room and onto the balcony.
Stepping out into the night, Twilight observed all of her friends staring outside of Luna's barrier. What lied before them, they didn't want to believe. Staring back at them was the tremendous, dark flagship of the changelings, hovering just outside the dome-like shield of Canterlot. It's size nearly rivalled the whole of Canterlot's palace. Everypony refused to depart their gaze from the nightmarish vessel that floated below the stars, especially the Royal Sisters who stared on in worriment.
Much like Twilight, her friends carried a look of shock and disbelief, their eyes wide with dread, troubled. Although Rainbow Dash presented a glare, almost as if she was ready to fight. While Twilight did her best to calm herself, everypony else seemed lost for words, however, their minds were being attacked with question after question, hearing the distant shouting from guards and screaming from those who were scared.
At this point, the whole of Canterlot was waking up and witnessing the unexpected visitor that watched them trapped inside their own city.
Rarity was the first to speak, rising above the fear as if it was water, "What is that?!" She exclaimed, staring on with eyes as round as saucers, unable to look away from the vessel that belonged in nightmares.
"Is... Is that..." Having trouble speaking, Fluttershy quivered and failed to finish her sentence.
"Chrysalis' airship," Princess Celestia sternly answered.
"I guess finding Starlight won't be much of a problem now," Pinkie Pie commented with a weak chuckle.
Lost in her tension, worriment glazing over her eyes and shrouded in discomfort, Twilight could feel the beat of her heart quake through her body. The changelings were here. Like a web being formed by a spider, horrible thoughts connected, running wild on what could happen and who could get hurt. Although her friends shared her anxiety, the Princess of Friendship showed nothing but distress in her eyes.
Baffled and enraged by the situation, Princess Luna promptly turned to her sister, "How is it that our lookouts failed to alert us? We had the city's perimeter secured!"
"It just appeared out of nowhere. Maybe they were cloaked or..." Twilight informed, fear snapping her back to reality.
"Does it really matter how they got here?" Rainbow Dash asked while hiking a brow. "What matters now is that they're here and there's no doubt they're looking for a fight!" She clenched her teeth, snarling at the vessel. "So we'll need to fight back!"
Just as the cyan pegasus began to fuel herself with confidence and bravery, Fluttershy meekly spoke up, her voice shaking a little, "But we're safe, aren't we?" She asked looking to her friends and then Princess Luna. "As long as you keep your magic up, then we're protected. If they can't get in, then they can't hurt us."
"It would seem Chrysalis' impatience has blinded her if she thinks she can bring down the barrier," Luna scoffed.
"Chrysalis may be impatient, but she isn't stupid," Princess Celestia said, staring back at the daunting vessel. "She wouldn't have come here without a plan."
As the Royal Sisters along with Twilight and her friends continued to stare at the changelings' vessel that remained motionless, an unwelcoming, excruciating sound had once again filled their ears, sending a burning wave of aggravation to their heads. This agonizing sound erupted throughout the whole of Canterlot, further frightening the inhabitants of the city and haunting the streets as ponies cowered once again while others marched straight to the palace, in need of information on their safety.
However, back on the balcony, after the abrupt, harrowing sound came to an end, a bright flash came pushing through the two doors of the throne room, briefly lighting the area up like a flare. Curious, their heads turned away from the unwanted visitor outside and towards the balcony's two entrances.
With confusion lingering in her eyes, Rarity rose her head in suspicion, but also alarm, "What was that?" She questioned.
"Only one way to find out," Applejack prepared herself, taking the lead and entering the throne room.
Promptly, the girls followed the cowgirl's lead cautiously and soon, the Royal Sisters entered last, still wary of the enemy that watched them. Lingering. Waiting.
One by one, stepping hoof into Canterlot's throne room once again and hopping off the levels that shined Celestia and Luna's thrones, Twilight and her friends began to scatter from their formation a little when noticing the colourful and exuberant stained windows had fallen black, corrupted and erasing their past victories into a pool of ink while area grew dark.
Rarity began to investigate the stained windows sudden change along with Applejack while Rainbow Dash stayed on guard around Pinkie Pie, Twilight and Fluttershy, who were just as observant. However, the alicorn knew what was to come, in the end, they all did. Taunting. Mockery. Derision. It only brought back memories of the announcement. The suffering.
Everyone did their best to prepare themselves for what awaited, mentally and emotionally, but there was no denying the dismay and uneasiness crawling down their spine.
In a flash, invading the throne room's delicacy and tranquillity, the wretched, false face Twilight and her friends have come to fear and despise stared down upon them with his lifeless eyes, seeking refuge under his hood. Nothing about Fright's stitched face changed, even when he rarely showed happiness through his sadistic nature, his expressions only came across as haunting and barren. Surrounded by darkness, the alchemist appeared on all the throne room's stained glass, ridding accomplishments and bringing terror.
Gripped with discomfort and anger, Celestia and Luna both frowned with this intrusion, taking an extreme dislike to the alchemist's interference and whatever he had planned.
Fluttershy never got used to staring at his face and neither did Rarity, but they both received a mixed response. Trembling, but surprisingly holding herself together, the shy pegasus could feel the waves of trepidation wash over her but stood her ground. Feeling the need to cower behind her mane and avoid staring at him, she did her best to compose herself although it wasn't enough. Denying the anxiety only made it stronger. Although Rarity remained fearful, staring at the alchemist in disgust, her expression could only convey worriment while her jaw slightly loosened. Her stomach churning as dread crept in, failing to move.
Rage sparking in her eyes, Rainbow Dash glared hatefully at the projections of the alchemist, wanting to shatter every one of the stained windows to avoid looking at him, however, she kept herself still, frozen as she held back the anger. She was not the only one who shared this feeling of resentment as Applejack flickered it in her stare, standing tall while Rainbow Dash almost took the posture of a Timberwolf.
Fretting, the colour drained from Pinkie Pie's face as her ears flopped downwards. Unable to speak, tongue-tied and wide-eyed, the mare felt as if she lost her voice, too scared to comment on the situation.
When the projections of Fright appeared before her, Twilight winced, pulling herself back before becoming incapacitated with fear. The trepidation clung to her shuddering pupils through her innocent, child-like eyes, her mouth breaking open in dread. Desperately, her mind screamed at her to look away from the projections, but she felt crippled, immobilized and stunned to bring herself to move.
"Canterlot," Fright spoke, his devilish voice echoing through the halls of the palace and bursting through the city's street. "The heart of Equestria. A city built on lies and treachery. To all you trembling cowards: Your faith is misplaced if you think the princesses can shield you from the terror brewing. That barrier will fracture and break, as will the hope you've sustained upon your leaders."
"You cannot protect them, Celestia. You and your sister's authoritative grip has loosened. When fear dissects your mind to pieces, unravelling your true cowardice and breaks you, every bit of hope and faith in this world will become extinct. Fear will be the only thing left. Our moment draws near."
"And Twilight." A quiet, cold laugh broke free from his throat momentarily. "How does it feel, knowing your allies are now victims the moment they stand by your side, bringing nothing but torment as they follow you in your steps. Spike was so sure you'd find him as he cowered in the dark and now, I have your protégé. How many will suffer because of you? What will the Princess of Friendship be without her friends... Weak? Helpless? Scared? I look forward to finding out."
"This is the beginning of the end. No one is safe."
When his taunting had reached its end, silence now poisoning the throne room, the stained windows simultaneously burst the projection of the alchemist into nothingness, briefly flashing a bright light before they had each returned to their colourful representations of victories and achievements. With Fright out of sight and the throne room returning to normal, a few heads exchanged looks with one another.
Stricken with terror, shaking, staring down at the crystalline floor, Twilight could feel herself freezing over, lost for words as the alchemist's announcement came crashing down on her like shards of glass fashioned from painful memories and troubling thoughts. Fright had Starlight. He still had Spike and now, he was at the doorstep of Canterlot, waiting... Planning. Losing herself in her thoughts, her breathing silent to her friends, she didn't know where to begin.
Breaking the silence like a mirror being shattered, Rainbow Dash bared her teeth and released a growl of exasperation, turning to her friends, "Does he ever stop talking?!"
"He's talkin' big considerin' he hasn't even got through the barrier yet," Applejack said, still carrying a glare aimed towards the enemies that lurked outside.
"As long as we're behind the dome, then we're safe, right?" Fluttershy quietly brought up.
Pinkie Pie hummed for a moment and then turned her head to the princesses, joining in as she raised a hoof, "I'm starting to think the changelings bit off more than they could chew. Maybe they've lost their confidence."
"I don't think that fiend would give an announcement and then just leave us," Rarity dismissed.
With great speed, the throne room's doors were thrown up as Shining Armour came running in, pressing down his gaze as he stopped in the centre of the room before Twilight and her friends, but looking to the Royal Sisters.
His expression shifted a little upon blinking, composing himself as the anger that glazed over his eyes faded a little, "All guards are in position, but it isn't looking good out there. Ponies are in an uproar, demanding answers and that freak's announcement has only shaken them up. The Royal Guard is doing their best to keep them at ease, but I seriously doubt they're going to last long. It pains me to say it, but they're terrified."
"As long as I maintain control over this barrier, we're safe," Luna assured, her horn still glowing. "However, we need to focus on taking down that vessel if it means putting a stop to this chaos once and for all."
"But how in Equestria are we going to bring down that ghastly airship?" Rarity questioned, desperation soaring through her voice.
Jumping into the air, hovering and catching her friends' attention, Rainbow Dash took this as her cue to answer, "Just give me a minute to warm up my wings and I'll crash right through that hive."
"You'll do more damage to yourself than the airship, Rainbow," Applejack told, grabbing the pegasus' tail and dragging her back down to the floor who only responded with a scowl towards the cowgirl.
"Applejack's right," Fluttershy added quietly. "You'd only be getting yourself hurt and for all we know, Spike and Starlight could be in there."
Bouncing towards the shy mare, Pinkie Pie happily backed her up with a cheer, "Right!" and then lifting a hoof to her face, gently poking her face in concern. "But what can we do?" After mere seconds of pondering, she turned to the lavender mare, "Do you have any ideas, Twilight?"
The moment all eyes were on the Princess of Friendship, they immediately took notice of how detached she was from reality. Robbed of certainty, battling the many dreadful thoughts in her mind. The look she gave almost looked as if the weight of defeat had crashed down on her. With round eyes like saucers, looking lost and shivering, slowly looking around the room.
"Twily?" Shining Armour's voice rose smoothly.
"I... I don't know," Twilight stammered. "I don't know!" She shouted, her voice gripped by horror.
The ruler of Equestria observed the young alicorn crumbling in fear. Gently, she approached her and gathered around everypony in the throne room. Standing tall, the bravery and composure she held shined bright through her fear, "Twilight... Everypony. Listen to me very closely. I need all here and in the now."
"Tonight, I refuse to let Canterlot and my subjects succumb to whatever horror our enemies have planned," Celestia vowed. "We know Fright. That announcement, he wants us all scared, to panic so we can't think straight. But right now, I need you all focus and stay strong, can you all do that for me."
Although they couldn't deny their worriment for one another, everyone in the room exchanged looks, nodding and smiling, hiding their fears behind their smiles, their bravery shining through. However, Twilight felt conflicted, doubtful and at war with her paranoia until she looked up at Celestia.
"Remember in the gardens, Twilight?" Celestia asked. "I said I don't have the answers for when this chaos would end, but if we try, stand united, then tonight, this madness might just end. The changelings have foolishly revealed themselves to us, this is our best chance to end this. To stop Fright once and for all!"
"I agree with Princess Celestia, Twilight," Shining Armour lifted a smile, doing his best to ease his sister. "This dilemma has us scared, we can't deny that. But this might be our chance to return harmony to Equestria and with that alchemist captured, no longer will he be able to spread that horrible fear-poison."
Slightly, the worriment began to untangle from the alicorn's brain as the weight of the fear lifted from her shoulders. She felt light while hope glimmering in her eyes as she looked up to Equestria's ruler.
Collecting her composure, she gently breathed, "I'll do whatever I can to take part in Canterlot's protection, to save my friends and those I hold close... But not if it means endangering them."
"You could never endanger them, Twilight," Celestia eased, her voice softening the young alicorn's heart. "This is a time where you'll need your friends now more than ever. It is time we take our stand and prepare to protect everything we stand for. Together, we will prevail."
Slowly, the Princess of Friendship looked around her and examined her friends. Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy, they were all smiling at her.
Regaining her composure, Twilight nodded and a small smile formed, breaking through her anxiety, "Together..." She looked back up to the graceful alicorn as determination broke her fear. "What can we do, Princess?"
Focused and determined to make this Fright's final night of mischief, Celestia's stare hardened as boldness rode her voice, although, she remained calm, "If Starlight and Spike are being held in that airship, we'll need to find a way to get in or make an entrance of our own."
"Now that's a plan I can follow!" Rainbow Dash supported with a cheer.
"Until then," Celestia continued, "We'll need to make sure everypony is indoors. Although Canterlot is protected by Luna's magic, there's no telling what Chrysalis has planned. Twilight, I need you and your friends to make sure everypony near the palace is sheltered while Shining Armour and I assemble the Royal Guard to help all citizens are indoors."
Twilight and her friends nodded in response as if their ruler's encouragement had spread to them.
"And what of me, sister?" Luna asked, hiking a brow.
"Luna, I need you to focus all of your energy into keeping the barrier up. We don't know what the changelings are up to, but if they have the power to break through, you'll need to stay focused and protect this city with every bit of magic you have flowing through you." The elder sister instructed.
Wanting to do more, a little eager to help, Princess Luna saw a clear understanding of her sister's instructions and acknowledged her command, "Very well."
"Come, Shining Armour." The Princess of the Day said, moving out of the throne room. "We will rendezvous back here in an hour."
"Right away," Shining Armour complied, moving by the alicorn's side, quickly turning back, "Stay safe, Twily!" He yelled from the throne room's doors, taking his leave with the princess.
With Princess Celestia and Shining Armour leaving to their duties, Twilight turned to her friends while Princess Luna returned to the balcony, further observing the changelings' airship.
"How should we do this, Twilight?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"We await your orders," Applejack told.
"Okay everypony," Twilight calmly began. "You all heard Princess Celestia. We need to spread out and search the palace's perimeter, make sure everypony's safe and indoors. Applejack, you go find the Cutie Mark Crusaders and your family."
"Got it!" The cowgirl acknowledged, raising her hoof towards her hat and adjusting it upwards a little.
"Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, you two search the gardens and bring back anypony you can find," Twilight instructed.
While the shy mare remained glued to the floor, responding with a simple nod, the cyan pegasus shot into the air like a firework, bringing a hoof to her head and giving her friend a salute, "Roger!"
"Pinkie Pie and Rarity." The young princess pushed herself around and faced them. "You two are with me, we'll search the palace's perimeter and gather everypony into a safe space."
"We're with you, Twilight!" Pinkie Pie beamed brightly with a single bounce.
The Princess of Friendship turned to her friends and aimed to the exit, "Alright everypony, let's go!"
One by one, Twilight and her friends left the throne room, splitting up from each other. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy took off, hovering with every flap of their wings while everyone else rushed to fulfil their duties.
It was amazing how the throne room became an area of planning and in seconds, silence. Princess Luna watched as Twilight and her friends hurried out of the room, taking action to defend Canterlot. Quiet, she looked around the colourful, stained windows and whirled herself around.
Taking gentle steps, calm much like Celestia, Luna made her way past her and her sister's thrones and heading back out onto the balcony where the cool air rushed to her face. Although the feeling was pleasant, it was quickly ruined when her eyes met with the intruders lurking outside her home.
The Princess of the Night grimaced upon looking at Chrysalis' airship, it was something she could recognise out of a nightmare.
"What are you planning, Chrysalis," Luna whispered to herself.
Unknown to the alicorn, something other than Chrysalis' vessel lurked, but much closer. As planned, he had slipped through the alicorn's barrier and remained unseen to the city. Underneath the balcony where the princess' hooves rested, a darkling kept crouched, claws dug deep into the structure of the balcony, holding his position effortlessly. Hanging upside down like a bat, hiding in the shadows, The Hunter waited.
Panic sparked throughout the city of Canterlot. Ponies swarmed the streets, screaming and yelling, their hooves stomping the ground as they crowded each other while searching for reassurance. They had faith in Luna's barrier protecting them and the city, however, the realisation of Queen Chrysalis' airship hovering just outside from them was quick to sink that faith and as for Fright's announcement, his threats, they were enough to shatter their composure and light the fear in their minds.
If it weren't for the Royal Guards scattered around the lustrous and protected city, the streets would remain rampant. However, all citizens were told to stay indoors until further notice and they gladly obeyed the instructions of the princess' soldiers. The nightmarish vessel that lingered outside was enough to put them back into their homes, feeling the need to get away from its sight. However, the scared hungered for comfort. Right now, fear took hold of the citizens of Canterlot as they cowered indoors with their friends, families and loved ones.
As if the air had been infected with anguish, ponies within Canterlot Castle were either hiding in their rooms or crowding together in the spacious and lustrous atrium. No one kept track of time, but Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy hovered and flew around the gardens, rounding up everyone indoors while Applejack got her family and the Cutie Mark Crusaders back together in their rooms. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were being comforted by Granny Smith, putting them at ease from all the scared shouting.
Most of Ponyville's residents were in the atrium, Lyra and Bon Bon, the Mayor, the Cakes and Dinky along with her mother. This all felt like last night when they arrived from Ponyville's evacuation. Terror replaying. With their composure cracking and fear shining through their shattered spirits, everyone began to beg and search for answers in hopes they had a plan on bringing down the changelings. Surprisingly, they kept quiet, however, it was the eerie, discomforting type of quiet. Whispers were heard, some easing their friends or loved ones and they all told the same thing to each other.
'Luna's barrier will hold. We have nothing to fear.'
'The Princesses are planning something, they're getting everyone to safety.'
These words of comfort did not last very long, for the memory of the alchemist's announcement kept lunging at their hearts. A whole city, scared... Just what Fright wanted.
At the palace gate, guards were running to their stations all around the castle, preparing and setting up defences. While Princess Celestia stared off into the distance, Shining Armour spoke with his second in command.
"How are we looking, Holly?" He asked.
"We can't deny it, Captain." She confessed. "The changelings' sudden visit has us on edge, but we're getting into position. Whatever they have planned, we'll be ready." A smile that painted confidence spread over the mare's face.
Holly's confidence spread to Shining Armour as he smiled back, nodding, "That's good to hear. Until we find a weakness on that airship, we're gonna need all the help we can get."
"Shining!"
As Holly returned to her post, Shining Armour turned around to see Twilight and her friends approaching him.
"We've managed to get everypony around the castle indoors, what of the rest of Canterlot?" The young alicorn asked.
"Taken care of." He told. "We had to separate our forces around the city."
"So, what now?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Did you manage to find a way to sneak aboard that airship?"
Disappointed, Shining Armour shook his head, "Afraid not. Well, not yet anyway. We're still trying to look for any weak spots."
"Is that what Princess Celestia is doing?" Fluttershy questioned, pointing a hoof towards the alicorn.
As Shining Armour's eyes followed the shy mare's hoof, the Ruler of Equestria had not moved from her position in quite some time. Like a statue, she kept herself motionless, staring at the airship that hovered outside.
"She's been like that for a while." The unicorn said with a hint of worriment in his voice. "She's determined to end this whole chaos tonight."
"Ah share the feelin'," Applejack confessed, stepping forth. "We've been through nightmares to stop the changelings and Fright."
"We can do it!" Rainbow Dash encouraged. "It's all been leading to this! Now that the changelings are here, this is our chance to get Spike and Starlight back and stop those freaks from ruining Equestria!"
It was during the pegasus' words of confidence that no one had noticed Celestia break away from her spot. Without a sound, she approached the group calmly, although it was obvious that there a flicker of concern dwelling in her eyes. She did a good job hiding it.
"There's a lot to be concerned about, your Highness," Rarity's voice lightened as she lowered her head. "But I'm certain the changelings won't be able to get in, not with Princess Luna's magic shielding the whole of Canterlot."
With her eyes waving to the ground, presenting a muddled look that hungered for an explanation, Celestia spoke calmly, "Our hope stands strong, but something is gnawing away at me."
"What is it, Princess?" Twilight spoke up.
"It's just... None of this makes sense." The alicorn raised. "They knew we were protected and yet, they still came. They haven't attacked yet, it's almost as if they're waiting."
"What could they be waiting for?" Shining Armour questioned, raising a brow. "To let our... guard... down..." As his voice began to deconstruct, fading into silence, a cold look quickly washing over his face.
Unsettled in the eyes as his mouth drifted open a little, Shining Armor looked barren of any life as if something scared his soul right out of his body. Immediately, everyone caught onto the unicorn's shocked expression as he became motionless and empty of any emotion, worriment growing inside them.
Finally, despite having a battle of her own internally, Twilight looked to her brother, showing nothing but concern and ease as she softly reached out to him, "Shining..."
As if this feeling of apprehension caught Shining Armour with his own hands, dismantling his composure and losing all knowledge of speech. He even struggled to lift his gaze towards the princesses and everyone else in front of him as he searched for his voice. The abrupt thought that came crashing into his head haunted him.
"Of course..." He whispered to himself. "They won't be bringing down the barrier from the outside, they'll be attacking us from within!" The unicorn revealed, feeling a sudden urge of dread run through him.
His words were enough to send a wave of confusion and alarm to those around him, looking stunned, but puzzled as well.
Snapping away the bewilderment from her eyes with a blink, Celestia looked to the unicorn calmly and dismissed his warning, "Shining Armour, what you're saying is impossible."
Stepping forth, Twilight's voice peacefully reached out to Shining Armour, but the look of urgency began to grow on her expression rather quick, "What are you talking about, Shining?"
"It sounds like you're sayin' the changelings are already in here with us," Applejack said.
"That's absurd," Rarity uttered in disbelief. "How can the changelings enter Canterlot if they can't even get passed Luna's barrier?" She inquired.
"The changelings don't have to do a thing," Shining Armour told. "Neither does Chrysalis and the same goes for Fright. There's only one thing they need to get in and that's... The very same thing that beat me." He looked down in shame and gritting his teeth. "The Hunter is here."
Applejack and Pinkie Pie were quick to exchange looks, their startled expressions nearly identical as if they were staring into a mirror. No good came when hearing the monster's name that held such resentment, such hatred for them all.
Despite knowing nothing of his appearance, Fluttershy feared The Hunter through the stories her friends told, almost as if he was some sort of phantom or myth. Her eyes widened as she grew on edge, quivering as she quickly looked around as if a ghost was haunting her.
"What?!" Rarity winced at the appalling news, taking a step back in disbelief. "That... Brute is here?!"
"B-But how?" Fluttershy fearfully questioned, turning back to Shining Armour and Celestia.
Hearing his name may have put her on edge like her friends, but Rainbow Dash felt more annoyed than scared. Baring her teeth like a wolf, her blood began to boil while she furrowed her glare.
However, nothing could match the Princess of Friendship's reaction. Panic bubbling in her head, swarming in her stomach and infiltrating her legs, picking at her bones, the alicorn's eyes stretched in fear, her whole expression dropping as the creature who swore to break off her horn lingered in the city she deemed safe.
"I know Chrysalis wouldn't come here without a plan, but what makes you so sure that The Hunter is here?" Celestia asked, forging her way towards Shining Armour with ease.
"Think about it." He told, urgency now coating his voice. "He can cut and rip through this barricade just with his claws! He did it back at Tartarus and he did at the Crystal Empire! He can make his own entrance. You're right, Chrysalis wouldn't come here without a plan and that's why they're not attacking us! They're waiting for him to bring down the barrier because he's already slipped through and if that's the case..."
Before Shining Armour could finish his sentence, everyone around him suddenly looked up to the sky in dismay when they noticed a droning hum soar into their ears. He, Princess Celestia, Twilight and her friends along with the whole of Canterlot stared at the dark-blue bubble that surrounded the whole city with disbelief and terror corrupting their eyes.
The barrier began to shift and distort, capturing everyone's attention within seconds. Like a flickering light, the shield started to fade in and out of existence, rapidly blinking for mere seconds until it eroded from sight, vanishing.
Fright was right. The barrier had broke. Canterlot's protection had shattered along with the safety, the hope and faith everyone stored towards the princesses. It wasn't long before the frightened screams tore through the intense silence. From the streets, the buildings and their own homes, everyone began to run rampant, fearing for their safety.
Though terrified for their lives, Twilight and her friends were found hesitant to move from their positions. As their heads darted upwards, staring in disbelief and panicking on what happened to the bubble that fortified the whole of Canterlot, their minds ran into question after question, desperately trying to process the situation before them.
Eyes corrupted with revulsion, the control of her breathing wandering off, Rarity shuddered as her eyes failed to pull themselves away from the changeling's airship, fearing the worst without the barrier.
"What- What's happening?!" She cried in distress.
While Applejack looked around, unable to remove the shock from her face when their protection collapsed, she felt Pinkie Pie latch onto her. Her forelegs wrapped around the cowgirl's neck, her teeth chattering while fear began to seeth into her.
Although Rarity was trembling, Fluttershy was shaking. Intense fear rattled her bones, crouching as dismay took the air. Retreating a few steps back as half of her face sought refuge behind her long, pink mane.
It didn't take long for Rainbow Dash to redirect her gaze from the city towards Chrysalis' vessel. Gracefully, she leapt into the air and dropped back down onto her hooves, digging them into the ground, almost looking as if she was ready to pounce. Despite the worriment that plagued her mind, she was quick to replace it with anger, looking ready for a fight.
Frantically bouncing her pupils from left to right, Twilight shared the fear with everyone else. Reality crashing down on her. She was in danger. Her friends were in danger. The alicorn felt pushed back by a wave of apprehension, wincing as the terror ached her sight.
"No, no, no..." She whimpered to herself, feeling the anguish break through her composure, the walls of her strength crumbling.
In the grip of horror, Celestia could feel her composure sinking away as her heart began to race. Her eyes were as wide as if someone had attacked her. Horror striking at the elder alicorn, she could feel a cage of dread trapping her, suffocating her as fear scrambled her mind. The barrier over Canterlot had been broken, which could only mean...
"Luna!" She gasped.
Her hooves were quick to pound the ground, bolting towards the castle's entrance without another thought.
Failing to react on time, Twilight threw a hoof towards the elder alicorn, "Princess Celestia, wait!" She yelled.
Unable to comprehend the speed of their ruler, dashing back into the castle, the Princess of Friendship watched in a panic. Trembling, fearful visions brewing in her brain once again, the worriment was setting in once again. The Hunter was here. The barrier had fallen. Everyone around her was in danger.
Drifting, not making any sudden movements, the changelings' vessel remained as it was. Hovering. However, despite its lack of motion, the lower deck of the nightmarish hive began to fire thick, mechanical tendrils. One by one, all six of them shot from the airship, extending to no end and crashing down towards the basilica of Canterlot. They were like claws, sharp as spears and breaking into the ground, ruining the beauty and landscape of the Royal Palace.
"What do we do?! What do we do?! Pinkie asked in a frenzy, whirling her head from friend to friend.
As Twilight turned to her friends, fearing for them greatly, she was quick to answer Pinkie Pie's desperation, "Luna needs help! We need to bring up that barrier quickly!"
Before any of her friends could get a word out, the young alicorn followed Celestia into the castle with her friends not far behind.
Watching the nightmarish airship from afar with no barrier to protect them, Shining Armour turned his head to see Holly approaching him, carrying the same panic everyone had been infected with.
Before she could speak a word, the unicorn through a hoof at her and ordered, "Holly, get everypony to the docks! We'll need to evacuate the city! Take them to the Crystal Empire!"
"I'm already on it, but what about you?" She asked.
"If he's here, I can't let my sister go up against him. Not after what he did back at Tartarus. Now go!" Shining Armour ordered with urgency coating his voice.
The second-in-command watched as the unicorn hurried into the palace of the Royal Sisters. His speed almost rivalled that of a Wonderbolt. Worryingly, Holly turned to the looming threat, quickly taking off into the opposite direction, gathering allies to spread out and evacuate the city. The streets were crowded, ponies flocking as screams drowned out the silence of the night.
The doors to the throne room were thrown wide open with a loud thud. Immediately after, Princess Celestia leapt into the room, followed behind Twilight and her friends, skidding as they brought themselves to a sudden stop with their ruler, their hooves sliding along the floor while Rainbow Dash kept hovering with the use of her wings. They wanted to be prepared for what lied beyond them, they wanted to show nothing but bravery and valiance, but their mouths dropped in dread, horror washing over their agitated eyes.
At the other end of the throne room, on the podium that elevated the Royal Sister's glorious thrones, their eyes came into contact with the pale mask of terror staring right back at them. Like a monument to their fears, The Hunter had infiltrated the Royal Palace, desecrating it with his filthy and daunting presence. There, standing tall, his elongated, keen tail hanging motionless over the ground, the darkling presented the Princess of the Night, keeping a secure grip around her neck, his dagger-like fingers pressing down, holding her up like a trophy, inspiring fear to his audience.
Being held into the air, weak, beaten and hurt, her neck sore, Princess Luna failed to break free a word as her eyelids tightened, her legs slowly flailing as were her wings, running out of energy as the intruder exhausted her options to break free. Around her horn, clumps of dark-looking crystals flocked, cutting off her use of magic, bringing down the barrier.
Once they had rushed into the room, The Hunter rapidly swung his head towards Twilight and the others, the spikes rattling around his mask, still keeping a firm grip on the weakened alicorn. The poor princess' world was spinning, her head painfully throbbing as she tried to release herself. The darkling's corruption over the alicorn's horn only added more fuel to the agonising pain.
Horror flashing in her eyes, lips twitching as she stared on, her expression stretching into a mask of dread, Celestia screamed at the sight, "Luna!"
Troubled, all signs of fortitude deteriorating, Twilight couldn't take her eyes off The Hunter. His presence, he was haunting her.
It wasn't long before the fear boiling inside Celestia turned to rage. Seeing her sister hurt, in the clutches of the darkling, the intense worriment began to bubble into hate. Although she stayed unnaturally still for a few seconds, gazing intently, the alicorn grinded her teeth as she leapt forward from the ponies behind her. Like a light flickering, her horn enveloped in a blanket of magic, Celestia fired upon the masked creature.
Patient, The Hunter watched as the enraged princess fired at him, observing the beam charging towards him. Effortlessly, yet promptly, he dug his digits into Princess Luna, holding her up in front of him, using her as a shield against Celestia's power.
A great deal of pain came Luna's way. She felt a rush of agony surge through her back, scorching her as she unleashed a terrifying scream that echoed through the halls, sending chills to those who were unfortunate to hear it.
"No!" Celestia cried, putting a stop to her firing when the sound of her sister's shrieks pierced her ears. Transfixed with a scared stare, uncertain whether to breathe or scream, she absorbed the image of Luna being held like a shield, suffering. It wasn't her intention to hurt her and the waves of devastation and regret washed over the alicorn. Although the hate for the darkling remained, fear's mask wore over her again.
"As expected," The Hunter finally spoke, his claw loosening around Luna's neck, carelessly dropping her like an unwanted toy. "Equestria's finest to the rescue." He degraded, taking a step closer from the thrones. "Did you all come here to beg for mercy or to try and fight a losing battle? Either way, you're all going to suffer no matter what!"
At a loss, Celestia couldn't bring herself to speak or even move. She just stared at her wounded sister.
Much like her mentor, Twilight became still like a statue, fearing to move a single muscle. She couldn't break her stare between The Hunter. She knew it was her he was aiming his glare at. It all came crashing back down on her, the worriment, the anxiety, the fear.
While Applejack's scowled towards the intruder, it wasn't enough to match Rainbow Dash's fury. The two took on defensive positions, waiting for the darkling to make a move. Although fear ran through them, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity stood by their alicorn friend.
"Uh, Twilight," Pinkie Pie whispered. "What do we do?"
Ensnared by the dark eyes of The Hunter's mask, her every breath being captured by his unsettling presence, Twilight's mind began to crumble away, unable to think properly with stress and anguish picking at her. Canterlot was being attacked! Princess Luna was hurt and the barrier everyone had faith in had shattered like glass.
"I..." The Princess of Friendship stammered, failing to function properly, breathing in a defeated tone, "I don't know."
The intense emotional battle rages on people. Now that the Hunter has infiltrated Canterlot and taken down the barrier by knocking out Princess Luna, how will Twilight and her friends be able fight against him? Will they be able to keep their emotions intact when they soon find out that Spike is actually the Hunter all along?
So many possibilities on what's going to happens next.
best use of a pony equal to a human shield I've seen yet other than the ones that don't keep the target alive. Would it be sfe to say spike took out luna 1 on 1 or did he just sneak attacked her?
The moon falls, as the sun begins to crumble. Fear and doubt plague throughout the city. The shapeshifters remain ready, while the Hunter prepares to sink the claws into the fractured elements. As darkness rolls in, faith and harmony begin to fade out. The time of the end is nigh, for all shall cower before Fear’s unblinking eye.
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I'd say a sneak attack. If Luna saw The Hunter coming, she'd put up more of a fight.
I'm glad I could be of help.
"At long last, it's all come down to this. The Hunter at last has his preys in his sight. Now, a standoff is about to begin."
"The ponies have mistreated Spike, they don't give him much respect and recognition, and to further add injury to his insult, they forgot him. Twilight forgot him. She brought him into this world. She gave him a home, a family, a purpose. But she forgot he was her friend. Her first friend. And she gave up on him when he needed her the most. As punishment, she lost him. Unable to reclaim the chances to reconcile and mending a broken heart. She and her friends have sealed their fate."
"Of course, Rainbow Dash being Rainbow Dash is more than eager for a fight. Eager to try and change her destiny. Pity she will realize soon that Spike's blood will be on her hoof.
From Chapter 3:
"You've got a lot of nerve, Twilight Sparkle. You couldn't even remember Spike's own birthday? He was born the same day you first got your cutie mark. The same day when Rainbow Dash performed her Sonic Rainboom, for the very first time in her life. The same Sonic Rainboom that changed your lives forever! How can it be so hard for you, or that Pinkie Pie friend of yours to remember? Do you even remember the day when Spike spoke his first word? Or when he took his first step as a hatchling?"
"I can just feel his heartbreak. You forgetting his birthday, is almost as heart wrenching as a mother forgetting her own child's existence!"
"You had one chance to make things right. Spike was in trouble. He was desperately calling you out to save him. AND YOU JUST ABANDONED HIM TO DIE!!!"
Twilight: "I was trying to save him! I tried to find him! I didn't abandon him! I couldn't find him! I never meant to—"
"What's one life? A simple trade: one life for a city of souls and a kingdom of fear."
"You're the Princess of Friendship. You're Princess Celestia's prized pupil. You're the Element of Magic. Now is the time for you to show us your full potential! Prove Fright wrong, and Spike will be free again."
"The shadows are sworn to me, and I will give them strength!" – Mr. Negative.
”Patience, Celestia. First her, then you.”
Damn it, I like the Hunter but Using Luna as a shield was a dirty move, even for him
And now a word from J. Pony Jameson (name coined by Jade Dawn).
"I've never lied to you before, and I'm not going to start now. It's......looking bad. We're running short on time. Somehow, in someway, Fright predicted it. Princess Luna's shield has failed us. The Changelings are here and once again, Canterlot is under attack. And we have, as of yet, received any words on two of Fright's prisoners. One Starlight Glimmer and Spike the Dragon. And our princess of the night, especially, has confirmed to be in rough shape."
"But do not forget this. We are Equestrians. We take care of each other. We do what's right, to the very end. And if we are facing the end....I can tell you this from the bottom of my heart: There's no one I'd rather have at my side. Whatever comes next, we will face it bravely, together, as Equestrians. My friends....the privilege has been mine."
"With the entire kingdom of Equestria in crisis, criminals and monsters at large, there are a lot of scared citizens out there. Here's one. You're on the air."
Caller: "We were told to evacuate our homes. We were promised that Canterlot is a safe place! They said we could take shelter here! But now it's become a trap! We're trapped! The Changelings are at our doorsteps, and they're out to get us again, aren't they?"
"Calm down, caller. I've always been the voice of reason, so listen to me now. I know from my vast network of contacts. Captain Shining Armor and his royal guards will escort you all to the Crystal Empire, the last remaining safe place for all Equestrians. You will be SAFE. But the question is, for how much longer? And how strong is the Crystal Empire? But I assure you, your safety comes first. We've been through tough spots before and we'll get through this too."
Caller: "At this point, nowhere is safe! Spike is still missing! Starlight Glimmer's been captured! And any one of us will be next! I know it! And what's the point of putting up a forcefield anymore, when Fright can just destroy it again? Everywhere we go is death! Equestria's a graveyard!"
"Not true. While I don't trust Twilight and friends as far as I can throw them – and that's not very far – after their recent screw ups, with us to pay the prices, the Royal Guards are here to protect and serve us. If they're busy dealing with crisis all over the kingdom – or the world – that's less time they have to defend us here in Canterlot. I know it's hard to trust anyone these days. But you've always been able to trust in me to tell it like it is, and I am telling you now: Stay in your homes, take care of your families. I'll be right here, facing it with you. We are Equestrians. And we can sure as hell beat this."
"Let's discuss the insane lunatic – sorry, I mean psychopath – who had the gall to outright attack Princess Luna when she was completely vulnerable. Wait, you think I'm talking about the Hunter? Oh no, I meant Princess Celestia!"
"My sources have confirmed to me the Hunter is an assailant, unlike anything we've ever seen before. He's obviously a creature of Fright's own creation. And he is the source of our forcefield failing. And he is obviously a disturbed, trained assassin - I mean, he isn't called "the Hunter" for nothing! Sounds to me this creature knows his prey and how to hunt and catch them, just like a hunter."
"Princess Celestia, on the other hoof, claims to have always been trying to protect us from the threats we don't even know of. Well, tell that to all the ponies and creatures, especially Princess Luna, whose lives are now completely ruined, all because we weren't informed of a creature who can hinder a unicorn and alicorn's magic simply with a touch of his claws, can camouflage in the shadows, AND WHO CAN WALK THROUGH A FORCEFIELD!!"
"Obviously, we all know Princess Celestia was involved in the Tartarus breakout. But what you DIDN'T know was that the Hunter was there! The mass breakout at Tartarus – where Princess Celestia was clearly involved in – was caused by the Hunter. I've just NOW been informed by some these would-be guards who partake in the attempt to stop the breakout that that was their FIRST confrontation with the Hunter and they saw what kind of powers he possesses! Unbelievable, in the worst, possible time, which is now, THEY DECIDED TO INFORM US OF THE DANGER! And look what's become of our Princess Luna!"
"I've said it! You heard me! Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle obviously knew about the threats, but they didn't warn us, or Princess Luna! AND TO FURTHER DISPLAY THEIR FOOLISHNESS, THEY DELIBERATELY LEFT HER UNGUARDED!! Princess Luna, the source of our forcefield, was left unprotected, and the HUNTER GOT HER!! HE HELD HER HOSTAGE!! And to further her agony, PRINCESS CELESTIA OUTRIGHT ATTACKED HER!!! SHE HIT HER OWN SISTER, WITH HER OWN MAGIC!!"
"Couldn't she have just waited until Princess Luna was, I don't know, OUT OF THE WAY before she risks opened fire?! Of course, then the Hunter would've gotten away with Princess Luna. Because Princess Celestia couldn't stand sharing Equestria with her sister! She views Equestria as her stage, and the sun and the moon as her spotlight! And she just LOVES to bask in the spotlights!"
J Pony Jameson: "Our next caller is....what'd you say your name was?"
Twilight: "Hi, this is Twi-Uh, Twinkle Shines. Don't you think you're a little hard on Twilight and her friends? She was obviously doing the best she can for the good of Equestria."
J Pony Jameson: "Let me tell you something, Twinkle. Twilight Sparkle does everything by the books. To her, life is a fairytale. Everything's all black and white to her, and her friends. Over the last few years since she arrived in Ponyville, I watched and observed how she and her pony friends attacked and tormented the little dragon, Spike, with all sort of reckless, hoodlum, and rationality abandonment! All because, you can read it for yourself, in just about every books of myths, legends, and fairytales, dragons are depicted as the bad guys!”
“One Winter Wrap Up, Twilight lead every ponies to gang up on Spike, and they attempted to drown him in a lake of ice cold freezing water, below 32°F! Disgraceful! And don't get me started on the deliberate use of the little dragon as live bait for a rampaging Winter-Zilla! Then there's Rarity who obviously knew of his affections for her, but she took advantage of it, in exchange for free service of pampering and manual labors! Just the other day, I saw that reckless, daredevil, disaster prone Rainbow Dash and that bumbling, hyperactive, idiotic Pinkie Pie performing their latest prank, with Spike as their main victim of an ice bucket! In fact, I have it on good authority that Rainbow Dash attacked him with a storm cloud on one Nightmare Night. Then there's Applejack who used Spike as a test dummy for the Iron Hooves Competition, just to prove how strong she is, compared to Rainbow Dash, without the thought of the kind of injuries Spike has had to endure! And Fluttershy....well, from what Spike has told us, she thinks of him as an animal. Not an individual."
"Seems to me that the more Twilight spends with her pony friends, the more Spike was left alone and treated like a foreigner. Where's the friendship for us foreigners? ISN'T THAT WHAT EQUESTRIA WAS BUILT ON?"
Twilight: "Well, of course it is! But you have to understand, things change. Equestria is super diverse, constantly growling and changing! I didn't-I mean, Twilight and her friends never meant to make Spike feel left out so much. Maybe they were just too busy with resolving all of the friendship problems that's been happening all over Equestria."
J Pony Jameson: "Problems they were causing, you mean. Sources tell me that Pinkie Pie had backpacks filled with who knows what, stashed all over Equestria. Trespassing on the private properties of respectable donkeys. There's still such a thing as private property, you know. Doesn't that pony ever hear about the inalienable right of the sanctity of the home?"
"Ever since Twilight came to town and took down Nightmare Moon – doing fine job of it – creatures from other lands and of unknown origins have tried to settle into Equestria. From dragons settling into mountains and caves, griffons finding a cloud, a tree, or even rooftops to roost. All of these creatures are looking for a place that Spike has called home. Yet from what I heard, Twilight and her friends had done nothing but evict a dragon from its mountain home, partake in prejudice against griffons and dragons, and nearly starting a war between dragons, yaks, and ponies (See Wings Over Yakyakistan). Was all of this really their idea of establishing friendship for foreigners?"
Twilight: "No, it's not like that! They were really trying to help make Equestria a better place–"
J Pony Jameson: "I don't want to hear it. Creatures and ponies deserve better. To live together. For the greater future."
Twilight: "Yes, I agree with that vision. A wise pony once said, 'You gotta share. You gotta care.' Believe me, they’re really learning and encouraging and growing Equestria the way they want it to be. And from what I've seen, every pony loved it."
J Pony Jameson: "Agree to disagree, Twinkle Shines. Twilight Sparkle and her Ponyville Friends only cared about the future of Equestria, with the people whom they are solely willing to share it with. THEMSELVES! Jameson out."
9796937
What is it your doing with this again?
I pray things go well... I believe in you Cipher.
That maybe Spike will soon realizes Twilight isn't his enemy, fright is.
9797407
Just role-playing to pass the time. And it’s fun.
"Unbelievable. This is really depressing. Tell me, does this sound familiar? Rainbow Dash is such a meanie. Boo-hoo, she and Pinkie Pie always picked on me because I'm small."
Rainbow Dash: "What're you talking about?"
"I can't drill 'em through the woods. Are you really that stupid? I mean, I know you're called Rainbow Crash and you're clumsy all, and you've had a long history of collateral damages and everything, but did it not occur to you and your friends that there's something familiar with the Hunter? The tail? The claws? The legs? Or what about that mohawk? How many enemies do you know have all that features in one package? I mean, c'mon! It's obvious!"
Rainbow Dash: "What is he talking about? We never did anything to the Hunter!"
(To the Hunter)"I'm sorry Spike. But they're completely and utterly Dense with a capital 'D'. Or maybe the blind can be made to see with the eyes of dragons."
Wait a minute! I just realized something. We're forgetting someone. Someone even more precious to Twilight in this dark hour.
Where's Dinky?
"There he is Twilight Sparkle. The Hunter. Fright's perfect weapon. He despises you, this Hunter. What did you do, princess, to enkindle such hatred? Can you not think of another lost soul? And will you finally find the answer you are looking for?"
"You and Spike were sent to Ponyville by Princess Celestia to take your first step in learning the value of friendship. You've exceeded all expectations set upon by Princess Celestia. You've triumphed and prevailed over evils, such as Nightmare Moon, Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra, and Tirek. As a reward, you've become the Princess of Friendship. Yet you dared to turn a blind eye on Spike, your first friend and adopted little brother."
Voice of doubt: "Are you genuine with yourself and the kingdom this time? Did you meant it when you say you'll never stop searching for Spike? Even if it takes you another five months to give up the search? Well? WILL YOU?!"
"Take a look at yourself, Twilight! Princess Celestia looks at you as her prized pupil. But from what Fright has proven, you're nothing more than a scared, traumatized little filly, who cowers behind her walls of friends. Fright took Spike in after you abandoned him to fend for himself! If it wasn't for Fright, Spike would've been lost and alone in the Everfree Forest, eaten by the Timberwolves! You knew how helpless Spike was! Yet you deceived yourself and the whole world into believing Spike has found a better life! Or maybe there is truth to your words. In some small twisted ways in life, when it's too much to handle, death is more welcoming. Perhaps Spike was already dead to you, even before Fright began his reign of terror."
"But thanks to Fright, Spike now has a purpose! He will soon become a defining example to the world of what happens WHEN FRIENDSHIP BETRAYS YOU!! Fright controls the truth! Fright IS THE TRUTH! AND YOU WILL OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE TRUTH!!!"
"If you were good enough, maybe Spike would still be alive."
"But he isn't. He's not here. YOU DON'T CONTROL HIM ANYMORE! He is NOT your slave, your servant, your puppet anymore!"
"And while you may not care about the heartbreak and the loss of Spike, I'm certain several of his real friends will be very upset. King Thorax, Dragon Lord Ember, and this Gabby of Griffonstone will be heartbroken to hear his death and YOU will be the one who has to ANSWER for him. Do you want all that on your head?"
J. Pony Jameson: "And now for listener emails. Cheerilee from Ponyville writes, 'You're so full of anger, and I wish you'd get help managing it. It's terrible for your health.' Now I know she speaks from a place of concern, but this is a common misconception that I have to correct. I'm not full of anger, I'm full of love. I call out injustice, corruptions, and crimes against the kingdom of Equestria because I adore this kingdom, AND I WANT IT TO BE BETTER! What you hear in my voice? It's love! NOTHING BUT LOVE!! "
9827806
I like those things you are whipping up. It's satisfying to see the characters getting accused of their wrongdoings, intentional or not.
9831408
You should thank VirtualCipher for that. Really brought out the J. Jonah Jameson side of me. That and there’s the Joker, Scarecrow, Mr. Negative, etc.
But thanks. Aside from Virtual, not many readers liked what I was doing to pass the time.
J. Pony Jameson: "Welcome to Just the Facts with J. Pony Jameson, where listener's like you discuss the problems – also known as Twilight Sparkle and friends – with me, J. Pony Jameson. I understand we have a low-information caller who thinks we're better off, thanks to the Mane Six. What's your name caller?"
Rainbow Dash: "RAIN-Rain Thunderhead. Yeah. Rain Thunderhead. That's it. And lemme tell you something buddy! Equestria has never been better since me–Uh, I mean, since Twilight and her friends came into my life!"
J. Pony Jameson: "Well Rain. Lemme set the records straight. Did crime exist before Twilight Sparkle and friends? Of course it did. But we're talking about two bit thugs! Suddenly, Twilight Sparkle appeared on the map, and then every megalomaniacs think it's fair to abuse their powers and destroy public properties! And I'm not talking about just one or two. OUR WHOLE KINGDOM IS INFESTED WITH THESE ABOMINATIONS!! First, there was Nightmare Moon. Then, we have a crazy, frustrated magician turned corrupted, homicidal megalomaniac dubbed the Great and Powerful Trixie! Oh, and don't forget our latest addition, Mr.What's-his-name in the Hunter Suit!"
Rainbow: "Uh, the Hunter?"
J. Pony Jameson: "YEAH! THAT'S THE GUY! You know, Princess Celestia may have been our ruler, alongside Princess Luna. But she did have some flaws, such as that fallen student of hers named Sunset Shimmer who chose the path of a demon sorceress. And then there was that loose cannon by the name Discord! And the Storm King's attack! And our latest case with another fallen Equestrian by the name of Fright! With every mistakes she's made and tried to hide, WE'RE THE ONES WHO HAVE TO PAY THE PRICES WITH OUR LIVES! Who knows what other kinds of terrible mistakes our supposed heroes have made that could threaten our way of life!"
Rainbow: "Okay, I get you! But in case you didn't know, Princess Celestia was trying to FIX her mistakes. And so is Twilight and the rest of us! Her friends! AND every pony else! We're all friends here, aren't we? I thought the magic of friendship meant that we're supposed to HELP each other! And isn't that what we're doing?"
J. Pony Jameson: "And that's where you are wrong. IF Twilight really was trying to, as you put it, FIX her mistakes. Then why is Spike still a prisoner of Fright? Why did she gave up on him? Seems to me that Twilight is just as misguided as the rest of you on the concept of friendship! From where I come from, friendship is about friendly neighbors greeting one another, taking care of each other, and standing together! NOT LEAVING SOMEONE IN THE DUST, OR IN THE DARK, OR TO DROWN! And I for one will not put my faith in the hooves of a pack of hypocrite traitors like the MANE SIX!!"
Rainbow: "Hey! We ALL wanted to help Spike! It's not like we–"
J. Pony Jameson: "I don't want to hear it! Look, Rain was it? I get that the magic of friendship tells that Twilight is in need of allies. But everyone she has ever been associated with are all caught in the lines of fire! It's IMPOSSIBLE for her worlds not to collide at some point! What Twilight and her friends should really do is to let the real professionals do their work, and let the fine noble dragons of Dragon Lord Ember take over WHEN THEY CAN!"
Rainbow: "The-the DRAGONS?!! But they–I mean, are they even the good guys?!"
J. Pony Jameson: "IS SPIKE?!"
Rainbow: "Uh, I mean, yeah of course Spike's a good guy. But–"
J. Pony Jameson: "And I'm sure his real dragon friends, like that Dragon Lord Ember, can find him a whole lot more effectively than Twilight and her delinquent friends ever could. My point is that this kingdom needs fine, upstanding creatures who are willing to make the world a better place. NOT DISASTER PRONE PUBLIC HAZARDS LIKE TWILIGHT SPARKLE AND FRIENDS! And that's the last word from me, J. Pony Jameson."
From Martin Li's book in Spider–Man PS4:
From Griffon the Brush Off
J. Pony Jameson: "Rainbow Dash, the Wonderbolt's latest rookie and flying disaster dubbed as – wait for it – Rainbow Crash. And there's Pinkie Pie, the Element of laughter and Ponyville's local party planner. Together, these two make one hell of a pranking duo. However, there's one type of prank they've committed that I for one find deeply disturbing. The victim of this certain prank is Princess Twilight's dragon assistant and the Crystal Empire's hero, Spike the Dragon."
"My sources have told me that both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had orchestrated a prank that involved a large storm cloud. Their intention was to scare the little, growing dragon, into having a hiccup. Reckless abandonment I tell you! What sort of twisted deviant thoughts run wild in these sick ponies mind? Now I'm glad that Spike is alright, and that he has my full sympathy to recover from this traumatic event. BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I'VE FORGIVEN RAINBOW CRASH AND PINKIE PIE!! They could've at least given him the classic snake in a cookie jar prank. But no! They resorted to using a large storm cloud that could've inflicted him with permanent burnt marks, or a heart attack, if it goes wrong! And Do you know what happens to a child like Spike who gets electrocuted with a combo of a heart attack? HE COULD'VE DIED!!!"
"Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie would've killed him on the spot and be charged for felony murder! Fortunately, Spike was alright and is still with us today. Because if it weren't for him, then Twilight Sparkle wouldn't be a princess today. But if Twilight had any sense, she would've kept both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie in line and prevented them from inflicting, or at least causing more traumas to Spike, if not the whole world that could result in DEATH!!!"
J. Pony Jameson: "Folks, you've no doubt heard the Changelings are right at the front of our doors, and even as we speak, they're hovering right above us, with their rogue leader, Queen Chrysalis. Now if you've done your homework, then you would know for a fact that these life-draining horsefly demons of Hades have the innate ability to change their appearances at anytime, anywhere! And before you start accusing, the J. Pony Jameson you're hearing this message is from the real McCoy!"
"What has become of our kingdom, mares and gentlecolts, when we have to fear our own children? Our neighbors? Our friends? Our husbands and wives? Be vigilant. Be on guard. And keep a close eye on that barista with the man-bun who is making your skinny latte. OR YOU COULD BE NEXT!"
J. Pony Jameson: "Friends, there's a fine line between being a conspiracy theorist and seeing a clear pattern. I walked that line. And I'm confident in perceiving a common thread among these attacks on the Elements of Harmony and Princess Celestia by Fright and the Changelings. The motive? For Fright to prove how cowardly Princess Celestia is and to wreck our kingdom. It's no accident that he's targeting both the pillars of our communities, the supposed great defenders of our kingdom, and the centre of our government! It's our very way of life that's under assault ....as I have always warned! If you had been listening to me, then you're ready! IF NOT.... then I'll pray for you."