Harmony Mouse

by ScarletRhine

Nightmare

In engineering, Pinkie stopped vibrating then said, “Girls, we have to give Alex a hug now!” The pink mare anthro then literary dove out through the hole where the ladder was. When Flora and Rarity got there there was no pink splatter at the bottom.

“I swear, Rina was Pinkie Pie from the get go, and her anthrofying was only a formality.” Rarity commented as she made her way to the bottom of the ladder to wait for the others. She and Flora descended spotted Pinkie heading toward a door at one end of the hallway behind Ayumi, Twilight, & Micaela. Both ran to the door.

What they saw chilled them. Inside there was a white pegasus with a black mane & tail and a burnt wing. What scared them was a grey furred Alex with partially flaming hair.
Daring Do, Starlight, and Ashley were hugging her.

Pinkie ran up to the hug and join saying, “Alex, don’t be a meanie! This is not you!” Alex's fur lightened and her hair became less fiery.

Flora put her hands to her lips. Tears formed in her eyes and she dashed up and hugged the mouse girl, saying, “Alex, stop it! Please, stop it!” Tears flowed from the butter yellow Pegasus said as she joined the hug.

Rarity was next to join the hug as she said, “Alex, darling, your making a scene! Please don’t do anything you’ll regret later, my friend! I’m sorry for my reaction when we first met in person. This THING you’re becoming isn’t the fabulous friend I met on the internet!”

“Come on Alex!” Micaela said. “You’re too awesome for this!” The rainbow maned mare joined the group hug, hugging Alex warmly.

Twilight gulped as she walked up and hugged Alex as she said, “We’re safe. Please don't let this happen. Put the nightmare to bed!” Alex’s fur was almost white and her hair had ceased being flames.

Ayumi then joined the group hug and said, “Control yourself. The nightmare isn’t all powerful!” At that moment Alex returned to normal. As soon as she was back to normal, she shrank back to mouse size and passed out.

“Is she going to be alright?” Flora asked. “She seems shaken up by this, Ayumi.” Alex’s face was grimacing in her sleep.

“I'm not sure.” Ayumi said “Nightmare forms aren't inherently evil; just manifestations of raw emotional energy. If someone becomes a Nightmare due to purely negative emotions like Mom and Mother, then they will lose their sanity and become true monsters. But, if they become one due to anger and an urge to protect, then they will only gain access to much more power and a brutal and vindictive mind against the people who are harming the beings that the Nightmare wishes to protect. Which mindset was she in when the change started, Darling?”

“Pissed off that they were planning to rape Ashley, Starlight and I.” Daring said from the hug. “She started changing when Chao…” She indicated the pegasus with the burnt wing. “Confirmed it.”

As they were talking Chao chose that moment to try to slip out without anyone noticing. Unfortunately for him, the burns from the fire demon caused him to groan out in pain as he tried to fold his wing back in, making Ayumi glare at him.

“Don’t fucking move! I’ll deal with you soon.” Was all he heard in his head as his body stopped moving under his own will.

“Yes Ma'am.” He said meekly

“Good” Ayumi turned to the others, her glare nonexistent.

“Then she’ll be fine. I just have to train her to control her emotions better.” Ayumi said with a smile “In all honesty when turning into a Nightmare like that it’s more of a Super Saiyan transformation in the way it affects a being’s personality. With both our chaos magics we can even access that power as well but we have to actively want it not just let our emotions take over. Kind a benefit of being demigods in a way.”

“Just what is Alex?” Starlight asked.

“She’s destined to be someone great but at this time she needs the training to control her vast power.” A voice and as the group heard hoofsteps approaching the room.

“I can only remain here for a limited time, but I’m Tempest’s second mother, the Luna of that world.” She said as she entered. “I felt the nightmare emerging from little Tempe here and her student while on the other side of the portal with mine daughter of that world monitoring how much of our worlds magic was flowing through now that the portal is constantly open. I rushed through hoping i wasn’t too late to prevent another Nova incident. And now knowing that you all are safe and why the two of you decided to tap into that power i’m sure that you’ll learn to control it with time after all the first nightmare was born of negative thoughts but your nightmares are a part of you.” Luna hugged Ayumi “I’ll stay here for now, but I’ll have to leave by night’s beginning; our Equestria needs at least one Night Queen to raise our moon.”

Alex groaned as she woke up. She slowly sat up but went “Eep!” when she saw Luna.

“Calm down Alex, it’s one of my other mom’s from Tempest’s timeline.” Ayumi said “She was worried about why she felt nightmare energy on this side of the portal and came through to check on us. They’re monitoring the flow of magic between their side and ours and Luna was helping out.”

“Indeed, young one, we just wanted to be sure that another incident like Nova never happens here, as even with the elements of harmony of this world the humans are woefully unprepared for that beast.” Luna said “And as we learned from mine daughter’s shout and this groups conversation you both happened to tap into the dark powers for the right reasons. Though we have to wonder how you gained a nightmare as only those with great power in magic can even glimpse this dangerous power.”

Alex sighed and said, “I’m the latest of a family that’s been on earth as the brief time Discord briefly tormented it. There were thirteen members in the party that banished him from earth 12,000 years ago. Magic has been apart of us since then.”

“My student,” Ayumi said “the fault is mine. When I gave you your alicorn magic by accident, it seems to have formed some sort of empathy bond between us. I noticed you were using my anger along with your own to fuel your transformation. This means that your magic must still have some of mine inside of it but i don’t think that’s a bad thing after all your cutie mark has mine and my sister's in it. meaning your linked to the Royal family in some way and the both of us much more specifically.”

“I’m going to have work harder on controlling my temper.” Alex sighed. “Luna, give me strength!”

Luna raised an eyebrow. “To which of Us are you asking, Young One?”

“I don’t know.” Alex said. “All I know is that feels natural for me to say that. For example, if the Castle of Friendship were to rise, and say Rarity and I saw it. She would say ‘Sweet Celestia’, yet I would say ‘Sweet Luna’ I think it's because I am naturally nocturnal and most ponies are diurnal."

“We thank you for the compliment all the same, young one.” Luna said “ever since mine and Selene’s return we have noticed that more ponies pray to us than my sister on our world. But we are glad that people in this world do so as well.” Luna walked over to Alex and levitated her up to eye level. “If you and your family ever need it my blessing is with you now.”

Using her ki, Alex created a floating disk then used it to respectfully bow to Luna. “Thank you my Queen of the Night. It lightens my heart that my family now has your blessing to balance out the curse my family has carried for 12,000 years.”

Daring Do then stepped up to place her palm under Alex and smiled at the adventurous mouse. She then said, “Princess, may I ask a favor?”

Ashley took out her lasso, “Perhaps we should tie that there varmint up ‘til we can have a chance t’ talk to him more civil like?”

“I’m interrogating him using my genjutsu based illusion spell as we speak.” Ayumi said “Look at his eyes they’re moving in rem patterns showing he’s in a dreamlike state. I started it when i glared at him earlier.”

“If you want a blessing on your child, Tempest is better suited for that.” Luna said. “In fact we think your Tempest would be proud to be the godmother.”

Ashley sighed, “Ah’m just glad Alex is back to her old self again. P’rhaps we should continue lookin’ fer Mage Meadowbrook’s satchel? We were lookin’ f’r this here satchel before those thugs tried to attack us.”

Daring Do blushed at Luna’s comment. “I-it’s not for me. Its for Alex. Princess, can you tell me if she and this Hak Foo are the only cutie marked mice?”

“While we held the element of honesty before dame Applejack, we have no idea if there are others as we have never met others on our Equiss.” Luna said. “That does not mean there are none; just that we have not personally met others.”

Daring Do sighed before saying, “I can’t believe Alex & Hak Foo are the only ones of their race. It’ll be a heartless joke if events brought forth a new race only for it to die out within two generations of it coming into existence.”

Alex took a deep breath and said, “I’m going the room on the opposite side and search it.” She then hopped down and walked out.

“Need any help?” Rarity asked.

“No.” Alex replied. “I also need time to think and the distance will give me that." She opened and closed the door as she left the room.

“I hope she doesn’t do anything rash.” Flora said waiching the mouse girl leave. “She sounded and looked down.”

“Well, duh.” Micaela said.

Alex walked down the corridor towards what was believed to be the mess hall. Several things had fallen into place. The fact that Hak Foo had become a cutie marked mouse male. Her being in heat. Hak Foo being more interested in breeding her. Her suffering from breeding paralysis when she caught his scent. It all added up to something wanting her race to exist.

It was something she could agree with but, Hak Foo as the Adam of the cutie marked mice didn’t sit right with her. And, he hadn’t earned his cutie mark yet. She sighed as she thought about it. Hak Foo was fit and strong in body and spirit. But how strong was he magically? His fitness showed that he would sire healthy and strong young. His lack of cutie mark told her he hadn’t found his special talent.

Suddenly Hak Foo himself, dropped down and said, “We meet again, Eve. Now let us start increasing the chances of our survival as a species.” He moved closer and she could smell his scent and felt her amulet prevent breeding paralysis. When he was close enough, she did a spin kick to his groin.

Hak Foo cried out and fell to his knees, clutching his family jewels. She strode up to him then said, “Do you think I’ll let a male that hasn’t got his cutie mark breed me?” She then showed Hak Foo her cutie mark and added, ”Until you get your cutie mark I will not let you put ANY buns in my oven! And don’t cheat by getting your shoulders tattooed!”

Hak Foo slowly got up and asked, “How do I get one, then?”

“I don’t know.” she admitted, her ears wilting.

He got up and bowed saying, “Then I accept your challenge! I will not return without it. And when I return with my mark, I expect to put one or more buns in your oven.”

The moment he was out of sight Alex jumped at the sound of applause. She spun around and took a step back in surprise at seeing everybody there.

“Masterful way you handled that ruffian!” Rarity cheered.

Darring let out a concerned sigh. “Though, I’m not exactly keen on that challenge you gave him…” Her eyes bore into Alex, causing her to shift about uncomfortably. Darring shook her head. “It is what it is, though.”

As Alex was about to explain, Micaela jumped to her defence. “Hey, at least it got rid of him! Can’t argue with what gets results.”

Alex smirked and said, “I only gave facts. As a female of my awakening species, I have to select a male that’ll give my young the greatest chance at survival. Hak Foo is a bare blade and as such not even in the running, in spite of being the only male of our species.”

Twilight’s eyes widened in a sudden realization, “We left Cattail and the fillies outside. The Dark Hand might’ve…” She began.

“Don’t worry, Miss Radderson. They never even saw us.” Cattail said as he and the CMC stepped away from the ladder. “In case you forgot, airboats are not exactly silent. We heard their approach long before we saw them. We hid behind the wreck in my airboat before they came into view.”

Darring smiled as she said, “I was wondering why they didn't try to use hostages. Turns out that they didn't have any.”

Ashley went up to hug Apple Bloom and encouraged Micaela and Rarity to do the same for their sisters. “Ah’m so proud o’ ya gals, stayin’ out o’ trouble. Ah hope they weren’t any trouble, Cattail?”

Ayumi whispered in Daring’s ear. “If you want, I can use some changeling magic on myself or you to go mouse form to breed Alex. The changelings in my timeline change down to the DNA when switching species. Though I should warn you if I use changeling magic on you there might be major risks.i’ll explain what could happen when we talk with Alex.it concerns your kid.”

That’s fair though your offer would certainly put my mind at ease.” The Equestrian adventuress replied. “I don’t want that mouse anywhere near our foal. The child or children would be able to gain Cutie Marks, I hope.”

Cattail smiled at Ashley and said, “They were full of questions, and they behaved themselves.”

“We’ll see if Alex likes the idea later. Right now I need to talk to her about her Nightmare, Alice.” Ayumi said “If she does agree then I’m blessing both our kids. Though I’ll bless yours no matter what.”

As Ayumi and Daring Do had their little meeting about Alex, Rarity and Micaela embraced their sisters.

“Hope you were awesome, squirt!” Micaela said as she hugged Scootaloo and then ruffled her mane.

“You betcha!" Scootaloo replied.

“I hope you were a proper lady, dear?” Rarity asked Sweetie Belle.

Nodding, Sweetie smiled. “Yes ma'am.” she replied.

With the relieved reunions over, the entire party split up to check the remaining rooms, Ayumi Luna, and Daring remaining with Alex while Twily, AJ, Rainbow, and Rarity went to check the cargo hold. Starlight, Trixie, Cattail, and the others decided to check in the general area outside the airship for a place to camp and to make sure there were no other areas where the satchel could be hidden.

“Hold up!” Ayumi shouted to the group heading out “if you’re heading out there, I think Spike should accompany you.” In a flash of green dragonfire, said dragon appeared.

“Lady Tempest, you called?” Spike said.

“Yeah, can you and Barb help them check the surrounding area? We had a run in with the Black Hand and Umbra Mortis. I just want to be safe and knowing my dragon knights are protecting my family puts me at ease.”

“Ok! Barb and I will keep them safe just don’t take too long in here; I’m worried they might try again.”

As the two dragons left Alex hopped down to the deck. The Cargo hold showed the eerie state the crashed airship was in. Crates still in the spots they were placed in when the ship was launched and nothing to indicate what happened. The four of them then began the search. Ayumi and Luna using magic to scan and lift things, Daring Do flying to look at areas that were too high and Alex checking out areas that were too small for the others to go.

An hour later they had searched everywhere and haven’t found anything save two bottles of Coca Cola cerca 1939.

Alex sat on Daring Do’s shoulder as she pouted about their apparent failure. She activated her Alicorn magic and flew around the cargo hold. As she flew around at mouse size, she couldn't put her paw on it but she had a feeling she was missing something was being overlooked. At her current size and species, she was overlooked frequently, which meant she could be putting herself in grave danger.. “Sensei! Twi! Daring! I’m going to release a pulse of mixed chaos and Alicorn magic watch for anything that might glow.”

Ayumi looked towards her student and asked, “Why are you doing that?”

“There is a perception filter on the satchel’s hiding place.”replied Alex. “ If we keep looking for the satchel’s hiding place, we will never find it. So I am using the principles behind sonar and radar to expose the filter itself and in doing so find the hiding place.”

The two sisters both face palmed as they realised what Alex was referring to.

Daring got under the flying mouse ready to catch her.

Alex curls up then stretches out and a multicolored pulse leave her body and expands past the cargo hold’s walls. A lone box sitting all alone begins to glow. Alex then drops into Daring Do’s waiting hands.

Ayumi waked over to the and noticed that the closer she got to it the more she felt that the box was of no importance. When she was close enough, she used her magic to open it. A multicolored pulse left the box and the airship as the perception filters were dispelled.

Ayumi looked inside and saw a simple emerald green healer’s bag. When she picked it up a folded traveling journal fell out.

Alex asked “Was I right?”

“Indeed, you uncovered Meadowbrook's satchel, and removed the spells hiding other artifacts aboard this ship as well.” Luna said “It seems Meadowbrook’s journal fell out as well.”

“I did all that?” Alex said in surprise. “I did that pulse hoping to just reveal the hiding place.”

Nodding, Luna continued. “Your magic is strong, and still sometimes has unintended results. But do not be disheartened, this is quite the boon. Though the satchel is what you came for, the other artifacts aboard this ship will be easier to obtain if you return here. It is ill-advised to go after them right now, though. It seems the paths to those artifacts are guarded by long-dormant traps that have sprung to life. It’s best that you leave the artifacts for when you are better prepared to tackle the obstacles.”

Alex hopped down from Daring’s hand and walked to the journal but yeeped as Luna scooped her up in her telekinesis and placed in her hand. “How can dispelling not one, but multiple Perception filters, not to mention activating dormant traps, be considered a boon?”

Smiling a little at that, Luna explained. “The artifacts themselves would be useful, should you seek them out. However, the traps are there because not just anyone should be able to get possession of them. Even though you are proficient in adventuring, I think the traps in place are a little out of your league at the present time.”

“Ugh!” Alex grumbled. “I can’t seem to go on an adventure without encountering some kind of setback!”

Luna set both the satchel and Alex down. Alex then walked up to the satchel and reached out to touch it. The moment she touched it, a cloud of glitter was expelled from the satchel and enveloped her entire frame.

The next instant Alex was grown to human size. Unfortunately destroying the current set of clothes she was wearing.

---

Outside, the other anthros heard an ear- piercing scream. “AGAIN! WHY!?”

---

Inside Alex just sat down in the hold and pouted. She was nude, surrounded by pieces of her destroyed outfit. Daring walked up to her and hugged her. Alex grumbled, “It seems that my curse is trying to kill me from embarrassment.”

Removing her jacket and placing it around Alex’s shoulders, Daring smiled gently. “Take heart. At least it’s just us girls here.” She lifted Alex’s chin, and chuckled a little. “Maybe you should get your clothes enchanted, so they don’t break on you next time.”

Alex nodded as she replied, “I’d better. That was the second set that was destroyed by a sudden size change.”

Putting a finger to her muzzle, Darring posed a question. “What was the deal with that glitter, anyway?”

“I honestly don't know.” Alex replied. “It came from the satchel when touched it.” Alex scrunched her face and concentrated. Alex’s eyes lit up and a emerald aura appeared around her hands. An identical aura appeared around all the pieces of her clothes and floated in front of her. They then came together and in an emerald flash they were a whole set of clothes.

Alex then shrank back to mouse size after putting the satchel on. As she put on her restored clothes, she noticed Ayumi and Twilight had puzzled looks on their faces, while Luna and Daring were thoughtful. Ayumi then realized what was most likely going on. “You weren’t able to use that spell the last time this happened, remember? Maybe that glitter cloud somehow gave a little jumpstart to your magic skills? Maybe now, you can use spells that you couldn’t before. It would just take a little concentration to pull them off, is all.”

“Well that’s a time saver.” Alex said as she carefully adjusted the size of her clothes with her magic as she slowly eased herself to return to human size. She then sat on a crate and said. “Now that that’s out of the way, who’s Alice?”

Jabbing a thumb in Ayumi’s direction, Darring spoke up. “She said something about a Nightmare mode of yours, or something. Didn’t quite understand the whole jist of it, but that’s what she told us.”

Turning to Ayumi, Alex asked her teacher a question. “I thought that Nightmares didn’t have a name until they manifested?”

Seeing her confusion, Ayumi explained. “That’s the case most of the time, yes. But on rare occasions, Nightmare entities will choose their own name before fully manifesting. Most do allow their… host… to create the name, but others just won’t wait that long. I mean, most concur that Nightmare Moon came up with her own name, so that’s quite the example.”

“But Why Alice?” Alex asked. “That’s what has me puzzled.”

“Have you ever meet an anthro Nightmare Moon in your dreams?” Luna asked “Mine Wife looks much more like our nightmare form than We do.”

Alex nodded. “At Sparkle's place in Radderson’s place on my first night down under.” She replied. “She called me Alice.”

“Then she sensed the good half of the Nightmare in you, and gave it and you her name.” Luna said “Selene also can access the aspects of the dreamscape, so she’d be able to feel the young but powerful dark core within you.”

They all turned when they heard steps announce somebody come into the room. It was Maestro who’d popped onto the scene, and he sighed. “Good Nightmare entities… I think they should be given a different name, just to differentiate them from the malicious ones. It’d save us a load of headache trying to explain it every time we brought them up. How about…” Mulling it over for a moment, his face lit up as he thought of a fitting moniker. “Daydream entities. Much less negative connotations that come with that name.” He then pulled out a compass of sorts, which glowed. “Now… where are you taking me…?”

The others were uncertain of why he was even here, but before he could leave, Twilight caught his attention. “A moment, if you would, Maestro?” He paused, and gestured for her to continue. “Why are you here right now? I thought you’d be with the others and Xavier?”

Putting away the compass for the moment, Maestro turned to Twilight. “I’ve been searching for something. Something that could prove to be an ace up our sleeve in the days to come. I enchanted a compass to lead me to strong magical items or places, but no luck so far.” he shook his head and sighed. “Honestly, I thought that I’d find something useful by now… Maybe this ship has something….” He took out the compass again. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ll be on my way…” He lowered his hand that held the compass for a moment. “Unless somebody here wants some… enchantments cast?”

Alex summoned her remaining mouse sized outfits to her and a golden orb. “Could you enchant these so they fit me regardless of my size?” She asks. “You can have this Fearunian Mana globe as payment.”

Raising an eyebrow, Maestro used his magic to levitate the golden orb to himself. “Fearunian? Rare stuff, at least these days.” In a flash of turquoise, he summoned his portfolio, and opened it up. The orb shrunk in size as it was swallowed by the portfolio. He teleported his portfolio away, and took a look at the clothes. Spreading the glow of magic to his right hand, he started tracing a symbol mid-air.

“Hey, when you belong to a 12,000 year…” Alex started.

Shushing her, Maestro resumed his work. “I really don’t need to know. At least, not right now. Let me work.” Turning his focus back to the spell, he pushed out that voice again. He traced a symbol that looked like a small figure over a bigger one, which was over another slightly bigger one, which in turn was in front of a giant figure, all within a circle. He focused as he placed the enchantment on the first piece, and then painstakingly recreated it for each piece. All the while, the voice tried to distract him, but he would not be deterred by any force, be they internal or external. Eventually, he finished enchanting all the pieces. But before he gave them back, he had to make certain of something. “Alright. They should be good, but just to make sure…” Tapping into a bit of chaos magic, he snapped his fingers, and a life-like doll of Alex filled the clothes. With another spell, he made the doll grow instantaneously to human size. The clothes reshaped their size, just as they were supposed to. Using the spell to shrink the doll provided similar results. Satisfied, Maestro dispersed the doll out of existence, and levitated the clothes back to Alex. “Alright. All done. Sorry about cutting you off earlier. I just prefer to work while people don’t talk at me.” Once all the clothes were back with Alex, he spoke once more. “Those enchantments will last you a lifetime and beyond, guaranteed.”

“I understand.” Alex replied before sending her wardrobe back.

Dusting off the compass, Maestro smiled. “I best be on my way. I’ll be seeing you guys later.” The compass blinked its glow in a certain direction, and Maestro was about to be on his way. “Hmm… I may have results yet!”

But, before he could leave, Ayumi addressed him. “Wait.” Turning back at the edge of the room to face her, he sighed, and gestured for her to continue. “Maestro, you’ve been a great help, but something bothers me. I’ve seen with the weave, and it seems… you’re still hiding something from us. Why? Don’t you trust us? Aren’t we your friends?”

Pausing for a moment, Maestro looked a tad darker in coloration than earlier. “Tell me… what did you see with that weave of yours to give you that idea? A snippet of before I reveal this supposed ‘secret’?” at her nod, he continued. “Did you see anything else?” She shook her head, and he calmed down, his colors returning to normal. He sighed. “Look… I do have more secrets. But… I just…. I don’t feel that I can… trust you with them… yet. I’ll get to that in my own time, not before.”

Alex frowned as she said, “Unless more harm is done by revealing it. I feel you should try and trust us.”

For a moment, everything was silent. Then, Maestro started to… laugh? “Trust? Just given away?” He shook his head as he calmed himself. “Sorry. Not gonna happen, at least not from me, let alone the rest of my family. Sure, you know that the four of us are hybrids, and that we have capabilities that we shouldn’t, but what else do you know? Nothing, and for good reason. Sure, it’s not like the family secret’s are all that ‘dangerous’, per say, but not just anyone can be trusted. Sure, I’ve told you some of the history of the Star Clan, but practically nothing of the pony counterpart. It’s an old family. Older than you think.”

“12,000 of experience has taught the Viator Clan to use a balanced policy for trust. *Sigh* I’ll trust you that the pony portion must remain unknown for now.”

Blinking for a moment, Maestro considered Alex. 12,000 years was nothing, compared to his legacy. He shook his head. She had a point about trust, he knew that, but… it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks. He chuckled mirthlessly. “There may come a day where you know all about my family. Or perhaps it will never come. Who is to say? I’ll keep your advice in mind. Maybe it’ll help keep him at bay…” He shakes his head. “I’ve got to clear my head of these Cacophonous thoughts. I’ll see you around.” He walks away, muttering to himself. “The future… what does it have in store…?”

“May your path be clear of foes.” Alex says as she waved farewell.

For a moment, Ayumi mulled over something. “What is with him and mentioning- and emphasizing- the word cacophony? He’s mentioned it a few times more recently, ever since his reunion with Brianna…”

“That’s the first time I remember him saying it. Anyhow. I was wondering what Daring asked you earlier, all I know it had something to do about me.” Alex said.

Concerned that Alex had decided to just disregard that word entirely, Ayumi was about to explain, but thought better of it. It was clear to her that Alex wasn’t interested in what this might mean, so Ayumi decided to answer her question instead. “I offered to use changeling magic to turn Daring or I into a Cutie Marked mouse so that we could give you a kid instead of Foo. Though using my magic on Daring is a risk.”

Ashley sighed, “Okay, so we have Mage Meadowbrook’s satchel, which Ah believe has been entrusted to Alex. Ya can store any of yer items in the satchel, like yer school books or other things.”

“Sensei I am having a tough time thinking about anything but intimate time and about carrying a new generation of my kind into this world.” Alex said. “But she would have to futanari. Hmm. Then again, it would only be fair if she put a bun in my oven after I put one in hers when I was still a male.” A devilish grin at the thought of denying Foo a chance for his bloodline continuing through hers. “Although I think you're attractive Sensei, I think we should at least know each other better before I could take you up on your half of the offer.”

“I'm only suggesting it because Changeling magic might have some serious side effects on pregnant ponies.” Ayumi said “And one of the better known ones is miscarriage. The odds of that happening rise exponentially the further along the pregnancy is. While I'm not willing to risk your kid but this is Daring's decision I'm just making sure you understand the risks using Changeling magic this late into her pregnancy.”

'I knew that I recognized Maestro's name!’ Ayumi thought as the implications of having a multidimensional malevolent monster try to get to her or her friends hit her harder than tirek did during their battle in hell. 'I hope that our Maestro doesn't try to become The Maestro from all those stories, cause if that happens, I will have to let Nova’s true form out of the cage. I'm not sure that our timeline is stable enough for that kind of battle.’

“Crap.” Alex said. “So do I.”

Daring sighed, then said, “My foal’s going to be their life when they get old enough. So I would be honored to have you sire Alex’s child.”

“As would I, sensei.” Alex said.

Alex sat down and hugged herself as the memories of her interrupted transformation hit her. Luna sat next her and said, “What troubles you, young Traveler?”

The mouse adventuress sighed and said, “It’s Alice even partially formed she scares me.” She shivers and adds, “Her voice was so… hallow in sound.”

“That’s a good thing young one if she sounds hollow that means she has no power as of the moment.” Luna said “She wanted to sleep meaning she does not want to interfere.”

“I’m scared of what she’d do when she fully manifests.”

“Mine own nightmare can not be formed without mine better half Selene but i do have some nightmare magic with me and we can sense yours.” Luna said “your dark core is much less violent than ours. If we had to guess your alice is more of a protective being than Moon or Nova that may be because she started manifesting from your protective rage. Have faith and remember that even demons were once angels.”

“She would've tortured Chao.” Alex half sobbed, “Turned both his wings to ash painfully.”

“Is that any better than what I’m putting him through?” Ayumi asked “Hell ,that’s exactly what the spell I’m using does, torture the one it’s cast upon ‘till they break and give up their info. The only difference is that the damage isn’t physical, but mental. And as my saying goes, ‘I’ll become a monster to keep those that I care about safe’. That’s exactly what I am, I don’t deny it. But just like the Hulk is a monster who fights for good, I try to do the same. Fight to save those who can’t save themselves.”

Alex relaxed a bit then says, “Like sensei, like student I guess.” She then stands up and hugs Luna and Ayumi. “Thanks.”

Several minutes later the group was back in the humvee heading back to home. Chao had been dropped off at ranger station so he could get medical attention for his burnt wing. The day had been fruitful and they were looking forward to a least one calm day

In the shadows of a large rock formation, a pair of glowing eyes could be seen. A moment later Valmont steps into view, before tar appears to flow out of his eyes and over his body, replacing Valmont with the pony of shadows. “I will be avenged.” He says with his eyes glowing when he finishes.

---

Meanwhile, back in the ship…

Stumbling around, Maestro finds an oval-shaped body-length mirror. “Hm? The compass points to here…” He ventures into the room, and calls upon his magic as he touches the mirror. He gasps as he reads the enchantments on the mirror. “That can’t be right… that mirror should still be in Equestria…” He delves deeper, looking through the connectivity of the mirror’s anchored portal. “Okay so… you don’t connect to Pastel Human land… But you connect to…” His hand leaps away as he gasps. He backs away. “A Mirrorworld. Where everything is inverted… Good people over here are bad over there, and vice-versa…” He shook his head. “This thing’s more trouble than it’s worth… it may be dormant for now, but I best ensure that nobody messes with it…” lighting his horn once more, he constructed a sealing spell. Carefully, he intermingled the new spell with the framework of the mirror. Using the enchantments that were already there, he siphoned off energy from them to power the seal. He cut his spell, and sighed. “Wasn’t what I was looking for, not by a long shot… Better search elsewhere.” he then walked off, to attend important business.

Author's Note:

YIPE!

Nightmare Alice almost made an appearance.

ALL HAIL GROUPS HUGS!!!

Comments

[Raven dove]

hi its good working with you

[ScarletRhine]

Thanx