In light of the plot-twist of the previous Cinematic Adventure, we have reasons to believe there are IMPOSTERS AMONG US!

We advise everyone to keep an eye out for anyone SUS and report for any suspicious activity at once!

There are TWO imposters and one of them is Cora Mills!

She’s already got Daring Do!

Now she could be anyone else!

I don’t know who the second imposter may be, so be careful!

We need to get our tasks done!

So, our Equestrian heroes have crossed paths with Judge Turpin already. I'm surprised they didn't notice the resemblance between him and Snape.

11634487

Yeah, and gotta say I really don’t like Turpin

11634476
You got it, Phantom! Will be sure to keep a eye out for any suspicious activity

*snrk* I wholeheartedly approve of Chrysalis's disguise.

Edit: And I only realized after how it might affect Sweeney! Very nice detail!

No place like London indeed. The capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom in general, it's also one of the world's major global cities with diverse cultures encompassing over 300 languages and has four World Heritage Sites (The Tower of London, Kew Gardens, the combined Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St. Margaret's Church, and the historic settlement in Greenwich (Among other notable landmarks). Some definitely find it a sight to behold... but for others, it offers only horrible memories.

On one side of the field, our heroes find themselves meeting a lovely yet trapped maiden under the iron clasp of a cold-hearted judge who is more connected to this adventure than they realize. While they try to make themselves at home in this harsh landscape, we learn that Chrysalis has made her way to this realm under a human disguise and already is forming an alliance with a barber with nefarious intents of his own upon returning to London after exile. What will come when their paths eventually cross? We shall see.

Excellent start! I wonder how our two groups will meet? We'll just have to wait and see!

A great gust of wind blew through the air, as the crystal portal opened up allowing the Mane Six and Spike to emerge. As the portal closed around them, the girls and Spike looked around noting that they stood in what appeared to be a dark alley. The giant stone walls of the buildings surrounding them only had narrow walkways in between them upon which they stood. The only source of light for the moment was the single streetlamp at the end of the alley. The rolling sound of thunder drew their attention, their eyes gazing toward the sky blackened by dark clouds. Needless to say, wherever they ended up this time, it was most certainly a rather gloomy place.

“Yeesh, this place is depressing,” Rainbow voiced her honesty.

“What did you expect, silly filly?” Pinkie giggled. “That’s the atmosphere of almost ‘every’ Tim Burton movie or T.V. show. Except the brightly colorful ones.”

“… What?”

“Never mind.”

“My stars! These dresses are simply divine!” Rarity said adoringly, eyeing herself.

Everypony else, including Spike, looked down and noticed they had assumed their human forms again. Additionally, the girls were dressed in the most beautiful dresses they’d ever seen. As for Spike himself, he was dressed in a simple gray trench coat, a white dress shirt, charcoal grey dress pants, matching shoes, and a top hat.

camo.fimfiction.net/IWP3ZctqxHFz0bssr6MzCFmUHx-mO9b6yvKJTY32KU4?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2zvlj-dc2836f2-6af3-4544-a91a-b6e70be192a2.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYyenZsai1kYzI4MzZmMi02YWYzLTQ1NDQtYTkxYS1iNmU3MGJlMTkyYTIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.Yunk3FcICqOnAMNyTaoe9XjXuhm7vkkvnRhx2UnP1Y4
camo.fimfiction.net/xMU_AdYnb_adsXT5Ho70QqvGdMnRM73lAmH2BP4aezU?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2tjgv-0e816ec2-2937-40bc-b1fc-0e6d6ec1566f.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYydGpndi0wZTgxNmVjMi0yOTM3LTQwYmMtYjFmYy0wZTZkNmVjMTU2NmYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.6kjHxGN1yVPNGy4nv7I8t_g0sKGrTauyI5YlfhokA7Y
camo.fimfiction.net/85jj0z5bIBPYiseDDgRsDDcd83m1AgjxZKZAuA0l1Ac?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q728-571f2a5d-63a1-428e-b2d2-a19366023322.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTcyOC01NzFmMmE1ZC02M2ExLTQyOGUtYjJkMi1hMTkzNjYwMjMzMjIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.LcK3N9sA0tagLuSM4foD9IpdEtFv6KOGoSHsPMJ_Shg
camo.fimfiction.net/OFsP9r8W38cQbKAIrJC-68ZKXZ-nLDDUCZbgfBz6n2I?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q9yk-ac9093c5-b952-4a79-939b-053658628b86.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTl5ay1hYzkwOTNjNS1iOTUyLTRhNzktOTM5Yi0wNTM2NTg2MjhiODYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.T7APeV5HCYaYiFrCt4nTMQF_kYuc0JS34JJfWFo5RMk
camo.fimfiction.net/LZyXUA9PrQyLvNISj8fCICD0oWqYMlyaFEzxNTOz4DM?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0qld6-ebcc8f8c-730f-466c-ba1f-2c747991f687.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcWxkNi1lYmNjOGY4Yy03MzBmLTQ2NmMtYmExZi0yYzc0Nzk5MWY2ODcucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.B0eAwXFJ3H6YM5BBKTmqg4q6tExzja_wj6xcrMthfss
camo.fimfiction.net/K9YSaVhWGJYAhH3reIV6ecBYneHHttgFRI1lkH--aXw?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0x9ob-0225ead7-4344-4b3b-808b-86a80e8a4b3c.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcweDlvYi0wMjI1ZWFkNy00MzQ0LTRiM2ItODA4Yi04NmE4MGU4YTRiM2MucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.rZs6zjdQDuog3ewWa_v8RSp2rdLiPU8PeWtOvOzp8v4

“Oh my, these dresses are very pretty!” Fluttershy smiled, twirling about.

“Ugh, why does it always to be dresses?” Rainbow complained, trying to scratch herself. “They’re always so itchy and uncomfortable.”

“That may be true sugarcube, but it sure hugs ya in all the right ways,” Applejack smirked toward her marefriend.

This caused Rainbow Dash to give a playful look.

“The same could be said for you, sweet Apple,” Rainbow replied. “I guess I can bare wearing this mummy outfit as long as you do too.”

“For you, ah’d wear it furever,” Applejack smiled back.

Sonata and I were in human form and gained fancy looking clothes as well.

Just as the two leaned in for a kiss, Twilight Sparkle stepped between them.

“Now’s not the time,” Twilight informed them. “We must figure out where we are and for that matter ‘why’ we’re here.”

“Where do you think we ended up this time?” Spike asked.

“Give me a minute, Spike.”

Twilight Sparkle stepped out from between Applejack and Rainbow Dash, holding her hands in front of her. Channeling all her magic, she pinpointed her location spell to visualize the layout of the landscape. Eventually, she snapped her eyes open and dropped her hands back aside with a deep sigh.

“Looks like we’re in London, England during the Victorian Era,” Twilight informed them. “That was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from June 20^th of 1837 until her death on January 22^nd of 1901. It was mostly characterized by a class-based society, a growing number of people being able to vote, and…”

“Ugh, it hurts!” Rainbow groaned, massaging her temples.

“What’s the matter?” Rarity asked. “Splitting headache?”

“Just the sound of egghead talk,” Rainbow pointed at Twilight.

Sonata Dusk: What's so wrong with that?

Me: What she said.

Just as Twilight Sparkle was about to argue back, Fluttershy quickly stepped between them before chaos erupted.

“Let’s not start another argument girls,” Fluttershy pleaded. “We must figure out why we’re here and put a stop to it. I think we should get out of this dark alley before we run into anything dangerous.”

“She’s right, we should go,” Rarity agreed.

“How are we supposed tah know where tah go?” Applejack asked.

Just then, the group froze as their ears were drawn to a sound emanating from the distance. And yet, it was so relaxing… in fact, they realized what they were hearing was a melody.

“What is that?” Spike questioned. “It’s like hearing an angel singing.”

“You’re right, Spike,” Twilight responded. “That sounds like humming. We should see who it is. Maybe they can help us figure our way around here.”

Me: Lead the way then, Twi. *watches the surroundings for anything suspicious.

Twilight Sparkle proceeded to take her lead out of the alley while the rest of her friends followed closely behind. Eventually, they reached the end of the alleyway noting the giant stone wall opposite the small side street. Whomever was humming appeared to be on the other side of this high wall. The group quickly made their way toward the wall, taking measurements of the height of the structure itself.

“How the hay are we climbing this?” Applejack asked.

“If some of us had our wings, we could fly everyone up there,” Rainbow replied.

“Unfortunately, that ain’t the case right now, hun.”

“What do you think, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight Sparkle looked up once more as she examined the high wall. Just then, an idea suddenly popped into her head. Holding up her hands, she focused her magic and conjured a glowing magical staircase that led right toward the top of the wall.

“Show off,” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Yippee!” Pinkie cheered gleefully. “Last one up’s a rotten hayburger!”

Sonata Dusk: You're on!

Me: *catching Sonata by the hand* Actually, Sonata and I will keep watch for any trouble that might come.

Sonata Dusk: Awwwww....

Twilight: Thanks, Cinema.

Pinkie Pie proceeded to bounce her way up the stairs, while the rest of the group followed behind. Soon as they reached the top of the wall, they peeked over to the other side. The wall happened to surround a large garden just outside a stately-looking house. At the center of the garden was a large marble fountain where a young girl was sitting. She was dressed in a lovely blue dress, her long golden hair curled down her back. Apparently, it was her doing the humming as she sat at the fountain reading a little book.

“Well, now we know where the humming came from,” Spike realized. “She certainly knows her melodies.”

“Indeed, she does!” Rarity nodded in agreement. “I’d dare say she’d make a wonderful addition to the Ponytones.”

“You reckon she might know her way around these parts?” Applejack asked Twilight Sparkle.

“She might,” Twilight Sparkle guessed. “But we must be casual about this just the same. We’re strangers here and she might not take likely of us…”

“Hey! Miss singer lady!”

The girls and Spike gasped in horror, as the girl briefly looked up from her book toward the wall. Before her eyes, she saw six ladies and a man looking over the wall. One of the ladies, a pink-toned girl, casually waved toward the girl with a smile. The girl reeled back with a shriek and dropped her book. The sudden cry made Pinkie Pie slip forward down the wall.

“WHOOAAAAAAA… OOF!!!”

Luckily for Pinkie Pie, she happened to land in a bush of roses that happened to be along the wall… but still, a rough landing all the same. The girl looked with wide eyes, breathing heavily, as she watched the poofy-haired maiden lift herself out of the bush and brushed the loose leaves and flower petals off her dress and her hair casually.

“I’m okay…” Pinkie Pie smiled.

“You shouldn’t be here!” The girl warned frightened. “You need to leave now!”

“Oh, we are very sorry about that miss,” Spike called out. “Everything’s all right.”

“Please don’t hurt me!” She backed away.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Twilight assured.

The remainder of the girls carefully climbed down the wall, along with Spike. The girl stood by the fountain. On one hand, she could’ve taken off and called someone right away. But judging by her expression, she seemed trapped… like she should get back in the house… and yet she didn’t want to. The girls carefully approached the girl, with Twilight Sparkle taking the lead.

“I’m very sorry about my friend,” Twilight apologized, on Pinkie’s behalf. “We really didn’t mean to startle you. We’re not looking to cause any harm, honest.”

Though still cautious, the girl picked herself up so she could get a better look at the group before her. They certainly didn’t seem dangerous, albeit they were the strangest looking people she’d ever seen. They seemed to wear the attire much like all the people who crossed the street, yet she could tell there was something… ‘off’ just the same.

“I’ve never seen you around here before,” Johanna admitted. “Who are you?”

“We’re just some strangers passing through,” Twilight Sparkle assured. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends: Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy. And of course, you’ve already met Pinkie Pie.”

“Nice to meet you!” Pinkie smiled, holding out her hand.

She held her hand out eagerly to receive a warm shake from the blonde-haired girl. But she just looked at the hand, then up toward Pinkie’s smiling face.

“Don’t leave me hanging…” Pinkie gestured.

After a momentary period of hesitation, the girl slowly grasped Pinkie’s hand and shook it.

“Johanna… my name’s Johanna,” The girl answered softly. “Forgive me, but… I wasn’t expecting company. I thought you were criminals.”

“Oh, we’re not criminals Miss Johanna,” Fluttershy reassured. “Though I can understand why you felt that way. It’s just that we heard you singing, and we couldn’t help but—”

“You… enjoyed my singing?” Johanna asked.

“It was very lovely,” Rarity replied. “Are you classically trained?”

“No… it’s just a little something I’ve learned to pass the time. It gets lonely in that house, even around people.”

“I see…” Twilight nodded, understanding. “Anyways, the reason we came here is because we were hoping to see more of the town. If you’re not too busy, maybe you could show us around?”

“You mean… leave?” Johanna asked, nervously. “Oh no… no, I am never allowed to leave the house… much less, I shouldn’t even be out here. Least… not by myself.”

“That’s okay,” Pinkie Pie nodded, understanding. “Maybe we can just stay in the house. And if absolutely necessary, we’ll work for our bed and board.”

“Even if I would welcome you to, I can’t do that either,” Johanna shook her head. “We don’t allow guests staying in our house.”

“What do you mean, kid?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You’re Dad doesn’t like you talking to strangers?”

“Not… exactly.”

“Well… surely you must know some place around here where we could stay,” Twilight Sparkle suggested hopefully. “I’d hate for us to spend the next few nights on the street.”

“I... I do recall some boarding homes around Fleet Street,” Johanna pondered. “I’ve never been there myself, but perhaps—"

“Johanna!”

Every pony jumped at the sound of a loud voice, interrupting Johanna before she could finish. They turned just as an elder man emerged from the house. He had graying hair, was dressed in a fancy-looking suit, and wore a hardened look on his face.

“What are you doing out here?” The man asked harshly. “I’ve told you you’re not to be out of the house unless either Beadle or I are with you.”

Johanna looked down at the grass, both showing shame and fear at the same time.

“Forgive me, Judge Turpin,” She apologized. “I was just hoping to get some fresh air. It gets stuffy being inside all the time and I just…”

“That’s enough!” Turpin snapped. “Go back in your room now! We’ll discuss this later.”

With no further response, Johanna quickly gathered her things before quickly ducking back into the house. Turpin then turned his attention to the Mane Six and Spike, who eyed the harsh man worriedly.

“And what are you doing here?” Turpin asked coldly. “Trespassing? Breaking and entering? Attempted burglary?”

“No, it ain’t like that at all sir!” Applejack assured.

“Then, what is it? Because you’re still trespassing on private property.”

“We’re very sorry for coming in without permission, Mr. Turpin,” Twilight apologized.

“Judge… Turpin.”

“Yes… of course. What I mean to say is… we’re just lost. We’ve only just arrived, and we needed some help finding our way.”

“That’s when we met Johanna,” Spike continued. “We couldn’t help but hear her humming and we figured your daughter could help us. We didn’t mean to…”

“Silence, boy!” Turpin hissed. “I know your kind.”

“I’m sorry… my kind?”

“Like a dog chasing scraps, the very sight of a pretty young girl is enough to bring you howling into my home.”

“That’s not true!” Spike argued.

“Don’t lie to me!” Turpin growled.

“Now listen here, you ruffian!” Rarity stepped up. “Spikey here is not the type to do anything vile. He’s a perfect gentleman who already has a young lady waiting at home whom he cares for very much. How dare you insinuate he’d resort to such acts when you don’t even know him? You’re insulting his honor!”

“Insulting?” Turpin raised his eyebrow. “You invade my home, and you have the nerve to speak to me about insulting? You realize by breaking into a judge’s home, no lawman in this city won’t agree to hang you all… or sentence you to a lifetime of imprisonment. Fortunately for you, I am willing to show you mercy… and because pretty women, even your young friend, would never survive in jail.

“Now… you listen to me because I’ll only tell you once,” Turpin warned, looming over the group. “You girls take your square-headed boy, and you will leave my house and never come back! If I see ‘any’ of you near my house or my ward again, they’ll never find your bodies. I’m a judge… I can make that happen.”

Turpin proceeded to open the door leading to the back alley and held it open, while staring hatefully toward the girls and Spike. They all looked at the judge with complete shock before quickly taking him up on his demand and burst out the door immediately. Once outside, the door slammed behind them, loud and hard.

Sonata Dusk: How'd it go?

Me: Not so well from what I can tell...

“Well… ain’t that a fine howdy-doo,” Applejack spoke sarcastically.

“I ought to go back in there and slug that jerk so hard it’ll send him forward in time!” Rainbow huffed.

“And what will that accomplish?” Twilight Sparkle asked. “We have to blend into society while we’re here. Assaulting a judge is not going to be good for any of us.”

Me: Twilight's right, Assaulting judges will land us in cages for sure.

“But we can’t let the big meanie pants get away with that,” Pinkie Pie argued. “Maybe we could throw a fake party and blast him with my party cannon when he shows up… the real one, not the fake one.”

“I’m all for that plan,” Spike agreed.

Me: Absolutely not!

“Listen everypony, I don’t like being insulted either,” Twilight told them. “But we can’t go on adding more problems to our plate right now. Let’s just try to find somewhere to stay for tonight and we’ll work on a plan tomorrow.”

It was clear the blood was still racing within the others, in light of their confrontation with Judge Turpin. Though as much as they’d want to fight back, however, they knew Twilight was right. They needed to focus on figuring out why they were here and not on a belligerent authoritarian bully.

“Fine,” Rainbow Dash sighed. “So… where did Johanna say we should check?”

“She mentioned something about Fleet Street,” Fluttershy replied. “Maybe we should check there.”

“Then I reckon we get a move on ‘fore ol’ judge jerkface changes his mind,” Applejack suggested.

“I hear you there,” Rarity agreed.

Sonata Dusk: Whatever you say...

The group soon made their way out of the alley and down the road in search of Fleet Street. Twilight Sparkle took one last look over her shoulder, back toward the judge’s house. For some reason, she couldn’t shake this feeling about the poor young girl residing within. Perhaps her poor treatment had something to do with their mission here. Perhaps Johanna needed help from her situation, though whether that was their true purpose being here Twilight wasn’t entirely certain.

But for now, she turned back and focused on her intent on leading the remainder of the group towards Fleet Street. If luck was in their favor, this Judge, Turpin by name, would be their only concern moving forward.

As we walked to Fleet Street, I couldn't help but feel something familiar about the name.

Let the horror show begin.

Pinkie, do you honestly think that a party will slove everything? Not for that Judge, he really is a evil man. Now, if I’m not mistaken, wasn’t it also in the Victorian Era where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about the great detective Sherlock Holmes?

11634471
11634487
11634489
11634496
11634504
11634506
11634505
<<previous

A great gust of wind blew through the air, as the crystal portal opened up allowing the Mane Six and Spike to emerge. As the portal closed around them, the girls and Spike looked around noting that they stood in what appeared to be a dark alley. The giant stone walls of the buildings surrounding them only had narrow walkways in between them upon which they stood. The only source of light for the moment was the single streetlamp at the end of the alley. The rolling sound of thunder drew their attention, their eyes gazing toward the sky blackened by dark clouds. Needless to say, wherever they ended up this time, it was most certainly a rather gloomy place.

“Yeesh, this place is depressing,” Rainbow voiced her honesty.

“What did you expect, silly filly?” Pinkie giggled. “That’s the atmosphere of almost ‘every’ Tim Burton movie or T.V. show. Except the brightly colorful ones.”

“… What?”

“Never mind.”

Me: Well, she’s not wrong.  I’ve been a fan of Tim Burton’s style for as long as I can remember.

Pipp: This atmosphere is very dingy and depressing.  However, I’m not a fan of all the smoke.

Me: It’s like I said: this is what London was like at the height of the Industrial Revolution. A real shithole of a city.

“My stars! These dresses are simply divine!” Rarity said adoringly, eyeing herself.

Every pony else, including Spike, looked down and noticed they had assumed their human forms again. Additionally, the girls were dressed in the most beautiful dresses they’d ever seen. As for Spike himself, he was dressed in a simple gray trench coat, a white dress shirt, charcoal gray dress pants, matching shoes, and a top hat.

camo.fimfiction.net/NVRFf3W2YSyM3uFdbwDKycs9mteTCuUoJR3dkA3p_A0?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2zvlj-dc2836f2-6af3-4544-a91a-b6e70be192a2.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYyenZsai1kYzI4MzZmMi02YWYzLTQ1NDQtYTkxYS1iNmU3MGJlMTkyYTIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.Yunk3FcICqOnAMNyTaoe9XjXuhm7vkkvnRhx2UnP1Y4
camo.fimfiction.net/xMU_AdYnb_adsXT5Ho70QqvGdMnRM73lAmH2BP4aezU?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2tjgv-0e816ec2-2937-40bc-b1fc-0e6d6ec1566f.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYydGpndi0wZTgxNmVjMi0yOTM3LTQwYmMtYjFmYy0wZTZkNmVjMTU2NmYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.6kjHxGN1yVPNGy4nv7I8t_g0sKGrTauyI5YlfhokA7Y
camo.fimfiction.net/85jj0z5bIBPYiseDDgRsDDcd83m1AgjxZKZAuA0l1Ac?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q728-571f2a5d-63a1-428e-b2d2-a19366023322.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTcyOC01NzFmMmE1ZC02M2ExLTQyOGUtYjJkMi1hMTkzNjYwMjMzMjIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.LcK3N9sA0tagLuSM4foD9IpdEtFv6KOGoSHsPMJ_Shg
camo.fimfiction.net/OFsP9r8W38cQbKAIrJC-68ZKXZ-nLDDUCZbgfBz6n2I?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q9yk-ac9093c5-b952-4a79-939b-053658628b86.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTl5ay1hYzkwOTNjNS1iOTUyLTRhNzktOTM5Yi0wNTM2NTg2MjhiODYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.T7APeV5HCYaYiFrCt4nTMQF_kYuc0JS34JJfWFo5RMk
camo.fimfiction.net/LZyXUA9PrQyLvNISj8fCICD0oWqYMlyaFEzxNTOz4DM?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0qld6-ebcc8f8c-730f-466c-ba1f-2c747991f687.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcWxkNi1lYmNjOGY4Yy03MzBmLTQ2NmMtYmExZi0yYzc0Nzk5MWY2ODcucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.B0eAwXFJ3H6YM5BBKTmqg4q6tExzja_wj6xcrMthfss
camo.fimfiction.net/K9YSaVhWGJYAhH3reIV6ecBYneHHttgFRI1lkH--aXw?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0x9ob-0225ead7-4344-4b3b-808b-86a80e8a4b3c.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcweDlvYi0wMjI1ZWFkNy00MzQ0LTRiM2ItODA4Yi04NmE4MGU4YTRiM2MucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.rZs6zjdQDuog3ewWa_v8RSp2rdLiPU8PeWtOvOzp8v4

Me: (impressed) Nice. Now they fit right in with the Victorian culture.

Pipp: Oh, my glitter! They look gorgeous~!

Sunny: Wow! They look amazing!

Hitch: I gotta say, Spike looks good in a suit!

“Oh my, these dresses are very pretty!” Fluttershy smiled, twirling about.

“Ugh, why does it always to be dresses?” Rainbow complained, trying to scratch herself. “They’re always so itchy and uncomfortable.”

“That may be true sugarcube, but it sure hugs ya in all the right ways,” Applejack smirked toward her marefriend.

This caused Rainbow Dash to give a playful look.

Me: (facepalms) Good, God. Not again.

“The same could be said for you, sweet Apple,” Rainbow replied. “I guess I can bare wearing this mummy outfit as long as you do too.”

“For you, ah’d wear it furever,” Applejack smiled back.

Just as the two leaned in for a kiss, Twilight Sparkle stepped between them.

“Now’s not the time,” Twilight informed them. “We must figure out where we are and for that matter ‘why’ we’re here.”

“Where do you think we ended up this time?” Spike asked.

“Give me a minute, Spike.”

Twilight Sparkle stepped out from between Applejack and Rainbow Dash, holding her hands in front of her. Channeling all her magic, she pinpointed her location spell to visualize the layout of the landscape. Eventually, she snapped her eyes open and dropped her hands back aside with a deep sigh.

“Looks like we’re in London, England during the Victorian Era,” Twilight informed them. “That was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from June 20th of 1837 until her death on January 22nd of 1901. It was mostly characterized by a class-based society, a growing number of people being able to vote, and…”

Me: (finishing for Twilight) The city is covered in grime and soot from the factories, leaving the streets and river Thames disease ridden for the poor men, women, and children who work in the factories.

Hitch: Children?!

Me: I am not kidding when I say that some factories had children for workers, and these factories don’t have the safety measures of today’s industries.  It was commonplace for workers to be violently injured or even killed by the machinery.

Zipp: (speechless) Wow…it really does sound depressing.

Me: And the titular barber was right in the heart of all the greedy corruption.

“Ugh, it hurts!” Rainbow groaned, massaging her temples.

“What’s the matter?” Rarity asked. “Splitting headache?”

“Just the sound of egghead talk,” Rainbow pointed at Twilight.

Me: That joke’s getting old, Dash.

Zipp: Yeah, it’s run its course by now.

Just as Twilight Sparkle was about to argue back, Fluttershy quickly stepped between them before chaos erupted.

“Let’s not start another argument girls,” Fluttershy pleaded. “We must figure out why we’re here and put a stop to it. I think we should get out of this dark alley before we run into anything dangerous.”

“She’s right, we should go,” Rarity agreed.

“How are we supposed tah know where tah go?” Applejack asked.

Just then, the group froze as their ears were drawn to a sound emanating from the distance. And yet, it was so relaxing… in fact, they realized what they were hearing was a melody.

Pipp: Do you hear that? (softly gasps) It’s beautiful music!

Sunny: You’re right! It sounds lovely.

Me: (aside) Then it can be only one person.

“What is that?” Spike questioned. “It’s like hearing an angel singing.”

“You’re right, Spike,” Twilight responded. “That sounds like humming. We should see who it is. Maybe they can help us figure our way around here.”

Twilight Sparkle proceeded to take her lead out of the alley while the rest of her friends followed closely behind. Eventually, they reached the end of the alleyway noting the giant stone wall opposite the small side street. Whomever was humming appeared to be on the other side of this high wall. The group quickly made their way toward the wall, taking measurements of the height of the structure itself.

“How the hay are we climbing this?” Applejack asked.

“If some of us had our wings, we could fly everyone up there,” Rainbow replied.

“Unfortunately, that ain’t the case right now, hun.”

Hitch: Are we sure they’re not trespassing?

Sunny: Hitch, relax. They will be okay.

“What do you think, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight Sparkle looked up once more as she examined the high wall. Just then, an idea suddenly popped into her head. Holding up her hands, she focused her magic and conjured a glowing magical staircase that led right toward the top of the wall.

“Show off,” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Yippee!” Pinkie cheered gleefully. “Last one up’s a rotten hayburger!”

Me: Bleugh! I can’t stand the taste of flowers.

Pinkie Pie proceeded to bounce her way up the stairs, while the rest of the group followed behind. Soon as they reached the top of the wall, they peeked over to the other side. The wall happened to surround a large garden just outside a stately-looking house. At the center of the garden was a large marble fountain where a young girl was sitting. She was dressed in a lovely blue dress, her long golden hair curled down her back. Apparently, it was her doing the humming as she sat at the fountain reading a little book.

Pipp: (gasps) She’s beautiful! And a wonderful singer.

Sunny: She looks so sad.

Me: (mumbling) Get out of there, fast.

“Well, now we know where the humming came from,” Spike realized. “She certainly knows her melodies.”

“Indeed, she does!” Rarity nodded in agreement. “I’d dare say she’d make a wonderful addition to the Ponytones.”

“You reckon she might know her way around these parts?” Applejack asked Twilight Sparkle.

“She might,” Twilight Sparkle guessed. “But we must be casual about this just the same. We’re strangers here and she might not take likely of us…”

“Hey! Miss singer lady!”

The girls and Spike gasped in horror, as the girl briefly looked up from her book toward the wall. Before her eyes, she saw six ladies and a man looking over the wall. One of the ladies, a pink-toned girl, casually waved toward the girl with a smile. The girl reeled back with a shriek and dropped her book. The sudden cry made Pinkie Pie slip forward down the wall.

“WHOOAAAAAAA…OOF!!!”

Me: Pinkie, would you please stop doing that!

Hitch: That mare will be the death of somepony one day.  I’m surprised she hasn’t been arrested yet.

Luckily for Pinkie Pie, she happened to land in a bush of roses that happened to be along the wall… but still, a rough landing all the same. The girl looked with wide eyes, breathing heavily, as she watched the poofy-haired maiden lift herself out of the bush and brushed the loose leaves and flower petals off her dress and her hair casually.

“I’m okay…” Pinkie Pie smiled.

“You shouldn’t be here!” The girl warned frightened. “You need to leave now!”

Me: Yes, yes, that’s a very good idea.

Sunny: Why should they do that? It’s not like she’s gonna harm them.

Me: (thoughts) Oh, Sunny, you naive mare.

“Oh, we are very sorry about that miss,” Spike called out. “Everything’s all right.”

“Please don’t hurt me!” She backed away.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Twilight assured.

The remainder of the girls carefully climbed down the wall, along with Spike. The girl stood by the fountain. On one hand, she could’ve taken off and called someone right away. But judging by her expression, she seemed trapped… like she should get back in the house… and yet she didn’t want to. The girls carefully approached the girl, with Twilight Sparkle taking the lead.

“I’m very sorry about my friend,” Twilight apologized, on Pinkie’s behalf. “We really didn’t mean to startle you. We’re not looking to cause any harm, honest.”

Sunny: They’re good ponies, don’t worry.

Though still cautious, the girl picked herself up so she could get a better look at the group before her. They certainly didn’t seem dangerous, albeit they were the strangest looking people she’d ever seen. They seemed to wear the attire much like all the people who crossed the street, yet she could tell there was something… ‘off’ just the same.

“I’ve never seen you around here before,” the girl admitted. “Who are you?”

See, when it says “the girl” instead of “Johanna” it makes more sense, because so far the writing has not given her actual name yet.

“We’re just some strangers passing through,” Twilight Sparkle assured. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends: Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy. And of course, you’ve already met Pinkie Pie.”

“Nice to meet you!” Pinkie smiled, holding out her hand.

She held her hand out eagerly to receive a warm shake from the blonde-haired girl. But she just looked at the hand, then up toward Pinkie’s smiling face.

“Don’t leave me hanging…” Pinkie gestured.

After a momentary period of hesitation, the girl slowly grasped Pinkie’s hand and shook it.

“Johanna… my name’s Johanna,” The girl answered softly. “Forgive me, but… I wasn’t expecting company. I thought you were criminals.”

Hitch: I can understand that.

Sunny: Hitch!

Hitch: What? How would you react to complete strangers scaling your walls?

Izzy: Offer them tea and cookies?

Hitch: (facehoofs)

“Oh, we’re not criminals Miss Johanna,” Fluttershy reassured. “Though I can understand why you felt that way. It’s just that we heard you singing, and we couldn’t help but—”

“You… enjoyed my singing?” Johanna asked.

“It was very lovely,” Rarity replied. “Are you classically trained?”

“No… it’s just a little something I’ve learned to pass the time. It gets lonely in that house, even around people.”

“I see…” Twilight nodded, understanding. “Anyways, the reason we came here is because we were hoping to see more of the town. If you’re not too busy, maybe you could show us around?”

“You mean… leave?” Johanna asked, nervously. “Oh no… no, I am never allowed to leave the house… much less, I shouldn’t even be out here. Least… not by myself.”

Zipp: Yeah, I know how that feels.

“That’s okay,” Pinkie Pie nodded, understanding. “Maybe we can just stay in the house. And if absolutely necessary, we’ll work for our bed and board.”

“Even if I would welcome you to, I can’t do that either,” Johanna shook her head. “We don’t allow guests staying in our house.”

“What do you mean, kid?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You’re Dad doesn’t like you talking to strangers?”

“Not… exactly.”

“Well… surely you must know some place around here where we could stay,” Twilight Sparkle suggested hopefully. “I’d hate for us to spend the next few nights on the street.”

“I... I do recall some boarding homes around Fleet Street,” Johanna pondered. “I’ve never been there myself, but perhaps—”

“Johanna!”

Every pony jumped at the sound of a loud voice, interrupting Johanna before she could finish. They turned just as an elder man emerged from the house. He had graying hair, was dressed in a fancy-looking suit, and wore a hardened look on his face.

Me: Oh, shit. You remember when I said they should have ran?

Sunny: Yeah?

Me: It was because of that man?

Izzy: He looks like Snape.

Me: Same actor.  Anyway, he’s the main antagonist of the story, and probably the most corrupt judge in the city.

Hitch: That man’s a judge?

Zipp: He doesn’t exactly look “honorable”.

“What are you doing out here?” The man asked harshly. “I’ve told you you’re not to be out of the house unless either Beadle or I are with you.”

Johanna looked down at the grass, both showing shame and fear at the same time.

“Forgive me, Judge Turpin,” She apologized. “I was just hoping to get some fresh air. It gets stuffy being inside all the time and I just…”

“That’s enough!” Turpin snapped. “Go back to your room now! We’ll discuss this later.”

With no further response, Johanna quickly gathered her things before quickly ducking back into the house.

Izzy: That wasn’t nice!

Me: Judge Turpin’s a very crooked man.

Sunny: (appalled) Why is Johanna living with him?

Me: She’s his ward, though not by consent.

Hitch: “Not by consent”? What do you mean?

Me: You’ll see.

Turpin then turned his attention to the Mane Six and Spike, who eyed the harsh man worriedly.

“And what are you doing here?” Turpin asked coldly. “Trespassing? Breaking and entering? Attempted burglary?”

“No, it ain’t like that at all sir!” Applejack assured.

“Then, what is it? Because you’re still trespassing on private property.”

“We’re very sorry for coming in without permission, Mr. Turpin,” Twilight apologized.

“Judge… Turpin.”

“Yes… of course. What I mean to say is… we’re just lost. We’ve only just arrived, and we needed some help finding our way.”

“That’s when we met Johanna,” Spike continued. “We couldn’t help but hear her humming and we figured your daughter could help us. We didn’t mean to…”

“Silence, boy!” Turpin hissed. “I know your kind.”

Hitch: (angered) What did he just say?

“I’m sorry… my kind?”

“Like a dog chasing scraps, the very sight of a pretty young girl is enough to bring you howling into my home.”

“That’s not true!” Spike argued.

“Don’t lie to me!” Turpin growled.

Sunny: Don’t you dare say that about Spike! He’s done nothing to you or Johanna!

Hitch: (growls into hooves)

Me: It’s not gonna do them good.

“Now listen here, you ruffian!” Rarity stepped up. “Spikey here is not the type to do anything vile. He’s a perfect gentleman who already has a young lady waiting at home whom he cares for very much. How dare you insinuate he’d resort to such acts when you don’t even know him? You’re insulting his honor!”

“Insulting?” Turpin raised his eyebrow. “You invade my home, and you have the nerve to speak to me about insulting? You realize by breaking into a judge’s home, no lawman in this city won’t agree to hang you all… or sentence you to a lifetime of imprisonment. Fortunately for you, I am willing to show you mercy… and because pretty women, even your young friend, would never survive in jail.

Sunny: (shocked) J-J…jail?!  He wouldn’t!

Zipp: I think he would.
Hitch: I agree.

“Now… you listen to me because I’ll only tell you once,” Turpin warned, looming over the group. “You girls take your square-headed boy, and you will leave my house and never come back! If I see ‘any’ of you near my house or my ward again, they’ll never find your bodies. I’m a judge… I can make that happen.”

Turpin proceeded to open the door leading to the back alley and held it open, while staring hatefully toward the girls and Spike. They all looked at the judge with complete shock before quickly taking him up on his demand and burst out the door immediately. Once outside, the door slammed behind them, loud and hard.

Me: Well…that was Judge Turpin for ya.

Pipp: Ugh! That guy was disgusting!

Misty: And…Johanna lives with him?  Why?

Me: You’ll find out later.  It’s not a good story.

“Well… ain’t that a fine howdy-doo,” Applejack spoke sarcastically.

“I ought to go back in there and slug that jerk so hard it’ll send him forward in time!” Rainbow huffed.

“And what will that accomplish?” Twilight Sparkle asked. “We have to blend into society while we’re here. Assaulting a judge is not going to be good for any of us.”

“But we can’t let the big meanie pants get away with that,” Pinkie Pie argued. “Maybe we could throw a fake party and blast him with my party cannon when he shows up… the real one, not the fake one.”

“I’m all for that plan,” Spike agreed.

Me: Is Pinkie Pie planning murder?

Hitch: I hope not.

“Listen every pony, I don’t like being insulted either,” Twilight told them. “But we can’t go on adding more problems to our plate right now. Let’s just try to find somewhere to stay for tonight and we’ll work on a plan tomorrow.”

It was clear the blood was still racing within the others, in light of their confrontation with Judge Turpin. Though as much as they’d want to fight back, however, they knew Twilight was right. They needed to focus on figuring out why they were here and not on a belligerent authoritarian bully.

“Fine,” Rainbow Dash sighed. “So… where did Johanna say we should check?”

“She mentioned something about Fleet Street,” Fluttershy replied. “Maybe we should check there.”

“Then I reckon we get a move on ‘fore ol’ judge jerk face changes his mind,” Applejack suggested.

“I hear you there,” Rarity agreed.

The group soon made their way out of the alley and down the road in search of Fleet Street. Twilight Sparkle took one last look over her shoulder, back toward the judge’s house. For some reason, she couldn’t shake this feeling about the poor young girl residing within. Perhaps her poor treatment had something to do with their mission here. Perhaps Johanna needed help from her situation, though whether that was their true purpose being here Twilight wasn’t entirely certain.

But for now, she turned back and focused on her intent on leading the remainder of the group towards Fleet Street. If luck was in their favor, this Judge, Turpin by name, would be their only concern moving forward.

Me: I have a thought.  I’m thinking that our heroes will accidentally run into our other set of main characters right on Fleet Street itself.

Zipp: Who are we missing?

Me: Our titular Sweeney Todd, of course.  And he won’t be alone.
>>next

Interesting beginning

11634471
11634487
11634489
11634496
11634504
11634506
11634505
11634558
<<previous

A pair of glowing green slit eyes shot open as Queen Chrysalis regained consciousness.

Sunny: Chrysalis?!

Zipp: No way!

Me: Considering what happens in this movie, I’m confused as to why she even showed up.

She couldn’t recall passing out nor remember emerging through the portal she walked through. The only recollection on her mind was a constant rocking sensation. The former Changeling queen slowly rose to her feet, steadying herself on the hard wooden floor only to be met by the sight of thick fog all around her. Large crates surrounded her, and she could hear what sounded like waves crashing to her side.

“This must be a boat,” She deduced. “The only question is… where are we going?”

She was about to stand straight up to assume her full height when the sound of approaching footsteps made her quickly sink back down. She peeked around a crate cautiously. Her eyes spotted some human men walking about, many of them carrying small crates of supplies or vast assortment of marine equipment.

“I can’t go out amongst these vermin as I am now,” She whispered to herself. “I have to find somebody… I need something to help me blend in.”

Suddenly, a paper flew off the hands of an absent-minded man and floated toward her position. She grabbed the paper and looked at one of the headings on the front page. One article she read mentioned the arrest of a mad woman wandering the streets, arranged to be taken to an insane asylum of sorts. The article even came with the picture of a woman, providing enough details for Chrysalis to study very closely. With the image in her mind, Chrysalis went straight to work.

Lighting her jagged horn, Chrysalis allowed the green flames of her transformation spell to engulf her. When the flames dissipated, Chrysalis assumed the form of a human girl with pale skin with long curled golden hair and wearing a light gray dress.

camo.fimfiction.net/dnHDMmdOMskWNZxJOt-YI5BODphG4h740A9gqSrBVko?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2013%2F08%2F20091216_sha_g90_076180059-350x600.jpg%3Fquality%3D80%26strip%3Dall

Me: Oh, my God—hahahaha!! That is so fitting! HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Zipp: I don’t get it.

Me: (calms down) Eh, it’s nothing to worry about. (aside) Although, that poster about the “mad woman” might be concerning.

Chrysalis studied the features of her new form, waving her new hands in front of her face before smiling with satisfaction.

“That should do,” She spoke, realizing she now had an English accent. “Huh… seems taking this form has granted me a new manner of speaking. Strange, but could be quite useful.”

Chrysalis poked her head out of hiding once more to survey her surroundings. Noting most of the men were off on another region of the ship, she slowly crept out and made her way backwards keeping an eye out for any intrusions. Not realizing where she was going, she unintentionally bumped into someone else.

“Forgive my foolishness,” A voice spoke to her. “I must pay more heed to my surroundings.”

“I certainly hope so,” Chrysalis replied, turning around.

When she turned around, she noticed that the person she ran into was a young sailor of about twenty. A handsome looking boy with shoulder length dirty blonde hair. Over his shoulder, he carried an old bag and in his hand was a rather small book of maps.

Pipp: He looks handsome.

Sprout: He could use a shower though.

Me: In this era, showers are only privileged to the upper class.  Most commoners and factory workers are homeless.

“Forgive me, my lady,” The lad apologized. “I got lost reviewing my maps and wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Just don’t let it happen again,” Chrysalis replied.

The young man merely held out his hand toward the woman.

“I’m Anthony,” He greeted, kindly.

Sunny: That’s a nice name, Anthony.

For a moment, Chrysalis merely stood there looking at his outstretched hand. No way could she tell this young man her true name if she wanted to stay inconspicuous. She needed to make one up and fast.

“Alice… Alice Winters,” She replied, shaking his hand.

Me: Way better name than Kingsly.

“Pleasure, Ms. Winters,” Anthony smiled at her. “If I may ask ma’am, what are you doing aboard this ship?”

Once again, Chrysalis found herself on the spot. She had to build up on this lie quickly or else risk giving herself away. This boy was kind, but she dared not mistake it for ignorance. It was during this moment she needed to put her innocent damsel-in-distress act to use.

“Please forgive me sir, I had no choice,” Chrysalis begged innocently. “I was lost at sea, and I saw the ship floating by, so I had to climb aboard. Knowing no man would approve of a woman being aboard, I had to hide. I don’t want to die in the middle of the ocean.”

Zipp: Really? She’s going with that?

Me: She’ll be lucky not to contract any diseases from the polluted river.

She added in her best fake cry routine, which, fortunately for her, garnered enough sympathy for the poor kindhearted fool that was Anthony.

“I understand completely, miss,” He assured her. “You have my word that I will see you reach London safely. Just follow me and stay close.”

“Bless your kind heart sir,” Chrysalis thanks him.

Me: Poor kid. I would have done the same thing.

Anthony began to walk his way down the deck with Chrysalis following close behind. She quickly shed her fake sadness with a wicked smirk behind his back, thinking how easy it was to fool people like this boy. All that was left to do was follow him along the deck, and she’d soon reach this London without trouble. All of a sudden, he stopped midway, nearly causing Chrysalis to bump into him again.

“Why did you stop?” Chrysalis questioned.

“There’s someone I must introduce you to,” Anthony answered.

He looked forward once more and waved his hand high in the air.

“Mr. Todd!” He called out.

Me: Ooh, here he comes.

Within minutes, the sound of heavy footsteps approaching them drew Chrysalis’ attention forward. Another man walked toward them, with a presence as though he was a silhouette out of blazing red flames. The moment her eyes landed on him, she was struck by curiosity and entranced by his presence.

The man himself was a decently tall man, measured up to a head taller than her own human form. He had very pale skin, the only color being the dark circles under his dark eyes. His hair was black with a streak of white and a wild mess. He wore a dark leather coat, slacks, boots, and fingerless gloves. But what entranced Chrysalis most of all was the ice stare upon the man’s face.

Me: Presenting: Sweeney Todd.

Sunny: I don’t like how he’s staring like that.

Hitch: He looks like he’s been through a lot.

As the man approached, Anthony stepped aside lightly so he could see Chrysalis in her new form. The moment the man caught sight of her, he froze in place. His eyes turned wide as a look of surprise dawned upon his pale face.

“Lucy…” He spoke, amazed.

Sunny: Lucy? Who’s Lucy?

Me: (realizes) Oh…my God.  Todd’s in for a whirlwind later on.

Chrysalis eyed him strangely for a moment before doing a quick double take to be certain he wasn’t talking to someone behind her.

“Are you… talking to me?” She asked. “I’m afraid you mistake me for someone else.”

The man quickly shook his head, as if clearing his thoughts and gave a simple nod.

“Forgive me, miss,” He apologized. “It’s just you remind me of… someone I once knew.”

Izzy: He sounds like Victor.

Me: Same actor.

Chrysalis cocked a curious eyebrow as she pondered what he meant. Ultimately, however, she decided to let it go.

“It’s quite alright, sir,” She nodded. “I’m Alice Winters, pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The man in turn gave a quick bow of his head.

“Todd… Sweeney Todd,” He replied.

Chrysalis stuck out her hand and Sweeney stared at it for a moment. Eventually, he reached out and grasped his hand with hers and shook. In one instant, they felt some sort of connection to one another. Neither could understand it nor contemplate ‘why’, but this feeling was undeniable. He gently brought her hand up to his lips and placed a gently kiss on her knuckles before letting her go.

Zipp: That was…weird.

Me: If you ask me, Chrysalis is right at home in a Tim Burton movie.

“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Winters,” He spoke lowly.

“Same to you, Mr. Todd,” Chrysalis nodded.

“Land Ho!” Someone yelled.

Hearing the call, Anthony instantly ran toward the bow of the ship and leaned over the rail as the cries of sailors echoed from across the rigging and the sails behind him. Anthony peered through the fog, straining to see… London. Clanking of a clock tower bell was heard amongst the towering spires and mountainous rooftops of the city, as the ship emerged through the fog like a tiger creeping toward its prey. Anthony took in the dreadful and magnificent spectacle of the 19th Century metropolis. The gnarl of rooftops, the labyrinth of streets and alleys, and the black trails of smoke reaching up like skeletal fingers from a thousand chimneys.

Me: London in the 19th Century.

Hitch: (grimaces) Oh, yeah, I see what you mean now.  All that smoke from those factories is not good for the environment.

Pipp: It’s not the kind of city I’d want to live in, let alone visit.

The young sailor couldn’t help but stare and marvel at the sight of this amazing, sulfurous, city. For all the places he had seen in the world, none of them could compare to this city. With the feeling of wonder and awestruck coursing through his veins, he couldn’t help but sing.

Me: And so, here it is: the brilliance that is the music of Stephen Sondheim.

Anthony: (sings)
I have sailed the world,
Beheld its wonders
From the Dardanelles,
To the mountains of Peru,
But there’s no place like London~!

At that moment, the grimly Sweeney Todd stepped up alongside Anthony and looked out toward the city. However, unlike Anthony, Sweeney looked at the city with disdain and hatred.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
No, there’s no place like London…

“Mr. Todd?” Anthony responded quizzically.

Sweeney Todd: (sings)
You are young…
Life has been kind to you…
You will learn.

Todd glared forward, his haunted gaze never leaving the approaching city. Todd stood very still while Anthony seemed almost lost at his side, overwhelmed by the scale and aura of the city. Chrysalis took a few steps further up the bow to join the two men. She walked right up to their side and noticed the London Tower Bridge lifted up its two connecting roads to allow the ship entry into the harbor.

Me: That there is an icon of London, and it still stands today, albeit in a cleaner city.

“Takes your breath away, doesn’t it?” She questioned.

“Trust me dear, though it looks full of wonders, the city is as dark as the skies above us,” Sweeney responded.

Me: And he’s not just talking about the ashes and soot of the factories poisoning the atmosphere.

Zipp: Ugh, that is disgusting to think about.

“How do you mean?”

Sweeney shuddered violently, almost snarling. He looked back out at the city as they started to make way for the harbor. The hate for the city poured out of him as he sang once more.

Sweeney Todd: (sings)
There's a hole in the world like a great black pit
And the vermin of the world inhabit it
And it's morals aren't worth what a pig can spit
And it goes by the name of London
At the top of the hole sit a privileged few
Making mock of the vermin in the lower zoo
Turning beauty to filth and greed
I too have sailed the world and seen its wonders
For the cruelty of men is as wondrous as Peru
But there's no place like London

Chrysalis couldn’t help but eye the man with curiosity, whereas when Anthony looked, he was mystified by the man’s grim reaction to the city. Without question, this Sweeney Todd was a man of mystery. He clearly held deep hatred for this city; the question is… why? Once the ship was fully docked, Sweeney and Anthony began to disembark with Chrysalis following behind. On solid ground, she sighed in relief to not have to stand on a rocking ship anymore. Meanwhile, Sweeney looked up and down the dark, desolate city streets in deep thought.

“Is everything alright Mr. Todd?” Anthony asked.

“I beg your indulgence, Anthony,” He responded. “But my mind is far from easy. In these once familiar streets I feel shadows, everywhere…”

Sunny: Wh-what does he mean?

This drew Chrysalis’ attention as she stared back at Sweeney and walked alongside him.

“Shadows…?” She asked.

“Ghosts,” Sweeney added.

Izzy: G-G-G-Ghosts?!

Pipp: Ghosts, really?! That is amazing!

Me: Not actual ghosts.

Pipp: Aw~!

Me: He’s talking about haunting memories

All of a sudden, Sweeney started to go back into the recesses of his mind to the very last time he was in this miserable city. A time when he had a happy life, a happy wife, and a happy child. A time when all was right with the world… before it happened. Wanting to understand this mysterious man, Chrysalis closed her eyes and focused her dark magic to dig into the mysterious man’s consciousness… to the depths of his deepest, darkest memories.

Me: I’ll never understand how they are able to see inside the flashbacks of these characters.

Sunny: But what happened to Sweeney Todd?

Me: He’s always been a professional barber by trade.  In the old days, he was known as Benjamin Barker…

Flashback…
Fifteen years prior…

Chrysalis opened her eyes again, noticing the sky was significantly clearer and sunny. Looking around, she also saw she was in the middle of a market of sorts. Many different people walked about, collectively shopping. With a glance to the side, she saw what appeared to be a younger Sweeney Todd, Benjamin Barker back then, pushing a baby carrier through an open archway into the market. At his side was a beautiful woman, his wife ‘Lucy’, with curled golden hair, dressed in a white dress and bonnet. Through the crowded market, amidst a colorful explosion of blossoms, the two both looked incredibly happy as they pushed the carrier containing their one-year-old baby.

Pipp: Is that what he looked like in the past?  (smiles) He’s lucky to have such a beautiful wife. (gasps) And he has a child!

Sweeney Todd: (sings)
There was a barber and his wife
And she was beautiful
A foolish barber and his wife
She was his reason and his life
And she was beautiful
And she was virtuous
And he was…Naive

Coming to a stop, Lucy picked up the baby from the carrier and Benjamin started to entertain his daughter with her little doll. He then plucked a small flower from a nearby bush and held it up as his baby girl got a small smile on her face. The young couple then looked at each other with such love and happiness, smiling with joy, and so content. The man seemed almost… unrecognizable.

From the sidelines, Chrysalis couldn’t help but shed a lone tear down her face watching the young couple. It reminded her so much of the time spent with Fire Fall, back when they were growing up without a care in the world. How she longed for a similar life with his… a life, which sadly, they never got the chance to have.

Sunny: Why is she crying?

Misty: Is something wrong with her?

Me: I don’t know.  This is a brand new side that I’ve never seen of her.

The changeling quickly snapped out of these thoughts due to the presence of another man. Judge Turpin, an elderly man with a saturnine demeanor, eyeing Lucy from around the corner through the luxurious bunches of flowers. He stalked her, desired her… he had to have her.

Hitch: Is that the Judge?

Me: It is here where we see just how cruel and corrupt Turpin really is, and what he is willing to do to get what he wants.  In this case, it’s Barker’s wife, Lucy.

Sweeney Todd: (sings)
There was another man who saw
That she was beautiful
A pious vulture of the law
Who, with a gesture of his claw
Removed the barber from his plate
Then there was nothing but to wait

Judge Turpin looked over his shoulder to his right hand man, Beadle Bamford, a most nefarious creature. A large man of florid nature and pink, with a powdered face never quite disguising his lethality. The Judge whispered something to the Beadle, indicating Todd. The smaller man nodded upon noticing the happy couple and walked off. Within minutes, the Beadle and two policemen swept into the marketplace and walked right behind young Benjamin Barker. One of whom whacked him in the back with a nightstick and the officers dragged the young barber off as his wife looked on in horror and his infant daughter cried. Within another second, Judge Turpin walked up behind Lucy like a predator, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as she looked up at him.

Sweeney Todd: (sings)
And she would fall
So soft
So young
So lost
And oh, so beautiful

Sunny: (shocked) H…how…how could he do something like that?!

Hitch: Why is that man a judge in the first place?!

Pipp: Ew~! Keep him away from me!

Zipp: I hope Turpin gets what’s coming to him!

Chrysalis once more snapped her eyes open, quickly wiping away the tears filling her gaze, not allowing a single one to fall. She couldn’t believe the young barber had been forcibly taken away from his own wife and child all because of an order from one corrupted judge. It really hurt her own black heart because she finally understood the connection she had with this man.

For what happened to him was exactly what happened to her… all those years ago.

“And the lady, sir…” Anthony asked. “Did she succumb?”

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
Oh, that was many years ago…
I doubt if anyone would know.

Zipp: So…is she dead?

Finally, after another period of silence, Chrysalis finally found her voice once more. A voice choked up within her throat.

“Such a cruel fate to befall a young couple such as that,” She whispered. “There truly is no greater cruelty in the world.”

Though her words were soft and unheard, Sweeney Todd could hear her perfectly. He knew nothing about this young woman, but he was at least grateful she understood and sympathized with him. Soon his focus turned back toward Anthony.

“I’d like to thank you, Anthony,” Todd told him. “If you hadn’t spotted me, I’d be lost on the ocean still… thank you, I owe you my life.”

Todd picked up his duffel bag, preparing to go.

“Will I see you again?” Anthony asked hopefully.

“You might find me, if you like,” Todd replied in earnest. “Around Fleet Street. I wouldn’t wonder…”

Sunny: He’s going to Fleet Street too? Then maybe Princess Twilight can help him!

Me: (cringes) Ooh…God!

Anthony gave a simple nod of understanding and held out his hand to his new ‘friend’.

“Until then, my friend,” Anthony bid farewell.

Sweeney Todd, however, didn’t even acknowledge the offered handshake. He simply took off down one of the side streets. Anthony let his arm slide back down to his side and looked over toward Chrysalis, who seemed lost in her own thoughts.

“Are you alright, Ms. Winters?” He asked with concern.

It took a moment for Chrysalis to snap herself back to reality and knowledge of the young man speaking to her.

“I’m fine,” She responded quickly. “Just lost in thought is all.”

“Do you need any help finding a place to stay?” Anthony offered.

Once again, his question was met with silence as Chrysalis took off down the very street Sweeney Todd walked down. Anthony stood for a moment, saddened by the mysterious pall that hung over his friends. As for Chrysalis, she ran for a few moments before she noticed Sweeney Todd walking down the alley with a far off look in his eyes.

“Mr. Todd!” She called out.

Sweeney froze in place as he slowly turned toward the young woman walking towards him.

“What do you want?” He asked coldly.

“That story you told,” Chrysalis replied. “It was about you, wasn’t it? You had a wife and child you loved very much, but they were taken away from you.”

Sweeney snapped his eyes in her direction, eyes that held a heated glare.

“How did you…?”

Me: Tread carefully. This man is filled with great hatred.

“You used to have a life filled with love, but you were sent away by corrupted officials,” Chrysalis continued. “Now you come back after all these years hoping to find your wife and child. Not only that, but you also long to exact revenge on the man who ruined your life.”

Sweeney Todd quickly advanced on her and clasped his hands on her throat as he backed her against a nearby wall. It was perhaps one of the rare times in Chrysalis’ life she felt a twinge of fear, as she stared into the hateful, angry eyes of a possibly dangerous human being.

“What would you know of my plans?!” He asked angrily. “What of anything in my life?! You don’t know me! You understand nothing!”

Zipp: Is he gonna kill her?!

Sunny: Don’t do it!

“I do!” Chrysalis croaked. “I understand more than you know!”

Sweeney’s grip on her neck increased as his rage grew. Chrysalis could easily use her magic to throw him off but instead… she chose not to.

“How would you know?!” Sweeney hissed.

“Because… it happened to me!” Chrysalis choked out.

Chrysalis words caught Sweeney Todd off guard. He released the grip upon her neck and backed away. Chrysalis massaged her slightly sore neck as she released a few coughs before turning back toward the stunned human.

“What do you mean?” He asked her.

“I once had a great love,” Chrysalis explained to him. “I loved him… and he loved me back. We were so happy together; we planned to run away and start a life of our own. Until corrupted officials intervened, locked him away, and banished me!”

Sunny: What?

Me: You know…none of us know her backstory.  The only problem is that we don’t know if she is telling the truth or not.

Zipp: I don’t believe her for a hot second.

Misty: M-Maybe…maybe she is good, but something bad happened to her.

Zipp: Really? Even after everything we’ve seen her do, you think she’s capable of being good?!

Me: I’m with Zipp on this one.  Tragic backstory or not, it doesn’t excuse her present actions.  That’s how serial killers lure their prey.

Chrysalis once more stood to her full height, as she stood before Sweeney Todd himself.

“We’re not so different, you and I,” Chrysalis voiced her honesty. “We’ve felt love, only to have it ripped away unjustly by the cruel and corrupt. That’s why… we should help each other.”

Sweeney stared at her, listening intently over what she said. He couldn’t fully grasp what to believe nor if anything she said rang with truth. However, he noticed the manner of how she spoke. For a woman of such compassion, why else would she speak that way if she were telling a lie? Until proven otherwise, he decided to believe her… for now.

“What are you suggesting?” He asked her.

The sound of thunder caused Chrysalis to look up toward the dark sky. She knew it was probably best to find someplace to shelter themselves if a storm was coming their way.

“Perhaps it would be best if we found some place to discuss this in private,” She offered.

Sweeney looked up toward the sky and over his shoulder in the direction he was heading. While he still didn’t fully know what to make of the girl in front of him, he knew they were connected by circumstance he couldn’t blindly ignore. Releasing a deep exhale, he turned back toward her.

“Follow me,” He instructed.

He continued his way down the alley and Chrysalis quickly followed behind him. They walked on through the dark alleys of London as a bunch of rats ran alongside them. All the while, Todd strode along, deep in thought. The emotions roiling within him finally seethed out in a dark mutter:

Me: I’ve only just recently gotten into this musical, and I am so glad that I did, because I’ve heard over the internet that this is one of the more qualitative broadway musical film adaptations.

The two pressed on through the streets of London, seeking a place to reside for the time being. They passed alleys, cobblestone streets, a warehouse and even a factory…. with a shrilling whistle blow, enormously loud, blood-chilling and spine-shattering. A bizarre combination of a factory whistle; a hog being slaughtered; a dog snarling; a roaring inferno; and even a human scream.

They passed many people that made up the streets of London town. The slender dandy in pearl gray gloves and matching waistcoat, the makings of a cold, superior aristocrat. The large, rotund, and sleek banker with impressive muttonchops. More figures emerged from the shadows, prosaic in appearance and yet they resembled ‘ghosts’ more than people. And yet they were very distinct: From a tough, leather-skinned military man in a crimson imperial uniform to the lean, severe man with pale skin in clerical attire. There was a small, meek man with glasses in an ill-fitting suit and another dashing young man, presumably from Oxford, with the most luxurious long hair.

But there was only one thing that went through the mind of Sweeney Todd, as he cut through the city at lightning pace down twisting alleys and up crowded boulevards. The thought he carried into tunnels and over bridges, slashing through London at breakneck speed. Even with all these new circumstances surrounding him, Chrysalis could sense from within this man there was only one desire in his mind:

Vengeance.

Pipp: Ugh! It’s even more disgusting up close!

Zipp: I would not want to come to this city either, not for the life of me.

Me: You know something?  I think our resident exiled changeling queen has found a kindred spirit.

Sunny: (confused) You mean like…?

Izzy: (bright) Like she found a new friend?!

Me: Well…I don’t know just yet about that last part.

They have arrived, and they already met someone they like and someone they hate, especially Spike. I won't be surprised if Turpin's words carried on with him fueling in his inner rage. Bad enough he got a lot of grief and such just for being a dragon in a pony society, but now the judge made unjust accusations about what kind of man he is when it comes to ladies.

And Chrysalis seems to have found a kindred spirit whom she wishes to help in his vengeance.

Truth be told, I don't like horror movies, they give me chills.

11634471

11634488

11634496

11634504

11634534

11634506

A great gust of wind blew through the air, as the crystal portal opened up allowing the Mane Six and Spike to emerge. As the portal closed around them, the girls and Spike looked around noting that they stood in what appeared to be a dark alley. The giant stone walls of the buildings surrounding them only had narrow walkways in between them upon which they stood. The only source of light for the moment was the single streetlamp at the end of the alley. The rolling sound of thunder drew their attention, their eyes gazing toward the sky blackened by dark clouds. Needless to say, wherever they ended up this time, it was most certainly a rather gloomy place.

“Yeesh, this place is depressing,” Rainbow voiced her honesty.

Postwar: Well what did you expect, Naboo?

Galen Marek: Why does it look so...?

Sunset Shimmer: Gloomy? Most places in different eras tend to do that.

Ben Solo: Different eras?

Leia Organa: That's right Ben. Most worlds don't stay the same forever. They tend to change overtime as time goes on, same with civilization.

“My stars! These dresses are simply divine!” Rarity said adoringly, eyeing herself.

Every pony else, including Spike, looked down and noticed they had assumed their human forms again. Additionally, the girls were dressed in the most beautiful dresses they’d ever seen. As for Spike himself, he was dressed in a simple gray trench coat, a white dress shirt, charcoal grey dress pants, matching shoes, and a top hat.

camo.fimfiction.net/IWP3ZctqxHFz0bssr6MzCFmUHx-mO9b6yvKJTY32KU4?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2zvlj-dc2836f2-6af3-4544-a91a-b6e70be192a2.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYyenZsai1kYzI4MzZmMi02YWYzLTQ1NDQtYTkxYS1iNmU3MGJlMTkyYTIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.Yunk3FcICqOnAMNyTaoe9XjXuhm7vkkvnRhx2UnP1Y4
camo.fimfiction.net/xMU_AdYnb_adsXT5Ho70QqvGdMnRM73lAmH2BP4aezU?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2tjgv-0e816ec2-2937-40bc-b1fc-0e6d6ec1566f.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYydGpndi0wZTgxNmVjMi0yOTM3LTQwYmMtYjFmYy0wZTZkNmVjMTU2NmYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.6kjHxGN1yVPNGy4nv7I8t_g0sKGrTauyI5YlfhokA7Y
camo.fimfiction.net/85jj0z5bIBPYiseDDgRsDDcd83m1AgjxZKZAuA0l1Ac?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q728-571f2a5d-63a1-428e-b2d2-a19366023322.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTcyOC01NzFmMmE1ZC02M2ExLTQyOGUtYjJkMi1hMTkzNjYwMjMzMjIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.LcK3N9sA0tagLuSM4foD9IpdEtFv6KOGoSHsPMJ_Shg
camo.fimfiction.net/OFsP9r8W38cQbKAIrJC-68ZKXZ-nLDDUCZbgfBz6n2I?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q9yk-ac9093c5-b952-4a79-939b-053658628b86.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTl5ay1hYzkwOTNjNS1iOTUyLTRhNzktOTM5Yi0wNTM2NTg2MjhiODYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.T7APeV5HCYaYiFrCt4nTMQF_kYuc0JS34JJfWFo5RMk
camo.fimfiction.net/LZyXUA9PrQyLvNISj8fCICD0oWqYMlyaFEzxNTOz4DM?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0qld6-ebcc8f8c-730f-466c-ba1f-2c747991f687.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcWxkNi1lYmNjOGY4Yy03MzBmLTQ2NmMtYmExZi0yYzc0Nzk5MWY2ODcucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.B0eAwXFJ3H6YM5BBKTmqg4q6tExzja_wj6xcrMthfss
camo.fimfiction.net/K9YSaVhWGJYAhH3reIV6ecBYneHHttgFRI1lkH--aXw?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0x9ob-0225ead7-4344-4b3b-808b-86a80e8a4b3c.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcweDlvYi0wMjI1ZWFkNy00MzQ0LTRiM2ItODA4Yi04NmE4MGU4YTRiM2MucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.rZs6zjdQDuog3ewWa_v8RSp2rdLiPU8PeWtOvOzp8v4

Postwar: *Impressed whistle*. I think the Rarity from Canterlot City would greatly improve.

Sunset Shimmer: I agree, she would love those kinds of dresses, as well as trying to make them.

Leia Organa: She does? Huh, where was she when me and Han announced our relationship?

“Ugh, why does it always to be dresses?” Rainbow complained, trying to scratch herself. “They’re always so itchy and uncomfortable.”

“That may be true sugarcube, but it sure hugs ya in all the right ways,” Applejack smirked toward her marefriend.

This caused Rainbow Dash to give a playful look.

“The same could be said for you, sweet Apple,” Rainbow replied. “I guess I can bare wearing this mummy outfit as long as you do too.”

“For you, ah’d wear it furever,” Applejack smiled back.

3PO: Oh my. *R2 beeping casually*

Sunset Shimmer: Ugh, seriously, Rainbow? Now?

Galen Marek: Kind of forgotten that they do that.

“Now’s not the time,” Twilight informed them. “We must figure out where we are and for that matter ‘why’ we’re here.”

“Where do you think we ended up this time?” Spike asked.

“Give me a minute, Spike.”

Twilight Sparkle stepped out from between Applejack and Rainbow Dash, holding her hands in front of her. Channeling all her magic, she pinpointed her location spell to visualize the layout of the landscape. Eventually, she snapped her eyes open and dropped her hands back aside with a deep sigh.

“Looks like we’re in London, England during the Victorian Era,” Twilight informed them. “That was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from June 20^th of 1837 until her death on January 22^nd of 1901. It was mostly characterized by a class-based society, a growing number of people being able to vote, and…”

Postwar: NERD ALERT!!

Everyone looked at him funny:

Postwar: What, do you have any idea how boring it is whenever she talks. I swear, it's like she swallowed an entire encyclopedia to do it.

Mando: He's right, it even put the kid to sleep. *motions to Grogu, who fell asleep during the whole speech*

“Ugh, it hurts!” Rainbow groaned, massaging her temples.

“What’s the matter?” Rarity asked. “Splitting headache?”

“Just the sound of egghead talk,” Rainbow pointed at Twilight.

Just as Twilight Sparkle was about to argue back, Fluttershy quickly stepped between them before chaos erupted.

“Let’s not start another argument girls,” Fluttershy pleaded. “We must figure out why we’re here and put a stop to it. I think we should get out of this dark alley before we run into anything dangerous.”

“She’s right, we should go,” Rarity agreed.

“How are we supposed tah know where tah go?” Applejack asked.

Just then, the group froze as their ears were drawn to a sound emanating from the distance. And yet, it was so relaxing… in fact, they realized what they were hearing was a melody.

“What is that?” Spike questioned. “It’s like hearing an angel singing.”

“You’re right, Spike,” Twilight responded. “That sounds like humming. We should see who it is. Maybe they can help us figure our way around here.”

Ben Solo: It remind me of the angels from the moons of Ieggo.

Postwar: Oh yeah, and Anakin was stuck on that planet with Obi-Wan.

Leia Organa: They were?

Postwar: Yeah, during the Clone Wars, the two of them tried to find a cure from the poison that have been affecting both Ahsoka and your mother. The two of them were also trapped. Although...when they arrived, they met a ton of unarmed battle droids that he took down for no reason. Oy, that guy never could get his emotions under control.

Galen Marek: After what I've seen from him over the years, I believe it.

Twilight Sparkle proceeded to take her lead out of the alley while the rest of her friends followed closely behind. Eventually, they reached the end of the alleyway noting the giant stone wall opposite the small side street. Whomever was humming appeared to be on the other side of this high wall. The group quickly made their way toward the wall, taking measurements of the height of the structure itself.

“How the hay are we climbing this?” Applejack asked.

“If some of us had our wings, we could fly everyone up there,” Rainbow replied.

“Unfortunately, that ain’t the case right now, hun.”

“What do you think, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight Sparkle looked up once more as she examined the high wall. Just then, an idea suddenly popped into her head. Holding up her hands, she focused her magic and conjured a glowing magical staircase that led right toward the top of the wall.

“Show off,” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Yippee!” Pinkie cheered gleefully. “Last one up’s a rotten hayburger!”

Mando: A what?

Postwar: Hayburger, it almost sounds like a hamburger. *shows them the picture* Trust me, when it comes to certain foods, I enjoyed those. Though when Sunset found out she threw up, hence why she only eats veggie patties.

Sunset Shimmer: Trust me, it wasn't easy trying to cope with something like that when I first got to Canterlot High

Pinkie Pie proceeded to bounce her way up the stairs, while the rest of the group followed behind. Soon as they reached the top of the wall, they peeked over to the other side. The wall happened to surround a large garden just outside a stately-looking house. At the center of the garden was a large marble fountain where a young girl was sitting. She was dressed in a lovely blue dress, her long golden hair curled down her back. Apparently, it was her doing the humming as she sat at the fountain reading a little book.

“Well, now we know where the humming came from,” Spike realized. “She certainly knows her melodies.”

“Indeed, she does!” Rarity nodded in agreement. “I’d dare say she’d make a wonderful addition to the Ponytones.”

“You reckon she might know her way around these parts?” Applejack asked Twilight Sparkle.

“She might,” Twilight Sparkle guessed. “But we must be casual about this just the same. We’re strangers here and she might not take likely of us…”

“Hey! Miss singer lady!”

The girls and Spike gasped in horror, as the girl briefly looked up from her book toward the wall. Before her eyes, she saw six ladies and a man looking over the wall. One of the ladies, a pink-toned girl, casually waved toward the girl with a smile. The girl reeled back with a shriek and dropped her book. The sudden cry made Pinkie Pie slip forward down the wall.

“WHOOAAAAAAA… OOF!!!”

Luckily for Pinkie Pie, she happened to land in a bush of roses that happened to be along the wall… but still, a rough landing all the same. The girl looked with wide eyes, breathing heavily, as she watched the poofy-haired maiden lift herself out of the bush and brushed the loose leaves and flower petals off her dress and her hair casually.

“I’m okay…” Pinkie Pie smiled.

Sunset Shimmer: Ugh, seriously, Pinkie?!

Leia Organa: You'd think that after all this time, she would've learned to control herself.

Postwar: Trust me, that's like trying to ask Han to wear a tuxedo and go to a formal dance with you. *Leia laughed out loud, knowing that was true*

“You shouldn’t be here!” The girl warned frightened. “You need to leave now!”

“Oh, we are very sorry about that miss,” Spike called out. “Everything’s all right.”

“Please don’t hurt me!” She backed away.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Twilight assured.

The remainder of the girls carefully climbed down the wall, along with Spike. The girl stood by the fountain. On one hand, she could’ve taken off and called someone right away. But judging by her expression, she seemed trapped… like she should get back in the house… and yet she didn’t want to. The girls carefully approached the girl, with Twilight Sparkle taking the lead.

“I’m very sorry about my friend,” Twilight apologized, on Pinkie’s behalf. “We really didn’t mean to startle you. We’re not looking to cause any harm, honest.”

Though still cautious, the girl picked herself up so she could get a better look at the group before her. They certainly didn’t seem dangerous, albeit they were the strangest looking people she’d ever seen. They seemed to wear the attire much like all the people who crossed the street, yet she could tell there was something… ‘off’ just the same.

“I’ve never seen you around here before,” Johanna admitted. “Who are you?”

“We’re just some strangers passing through,” Twilight Sparkle assured. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends: Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy. And of course, you’ve already met Pinkie Pie.”

“Nice to meet you!” Pinkie smiled, holding out her hand.

She held her hand out eagerly to receive a warm shake from the blonde-haired girl. But she just looked at the hand, then up toward Pinkie’s smiling face.

“Don’t leave me hanging…” Pinkie gestured.

After a momentary period of hesitation, the girl slowly grasped Pinkie’s hand and shook it.

“Johanna… my name’s Johanna,” The girl answered softly. “Forgive me, but… I wasn’t expecting company. I thought you were criminals.”

“Oh, we’re not criminals Miss Johanna,” Fluttershy reassured. “Though I can understand why you felt that way. It’s just that we heard you singing, and we couldn’t help but—”

“You… enjoyed my singing?” Johanna asked.

“It was very lovely,” Rarity replied. “Are you classically trained?”

“No… it’s just a little something I’ve learned to pass the time. It gets lonely in that house, even around people.”

“I see…” Twilight nodded, understanding. “Anyways, the reason we came here is because we were hoping to see more of the town. If you’re not too busy, maybe you could show us around?”

“You mean… leave?” Johanna asked, nervously. “Oh no… no, I am never allowed to leave the house… much less, I shouldn’t even be out here. Least… not by myself.”

“That’s okay,” Pinkie Pie nodded, understanding. “Maybe we can just stay in the house. And if absolutely necessary, we’ll work for our bed and board.”

“Even if I would welcome you to, I can’t do that either,” Johanna shook her head. “We don’t allow guests staying in our house.”

“What do you mean, kid?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You’re Dad doesn’t like you talking to strangers?”

“Not… exactly.”

Ahsoka Tano: Oh, how come?

Postwar: Something tells me we'll find out.

“Johanna!”

Every pony jumped at the sound of a loud voice, interrupting Johanna before she could finish. They turned just as an elder man emerged from the house. He had graying hair, was dressed in a fancy-looking suit, and wore a hardened look on his face.

“What are you doing out here?” The man asked harshly. “I’ve told you you’re not to be out of the house unless either Beadle or I are with you.”

Johanna looked down at the grass, both showing shame and fear at the same time.

“Forgive me, Judge Turpin,” She apologized. “I was just hoping to get some fresh air. It gets stuffy being inside all the time and I just…”

“That’s enough!” Turpin snapped. “Go back in your room now! We’ll discuss this later.”

With no further response, Johanna quickly gathered her things before quickly ducking back into the house. Turpin then turned his attention to the Mane Six and Spike, who eyed the harsh man worriedly.

“And what are you doing here?” Turpin asked coldly. “Trespassing? Breaking and entering? Attempted burglary?”

“No, it ain’t like that at all sir!” Applejack assured.

“Then, what is it? Because you’re still trespassing on private property.”

“We’re very sorry for coming in without permission, Mr. Turpin,” Twilight apologized.

“Judge… Turpin.”

“Yes… of course. What I mean to say is… we’re just lost. We’ve only just arrived, and we needed some help finding our way.”

“That’s when we met Johanna,” Spike continued. “We couldn’t help but hear her humming and we figured your daughter could help us. We didn’t mean to…”

“Silence, boy!” Turpin hissed. “I know your kind.”

“I’m sorry… my kind?”

“Like a dog chasing scraps, the very sight of a pretty young girl is enough to bring you howling into my home.”

“That’s not true!” Spike argued.

“Don’t lie to me!” Turpin growled.

“Now listen here, you ruffian!” Rarity stepped up. “Spikey here is not the type to do anything vile. He’s a perfect gentleman who already has a young lady waiting at home whom he cares for very much. How dare you insinuate he’d resort to such acts when you don’t even know him? You’re insulting his honor!”

“Insulting?” Turpin raised his eyebrow. “You invade my home, and you have the nerve to speak to me about insulting? You realize by breaking into a judge’s home, no lawman in this city won’t agree to hang you all… or sentence you to a lifetime of imprisonment. Fortunately for you, I am willing to show you mercy… and because pretty women, even your young friend, would never survive in jail.

“Now… you listen to me because I’ll only tell you once,” Turpin warned, looming over the group. “You girls take your square-headed boy, and you will leave my house and never come back! If I see ‘any’ of you near my house or my ward again, they’ll never find your bodies. I’m a judge… I can make that happen.”

Turpin proceeded to open the door leading to the back alley and held it open, while staring hatefully toward the girls and Spike. They all looked at the judge with complete shock before quickly taking him up on his demand and burst out the door immediately. Once outside, the door slammed behind them, loud and hard.

Leia Organa: Well ain't he a ray of sunshine.

Sunset Shimmer: And Spike doesn't have a square head.

Mando: Judges tend to act like that, thinking that just because he has a title, thinks he calls the shots, but the greedy and corrupt will do whatever it takes to seize what doesn't belong to him.

“Well… ain’t that a fine howdy-doo,” Applejack spoke sarcastically.

“I ought to go back in there and slug that jerk so hard it’ll send him forward in time!” Rainbow huffed.

“And what will that accomplish?” Twilight Sparkle asked. “We have to blend into society while we’re here. Assaulting a judge is not going to be good for any of us.”

“But we can’t let the big meanie pants get away with that,” Pinkie Pie argued. “Maybe we could throw a fake party and blast him with my party cannon when he shows up… the real one, not the fake one.”

“I’m all for that plan,” Spike agreed.

“Listen every pony, I don’t like being insulted either,” Twilight told them. “But we can’t go on adding more problems to our plate right now. Let’s just try to find somewhere to stay for tonight and we’ll work on a plan tomorrow.”

It was clear the blood was still racing within the others, in light of their confrontation with Judge Turpin. Though as much as they’d want to fight back, however, they knew Twilight was right. They needed to focus on figuring out why they were here and not on a belligerent authoritarian bully.

“Fine,” Rainbow Dash sighed. “So… where did Johanna say we should check?”

“She mentioned something about Fleet Street,” Fluttershy replied. “Maybe we should check there.”

“Then I reckon we get a move on ‘fore ol’ judge jerk face changes his mind,” Applejack suggested.

“I hear you there,” Rarity agreed.

The group soon made their way out of the alley and down the road in search of Fleet Street. Twilight Sparkle took one last look over her shoulder, back toward the judge’s house. For some reason, she couldn’t shake this feeling about the poor young girl residing within. Perhaps her poor treatment had something to do with their mission here. Perhaps Johanna needed help from her situation, though whether that was their true purpose being here Twilight wasn’t entirely certain.

But for now, she turned back and focused on her intent on leading the remainder of the group towards Fleet Street. If luck was in their favor, this Judge, Turpin by name, would be their only concern moving forward.

Ben Solo: But what are they going to search for?

Mando: Clues. If they can figure why they have been brought to a place like this, then it must be for a very good reason. Which is why they need to move throughout different towns in order to find what they should be looking for and not let anyone distract them.

Galen Marek: Unless it's Pinkie Pie.

A pair of glowing green slit eyes shot open as Queen Chrysalis regained consciousness. She couldn’t recall passing out nor remember emerging through the portal she walked through. The only recollection on her mind was a constant rocking sensation. The former Changeling queen slowly rose to her feet, steadying herself on the hard wooden floor only to be met by the sight of thick fog all around her. Large crates surrounded her, and she could hear what sounded like waves crashing to her side.

“This must be a boat,” She deduced. “The only question is… where are we going?”

She was about to stand straight up to assume her full height when the sound of approaching footsteps made her quickly sink back down. She peeked around a crate cautiously. Her eyes spotted some human men walking about, many of them carrying small crates of supplies or vast assortment of marine equipment.

“I can’t go out amongst these vermin as I am now,” She whispered to herself. “I have to find somebody… I need something to help me blend in.”

Suddenly, a paper flew off the hands of an absent-minded man and floated toward her position. She grabbed the paper and looked at one of the headings on the front page. One article she read mentioned the arrest of a mad woman wandering the streets, arranged to be taken to an insane asylum of sorts. The article even came with the picture of a woman, providing enough details for Chrysalis to study very closely. With the image in her mind, Chrysalis went straight to work.

Lighting her jagged horn, Chrysalis allowed the green flames of her transformation spell to engulf her. When the flames dissipated, Chrysalis assumed the form of a human girl with pale skin with long curled golden hair and wearing a light gray dress.

camo.fimfiction.net/dnHDMmdOMskWNZxJOt-YI5BODphG4h740A9gqSrBVko?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2013%2F08%2F20091216_sha_g90_076180059-350x600.jpg%3Fquality%3D80%26strip%3Dall

Chrysalis studied the features of her new form, waving her new hands in front of her face before smiling with satisfaction.

“That should do,” She spoke, realizing she now had an English accent. “Huh… seems taking this form has granted me a new manner of speaking. Strange, but could be quite useful.”

Galen Marek: So that's Chrysalis.

Leia Organa: They look different from the Changelings we know.

Postwar: You'll find that many races that bear that name have different appearances. And unless they actually did their homework on the person they turned into before they transform into them.

“Forgive my foolishness,” A voice spoke to her. “I must pay more heed to my surroundings.”

“I certainly hope so,” Chrysalis replied, turning around.

When she turned around, she noticed that the person she ran into was a young sailor of about twenty. A handsome looking boy with shoulder length dirty blonde hair. Over his shoulder, he carried an old bag and in his hand was a rather small book of maps.

“Forgive me, my lady,” The lad apologized. “I got lost reviewing my maps and wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Just don’t let it happen again,” Chrysalis replied.

The young man merely held out his hand toward the woman.

“I’m Anthony,” He greeted kindly.

For a moment, Chrysalis merely stood there looking at his outstretched hand. No way could she tell this young man her true name if she wanted to stay inconspicuous. She needed to make one up and fast.

“Alice… Alice Winters,” She replied, shaking his hand.

“Pleasure, Ms. Winters,” Anthony smiled at her. “If I may ask ma’am, what are you doing aboard this ship?”

Once again, Chrysalis found herself on the spot. She had to build up on this lie quickly or else risk giving herself away. This boy was kind, but she dared not mistake it for ignorance. It was during this moment she needed to put her innocent damsel-in-distress act to use.

Mando: I see, so they take a different form, and try to act as normal as possible, before finding the right moment to strike.

Postwar: That's right. Glad to see that you're catching on.

Anthony began to walk his way down the deck with Chrysalis following close behind. She quickly shed her fake sadness with a wicked smirk behind his back, thinking how easy it was to fool people like this boy. All that was left to do was follow him along the deck, and she’d soon reach this London without trouble. All of a sudden, he stopped midway, nearly causing Chrysalis to bump into him again.

“Why did you stop?” Chrysalis questioned.

“There’s someone I must introduce you to,” Anthony answered.

He looked forward once more and waved his hand high in the air.

“Mr. Todd!” He called out.

Within minutes, the sound of heavy footsteps approaching them drew Chrysalis’ attention forward. Another man walked toward them, with a presence as though he was a silhouette out of blazing red flames. The moment her eyes landed on him, she was struck by curiosity and entranced by his presence.

The man himself was a decently tall man, measured up to a head taller than her own human form. He had very pale skin, the only color being the dark circles under his dark eyes. His hair was black with a streak of white and a wild mess. He wore a dark leather coat, slacks, boots, and fingerless gloves. But what entranced Chrysalis most of all was the ice stare upon the man’s face.

As the man approached, Anthony stepped aside lightly so he could see Chrysalis in her new form. The moment the man caught sight of her, he froze in place. His eyes turned wide as a look of surprise dawned upon his pale face.

“Lucy…” He spoke, amazed.

Chrysalis eyed him strangely for a moment before doing a quick double take to be certain he wasn’t talking to someone behind her.

“Are you… talking to me?” She asked. “I’m afraid you mistake me for someone else.”

Sunset Shimmer: Whoa, who is that guy?

Ben Solo: He looks...pale...lonely even.

Ahsoka Tano: And from the look on his face, he's been through a lot.

Chrysalis stuck out her hand and Sweeney stared at it for a moment. Eventually, he reached out and grasped his hand with hers and shook. In one instant, they felt some sort of connection to one another. Neither could understand it nor contemplate ‘why’, but this feeling was undeniable. He gently brought her hand up to his lips and placed a gently kiss on her knuckles before letting her go.

“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Winters,” He spoke lowly.

“Same to you, Mr. Todd,” Chrysalis nodded.

“Land Ho!” Someone yelled.

Hearing the call, Anthony instantly ran toward the bow of the ship and leaned over the rail as the cries of sailors echoed from across the rigging and the sails behind him. Anthony peered through the fog, straining to see… London. Clanking of a clock tower bell was heard amongst the towering spires and mountainous rooftops of the city, as the ship emerged through the fog like a tiger creeping toward its prey. Anthony took in the dreadful and magnificent spectacle of the 19^thCentury metropolis. The gnarl of rooftops, the labyrinth of streets and alleys, and the black trails of smoke reaching up like skeletal fingers from a thousand chimneys.

The young sailor couldn’t help but stare and marvel at the sight of this amazing, sulfurous, city. For all the places he had seen in the world, none of them could compare to this city. With the feeling of wonder and awestruck coursing through his veins, he couldn’t help but sing.

[embed]youtube.com/watch?v=egot4O9xHu4[/embed

At that moment, the grimly Sweeney Todd stepped up alongside Anthony and looked out toward the city. However, unlike Anthony, Sweeney looked at the city with disdain and hatred.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
No there’s no place like London…

“Mr. Todd?” Anthony responded quizzically.

Todd glared forward, his haunted gaze never leaving the approaching city. Todd stood very still while Anthony seemed almost lost at his side, overwhelmed by the scale and aura of the city. Chrysalis took a few steps further up the bow to join the two men. She walked right up to their side and noticed the London Tower Bridge lift up its two connecting roads to allow the ship entry into the harbor.

“Takes your breath away, doesn’t it?” She questioned.

“Trust me dear, though it looks full of wonders, the city is as dark as the skies above us,” Sweeney responded.

“How do you mean?”

Sweeney shuddered violently, almost snarling. He looked back out at the city as they started to make way for the harbor. The hate for the city poured out of him as he sang once more.

Chrysalis couldn’t help but eye the man with curiosity, whereas when Anthony looked, he was mystified by the man’s grim reaction to the city. Without question, this Sweeney Todd was a man of mystery. He clearly held deep hatred for this city; the question is… why? Once the ship was fully docked, Sweeney and Anthony began to disembark with Chrysalis following behind. On solid ground, she sighed in relief to not have to stand on a rocking ship anymore. Meanwhile, Sweeney looked up and down the dark, desolate city streets in deep thought.

“Is everything alright Mr. Todd?” Anthony asked.

“I beg your indulgence, Anthony,” He responded. “But my mind is far from easy. In these once familiar streets I feel shadows, everywhere…”

This drew Chrysalis’ attention as she stared back at Sweeney and walked alongside him.

“Shadows…?” She asked.

“Ghosts,” Sweeney added.

All of a sudden, Sweeney started to go back into the recesses of his mind to the very last time he was in this miserable city. A time when he had a happy life, a happy wife, and a happy child. A time when all was right with the world… before it happened. Wanting to understand this mysterious man, Chrysalis closed her eyes and focused her dark magic to dig into the mysterious man’s consciousness… to the depths of his deepest, darkest memories.

Galen Marek: He's haunted by the pain from his past.

Postwar: We go from one place to another, hoping to escape that fate, but eventually it comes back to you, plaguing your mind without even a second thought.

Ahsoka Tano: You sound as you speak from experience.

Postwar: Trust me...I do.

Flashback…
Fifteen years prior…

Chrysalis opened her eyes again, noticing the sky was significantly clearer and sunny. Looking around, she also saw she was in the middle of a market of sorts. Many different people walked about, collectively shopping. With a glance to the side, she saw what appeared to be a younger Sweeney Todd, Benjamin Barker back then, pushing a baby carrier through an open archway into the market. At his side was a beautiful woman, his wife ‘Lucy’, with curled golden hair, dressed in a white dress and bonnet. Through the crowded market, amidst a colorful explosion of blossoms, the two both looked incredibly happy as they pushed the carrier containing their one-year-old baby.

Coming to a stop, Lucy picked up the baby from the carrier and Benjamin started to entertain his daughter with her little doll. He then plucked a small flower from a nearby bush and held it up as his baby girl got a small smile on her face. The young couple then looked at each other with such love and happiness, smiling with joy, and so content. The man seemed almost… unrecognizable.

From the sidelines, Chrysalis couldn’t help but shed a lone tear down her face watching the young couple. It reminded her so much of the time spent with Fire Fall, back when they were growing up without a care in the world. How she longed for a similar life with his… a life, which sadly, they never got the chance to have.

The changeling quickly snapped out of these thoughts due to the presence of another man. Judge Turpin, an elderly man with a saturnine demeanor, eyeing Lucy from around the corner through the luxurious bunches of flowers. He stalked her, desired her… he had to have her.

Judge Turpin looked over his shoulder to his right hand man, Beadle Bamford, a most nefarious creature. A large man of florid nature and pink, with a powdered face never quite disguising his lethality. The Judge whispered something to the Beadle, indicating Todd. The smaller man nodded upon noticing the happy couple and walked off. Within minutes, the Beadle and two policemen swept into the marketplace and walked right behind young Benjamin Barker. One of whom whacked him in the back with a nightstick and the officers dragged the young barber off as his wife looked on in horror and his infant daughter cried. Within another second, Judge Turpin walked up behind Lucy like a predator, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as she looked up at him.

Ahsoka Tano: Oh, how horrible.

Sunset Shimmer: The judge really is corrupted.

Mando: When a man with a title, sees something that piqued his interest, they will stop at nothing until they get what they want.

Chrysalis once more snapped her eyes open, quickly wiping away the tears filling her gaze, not allowing a single one to fall. She couldn’t believe the young barber had been forcibly taken away from his own wife and child all because of an order from one corrupted judge. It really hurt her own black heart because she finally understood the connection she had with this man.

For what happened to him was exactly what happened to her… all those years ago.

“And the lady, sir…” Anthony asked. “Did she succumb?”

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
Oh, that was many years ago…
I doubt if anyone would know.

Finally, after another period of silence, Chrysalis finally found her voice once more. A voice choked up within her throat.

“Such a cruel fate to befall a young couple such as that,” She whispered. “There truly is no greater cruelty in the world.”

Though her words were soft and unheard, Sweeney Todd could hear her perfectly. He knew nothing about this young woman, but he was at least grateful she understood and sympathized with him. Soon his focus turned back toward Anthony.

“I’d like to thank you, Anthony,” Todd told him. “If you hadn’t spotted me, I’d be lost on the ocean still… thank you, I owe you my life.”

Todd picked up his duffel bag, preparing to go.

“Will I see you again?” Anthony asked hopefully.

“You might find me, if you like,” Todd replied in earnest. “Around Fleet Street. I wouldn’t wonder…”

Anthony gave a simple nod of understanding and held out his hand to his new ‘friend’.

“Until then, my friend,” Anthony bid farewell.

Sweeney Todd, however, didn’t even acknowledged the offered handshake. He simply took off down one of the side streets. Anthony let his arm slide back down to his side and looked over toward Chrysalis, who seemed lost in her own thoughts.

“Are you alright, Ms. Winters?” He asked with concern.

It took a moment for Chrysalis to snap herself back to reality and knowledge the young man speaking to her.

“I’m fine,” She responded quickly. “Just lost in thought is all.”

“Do you need any help finding a place to stay?” Anthony offered.

Once again, his question was met with silence as Chrysalis took off down the very street Sweeney Todd walked down. Anthony stood for a moment, saddened by the mysterious pall that hung over his friends. As for Chrysalis, she ran for a few moments before she noticed Sweeney Todd walking down the alley with a far off look in his eyes.

“Mr. Todd!” She called out.

Sweeney froze in place as he slowly turned toward the young woman walking towards him.

“What do you want?” He asked coldly.

“That story you told,” Chrysalis replied. “It was about you, wasn’t it? You had a wife and child you loved very much, but they were taken away from you.”

Sweeney snapped his eyes in her direction, eyes that held a heated glare.

“How did you…?”

“You used to have a life filled with love, but you were sent away by corrupted officials,” Chrysalis continued. “Now you come back after all these years hoping to find your wife and child. Not only that, but you also long to exact revenge on the man who ruined your life.”

Sweeney Todd quickly advanced on her and clasped his hands on her throat as he backed her against a nearby wall. It was perhaps one of the rare times in Chrysalis’ life she felt a twinge of fear, as she stared into the hateful, angry eyes of a possibly dangerous human being.

“What would you know of my plans?!” He asked angrily. “What of anything in my life?! You don’t know me! You understand nothing!”

“I do!” Chrysalis croaked. “I understand more than you know!”

Postwar: And so the plot thickens like the most hardest of soups.

Sunset Shimmer: Huh, weird metaphor, but I understand what you mean.

Mando: Agreed. Anyone who is driven with revenge would most likey to be taken advantage of.

“How would you know?!” Sweeney hissed.

“Because… it happened to me!” Chrysalis choked out.

Chrysalis words caught Sweeney Todd off guard. He released the grip upon her neck and backed away. Chrysalis massaged her slightly sore neck as she released a few coughs before turning back toward the stunned human.

“What do you mean?” He asked her.

“I once had a great love,” Chrysalis explained to him. “I loved him… and he loved me back. We were so happy together; we planned to run away and start a life of our own. Until corrupted officials intervened, locked him away, and banished me!”

Chrysalis once more stood to her full height, as she stood before Sweeney Todd himself.

“We’re not so different you and I,” Chrysalis voiced her honesty. “We’ve felt love, only to have it ripped away unjustly by the cruel and corrupt. That’s why… we should help each other.”

Sweeney stared at her, listening intently over what she said. He couldn’t fully grasp what to believe nor if anything she said rang with truth. However, he noticed the manner of how she spoke. For a woman of such compassion, why else would she speak that way if she were telling a lie? Until proven otherwise, he decided to believe her… for now.

“What are you suggesting?” He asked her.

The sound of thunder caused Chrysalis to look up toward the dark sky. She knew it was probably best to find someplace to shelter themselves if a storm was coming their way.

“Perhaps it be best if we found some place to discuss this in private,” She offered.

Sweeney looked up toward the sky and over his shoulder in the direction he was heading. While he still didn’t fully know what to make of the girl in front of him, he knew they were connected by circumstance he couldn’t blindly ignore. Releasing a deep exhale, he turned back toward her.

“Follow me,” He instructed.

He continued his way down the alley and Chrysalis quickly followed behind him. They walked on through the dark alleys of London as a bunch of rats ran alongside them. All the while, Todd strode along, deep in thought. The emotions roiling within him finally seethed out in a dark mutter:

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
There’s a hole in the world like a great black pit
And it’s filled with people who are filled with shit,
And the vermin of the world inhabit it…

The two pressed on through the streets of London, seeking a place to reside for the time being. They passed alleys, cobblestone streets, a warehouse and even a factory…. with a shrilling whistle blow, enormously loud, blood-chilling and spine-shattering. A bizarre combination of a factory whistle; a hog being slaughter; a dog snarling; a roaring inferno; and even a human scream.

They passed many people that made up the streets of London town. The slender dandy in pearl grey gloves and matching waistcoat, the makings of a cold, superior aristocrat. The large, rotund, and sleek banker with impressive muttonchops. More figures emerged from the shadows, prosaic in appearance and yet they resembled ‘ghosts’ more than people. And yet they were very distinct: From a tough, leather-skinned military man in a crimson imperial uniform to the lean, severe man with pale skin in clerical attire. There was a small, meek man with glasses in an ill-fitting suit and another dashing young man, presumably from Oxford, with the most luxurious long hair.

But there was only one thing that went through a mind of Sweeney Todd, as he cut through the city at lightning pace down twisting alleys and up crowed boulevards. The thought he carried into tunnels and over bridges, slashing through London at breakneck speed. Even with all these new circumstances surrounding him, Chrysalis could sense from within this man there was only one desire in his mind:

Vengeance.

Sunset Shimmer: Oh no, this is bad.

Postwar: Be thankful there aren't that kind of killers throughout the galaxy. They tend to have much more dangerous adversaries along the way.

Ahsoka Tano: Still, I can't believe she's taking advantage of something like that.

Postwar: It's the thing with Discord and Tirek, all over again.

What a bone-chilling beginning, Chrysalis with Sweeny Todd......not good, so many things gonna go wrong, feels me with anxiety and excitement XD, awesome work cheerful

Yeah. Can't help but think of this when it comes to introductions to a Burton style London.

That aside, good job with the dresses. I wasn't expecting Crystalis to take on that particular form. I can tell she's going to get close with Sweeney and maybe~ end up another "saved" character, except this time for the villain side. I also forgot how much of a bastitch Turpin could be, given its been a while since I've seen the movie.

A special announcement from Mina the Dragon!

Mina: “Uh, hi every ponies, dragons, creatures, and…demons. So Red Rubies to have you all here! I have an important announcement to make! Due to his wife going into labor and giving birth to their new child. Dr. Phantom-Dragon will not be your host tonight!”

Charlie Morningstar: “Aw! That’s so sweet! He’s having a baby!”

Nifty: “What a lucky girl his wife must be!”

Husk: “Who gives a shit?”

Mina: “Also…another announcement to share…Uh…turns out…Daring Do is—“ (Gets interrupted by Alastor)

Alastor: “Is in good hands! Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Alastor’s the name! A pleasure it is for me to be here tonight to provide you simple folks with the upmost entertainment you’ve all been craving for! I’m here because Discord asked me to co-host your lovely dragon hostess for tonight’s entertainment. Goodbye! The end! Any questions?”

A random pony raised their hoof up to ask.

Alastor: “Good! Now without further ado! Let’s begin the festivity with an opening number!”

Husk: “Oh fuck. Here we go again…” (Drinks his cheap booze)

And with that, Alastor proceeds to sing his song.

Mina: “Hey! I was making an announcement about Daring—“

Alastor: (Wags a finger) “Ah ah ah, my dear! First rule of entertainment: Never spoil the festivity! These poor souls are clearly looking forward to a good time! So I say we GIVE ‘EM ONE! And then we can crush their hearts with the bad news later!”

Mina: “What?! Why would you do that?”

Alastor: “When in doubt, you’ve got to drop the ball in order for it to bounce higher! And higher, until there is nothing. In my past experience, you’ve got to entertain the audience! Lead them on, get their hopes up, only to crush their hopes and dreams at the very last minute! And the sadder they are, the more they desire to be rid of their depression to be happy again! How did you think Gone With The Wind became a highly acclaimed memorable masterpiece? HA HA HA HA!!!”

Mina: “Okay. Let me ask you this once. How can you be so cruel?”

Alastor: (Smiles) “I’ll put it simply. I find everybody’s pain entertaining, but my own. Ha ha ha ha!”

Next>>

11635115
Congrats PhD and to Rain Shine as well.

"What's this?! Alastor? Hosting in a movie theater instead of me? Hmph! What chique. What idiocy! That outdated striped madman of a showman wouldn't know TV from Television! And yet they still chose him over me? The far more advanced and charismattic host and businessman behind Hell's electronics. Well...if Alastor thinks he can bring the house down, he's got another thing coming. Ha ha ha ha!"

static.wikia.nocookie.net/hazbinhotel/images/5/5d/Vox_render.png/revision/latest?cb=20221125100225

Commentary will come out tomorrow, was told to come in work today as they needed to help.

So when I wake up tomorrow I’ll start on it right away

I’ll(Mina) start working on my commentary soon, at lunch, Mr. E.

Lately, I’ve(Mina) been having Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss on the mind, and I need to pull myself together.

Until then:

HAZBIN HOTEL SONG - "A Taste of the Flame" by @ShawnChristmas

11634487
11634491
11634504
11634505
11634506
11634558
11634621
11634738
11635115

A great gust of wind blew through the air, as the crystal portal opened up allowing the Mane Six and Spike to emerge. As the portal closed around them, the girls and Spike looked around noting that they stood in what appeared to be a dark alley. The giant stone walls of the buildings surrounding them only had narrow walkways in between them upon which they stood. The only source of light for the moment was the single streetlamp at the end of the alley. The rolling sound of thunder drew their attention, their eyes gazing toward the sky blackened by dark clouds. Needless to say, wherever they ended up this time, it was most certainly a rather gloomy place.

“Yeesh, this place is depressing,” Rainbow voiced her honesty.

“What did you expect, silly filly?” Pinkie giggled. “That’s the atmosphere of almost ‘every’ Tim Burton movie or T.V. show. Except the brightly colorful ones.”

“… What?”

“Never mind.”

Arctic: Well, may not look the best. But, at least it’s not something worst they appear in.

Sci-Twi: True, they did appear in much more worse places on their adventures… like appearing in a prison

Juniper: Yeah, not the best of moments.

“My stars! These dresses are simply divine!” Rarity said adoringly, eyeing herself.

Every pony else, including Spike, looked down and noticed they had assumed their human forms again. Additionally, the girls were dressed in the most beautiful dresses they’d ever seen. As for Spike himself, he was dressed in a simple gray trench coat, a white dress shirt, charcoal gray dress pants, matching shoes, and a top hat.
camo.fimfiction.net/IWP3ZctqxHFz0bssr6MzCFmUHx-mO9b6yvKJTY32KU4?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2zvlj-dc2836f2-6af3-4544-a91a-b6e70be192a2.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYyenZsai1kYzI4MzZmMi02YWYzLTQ1NDQtYTkxYS1iNmU3MGJlMTkyYTIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.Yunk3FcICqOnAMNyTaoe9XjXuhm7vkkvnRhx2UnP1Y4

camo.fimfiction.net/xMU_AdYnb_adsXT5Ho70QqvGdMnRM73lAmH2BP4aezU?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2tjgv-0e816ec2-2937-40bc-b1fc-0e6d6ec1566f.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYydGpndi0wZTgxNmVjMi0yOTM3LTQwYmMtYjFmYy0wZTZkNmVjMTU2NmYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.6kjHxGN1yVPNGy4nv7I8t_g0sKGrTauyI5YlfhokA7Y

camo.fimfiction.net/85jj0z5bIBPYiseDDgRsDDcd83m1AgjxZKZAuA0l1Ac?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q728-571f2a5d-63a1-428e-b2d2-a19366023322.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTcyOC01NzFmMmE1ZC02M2ExLTQyOGUtYjJkMi1hMTkzNjYwMjMzMjIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.LcK3N9sA0tagLuSM4foD9IpdEtFv6KOGoSHsPMJ_Shg

camo.fimfiction.net/OFsP9r8W38cQbKAIrJC-68ZKXZ-nLDDUCZbgfBz6n2I?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q9yk-ac9093c5-b952-4a79-939b-053658628b86.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTl5ay1hYzkwOTNjNS1iOTUyLTRhNzktOTM5Yi0wNTM2NTg2MjhiODYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.T7APeV5HCYaYiFrCt4nTMQF_kYuc0JS34JJfWFo5RMk

camo.fimfiction.net/LZyXUA9PrQyLvNISj8fCICD0oWqYMlyaFEzxNTOz4DM?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0qld6-ebcc8f8c-730f-466c-ba1f-2c747991f687.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcWxkNi1lYmNjOGY4Yy03MzBmLTQ2NmMtYmExZi0yYzc0Nzk5MWY2ODcucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.B0eAwXFJ3H6YM5BBKTmqg4q6tExzja_wj6xcrMthfss

camo.fimfiction.net/PMpLjpt5TQ2t0OUaYzokrjDwXewtxuaHazYrk0k2LhI?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0x9ob-0225ead7-4344-4b3b-808b-86a80e8a4b3c.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcweDlvYi0wMjI1ZWFkNy00MzQ0LTRiM2ItODA4Yi04NmE4MGU4YTRiM2MucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.rZs6zjdQDuog3ewWa_v8RSp2rdLiPU8PeWtOvOzp8v4

Rarity: (had stars in her eyes) They look, magnificent! Those dresses look simply divine.

Arctic: Very true, they’re looking beautiful in those dresses. And, Spike looking nice in a suit.

“Oh my, these dresses are very pretty!” Fluttershy smiled, twirling about.

“Ugh, why does it always to be dresses?” Rainbow complained, trying to scratch herself. “They’re always so itchy and uncomfortable.”

“That may be true sugarcube, but it sure hugs ya in all the right ways,” Applejack smirked toward her marefriend.

This caused Rainbow Dash to give a playful look.

Arctic: And, there they go again…

Pinkie Pie: Wow, that was much faster for them to have a flirting session.

“The same could be said for you, sweet Apple,” Rainbow replied. “I guess I can bare wearing this mummy outfit as long as you do too.”

“For you, ah’d wear it furever,” Applejack smiled back.

Just as the two leaned in for a kiss, Twilight Sparkle stepped between them.

“Now’s not the time,” Twilight informed them. “We must figure out where we are and for that matter ‘why’ we’re here.”

“Where do you think we ended up this time?” Spike asked.

“Give me a minute, Spike.”

Twilight Sparkle stepped out from between Applejack and Rainbow Dash, holding her hands in front of her. Channeling all her magic, she pinpointed her location spell to visualize the layout of the landscape. Eventually, she snapped her eyes open and dropped her hands back aside with a deep sigh.

“Looks like we’re in London, England during the Victorian Era,” Twilight informed them. “That was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from June 20th of 1837 until her death on January 22nd of 1901. It was mostly characterized by a class-based society, a growing number of people being able to vote, and…”

“Ugh, it hurts!” Rainbow groaned, massaging her temples.

“What’s the matter?” Rarity asked. “Splitting headache?”

“Just the sound of egghead talk,” Rainbow pointed at Twilight.

Sci-Twi: (pouts a bit) Nothing wrong with a little knowledge.

Just as Twilight Sparkle was about to argue back, Fluttershy quickly stepped between them before chaos erupted.

“Let’s not start another argument girls,” Fluttershy pleaded. “We must figure out why we’re here and put a stop to it. I think we should get out of this dark alley before we run into anything dangerous.”

“She’s right, we should go,” Rarity agreed.

“How are we supposed tah know where tah go?” Applejack asked.

Just then, the group froze as their ears were drawn to a sound emanating from the distance. And yet, it was so relaxing… in fact, they realized what they were hearing was a melody.

Juniper: You all here that?

Applejack: Yeah, sounds like singing

Fluttershy: I-It sounds really beautiful.

“What is that?” Spike questioned. “It’s like hearing an angel singing.”

“You’re right, Spike,” Twilight responded. “That sounds like humming. We should see who it is. Maybe they can help us figure our way around here.”

Twilight Sparkle proceeded to take her lead out of the alley while the rest of her friends followed closely behind. Eventually, they reached the end of the alleyway noting the giant stone wall opposite the small side street. Whomever was humming appeared to be on the other side of this high wall. The group quickly made their way toward the wall, taking measurements of the height of the structure itself.

“How the hay are we climbing this?” Applejack asked.

“If some of us had our wings, we could fly everyone up there,” Rainbow replied.

“Unfortunately, that ain’t the case right now, hun.”

Applejack: I don’t think that’s a good idea

Rainbow Dash: Eh, I’m sure they will be fine. Besides, they need to find out from someone on where to go so they don’t get lost

Juniper: Maybe so, but it is still trespassing. Who knows what the person might think if they just randomly show up.

“What do you think, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight Sparkle looked up once more as she examined the high wall. Just then, an idea suddenly popped into her head. Holding up her hands, she focused her magic and conjured a glowing magical staircase that led right toward the top of the wall.

“Show off,” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Yippee!” Pinkie cheered gleefully. “Last one up’s a rotten hayburger!”

Arctic: Anyone else think something bad is gonna happen?

Juniper: Going by their experience in past adventures… I say that something bad will happen

Pinkie Pie proceeded to bounce her way up the stairs, while the rest of the group followed behind. Soon as they reached the top of the wall, they peeked over to the other side. The wall happened to surround a large garden just outside a stately-looking house. At the center of the garden was a large marble fountain where a young girl was sitting. She was dressed in a lovely blue dress, her long golden hair curled down her back. Apparently, it was her doing the humming as she sat at the fountain reading a little book.

Rarity: why, what a lovely young girl.

“Well, now we know where the humming came from,” Spike realized. “She certainly knows her melodies.”

“Indeed, she does!” Rarity nodded in agreement. “I’d dare say she’d make a wonderful addition to the Ponytones.”

“You reckon she might know her way around these parts?” Applejack asked Twilight Sparkle.

“She might,” Twilight Sparkle guessed. “But we must be casual about this just the same. We’re strangers here and she might not take likely of us…”

“Hey! Miss singer lady!”

The girls and Spike gasped in horror, as the girl briefly looked up from her book toward the wall. Before her eyes, she saw six ladies and a man looking over the wall. One of the ladies, a pink-toned girl, casually waved toward the girl with a smile. The girl reeled back with a shriek and dropped her book. The sudden cry made Pinkie Pie slip forward down the wall.

“WHOOAAAAAAA…OOF!!!”

Arctic: Dang it Pinkie…

Pinkie Pie: What? Needed to get her attention somehow

Juniper: Yeah, but without scaring her obviously. (She said towards the party girl)

Luckily for Pinkie Pie, she happened to land in a bush of roses that happened to be along the wall… but still, a rough landing all the same. The girl looked with wide eyes, breathing heavily, as she watched the poofy-haired maiden lift herself out of the bush and brushed the loose leaves and flower petals off her dress and her hair casually.

“I’m okay…” Pinkie Pie smiled.

“You shouldn’t be here!” The girl warned frightened. “You need to leave now!”

Fluttershy: I-I don’t like the sound of that.

Arctic: Me neither..(he said with some worry)

“Oh, we are very sorry about that miss,” Spike called out. “Everything’s all right.”

“Please don’t hurt me!” She backed away.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Twilight assured.

The remainder of the girls carefully climbed down the wall, along with Spike. The girl stood by the fountain. On one hand, she could’ve taken off and called someone right away. But judging by her expression, she seemed trapped… like she should get back in the house… and yet she didn’t want to. The girls carefully approached the girl, with Twilight Sparkle taking the lead.

“I’m very sorry about my friend,” Twilight apologized, on Pinkie’s behalf. “We really didn’t mean to startle you. We’re not looking to cause any harm, honest.”

Pinkie Pie: Yeah! Princess Twilight and her friends are really nice. They won’t bite

Though still cautious, the girl picked herself up so she could get a better look at the group before her. They certainly didn’t seem dangerous, albeit they were the strangest looking people she’d ever seen. They seemed to wear the attire much like all the people who crossed the street, yet she could tell there was something… ‘off’ just the same.

“I’ve never seen you around here before,” the girl admitted. “Who are you?”

“We’re just some strangers passing through,” Twilight Sparkle assured. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends: Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy. And of course, you’ve already met Pinkie Pie.”

“Nice to meet you!” Pinkie smiled, holding out her hand.

She held her hand out eagerly to receive a warm shake from the blonde-haired girl. But she just looked at the hand, then up toward Pinkie’s smiling face.

“Don’t leave me hanging…” Pinkie gestured.

After a momentary period of hesitation, the girl slowly grasped Pinkie’s hand and shook it.

“Johanna… my name’s Johanna,” The girl answered softly. “Forgive me, but… I wasn’t expecting company. I thought you were criminals.”

Juniper: And that’s why they have to be more careful when doing things like that.

Fluttershy: W-Well, at least she seems like a nice person.

“Oh, we’re not criminals Miss Johanna,” Fluttershy reassured. “Though I can understand why you felt that way. It’s just that we heard you singing, and we couldn’t help but—”

“You… enjoyed my singing?” Johanna asked.

“It was very lovely,” Rarity replied. “Are you classically trained?”

“No… it’s just a little something I’ve learned to pass the time. It gets lonely in that house, even around people.”

“I see…” Twilight nodded, understanding. “Anyways, the reason we came here is because we were hoping to see more of the town. If you’re not too busy, maybe you could show us around?”

“You mean… leave?” Johanna asked, nervously. “Oh no… no, I am never allowed to leave the house… much less, I shouldn’t even be out here. Least… not by myself.”

“That’s okay,” Pinkie Pie nodded, understanding. “Maybe we can just stay in the house. And if absolutely necessary, we’ll work for our bed and board.”

“Even if I would welcome you to, I can’t do that either,” Johanna shook her head. “We don’t allow guests staying in our house.”

“What do you mean, kid?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You’re Dad doesn’t like you talking to strangers?”

“Not… exactly.”

“Well… surely you must know some place around here where we could stay,” Twilight Sparkle suggested hopefully. “I’d hate for us to spend the next few nights on the street.”

“I... I do recall some boarding homes around Fleet Street,” Johanna pondered. “I’ve never been there myself, but perhaps—”

“Johanna!”

Every pony jumped at the sound of a loud voice, interrupting Johanna before she could finish. They turned just as an elder man emerged from the house. He had graying hair, was dressed in a fancy-looking suit, and wore a hardened look on his face.

Fluttershy: W-Who is that? (She asked a bit scared)

Rainbow Dash: I don’t know..but I have this feeling that I already don’t like him.

“What are you doing out here?” The man asked harshly. “I’ve told you you’re not to be out of the house unless either Beadle or I are with you.”

Johanna looked down at the grass, both showing shame and fear at the same time.

“Forgive me, Judge Turpin,” She apologized. “I was just hoping to get some fresh air. It gets stuffy being inside all the time and I just…”

“That’s enough!” Turpin snapped. “Go back toyour room now! We’ll discuss this later.”

With no further response, Johanna quickly gathered her things before quickly ducking back into the house.

Rarity: Now that’s just awful! How dare he treat a lady like that

Turpin then turned his attention to the Mane Six and Spike, who eyed the harsh man worriedly.

“And what are you doing here?” Turpin asked coldly. “Trespassing? Breaking and entering? Attempted burglary?”

“No, it ain’t like that at all sir!” Applejack assured.

“Then, what is it? Because you’re still trespassing on private property.”

“We’re very sorry for coming in without permission, Mr. Turpin,” Twilight apologized.

“Judge… Turpin.”

“Yes… of course. What I mean to say is… we’re just lost. We’ve only just arrived, and we needed some help finding our way.”

“That’s when we met Johanna,” Spike continued. “We couldn’t help but hear her humming and we figured your daughter could help us. We didn’t mean to…”

“Silence, boy!” Turpin hissed. “I know your kind.”

Arctic: (felt offend and angered by that comment) I’m sorry..what?

Sci-Twi: What does he mean by “his kind?”

“I’m sorry… my kind?”

“Like a dog chasing scraps, the very sight of a pretty young girl is enough to bring you howling into my home.”

“That’s not true!” Spike argued.

“Don’t lie to me!” Turpin growled.

Arctic: Hey! Not all guys are like that! And, Spike is definitely someone who isn’t that kind of person!

“Now listen here, you ruffian!” Rarity stepped up. “Spikey here is not the type to do anything vile. He’s a perfect gentleman who already has a young lady waiting at home whom he cares for very much. How dare you insinuate he’d resort to such acts when you don’t even know him? You’re insulting his honor!”

“Insulting?” Turpin raised his eyebrow. “You invade my home, and you have the nerve to speak to me about insulting? You realize by breaking into a judge’s home, no lawman in this city won’t agree to hang you all… or sentence you to a lifetime of imprisonment. Fortunately for you, I am willing to show you mercy… and because pretty women, even your young friend, would never survive in jail.

Rainbow Dash: What?! He can’t do that!

Sci-Twi: Hate to say it…but be actually can.

Juniper: She’s right, since his the judge he has the authority to do it

“Now… you listen to me because I’ll only tell you once,” Turpin warned, looming over the group. “You girls take your square-headed boy, and you will leave my house and never come back! If I see ‘any’ of you near my house or my ward again, they’ll never find your bodies. I’m a judge… I can make that happen.”

Turpin proceeded to open the door leading to the back alley and held it open, while staring hatefully toward the girls and Spike. They all looked at the judge with complete shock before quickly taking him up on his demand and burst out the door immediately. Once outside, the door slammed behind them, loud and hard.

Arctic: So, we agree that he is hated and dislike by us right?

Applejack: Eeyup. (She said with a glare)

“Well… ain’t that a fine howdy-doo,” Applejack spoke sarcastically.

“I ought to go back in there and slug that jerk so hard it’ll send him forward in time!” Rainbow huffed.

“And what will that accomplish?” Twilight Sparkle asked. “We have to blend into society while we’re here. Assaulting a judge is not going to be good for any of us.”

“But we can’t let the big meanie pants get away with that,” Pinkie Pie argued. “Maybe we could throw a fake party and blast him with my party cannon when he shows up… the real one, not the fake one.”

“I’m all for that plan,” Spike agreed.

Juniper: Ok, let’s not go that far. Yeah, we don’t like him either. But that’s attempt murder

Rainbow Dash: Come on, he needs to be roughed up just a bit.

Arctic: Or at least one good punch in the face.

“Listen every pony, I don’t like being insulted either,” Twilight told them. “But we can’t go on adding more problems to our plate right now. Let’s just try to find somewhere to stay for tonight and we’ll work on a plan tomorrow.”

It was clear the blood was still racing within the others, in light of their confrontation with Judge Turpin. Though as much as they’d want to fight back, however, they knew Twilight was right. They needed to focus on figuring out why they were here and not on a belligerent authoritarian bully.

“Fine,” Rainbow Dash sighed. “So… where did Johanna say we should check?”

“She mentioned something about Fleet Street,” Fluttershy replied. “Maybe we should check there.”

“Then I reckon we get a move on ‘fore ol’ judge jerk face changes his mind,” Applejack suggested.

“I hear you there,” Rarity agreed.

The group soon made their way out of the alley and down the road in search of Fleet Street. Twilight Sparkle took one last look over her shoulder, back toward the judge’s house. For some reason, she couldn’t shake this feeling about the poor young girl residing within. Perhaps her poor treatment had something to do with their mission here. Perhaps Johanna needed help from her situation, though whether that was their true purpose being here Twilight wasn’t entirely certain.

But for now, she turned back and focused on her intent on leading the remainder of the group towards Fleet Street. If luck was in their favor, this Judge, Turpin by name, would be their only concern moving forward.

Fluttershy: I-I hope they don’t have to deal with anyone else like him..

Applejack: I don’t know, Shy. Something tells me that there is more to come

Next>>

<<Previous

A pair of glowing green slit eyes shot open as Queen Chrysalis regained consciousness. She couldn’t recall passing out nor remember emerging through the portal she walked through. The only recollection on her mind was a constant rocking sensation. The former Changeling queen slowly rose to her feet, steadying herself on the hard wooden floor only to be met by the sight of thick fog all around her. Large crates surrounded her, and she could hear what sounded like waves crashing to her side.

The Rainbooms & Juniper: Chrysalis?!

Arctic: Great, so the big queen is here…but what is she doing there is what I’m wondering.

“This must be a boat,” She deduced. “The only question is… where are we going?”

She was about to stand straight up to assume her full height when the sound of approaching footsteps made her quickly sink back down. She peeked around a crate cautiously. Her eyes spotted some human men walking about, many of them carrying small crates of supplies or vast assortment of marine equipment.

“I can’t go out amongst these vermin as I am now,” She whispered to herself. “I have to find somebody… I need something to help me blend in.”

Suddenly, a paper flew off the hands of an absent-minded man and floated toward her position. She grabbed the paper and looked at one of the headings on the front page. One article she read mentioned the arrest of a mad woman wandering the streets, arranged to be taken to an insane asylum of sorts. The article even came with the picture of a woman, providing enough details for Chrysalis to study very closely. With the image in her mind, Chrysalis went straight to work.

Lighting her jagged horn, Chrysalis allowed the green flames of her transformation spell to engulf her. When the flames dissipated, Chrysalis assumed the form of a human girl with pale skin with long curled golden hair and wearing a light gray dress.

camo.fimfiction.net/dnHDMmdOMskWNZxJOt-YI5BODphG4h740A9gqSrBVko?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2013%2F08%2F20091216_sha_g90_076180059-350x600.jpg%3Fquality%3D80%26strip%3Dall

Rarity: Well, I have to give credit where It’s do. She does look divine herself right now..even if she’s a villain.

Chrysalis studied the features of her new form, waving her new hands in front of her face before smiling with satisfaction.

“That should do,” She spoke, realizing she now had an English accent. “Huh… seems taking this form has granted me a new manner of speaking. Strange, but could be quite useful.”

Chrysalis poked her head out of hiding once more to survey her surroundings. Noting most of the men were off on another region of the ship, she slowly crept out and made her way backwards keeping an eye out for any intrusions. Not realizing where she was going, she unintentionally bumped into someone else.

“Forgive my foolishness,” A voice spoke to her. “I must pay more heed to my surroundings.”

“I certainly hope so,” Chrysalis replied, turning around.

When she turned around, she noticed that the person she ran into was a young sailor of about twenty. A handsome looking boy with shoulder length dirty blonde hair. Over his shoulder, he carried an old bag and in his hand was a rather small book of maps.

Applejack: Ain’t that a handsome fella.

“Forgive me, my lady,” The lad apologized. “I got lost reviewing my maps and wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Just don’t let it happen again,” Chrysalis replied.

The young man merely held out his hand toward the woman.

“I’m Anthony,” He greeted, kindly.

For a moment, Chrysalis merely stood there looking at his outstretched hand. No way could she tell this young man her true name if she wanted to stay inconspicuous. She needed to make one up and fast.

“Alice… Alice Winters,” She replied, shaking his hand.

Arctic: So, she’s going by Alice. Wonder while she’s there Princess Twilight and her friends will be able to notice her.

Sci-Twi: But, why is she there?

Juniper: Maybe will find out soon enough.

“Pleasure, Ms. Winters,” Anthony smiled at her. “If I may ask ma’am, what are you doing aboard this ship?”

Once again, Chrysalis found herself on the spot. She had to build up on this lie quickly or else risk giving herself away. This boy was kind, but she dared not mistake it for ignorance. It was during this moment she needed to put her innocent damsel-in-distress act to use.

“Please forgive me sir, I had no choice,” Chrysalis begged innocently. “I was lost at sea, and I saw the ship floating by, so I had to climb aboard. Knowing no man would approve of a woman being aboard, I had to hide. I don’t want to die in the middle of the ocean.”

Rainbow Dash: Is she really pulling a damsel in distress?

Arctic Yes, yes she is. And it’s acting like that is why she can get away with a lot of things

She added in her best fake cry routine, which, fortunately for her, garnered enough sympathy for the poor kindhearted fool that was Anthony.

“I understand completely, miss,” He assured her. “You have my word that I will see you reach London safely. Just follow me and stay close.”

“Bless your kind heart sir,” Chrysalis thanks him.

Arctic: Can’t lie, I think most including myself might’ve done that to.

Rarity: If it weren’t for the fact she is a evil queen, I have to say it would be the right thing to do for a gentleman to help a lady in need

Anthony began to walk his way down the deck with Chrysalis following close behind. She quickly shed her fake sadness with a wicked smirk behind his back, thinking how easy it was to fool people like this boy. All that was left to do was follow him along the deck, and she’d soon reach this London without trouble. All of a sudden, he stopped midway, nearly causing Chrysalis to bump into him again.

“Why did you stop?” Chrysalis questioned.

“There’s someone I must introduce you to,” Anthony answered.

He looked forward once more and waved his hand high in the air.

“Mr. Todd!” He called out.

Within minutes, the sound of heavy footsteps approaching them drew Chrysalis’ attention forward. Another man walked toward them, with a presence as though he was a silhouette out of blazing red flames. The moment her eyes landed on him, she was struck by curiosity and entranced by his presence.

The man himself was a decently tall man, measured up to a head taller than her own human form. He had very pale skin, the only color being the dark circles under his dark eyes. His hair was black with a streak of white and a wild mess. He wore a dark leather coat, slacks, boots, and fingerless gloves. But what entranced Chrysalis most of all was the ice stare upon the man’s face.

Fluttershy: E-Eep..(she said softly sliding back onto her seat)

Applejack: He seems like… a interesting fella

As the man approached, Anthony stepped aside lightly so he could see Chrysalis in her new form. The moment the man caught sight of her, he froze in place. His eyes turned wide as a look of surprise dawned upon his pale face.

“Lucy…” He spoke, amazed.

Chrysalis eyed him strangely for a moment before doing a quick double take to be certain he wasn’t talking to someone behind her.

“Are you… talking to me?” She asked. “I’m afraid you mistake me for someone else.”

The man quickly shook his head, as if clearing his thoughts and gave a simple nod.

“Forgive me, miss,” He apologized. “It’s just you remind me of… someone I once knew.”

Sci-Twi: This Lucy… sounds like she was someone very important to him.

Arctic: Seeing how he reacted, I believe you’re right about that Twi

Chrysalis cocked a curious eyebrow as she pondered what he meant. Ultimately, however, she decided to let it go.

“It’s quite alright, sir,” She nodded. “I’m Alice Winters, pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The man in turn gave a quick bow of his head.

“Todd… Sweeney Todd,” He replied.

Chrysalis stuck out her hand and Sweeney stared at it for a moment. Eventually, he reached out and grasped his hand with hers and shook. In one instant, they felt some sort of connection to one another. Neither could understand it nor contemplate ‘why’, but this feeling was undeniable. He gently brought her hand up to his lips and placed a gently kiss on her knuckles before letting her go.

Juniper: Are..are they having a connection?

Rarity: it seems like that’s the case..

Arctic: Depending on what we will find out about him, could spell trouble

“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Winters,” He spoke lowly.

“Same to you, Mr. Todd,” Chrysalis nodded.

“Land Ho!” Someone yelled.

Hearing the call, Anthony instantly ran toward the bow of the ship and leaned over the rail as the cries of sailors echoed from across the rigging and the sails behind him. Anthony peered through the fog, straining to see… London. Clanking of a clock tower bell was heard amongst the towering spires and mountainous rooftops of the city, as the ship emerged through the fog like a tiger creeping toward its prey. Anthony took in the dreadful and magnificent spectacle of the 19th Century metropolis. The gnarl of rooftops, the labyrinth of streets and alleys, and the black trails of smoke reaching up like skeletal fingers from a thousand chimneys.

The young sailor couldn’t help but stare and marvel at the sight of this amazing, sulfurous, city. For all the places he had seen in the world, none of them could compare to this city. With the feeling of wonder and awestruck coursing through his veins, he couldn’t help but sing.

Pinkie Pie: Ooo~! We’re about to get another musical!

Rainbow Dash: Something, tells me it’s not gonna be like the Shrek Adventure Pinkie.

Anthony (Sings):
I have sailed the world,
Beheld its wonders
From the Dardanelles,
To the mountains of Peru,
But there’s no place like London--!

At that moment, the grimly Sweeney Todd stepped up alongside Anthony and looked out toward the city. However, unlike Anthony, Sweeney looked at the city with disdain and hatred.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
No there’s no place like London…

“Mr. Todd?” Anthony responded quizzically.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
You are young…
Life has been kind to you…
You will learn.

Todd glared forward, his haunted gaze never leaving the approaching city. Todd stood very still while Anthony seemed almost lost at his side, overwhelmed by the scale and aura of the city. Chrysalis took a few steps further up the bow to join the two men. She walked right up to their side and noticed the London Tower Bridge lift up its two connecting roads to allow the ship entry into the harbor.

“Takes your breath away, doesn’t it?” She questioned.

“Trust me dear, though it looks full of wonders, the city is as dark as the skies above us,” Sweeney responded.

“How do you mean?”

Sweeney shuddered violently, almost snarling. He looked back out at the city as they started to make way for the harbor. The hate for the city poured out of him as he sang once more.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
There’s a hole in the world like a great black pit
And the vermin of the world inhabit it
And its morals aren’t worth what a pig can spit
And it goes by the name of London…
At the top of the hole sit the privileged few
Making mock of the vermin in the lower zoo,
Turning beauty to filth and greed…
I too have sailed the world and seen its wonders,
For the cruelty of men is as wondrous as Peru
But there’s no place like London!

Chrysalis couldn’t help but eye the man with curiosity, whereas when Anthony looked, he was mystified by the man’s grim reaction to the city. Without question, this Sweeney Todd was a man of mystery. He clearly held deep hatred for this city; the question is… why? Once the ship was fully docked, Sweeney and Anthony began to disembark with Chrysalis following behind. On solid ground, she sighed in relief to not have to stand on a rocking ship anymore. Meanwhile, Sweeney looked up and down the dark, desolate city streets in deep thought.

“Is everything alright Mr. Todd?” Anthony asked.

“I beg your indulgence, Anthony,” He responded. “But my mind is far from easy. In these once familiar streets I feel shadows, everywhere…”

Fluttershy: W-What does he m-mean by that?

This drew Chrysalis’ attention as she stared back at Sweeney and walked alongside him.

“Shadows…?” She asked.

“Ghosts,” Sweeney added.

Fluttershy: G-Ghost?! (She said frightened)

Sci-Twi: I think he means bad memories..

Juniper: it must be one very bad memory..

All of a sudden, Sweeney started to go back into the recesses of his mind to the very last time he was in this miserable city. A time when he had a happy life, a happy wife, and a happy child. A time when all was right with the world… before it happened. Wanting to understand this mysterious man, Chrysalis closed her eyes and focused her dark magic to dig into the mysterious man’s consciousness… to the depths of his deepest, darkest memories.

Arctic: Looks like we’re about to get are answer.

Flashback…
Fifteen years prior…

Chrysalis opened her eyes again, noticing the sky was significantly clearer and sunny. Looking around, she also saw she was in the middle of a market of sorts. Many different people walked about, collectively shopping. With a glance to the side, she saw what appeared to be a younger Sweeney Todd, Benjamin Barker back then, pushing a baby carrier through an open archway into the market. At his side was a beautiful woman, his wife ‘Lucy’, with curled golden hair, dressed in a white dress and bonnet. Through the crowded market, amidst a colorful explosion of blossoms, the two both looked incredibly happy as they pushed the carrier containing their one-year-old baby.

Juniper: If I have to guess, that must be Lucy.

Rarity: She looks so beautiful, and they even have a child.

Rainbow Dash: I almost didn’t recognize the guy, he looks so different.

Sweeney Todd: (sings)
There was a barber and his wife
And she was beautiful
A foolish barber and his wife
She was his reason and his life
And she was beautiful
And she was virtuous
And he was…Naive

Coming to a stop, Lucy picked up the baby from the carrier and Benjamin started to entertain his daughter with her little doll. He then plucked a small flower from a nearby bush and held it up as his baby girl got a small smile on her face. The young couple then looked at each other with such love and happiness, smiling with joy, and so content. The man seemed almost… unrecognizable.

From the sidelines, Chrysalis couldn’t help but shed a lone tear down her face watching the young couple. It reminded her so much of the time spent with Fire Fall, back when they were growing up without a care in the world. How she longed for a similar life with his… a life, which sadly, they never got the chance to have.

Fluttershy: G-Girls…I think Chrysalis is crying. (She mentioned)

Juniper: No…you’re right. She is crying

Rainbow Dash: Why the heck is she crying?

Arctic: I’m not sure, Rainbow. This is a side of Chrysalis I never thought to see

The changeling quickly snapped out of these thoughts due to the presence of another man. Judge Turpin, an elderly man with a saturnine demeanor, eyeing Lucy from around the corner through the luxurious bunches of flowers. He stalked her, desired her… he had to have her.

Sweeney Todd: (sings)
There was another man who saw
That she was beautiful
A pious vulture of the law
Who, with a gesture of his claw
Removed the barber from his plate
Then there was nothing but to wait

Judge Turpin looked over his shoulder to his right hand man, Beadle Bamford, a most nefarious creature. A large man of florid nature and pink, with a powdered face never quite disguising his lethality. The Judge whispered something to the Beadle, indicating Todd. The smaller man nodded upon noticing the happy couple and walked off. Within minutes, the Beadle and two policemen swept into the marketplace and walked right behind young Benjamin Barker. One of whom whacked him in the back with a nightstick and the officers dragged the young barber off as his wife looked on in horror and his infant daughter cried. Within another second, Judge Turpin walked up behind Lucy like a predator, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as she looked up at him.

Sweeney Todd: (sings)
And she would fall
So soft
So young
So lost
And oh, so beautiful

There was a series of gasps and shocked witnessing what happen to him and what Judge Turpin had did

Rarity: How awful!

Fluttershy: I-I can’t believe he would do that. A-and took someone he loved, e-even his daughter.

Arctic: (growls a bit) Now I have another reason to hate that guy.

Applejack: Eeyup, you’re not the only one. (She said with a glare)

Chrysalis once more snapped her eyes open, quickly wiping away the tears filling her gaze, not allowing a single one to fall. She couldn’t believe the young barber had been forcibly taken away from his own wife and child all because of an order from one corrupted judge. It really hurt her own black heart because she finally understood the connection she had with this man.

For what happened to him was exactly what happened to her… all those years ago.

“And the lady, sir…” Anthony asked. “Did she succumb?”

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
Oh, that was many years ago…
I doubt if anyone would know.

Fluttershy: I-I really hope s-she’s still around. (She mentioned with some worry and sadness)

Finally, after another period of silence, Chrysalis finally found her voice once more. A voice choked up within her throat.

“Such a cruel fate to befall a young couple such as that,” She whispered. “There truly is no greater cruelty in the world.”

Though her words were soft and unheard, Sweeney Todd could hear her perfectly. He knew nothing about this young woman, but he was at least grateful she understood and sympathized with him. Soon his focus turned back toward Anthony.

“I’d like to thank you, Anthony,” Todd told him. “If you hadn’t spotted me, I’d be lost on the ocean still… thank you, I owe you my life.”

Todd picked up his duffel bag, preparing to go.

“Will I see you again?” Anthony asked hopefully.

“You might find me, if you like,” Todd replied in earnest. “Around Fleet Street. I wouldn’t wonder…”

Pinkie Pie: isn’t that where Princess Twilight and her friends are?

Juniper: It is, so that means they’ll encounter him.

Anthony gave a simple nod of understanding and held out his hand to his new ‘friend’.

“Until then, my friend,” Anthony bid farewell.

Sweeney Todd, however, didn’t even acknowledge the offered handshake. He simply took off down one of the side streets. Anthony let his arm slide back down to his side and looked over toward Chrysalis, who seemed lost in her own thoughts.

“Are you alright, Ms. Winters?” He asked with concern.

It took a moment for Chrysalis to snap herself back to reality and knowledge of the young man speaking to her.

“I’m fine,” She responded quickly. “Just lost in thought is all.”

“Do you need any help finding a place to stay?” Anthony offered.

Once again, his question was met with silence as Chrysalis took off down the very street Sweeney Todd walked down. Anthony stood for a moment, saddened by the mysterious pall that hung over his friends. As for Chrysalis, she ran for a few moments before she noticed Sweeney Todd walking down the alley with a far off look in his eyes.

“Mr. Todd!” She called out.

Sweeney froze in place as he slowly turned toward the young woman walking towards him.

“What do you want?” He asked coldly.

“That story you told,” Chrysalis replied. “It was about you, wasn’t it? You had a wife and child you loved very much, but they were taken away from you.”

Sweeney snapped his eyes in her direction, eyes that held a heated glare.

“How did you…?”

“You used to have a life filled with love, but you were sent away by corrupted officials,” Chrysalis continued. “Now you come back after all these years hoping to find your wife and child. Not only that, but you also long to exact revenge on the man who ruined your life.”

Sweeney Todd quickly advanced on her and clasped his hands on her throat as he backed her against a nearby wall. It was perhaps one of the rare times in Chrysalis’ life she felt a twinge of fear, as she stared into the hateful, angry eyes of a possibly dangerous human being.

“What would you know of my plans?!” He asked angrily. “What of anything in my life?! You don’t know me! You understand nothing!”

Another gasp of shocked seeing Todd gripping onto Chrysalis throat.

Fluttershy: H-His gonna kill her!

Rainbow Dash: H-Hey buddy. Let’s calm down, even she doesn’t deserve death.

“I do!” Chrysalis croaked. “I understand more than you know!”

Sweeney’s grip on her neck increased as his rage grew. Chrysalis could easily use her magic to throw him off but instead… she chose not to.

“How would you know?!” Sweeney hissed.

“Because… it happened to me!” Chrysalis choked out.

Chrysalis words caught Sweeney Todd off guard. He released the grip upon her neck and backed away. Chrysalis massaged her slightly sore neck as she released a few coughs before turning back toward the stunned human.

“What do you mean?” He asked her.

“I once had a great love,” Chrysalis explained to him. “I loved him… and he loved me back. We were so happy together; we planned to run away and start a life of our own. Until corrupted officials intervened, locked him away, and banished me!”

Juniper: Did…Did that actually happen? She once had someone, but was taken from him?

Arctic: I..I’m not sure. This is a new side of her we’re witnessing

Chrysalis once more stood to her full height, as she stood before Sweeney Todd himself.

“We’re not so different, you and I,” Chrysalis voiced her honesty. “We’ve felt love, only to have it ripped away unjustly by the cruel and corrupt. That’s why… we should help each other.”

Sweeney stared at her, listening intently over what she said. He couldn’t fully grasp what to believe nor if anything she said rang with truth. However, he noticed the manner of how she spoke. For a woman of such compassion, why else would she speak that way if she were telling a lie? Until proven otherwise, he decided to believe her… for now.

“What are you suggesting?” He asked her.

The sound of thunder caused Chrysalis to look up toward the dark sky. She knew it was probably best to find someplace to shelter themselves if a storm was coming their way.

“Perhaps it would be best if we found some place to discuss this in private,” She offered.

Sweeney looked up toward the sky and over his shoulder in the direction he was heading. While he still didn’t fully know what to make of the girl in front of him, he knew they were connected by circumstance he couldn’t blindly ignore. Releasing a deep exhale, he turned back toward her.

“Follow me,” He instructed.

He continued his way down the alley and Chrysalis quickly followed behind him. They walked on through the dark alleys of London as a bunch of rats ran alongside them. All the while, Todd strode along, deep in thought. The emotions roiling within him finally seethed out in a dark mutter:

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
There’s a hole in the world like a great black pit
And it’s filled with people who are filled with shit,
And the vermin of the world inhabit it…

The two pressed on through the streets of London, seeking a place to reside for the time being. They passed alleys, cobblestone streets, a warehouse and even a factory…. with a shrilling whistle blow, enormously loud, blood-chilling and spine-shattering. A bizarre combination of a factory whistle; a hog being slaughter; a dog snarling; a roaring inferno; and even a human scream.

They passed many people that made up the streets of London town. The slender dandy in pearl grey gloves and matching waistcoat, the makings of a cold, superior aristocrat. The large, rotund, and sleek banker with impressive muttonchops. More figures emerged from the shadows, prosaic in appearance and yet they resembled ‘ghosts’ more than people. And yet they were very distinct: From a tough, leather-skinned military man in a crimson imperial uniform to the lean, severe man with pale skin in clerical attire. There was a small, meek man with glasses in an ill-fitting suit and another dashing young man, presumably from Oxford, with the most luxurious long hair.

But there was only one thing that went through a mind of Sweeney Todd, as he cut through the city at lightning pace down twisting alleys and up crowed boulevards. The thought he carried into tunnels and over bridges, slashing through London at breakneck speed. Even with all these new circumstances surrounding him, Chrysalis could sense from within this man there was only one desire in his mind:

Vengeance.

Juniper: This is Bad, really bad.

Fluttershy: I-I hope the princess and her friends will b-be alright

Rarity: Let us hope so, darling. We can only hope

Arctic: (was in his thoughts) Was it true what Chrysalis said? Once she once good and had a lover of her own that she lost? Even if it’s her and all the terrible things she did… no one deserves to lose someone they loved dear, even if it’s someone like her.

Next>>

11634699

Me neither.

I had the misfortune to watch a Stephen King movie, when I was a preschooler, and I've been traumatized ever since...

Normally in Cinematic Adventures, at the beginning of each adventure, the heroes meet the protagonist and the villains meet the bad guy of the story; but this time the opposite has happened. The girls and Spike meet Turpin, a judge who makes it clear that he is anything but a fair man; and Johanna, a young woman who lives as a prisoner in her own house. The Mane 6 have figured out why they are in this world.

For her part, Chrysalis meets Sweeney Todd, real name Benjamin Barker, an honest man who lost his freedom and family to the lust of an evil judge and bailiff, an action that has changed him for the worse (something that shows because of the aggressiveness that he has shown a moment ago). Surprisingly, the cruel and manipulative ex-queen of the changelings shows empathy for this fellow, and the two become partners, for better or worse.

At least everypony are aware of the monster that Judge Turpin is, which at some point will make their paths cross in the future. And perhaps in the rare case that a possible of an alliance? With the adventure just started, many things can happen.

My congrats to cheerful09 for his dress' designs. My favorites are Fluttershy, Rarity and Twilight's ones. And it's funny that Chrysalis used the main character of "Alice in Wonderland (2010)", since that movie was also directed by Tim Burton, and Johnny Depp is in it, as The Hatter.

11636009
Wow... You have nightmare about that?

11634534
11634738
11634504
11634496
11635133
<<Previous

So sorry for the delay! A thousand apologies, Mr. Quill Cast and Mr. Curtain Calls!

Everything's a riot here at Discord's Theater (a bigger riot than it usually is), but everybody's getting settled...well, almost everyone...How does, Doc put up with all this?

Carrie White and Derick were both ready to enjoy their dinner, when Carrie felt a tap on her shoulder, turning to see–

Carrie White: "Loona?!"

Princess Luna: "Yes?"

Derick: (To Princess Luna) "Not you, Luna." (Points to Loona) "This Loona!" (To Loona) "Hey! Loona! Long time no see!"

Loona didn't respond. Instead, she pointed to an empty seat beside them, asking if she could sit with them.

Carrie White: "Uh...is there a problem?"

Derick: "Yeah...why aren't you talking?"

In response, Loona pulled out her phone and started texting some words to explain for herself.

Derick: (Reads Loona's texts) "I got grounded by my dad, so I was smoking. Now my throat is f-ed up, so I can't speak. I just want to get away from him. Can I sit with you guys?"

Carrie White: "Oh. Sure! Please, have a seat." (Offers a seat for Loona to sit in)

Once Loona was seated, both hellhound and her human-turned-pony friends turn their attention to the big screen.

“Yeesh, this place is depressing,” Rainbow voiced her honesty.

Husk: "Yeah. Looks just like home..."

Inky Rose: "Why wasn't I invited?"

“What did you expect, silly filly?” Pinkie giggled. “That’s the atmosphere of almost ‘every’ Tim Burton movie or T.V. show. Except the brightly colorful ones.”

“… What?”

Angel Dust: "Uh, who?"

“My stars! These dresses are simply divine!” Rarity said adoringly, eyeing herself.

Every pony else, including Spike, looked down and noticed they had assumed their human forms again. Additionally, the girls were dressed in the most beautiful dresses they’d ever seen. As for Spike himself, he was dressed in a simple gray trench coat, a white dress shirt, charcoal grey dress pants, matching shoes, and a top hat.

camo.fimfiction.net/IWP3ZctqxHFz0bssr6MzCFmUHx-mO9b6yvKJTY32KU4?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2zvlj-dc2836f2-6af3-4544-a91a-b6e70be192a2.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYyenZsai1kYzI4MzZmMi02YWYzLTQ1NDQtYTkxYS1iNmU3MGJlMTkyYTIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.Yunk3FcICqOnAMNyTaoe9XjXuhm7vkkvnRhx2UnP1Y4
camo.fimfiction.net/xMU_AdYnb_adsXT5Ho70QqvGdMnRM73lAmH2BP4aezU?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdf2tjgv-0e816ec2-2937-40bc-b1fc-0e6d6ec1566f.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGYydGpndi0wZTgxNmVjMi0yOTM3LTQwYmMtYjFmYy0wZTZkNmVjMTU2NmYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.6kjHxGN1yVPNGy4nv7I8t_g0sKGrTauyI5YlfhokA7Y
camo.fimfiction.net/85jj0z5bIBPYiseDDgRsDDcd83m1AgjxZKZAuA0l1Ac?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q728-571f2a5d-63a1-428e-b2d2-a19366023322.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTcyOC01NzFmMmE1ZC02M2ExLTQyOGUtYjJkMi1hMTkzNjYwMjMzMjIucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.LcK3N9sA0tagLuSM4foD9IpdEtFv6KOGoSHsPMJ_Shg
camo.fimfiction.net/OFsP9r8W38cQbKAIrJC-68ZKXZ-nLDDUCZbgfBz6n2I?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0q9yk-ac9093c5-b952-4a79-939b-053658628b86.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcTl5ay1hYzkwOTNjNS1iOTUyLTRhNzktOTM5Yi0wNTM2NTg2MjhiODYucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.T7APeV5HCYaYiFrCt4nTMQF_kYuc0JS34JJfWFo5RMk
camo.fimfiction.net/LZyXUA9PrQyLvNISj8fCICD0oWqYMlyaFEzxNTOz4DM?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0qld6-ebcc8f8c-730f-466c-ba1f-2c747991f687.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcwcWxkNi1lYmNjOGY4Yy03MzBmLTQ2NmMtYmExZi0yYzc0Nzk5MWY2ODcucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.B0eAwXFJ3H6YM5BBKTmqg4q6tExzja_wj6xcrMthfss
camo.fimfiction.net/K9YSaVhWGJYAhH3reIV6ecBYneHHttgFRI1lkH--aXw?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com%2Ff%2Fa0a75b86-f382-4312-bef4-28e337d8af70%2Fdg0x9ob-0225ead7-4344-4b3b-808b-86a80e8a4b3c.png%3Ftoken%3DeyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2EwYTc1Yjg2LWYzODItNDMxMi1iZWY0LTI4ZTMzN2Q4YWY3MFwvZGcweDlvYi0wMjI1ZWFkNy00MzQ0LTRiM2ItODA4Yi04NmE4MGU4YTRiM2MucG5nIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.rZs6zjdQDuog3ewWa_v8RSp2rdLiPU8PeWtOvOzp8v4

Charlie Morningstar: "Aw! They look so adorable!"

Niffty: "Yeah! Those ladies are dressin' in style! But that boyfriend of theirs is helluva hunk!"

Angel Dust: "I'll say. Rrrrr~" (Eyes at Spike flirtatiously) "I might have to take him up on a good time and pleasure that ass of his."

Gabby: (To Angel Dust) "Uh...that's my boyfriend?"

Angel Dust: (To Gabby) "Oh. Lucky you, puss-tit."

Vaggie: (To Angel Dust) "Ugh! Really?"

Angel Dust: (To Vaggie) "What? A tit's a kind of bird. Isn't it? And puss is another word for a cat, ain't it?"

“Oh my, these dresses are very pretty!” Fluttershy smiled, twirling about.

Random Dude: "Compliments to Cheerful9."

“Ugh, why does it always to be dresses?” Rainbow complained, trying to scratch herself. “They’re always so itchy and uncomfortable.”

“That may be true sugarcube, but it sure hugs ya in all the right ways,” Applejack smirked toward her marefriend.

This caused Rainbow Dash to give a playful look.

“The same could be said for you, sweet Apple,” Rainbow replied. “I guess I can bare wearing this mummy outfit as long as you do too.”

“For you, ah’d wear it furever,” Applejack smiled back.

Audience: "AWWWWWW!!!!"

Charlie Morningstar: (Embraces Vaggie) "Aw, look, Vaggie! They're so much in love! Kinda like when we first met, remember?"

Vaggie: (Smiles in agreement) "How can I ever forget?"

Niffty: (To Husk) "Doesn't it make you feel young again, to look for love?"

Husk: "...Not really. Because like I said before, I've lost the ability to love years ago..."

“Now’s not the time,” Twilight informed them. “We must figure out where we are and for that matter ‘why’ we’re here.”

“Where do you think we ended up this time?” Spike asked.

“Give me a minute, Spike.”

Twilight Sparkle stepped out from between Applejack and Rainbow Dash, holding her hands in front of her. Channeling all her magic, she pinpointed her location spell to visualize the layout of the landscape. Eventually, she snapped her eyes open and dropped her hands back aside with a deep sigh.

“Looks like we’re in London, England during the Victorian Era,” Twilight informed them.

Alastor: "What luck! I personally know an acquaintance of mine who would be thrilled to watch a picture show of England's past in such a simpler, yet fancy time! Back when etiquettes and good manners were top-notch! Ah, Rosie would envy me now..."

“That was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from June 20^thof 1837 until her death on January 22^nd of 1901. It was mostly characterized by a class-based society, a growing number of people being able to vote, and…”

Angel Dust: (Stuck his tongue out and mocking Twilight with hand puppets) "Blah blah blah blah blah! Who let the know-it-all into the big picture? The whole point of a movie is to entertain the viewers! Turn them on with your ass, your curves, or any of your appealing features! Not bore them to death with your blah blah blah..."

“What’s the matter?” Rarity asked. “Splitting headache?”

“Just the sound of egghead talk,” Rainbow pointed at Twilight.

Angel Dust: (Smiles and finger-guns Rainbow Dash) "Yeah, see? That dude gets my point."

Charlie Morningstor: (To Angel) "Uh...Angel? Rainbow Dash is a girl."

Angel Dust: (To Charlie) "But you said it's a tomboy."

Charlie Morningstar: "Well, yes. I did. But tomboys are girls who are...kinda like boys."

Angel Dust: "...Which is like saying they're girls in a boy's body?"

Vaggie: "Ugh!" (Pinches her temples) "How many times do we need to explain this?"

“Let’s not start another argument girls,” Fluttershy pleaded. “We must figure out why we’re here and put a stop to it. I think we should get out of this dark alley before we run into anything dangerous.”

Trixie: "Oh, c'mon. Not all dark alleys are that dangerous. I mean, how often has something bad ever happen in a dark alley?"

Starlight Glimmer: (To Trixie) "Judging by some of our recent experience, Trixie. Very much..."

Just then, the group froze as their ears were drawn to a sound emanating from the distance. And yet, it was so relaxing… in fact, they realized what they were hearing was a melody.

“What is that?” Spike questioned. “It’s like hearing an angel singing.”

Alastor: (Turns to Charlie) "Charlie?"

Charlie Morningstar: (Holds her hands up) "It's not me!" (Blushes) "Though...I'm flattered..."

Angel Dust: "Don't look at me."

Vaggie: (To Angel Dust) "Nobody's even looking at you..."

Angel Dust: (To Vaggie) "Which is why I'm getting that ball rolling."

Twilight Sparkle proceeded to take her lead out of the alley while the rest of her friends followed closely behind. Eventually, they reached the end of the alleyway noting the giant stone wall opposite the small side street. Whomever was humming appeared to be on the other side of this high wall. The group quickly made their way toward the wall, taking measurements of the height of the structure itself.

“How the hay are we climbing this?” Applejack asked.

“If some of us had our wings, we could fly everyone up there,” Rainbow replied.

“Unfortunately, that ain’t the case right now, hun.”

“What do you think, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight Sparkle looked up once more as she examined the high wall. Just then, an idea suddenly popped into her head. Holding up her hands, she focused her magic and conjured a glowing magical staircase that led right toward the top of the wall.

“Show off,” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

Alastor: "I don't trust stairs. They're always UP to something!"

A certain bunny-girl is laughing at Alastor's bad joke.

“Yippee!” Pinkie cheered gleefully. “Last one up’s a rotten hayburger!”

Alastor: "Hmmmm. Pardon my asking, Discord. Now, I'm no moviegoer, but I see a very glaring plot-hole to these Cinematic Adventures. It has occurred to me that these pony friends of yours are capable of changing themselves between their true selves and their human forms. And yet, rather than taking the simple and obvious route, by changing themselves back in order to overcome obstacles, they would rather do things the more complicated way! Now why would they do a thing like that? Surely, if they had thought about it, then all of their problem-solvings would've been made simpler. Wouldn't you say, my good chap?"

Discord: "Now, Alastor? Where is the fun in making sense? Besides, you said it yourself once: Why spoil the entertainment so soon, when you could just prolong the inevitable at the very last minute for drama?"

Alastor: "Ha ha ha ha ha! Took the words right out of my mouth, which I couldn't have said it better myself!"

Pinkie Pie proceeded to bounce her way up the stairs, while the rest of the group followed behind. Soon as they reached the top of the wall, they peeked over to the other side. The wall happened to surround a large garden just outside a stately-looking house. At the center of the garden was a large marble fountain where a young girl was sitting. She was dressed in a lovely blue dress, her long golden hair curled down her back. Apparently, it was her doing the humming as she sat at the fountain reading a little book.

“Well, now we know where the humming came from,” Spike realized. “She certainly knows her melodies.”

Charlie Morningstar: "I'll say! I'm loving it!"

Alastor: "Yes. She certainly does have a certain...savoir faire?"

“Indeed, she does!” Rarity nodded in agreement. “I’d dare say she’d make a wonderful addition to the Ponytones.”

Niffty: "Pony who?"

Angel Dust: "Ponytones, ya say? What? They've got toned muscles or something?"

“You reckon she might know her way around these parts?” Applejack asked Twilight Sparkle.

“She might,” Twilight Sparkle guessed. “But we must be casual about this just the same. We’re strangers here and she might not take likely of us…”

“Hey! Miss singer lady!”

The girls and Spike gasped in horror, as the girl briefly looked up from her book toward the wall. Before her eyes, she saw six ladies and a man looking over the wall. One of the ladies, a pink-toned girl, casually waved toward the girl with a smile. The girl reeled back with a shriek and dropped her book. The sudden cry made Pinkie Pie slip forward down the wall.

“WHOOAAAAAAA… OOF!!!”

Luckily for Pinkie Pie, she happened to land in a bush of roses that happened to be along the wall… but still, a rough landing all the same. The girl looked with wide eyes, breathing heavily, as she watched the poofy-haired maiden lift herself out of the bush and brushed the loose leaves and flower petals off her dress and her hair casually.

Alastor: "HA HA HA HA!!! Oh that's rich! So delightfully entertaining! These poor unfortunate souls haven't been in London for more than a day, and already they've made a bad first impression that's FALLEN out of grace! HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! OH! I'm so good with my dad jokes, yet I'm not a father. I'm more of a faux pa."

Angel Dust: (Points at Alastor) "...I can't with his dad jokes..."

“You shouldn’t be here!” The girl warned frightened. “You need to leave now!”

“Oh, we are very sorry about that miss,” Spike called out. “Everything’s all right.”

“Please don’t hurt me!” She backed away.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Twilight assured.

Luster Dawn: "Our friends mean you no harm, miss!"

Angel Dust: "Yeah. They don't look like your typical sexual predators or some shit who would come climbing over a wall to pick up some random chicks."

Charlie Morningstar: "Angel!"

Angel Dust: "What? They were scaling a wall, and...that usually screams 'I'm going to rob you, or rape you, if you're not quiet!'"

The remainder of the girls carefully climbed down the wall, along with Spike. The girl stood by the fountain. On one hand, she could’ve taken off and called someone right away. But judging by her expression, she seemed trapped… like she should get back in the house… and yet she didn’t want to. The girls carefully approached the girl, with Twilight Sparkle taking the lead.

“I’m very sorry about my friend,” Twilight apologized, on Pinkie’s behalf. “We really didn’t mean to startle you. We’re not looking to cause any harm, honest.”

Big Mac: "Nope."

Husk: (Chugs his booze) "Eh, too late, bitch. You already look like you were looking for troubles..."

“Who are you?”

“We’re just some strangers passing through,” Twilight Sparkle assured. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends: Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy. And of course, you’ve already met Pinkie Pie.”

“Nice to meet you!” Pinkie smiled, holding out her hand.

She held her hand out eagerly to receive a warm shake from the blonde-haired girl. But she just looked at the hand, then up toward Pinkie’s smiling face.

“Don’t leave me hanging…” Pinkie gestured.

After a momentary period of hesitation, the girl slowly grasped Pinkie’s hand and shook it.

Charlie Morningstar: "Well, at least they're shaking hands. And in a friendly greeting kind of way. Not like the creepy kind that comes with making a deal..."

“Johanna… my name’s Johanna,” The girl answered softly. “Forgive me, but… I wasn’t expecting company. I thought you were criminals.”

“Oh, we’re not criminals Miss Johanna,” Fluttershy reassured. “Though I can understand why you felt that way. It’s just that we heard you singing, and we couldn’t help but—”

“You… enjoyed my singing?” Johanna asked.

Big Mac: "Eeyup!"

Marble Pie: "Mmmm-hmmm."

Charlie Morningstar: "I sure do!"

“It was very lovely,” Rarity replied. “Are you classically trained?”

“No… it’s just a little something I’ve learned to pass the time. It gets lonely in that house, even around people.”

Charlie Morningstar: "Been there before..."

Princess Luna: "Even with sisters."

Princess Celestia: "Or without..."

“I see…” Twilight nodded, understanding. “Anyways, the reason we came here is because we were hoping to see more of the town. If you’re not too busy, maybe you could show us around?”

“You mean… leave?” Johanna asked, nervously. “Oh no… no, I am never allowed to leave the house… much less, I shouldn’t even be out here. Least… not by myself.”

Gallus: "Sounds like somebody's been living in a gilded cage, like a bird."

Niffty: (To Gallus) "Aren't birds usually supposed to be free?"

“That’s okay,” Pinkie Pie nodded, understanding. “Maybe we can just stay in the house. And if absolutely necessary, we’ll work for our bed and board.”

“Even if I would welcome you to, I can’t do that either,” Johanna shook her head. “We don’t allow guests staying in our house.”

“What do you mean, kid?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You’re Dad doesn’t like you talking to strangers?”

“Not… exactly.”

Derick: "Oh great. More daddy issues..."

Loona: (Texted: "What else is new?")

“Johanna!”

Every pony jumped at the sound of a loud voice, interrupting Johanna before she could finish. They turned just as an elder man emerged from the house. He had graying hair, was dressed in a fancy-looking suit, and wore a hardened look on his face.

Silverstream: "Hey look! It's Professor Snape!"

Student Six: "WHAT?! Nooo!"

Vaggie: (To the Student Six) "You guys know him?"

Ocellus: (To Vaggie) "Well..he kinda looks like our Potions teacher at Hogwarts."

“What are you doing out here?” The man asked harshly. “I’ve told you you’re not to be out of the house unless either Beadle or I are with you.”

Sandbar: "Oof! He even sounds like him..."

Johanna looked down at the grass, both showing shame and fear at the same time.

“Forgive me, Judge Turpin,” She apologized. “I was just hoping to get some fresh air. It gets stuffy being inside all the time and I just…”

“That’s enough!” Turpin snapped. “Go back in your room now! We’ll discuss this later.”

Angel Dust: "Sheesh! What an asshole!"

Smolder: (Agrees with Angel Dust) "Yeah. Bigger than Snape..."

Norberta: "Mmmm-hmmm."

Gallus: (To Smolder) "Better hope Snape doesn't hear you say that. Otherwise, it's detention and 50 points from Gryffindor."

Smolder: (To Gallus) "Meh. What Frollo doesn't know won't hurt us."

Turpin then turned his attention to the Mane Six and Spike, who eyed the harsh man worriedly.

“And what are you doing here?” Turpin asked coldly. “Trespassing? Breaking and entering? Attempted burglary?”

“No, it ain’t like that at all sir!” Applejack assured.

“Then, what is it? Because you’re still trespassing on private property.”

“We’re very sorry for coming in without permission, Mr. Turpin,” Twilight apologized.

“Judge… Turpin.”

Discord: "Well, he's certainly no Judge Claude Frollo. Hate that guy."

“Yes… of course. What I mean to say is… we’re just lost. We’ve only just arrived, and we needed some help finding our way.”

“That’s when we met Johanna,” Spike continued. “We couldn’t help but hear her humming and we figured your daughter could help us. We didn’t mean to…”

“Silence, boy!” Turpin hissed. “I know your kind.”

“I’m sorry… my kind?”

“Like a dog chasing scraps, the very sight of a pretty young girl is enough to bring you howling into my home.”

“That’s not true!” Spike argued.

Big Mac: (Agreeing with Spike) "Nope!"

Loona also growls at the judge's remarks about dogs.

“Don’t lie to me!” Turpin growled.

Crazy Steve: "YOU WANT THE TRUTH?! YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

“Now listen here, you ruffian!” Rarity stepped up. “Spikey here is not the type to do anything vile. He’s a perfect gentleman who already has a young lady waiting at home whom he cares for very much. How dare you insinuate he’d resort to such acts when you don’t even know him? You’re insulting his honor!”

Gabby: "Yeah!"

Bulk Biceps: "YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAHHHH!!!!"

Angel Dust: (To Bulk Biceps) "Hmmm. Been working out?"

“Insulting?” Turpin raised his eyebrow. “You invade my home, and you have the nerve to speak to me about insulting? You realize by breaking into a judge’s home, no lawman in this city won’t agree to hang you all… or sentence you to a lifetime of imprisonment. Fortunately for you, I am willing to show you mercy… and because pretty women, even your young friend, would never survive in jail.

“Now… you listen to me because I’ll only tell you once,” Turpin warned, looming over the group. “You girls take your square-headed boy, and you will leave my house and never come back! If I see ‘any’ of you near my house or my ward again, they’ll never find your bodies. I’m a judge… I can make that happen.”

Turpin proceeded to open the door leading to the back alley and held it open, while staring hatefully toward the girls and Spike. They all looked at the judge with complete shock before quickly taking him up on his demand and burst out the door immediately.

Random Dude: "Whatever Frollo. Why don't you go kill a bunch of gypsies?"

Granny Smith: "Who spit in his bean curds?

Alastor: "You know, that miserable old coot could at least afford to learn proper manners. Especially to the ladies."

Once outside, the door slammed behind them, loud and hard.

Smolder: "Remember what I said before about that guy being a bigger...jerk, than Snape? Well, I'm wrong. He's like Snape times ten!"

Student Six: "Eeyup!"

“Well… ain’t that a fine howdy-doo,” Applejack spoke sarcastically.

“I ought to go back in there and slug that jerk so hard it’ll send him forward in time!” Rainbow huffed.

“And what will that accomplish?” Twilight Sparkle asked. “We have to blend into society while we’re here. Assaulting a judge is not going to be good for any of us.”

Alastor: "Not good for you, maybe. But most definitely entertaining for all of us watching to see it happen!" :D

“But we can’t let the big meanie pants get away with that,” Pinkie Pie argued. “Maybe we could throw a fake party and blast him with my party cannon when he shows up… the real one, not the fake one.”

“I’m all for that plan,” Spike agreed.

Angel Dust: "Hmmm. Yeah. A party. And I don't suppose you're looking for someone to fuck his brain out, like moi?"

Charlie Morningstar: (To Angel) "Angel! Ix-nay on the exual-say remark!"

Angel Dust: "This Cinematic Adventure is rated M for profanity! So I think there's no stopping that..."

“Listen every pony, I don’t like being insulted either,” Twilight told them. “But we can’t go on adding more problems to our plate right now. Let’s just try to find somewhere to stay for tonight and we’ll work on a plan tomorrow.”

Big Mac: "Eeyup!"

Charlie Morningstar: "Spoken like a natural and level-headed leader, Twilight!"

“Fine,” Rainbow Dash sighed. “So… where did Johanna say we should check?”

“She mentioned something about Fleet Street,” Fluttershy replied. “Maybe we should check there.”

“Then I reckon we get a move on ‘fore ol’ judge jerk face changes his mind,” Applejack suggested.

“I hear you there,” Rarity agreed.

Big Mac: "Eeyup!"

The group soon made their way out of the alley and down the road in search of Fleet Street. Twilight Sparkle took one last look over her shoulder, back toward the judge’s house. For some reason, she couldn’t shake this feeling about the poor young girl residing within. Perhaps her poor treatment had something to do with their mission here. Perhaps Johanna needed help from her situation, though whether that was their true purpose being here Twilight wasn’t entirely certain.

But for now, she turned back and focused on her intent on leading the remainder of the group towards Fleet Street. If luck was in their favor, this Judge, Turpin by name, would be their only concern moving forward.

Alastor: "Well, they've certainly stamped their names and faces on this new world. And they've already crossed path with a very foul-tempered man who has no sense of hospitality to strangers. Makes you wonder how many enemies they've made on a daily basis."

Next>>

More to develop tomorrow.

*Sees the clock*

Oh. It's pass my curfew and...it already is tomorrow...

11636152
Love it all so much already. It’s super funny

"I got grounded by my dad, so I was smoking. Now my throat is f-ed up, so I can't speak. I just want to get away from him. Can I sit with you guys?"

I’m scared to ask what she did to get herself grounded.

11636152

Enjoying the first part a lot, Phantom.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of it

11636330
And i hope that her throat heals up.

Behind the Scenes: Casting

DreamWorks announced Burton's appointment in August 2006, and Johnny Depp was cast as Todd. Christopher Lee, Peter Bowles, Anthony Head, and five other actors were set to play the ghost narrators, but their roles were cut (Head does appear in an uncredited cameo as a gentleman who congratulates Depp after the shaving contest). According to Lee, these deletions were due to time constraints caused by a break in filming during March 2007, while Depp's daughter recovered from an illness.

Burton's domestic partner Helena Bonham Carter was cast in October as Mrs. Lovett, as well as Sacha Baron Cohen as Adolfo Pirelli. In December, Alan Rickman was cast as Judge Turpin. In January 2007, Laura Michelle Kelly was cast as Lucy Barker.

Timothy Spall was added to the cast, and said he was urged to audition by his daughter, who wanted him to work with Depp.

"I really wanted this one – I knew Tim was directing and that Johnny Depp was going to be in it. My daughter, my youngest daughter, really wanted me to do it for that reason – Johnny Depp was in it. (She came on set to meet Depp) and he was really delightful to her, she had a great time. Then, I took her to the junket – and (Depp) greeted her like an old pal when he saw her. I've got plenty of brownie points at the moment."- Timothy Spall recalling

Three members of the cast had never been in a film before: Ed Sanders was cast as Toby, Jayne Wisener as Johanna, and Jamie Campbell Bower, who auditioned, and after four days got the part of Anthony.

"I think I weed myself. I was out shopping at the time and I got this call on my mobile. I was just like, 'OH MY GOD!' Honestly, I was like a little girl running around this shop like oh-my-god-oh-my-god-oh-my-god." - Jamie Campbell Bower

Hearing the call, Anthony instantly ran toward the bow of the ship and leaned over the rail as the cries of sailors echoed from across the rigging and the sails behind him. Anthony peered through the fog, straining to see… London. Clanking of a clock tower bell was heard amongst the towering spires and mountainous rooftops of the city, as the ship emerged through the fog like a tiger creeping toward its prey. Anthony took in the dreadful and magnificent spectacle of the 19^thCentury metropolis. The gnarl of rooftops, the labyrinth of streets and alleys, and the black trails of smoke reaching up like skeletal fingers from a thousand chimneys.

The young sailor couldn’t help but stare and marvel at the sight of this amazing, sulfurous, city. For all the places he had seen in the world, none of them could compare to this city. With the feeling of wonder and awestruck coursing through his veins, he couldn’t help but sing.

[embed]youtube.com/watch?v=egot4O9xHu4[/embed

At that moment, the grimly Sweeney Todd stepped up alongside Anthony and looked out toward the city. However, unlike Anthony, Sweeney looked at the city with disdain and hatred.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
No there’s no place like London…

“Mr. Todd?” Anthony responded quizzically.

The link is not visible:
11635809

11634534
11634738
11634504
11634496
11635133
<<Previous

A pair of glowing green slit eyes shot open as Queen Chrysalis regained consciousness.

Pharynx: "Oh great. The return of our disowned mother."

Thorax: "She was never a mother..."

“This must be a boat,” She deduced. “The only question is… where are we going?”

Cheese Sandwich: "Maybe the Caribbean? Pirates of the Caribbean!" (Starts singing) "Yo ho, yo ho! A pirate's life for me!"

Parrot Pirate Crew: (Singing) "We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot
Drink up me hearties, yo ho
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot
Drink up me hearties, yo ho"

One article she read mentioned the arrest of a mad woman wandering the streets, arranged to be taken to an insane asylum of sorts.

Angel Dust: "Yup. Bitches get stitches."

Vaggie: "That's not even how it goes..."

Husk: "No, it's actually very accurate."

Lighting her jagged horn, Chrysalis allowed the green flames of her transformation spell to engulf her. When the flames dissipated, Chrysalis assumed the form of a human girl with pale skin with long curled golden hair and wearing a light gray dress.

camo.fimfiction.net/dnHDMmdOMskWNZxJOt-YI5BODphG4h740A9gqSrBVko?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2013%2F08%2F20091216_sha_g90_076180059-350x600.jpg%3Fquality%3D80%26strip%3Dall

All demon audiences: "WHOOOOOOAAAAAAAA!!!!"

Charlie Morningstar: "Omigosh, omigosh, omigosh! That's so cool!"

Vaggie: (To Charlie) "Uh, Charlie. You do know you can disguise yourself as a human too, right? I mean, you've once told me how you disguised yourself as a human to watch the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Remember?"_{See Cinematic Adventure's The Greatest Showman's Commentary.}

Charlie Morningstar: (To Vaggie) "Yeah, I know. But it's always nice to see another shapeshifter now and then."

Chrysalis studied the features of her new form, waving her new hands in front of her face before smiling with satisfaction.

“That should do,” She spoke, realizing she now had an English accent. “Huh… seems taking this form has granted me a new manner of speaking. Strange, but could be quite useful.”

Alastor: "Hmmmm. There's one thing missing."

Niffty: "What's that?"

Alastor: "A SMILE! You know you're never fully dressed without one~!"

Not realizing where she was going, she unintentionally bumped into someone else.

“Forgive my foolishness,” A voice spoke to her. “I must pay more heed to my surroundings.”

“I certainly hope so,” Chrysalis replied, turning around.

When she turned around, she noticed that the person she ran into was a young sailor of about twenty. A handsome looking boy with shoulder length dirty blonde hair. Over his shoulder, he carried an old bag and in his hand was a rather small book of maps.

“Forgive me, my lady,” The lad apologized. “I got lost reviewing my maps and wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Just don’t let it happen again,” Chrysalis replied.

Angel Dust: "Yeesh! Touchy..."

The young man merely held out his hand toward the woman.

“I’m Anthony,” He greeted kindly.

For a moment, Chrysalis merely stood there looking at his outstretched hand. No way could she tell this young man her true name if she wanted to stay inconspicuous. She needed to make one up and fast.

“Alice… Alice Winters,” She replied, shaking his hand.

Angel Dust: (Sarcasm) "Right. And my name is Marvin."

Derpy Hooves: (To Angel Dust) "It is?"

Angel Dust: (To Derpy) "No. It's Martin."

Derpy Hooves: (To Angel Dust) "Oh! Nice to meet you, Martin."

Angel Dust: (To Derpy) "I'm just kidding. It's Anthony."

Depry Hooves: (To Angel Dust) "Anthony?" (Looks back at the Anthony in the movie, then at Angel Dust) "Like in the movie?"

Angel Dust simply shoots Derpy a deadpan look, while a cricket was chirping.

“Pleasure, Ms. Winters,” Anthony smiled at her. “If I may ask ma’am, what are you doing aboard this ship?”

Discord: "You've been on that boat for how long and you thought it might not be SUS that some random woman just happened to appear out of nowhere?"

Gallus: "SHE'S RUNNING FROM THE LAW!"

“Please forgive me sir, I had no choice,” Chrysalis begged innocently. “I was lost at sea, and I saw the ship floating by, so I had to climb aboard. Knowing no man would approve of a woman being aboard, I had to hide. I don’t want to die in the middle of the ocean.”

Husk: "Ugh, that damsel-in-distress routine again?"

Gallus: "No one would be that stupid to fall for that trick..."

She added in her best fake cry routine, which fortunately for her garnered enough sympathy for the poor kindhearted fool that was Anthony.

“I understand completely, miss,” He assured her. “You have my word that I will see you reach London safely. Just follow me and stay close.”

“Bless your kind heart sir,” Chyrsalis thanks him.

Pharynx: "Apparently, he is that stupid."

Alastor: "Ah. A classic bait-and-switch maneuver! Improved and rehearsed to its finest through the ages. A young fragile maiden, no more delicate than a flower, she seems, throws herself at a gallant, but naive man, swooning him into doing her biddings, until he is no longer needed. And she discards him in the most unceremonious and heartbreaking way ever contrived."

Anthony began to walk his way down the deck with Chrysalis following close behind. She quickly shed her fake sadness with a wicked smirk behind his back, thinking how easy it was to fool people like this boy.

Alastor: "And there it is! The smile that completes her wardrobe change! AH HA HA HA HA!!"

All of a sudden, he stopped midway, nearly causing Chrysalis to bump into him again.

“Why did you stop?” Chrysalis questioned.

“There’s someone I must introduce you to,” Anthony answered.

He looked forward once more and waved his hand high in the air.

“Mr. Todd!” He called out.

Within minutes, the sound of heavy footsteps approaching them drew Chrysalis’ attention forward. Another man walked toward them, with a presence as though he was a silhouette out of blazing red flames. The moment her eyes landed on him, she was struck by curiosity and entranced by his presence.

The man himself was a decently tall man, measured up to a head taller than her own human form. He had very pale skin, the only color being the dark circles under his dark eyes. His hair was black with a streak of white and a wild mess. He wore a dark leather coat, slacks, boots, and fingerless gloves. But what entranced Chrysalis most of all was the ice stare upon the man’s face.

Angle Dust: "Ooh la la! I think I'm in love~!"

Husk: (To Angel Dust) "Good. Now I can drink in peace with you off my back."

Angel Dust: (To Husk) "Aw, don't worry Husk. I'm open for an open relationship~"

Mina: (Looks up at Mr. Todd) "Hmmm. There's something familiar about him..."

Discord: "Captain Jack Sparrow!"

As the man approached, Anthony stepped aside lightly so he could see Chrysalis in her new form. The moment the man caught sight of her, he froze in place. His eyes turned wide as a look of surprise dawned upon his pale face.

“Lucy…” He spoke, amazed.

Chrysalis eyed him strangely for a moment before doing a quick double take to be certain he wasn’t talking to someone behind her.

“Are you… talking to me?” She asked. “I’m afraid you mistake me for someone else.”

Big Mac: "Eeyup."

Charlie: "Well, I don't mean to point out the obvious, but...you are pretty much disguising yourself as someone else. So, maybe it's no mistake?"

The man quickly shook his head, as if clearing his thoughts and gave a simple nod.

“Forgive me, miss,” He apologized. “It’s just you remind me of… someone I once knew.”

Chrysalis cocked a curious eyebrow as she pondered what he meant. Ultimately, however, she decided to let it go.

“It’s quite alright, sir,” She nodded. “I’m Alice Winters, pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The man in turn gave a quick bow of his head.

“Todd… Sweeney Todd,” He replied.

Angel Dust: "Nice to meet ya, Todd Sweeny Todd. I'm Angel Dust. You wanna have some fun? You want someone to give you fun? I'm your demon. I'm your man, my man."

Chrysalis stuck out her hand and Sweeney stared at it for a moment. Eventually, he reached out and grasped his hand with hers and shook. In one instant, they felt some sort of connection to one another. Neither could understand it nor contemplate ‘why’, but this feeling was undeniable. He gently brought her hand up to his lips and placed a gently kiss on her knuckles before letting her go.

“Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Winters,” He spoke lowly.

“Same to you, Mr. Todd,” Chrysalis nodded.

Pharynx: (To Angel Dust) "Welp, don't look now. But I think the position for a love craving bug has been filled."

Angel Dust: (To Pharynx) "Meh. You win some, you lose some. Besides..." (Flirts with Pharynx) "I could always bounce back on another bug."

“Land Ho!” Someone yelled.

Hearing the call, Anthony instantly ran toward the bow of the ship and leaned over the rail as the cries of sailors echoed from across the rigging and the sails behind him. Anthony peered through the fog, straining to see… London. Clanking of a clock tower bell was heard amongst the towering spires and mountainous rooftops of the city, as the ship emerged through the fog like a tiger creeping toward its prey. Anthony took in the dreadful and magnificent spectacle of the 19^thCentury metropolis. The gnarl of rooftops, the labyrinth of streets and alleys, and the black trails of smoke reaching up like skeletal fingers from a thousand chimneys.

The young sailor couldn’t help but stare and marvel at the sight of this amazing, sulfurous, city. For all the places he had seen in the world, none of them could compare to this city. With the feeling of wonder and awestruck coursing through his veins, he couldn’t help but sing.

Charlie Morningstar: "Oooh! I feel a song coming on!"

Ember: "Oh no!" (Covers her ears again)

Anthony (Sings):
I have sailed the world,
Beheld its wonders
From the Dardanelles,
To the mountains of Peru,
But there’s no place like London--!

At that moment, the grimly Sweeney Todd stepped up alongside Anthony and looked out toward the city. However, unlike Anthony, Sweeney looked at the city with disdain and hatred.

Alastor looks at the man with piqued interest.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
No there’s no place like London…

“Mr. Todd?” Anthony responded quizzically.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
You are young…
Life has been kind to you…
You will learn.

Todd glared forward, his haunted gaze never leaving the approaching city. Todd stood very still while Anthony seemed almost lost at his side, overwhelmed by the scale and aura of the city. Chrysalis took a few steps further up the bow to join the two men. She walked right up to their side and noticed the London Tower Bridge lift up its two connecting roads to allow the ship entry into the harbor.

Niffty: (Singing)
London Bridge is falling down
Falling down
Falling down~

“Takes your breath away, doesn’t it?” She questioned.

“Trust me dear, though it looks full of wonders, the city is as dark as the skies above us,” Sweeney responded.

Alastor: "I couldn't put it better myself." :D

“How do you mean?”

Sweeney shuddered violently, almost snarling. He looked back out at the city as they started to make way for the harbor. The hate for the city poured out of him as he sang once more.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
There’s a hole in the world like a great black pit
And the vermin of the world inhabit it
And its morals aren’t worth what a pig can spit
And it goes by the name of London…
At the top of the hole sit the privileged few
Making mock of the vermin in the lower zoo,
Turning beauty to filth and greed…
I too have sailed the world and seen its wonders,
For the cruelty of men is as wondrous as Peru
But there’s no place like London!

Charlie Morningstar: "Oooo...kay? That happens..."

Once the ship was fully docked, Sweeney and Anthony began to disembark with Chrysalis following behind. On solid ground, she sighed in relief to not have to stand on a rocking ship anymore. Meanwhile, Sweeney looked up and down the dark, desolate city streets in deep thought.

“Is everything alright Mr. Todd?” Anthony asked.

“I beg your indulgence, Anthony,” He responded. “But my mind is far from easy. In these once familiar streets I feel shadows, everywhere…”

This drew Chrysalis’ attention as she stared back at Sweeney and walked alongside him.

“Shadows…?” She asked.

“Ghosts,” Sweeney added.

All of the audience – except for the newcomers – all stiffened up at the mention of ghosts, immediately having PTSD flashbacks from The Conjuring.

All of a sudden, Sweeney started to go back into the recesses of his mind to the very last time he was in this miserable city. A time when he had a happy life, a happy wife, and a happy child. A time when all was right with the world… before ithappened. Wanting to understand this mysterious man, Chrysalis closed her eyes and focused her dark magic to dig into the mysterious man’s consciousness… to the depths of his deepest, darkest memories.

Nifty: "YAY! Flashbacks!"

Husk: (Sarcasm) "Yay..."

Flashback…
Fifteen years prior…

Chrysalis opened her eyes again, noticing the sky was significantly clearer and sunny. Looking around, she also saw she was in the middle of a market of sorts. Many different people walked about, collectively shopping. With a glance to the side, she saw what appeared to be a younger Sweeney Todd, Benjamin Barker back then, pushing a baby carrier through an open archway into the market. At his side was a beautiful woman, his wife ‘Lucy’, with curled golden hair, dressed in a white dress and bonnet.

Charlie Morningstar: "Aw! How cute! And she looks just like Chry...Alice Winters! I guess there is a resemblance."

Through the crowded market, amidst a colorful explosion of blossoms, the two both looked incredibly happy as they pushed the carrier containing their one-year-old baby.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
There was a barber and his wife,
And she was beautiful…
A foolish barber and his wife,
She was his reason and his life…
And she was beautiful,
And she was virtuous.
And he was… naïve.

Coming to a stop, Lucy picked up the baby from the carrier and Benjamin started to entertain his daughter with her little doll. He then plucked a small flower from a nearby bush and held it up as his baby girl got a small smile on her face. The young couple then looked at each other with such love and happiness, smiling with joy, and so content. The man seemed almost… unrecognizable.

From the sidelines, Chrysalis couldn’t help but shed a lone tear down her face watching the young couple. It reminded her so much of the time spent with Fire Fall, back when they were growing up without a care in the world. How she longed for a similar life with his… a life, which sadly, they never got the chance to have.

The changeling quickly snapped out of these thoughts due to the presence of another man. Judge Turpin, an elderly man with a saturnine demeanor, eyeing Lucy from around the corner through the luxurious bunches of flowers.

Gallus: "Oh look. It's Professor Snape. What's he gonna do? Dock 10 points from Gryffindor? Ravenclaw? Or Hufflepuff? Whichever house that guy was in."

Discord: (To Gallus) "Well, if he were a Hufflepuff, then I would FIND him on my student list."

Gallus: (To Discord) "...Yeah. I'll bet you would...Professor Discord..."

Discord: (To Gallus) "That's MR. Professor Discord to you!" (To Alastor) "Don't mind him. You know how Gryffindors are." (Gets hit by a flying soda)

Loona: (Texting on her phone) "HEY DICK! SHUT THE F UP! I'm trying to watch a movie!"

He stalked her, desired her… he had to have her.

Thorax: "Wait...So....Judge Turpin...wanted to steal Sweeney Todd's wife?

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
There was another man who saw
That she was beautiful…
A pious vulture of the law,
Who with a gesture of his claw,
Removed the barber from the plate!
Then there was nothing but to wait!

Judge Turpin looked over his shoulder to his right hand man, Beadle Bamford, a most nefarious creature. A large man of florid nature and pink, with a powdered face never quite disguising his lethality. The Judge whispered something to the Beadle, indicating Todd. The smaller man nodded upon noticing the happy couple and walked off. Within minutes, the Beadle and two policemen swept into the marketplace and walked right behind young Benjamin Barker. One of whom whacked him in the back with a nightstick and the officers dragged the young barber off as his wife looked on in horror and his infant daughter cried. Within another second, Judge Turpin walked up behind Lucy like a predator, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as she looked up at him.

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
And she would fall!
So soft!
So young!
So lost,
And oh, so beautiful!

Thorax: "...That's just messed up!"

Pharynx: "Which says a lot from us, since we feed on love!"

Princess Cadence: "That is awful! I'm the Princess of Love and...I...I...I can't..." (Gets comforted by Shining Armor and Flurry Heart)

Shining Armor: (To Cadence) "I'm just as disgusted as you are, honey. If I had been arrested and someone stole you and Flurry away from me, I..." (Shakes his head) "I don't even want to think about it..."

Gallus: "Wow. Professor Snape with an unrequited love for another man's wife. That's just messed up."

Ocellus: "Hmmm. For some reason, I have this funny feeling of deja vu, like it's happened before..."

Chrysalis once more snapped her eyes open, quickly wiping away the tears filling her gaze, not allowing a single one to fall. She couldn’t believe the young barber had been forcibly taken away from his own wife and child all because of an order from one corrupted judge. It really hurt her own black heart because she finally understood the connection she had with this man.

Ocellus: "...Wow...I...I never thought I'd see Chrysalis cry like that..."

Thorax: "Neither do I..."

Charlie Morningstar: (To Thorax and Ocellus) "Well, even bad guys have their reasons for being bad. And not every villains were born being bad, you know."

For what happened to him was exactly what happened to her… all those years ago.

“And the lady, sir…” Anthony asked. “Did she succumb?”

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
Oh, that was many years ago…
I doubt if anyone would know.

Finally, after another period of silence, Chrysalis finally found her voice once more. A voice choked up within her throat.

“Such a cruel fate to befall a young couple such as that,” She whispered. “There truly is no greater cruelty in the world.”

Big Mac: "Nope..."

Though her words were soft and unheard, Sweeney Todd could hear her perfectly. He knew nothing about this young woman, but he was at least grateful she understood and sympathized with him. Soon his focus turned back toward Anthony.

“I’d like to thank you, Anthony,” Todd told him. “If you hadn’t spotted me, I’d be lost on the ocean still… thank you, I owe you my life.”

Todd picked up his duffel bag, preparing to go.

“Will I see you again?” Anthony asked hopefully.

“You might find me, if you like,” Todd replied in earnest. “Around Fleet Street. I wouldn’t wonder…”

Angel Dust: "Fleet Street it is then."

Anthony gave a simple nod of understanding and held out his hand to his new ‘friend’.

“Until then, my friend,” Anthony bid farewell.

Sweeney Todd, however, didn’t even acknowledged the offered handshake. He simply took off down one of the side streets.

Angel Dust: "Fine. The cold shoulder it is then."

Anthony let his arm slide back down to his side and looked over toward Chrysalis, who seemed lost in her own thoughts.

“Are you alright, Ms. Winters?” He asked with concern.

It took a moment for Chrysalis to snap herself back to reality and knowledge the young man speaking to her.

“I’m fine,” She responded quickly. “Just lost in thought is all.”

“Do you need any help finding a place to stay?” Anthony offered.

Once again, his question was met with silence as Chrysalis took off down the very street Sweeney Todd walked down. Anthony stood for a moment, saddened by the mysterious pall that hung over his friends. As for Chrysalis, she ran for a few moments before she noticed Sweeney Todd walking down the alley with a far off look in his eyes.

“Mr. Todd!” She called out.

Sweeney froze in place as he slowly turned toward the young woman walking towards him.

“What do you want?” He asked coldly.

“That story you told,” Chrysalis replied. “It was about you, wasn’t it? You had a wife and child you loved very much, but they were taken away from you.”

Sweeney snapped his eyes in her direction, eyes that held a heated glare.

“How did you…?”

Trixie: "SHE READ YOUR MIND!"

“You used to have a life filled with love, but you were sent away by corrupted officials,” Chrysalis continued. “Now you come back after all these years hoping to find your wife and child. Not only that, but you also long to exact revenge on the man who ruined your life.”

Trixie: "CLEARLY SHE READ YOUR MIND!"

Starlight Glimmer: (To Trixie) "Can it, Trixie! He can't hear you!"

Sweeney Todd quickly advanced on her and clasped his hands on her throat as he backed her against a nearby wall.

Angel Dust: "Ooh! That escalated pretty quickly..."

It was perhaps one of the rare times in Chrysalis’ life she felt a twinge of fear, as she stared into the hateful, angry eyes of a possibly dangerous human being.

“What would you know of my plans?!” He asked angrily. “What of anything in my life?! You don’t know me! You understand nothing!”

“I do!” Chrysalis croaked. “I understand more than you know!”

Sweeney’s grip on her neck increased as his rage grew. Chrysalis could easily use her magic to throw him off but instead… she chose not to.

“How would you know?!” Sweeney hissed.

“Because… it happened to me!” Chrysalis choked out.

Chrysalis words caught Sweeney Todd off guard. He released the grip upon her neck and backed away. Chrysalis massaged her slightly sore neck as she released a few coughs before turning back toward the stunned human.

“What do you mean?” He asked her.

“I once had a great love,” Chrysalis explained to him. “I loved him… and he loved me back. We were so happy together; we planned to run away and start a life of our own. Until corrupted officials intervened, locked him away, and banished me!”

The audience were all surprised at this newfound revelation.

Smolder: "Say what now?"

Chrysalis once more stood to her full height, as she stood before Sweeney Todd himself.

“We’re not so different you and I,” Chrysalis voiced her honesty. “We’ve felt love, only to have it ripped away unjustly by the cruel and corrupt. That’s why… we should help each other.”

Charlie Morningstar: "I agree. You two should help each other! You both have the same traumatic experience that made you both so...rigid. Which makes it easier for you to understand each other and cope! And heal your very beings!"

The sound of thunder caused Chrysalis to look up toward the dark sky. She knew it was probably best to find someplace to shelter themselves if a storm was coming their way.

“Perhaps it be best if we found some place to discuss this in private,” She offered.

Big Mac: "Eeyup!"

“Follow me,” He instructed.

He continued his way down the alley and Chrysalis quickly followed behind him. They walked on through the dark alleys of London as a bunch of rats ran alongside them. All the while, Todd strode along, deep in thought. The emotions roiling within him finally seethed out in a dark mutter:

Sweeney Todd (Sings):
There’s a hole in the world like a great black pit
And it’s filled with people who are filled with shit,
And the vermin of the world inhabit it…

The two pressed on through the streets of London, seeking a place to reside for the time being. They passed alleys, cobblestone streets, a warehouse and even a factory…. with a shrilling whistle blow, enormously loud, blood-chilling and spine-shattering. A bizarre combination of a factory whistle; a hog being slaughter; a dog snarling; a roaring inferno; and even a human scream.

They passed many people that made up the streets of London town. The slender dandy in pearl grey gloves and matching waistcoat, the makings of a cold, superior aristocrat. The large, rotund, and sleek banker with impressive muttonchops. More figures emerged from the shadows, prosaic in appearance and yet they resembled ‘ghosts’ more than people. And yet they were very distinct: From a tough, leather-skinned military man in a crimson imperial uniform to the lean, severe man with pale skin in clerical attire. There was a small, meek man with glasses in an ill-fitting suit and another dashing young man, presumably from Oxford, with the most luxurious long hair.

But there was only one thing that went through a mind of Sweeney Todd, as he cut through the city at lightning pace down twisting alleys and up crowed boulevards. The thought he carried into tunnels and over bridges, slashing through London at breakneck speed. Even with all these new circumstances surrounding him, Chrysalis could sense from within this man there was only one desire in his mind:

Vengeance.

Starlight Glimmer: "You know. I did once offered Chrysalis a hoof in friendship. But she didn't took it. I didn't understand why back when. But now...I'm guessing..."

Princess Luna: (To Starlight) "That she was probably afraid of her feelings. That if she were to love again, then it would break her heart again, like before."

Starlight Glimmer: (To Princess Luna) "Exactly. Although...if what Chrysalis was saying is true, then...what happened to her?"

Princess Luna: "Hmmm. Good question. Why don't we ask...Tia." (Turns to Princess Celestia who has a rather confused look on her face)

Stygian: "Princess?"

Niffty: "What's the matter, Swan Princess? Cat got your tongue?"

Alastor: "Now now everyone! Let's not pressure the poor dear yet. All will be revealed in due time. For now...stay tuned.

Munching on popcorn, the unicorn returns once more to the theater to see the beginning of the adventure. "Huh." he spoke quietly, "So this variant of Chrysalis was in love. Does make me sympathize with this one. Hopefully, with the Equestrians here, the story could shift a bit." He then settles in his seat, his ear twitching. "Yeah, of course I feel bad for her. We should look into friendly Variants of her one day."