> The First of Many
>  by Spirit Shift
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Letter #1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘Dear Princessses Celestia  and   Luna




                                                “Hello! I’m finaly donigi as you askd. I knowyou’ve probably bbeen asking about me! Honestly hahaI’m  n  ot exatly sure how long it’s been since I’ve written to you since well you know I.’m guessing a month from what I can tell . I mean, heh, can’t really tell tell with the amount of sunlight that I can see. 

Ha!Get it???Oh no matteryou’ll get it soon enough. 

But i feel that I’m finally comfortable writing to you again. Isnt that great?! I think it’s great! I know that you must be curious as to what I’ve been up to and I’m certain that you’re curious about my odd script. III will agree that I’m not used to writing this way. Ha!, it certainly was a challenge II’lll ad mit. Anyway, I guess I to answer your first question I should finally tell you the whole story of that whoole mess from lastmon th. Now? Where to begin…. I’m I’m going tobe hon   est The whole things sort of a blur but I’ll try to remember most of the details.’



~The following few letters have been translated for convenience~


You know, I never understood the conking sound pony heads make when they hit hard objects. It’s actually kind of funny and I’ve been meaning to research it, that odd coconut sound. I probably just haven't found the right object to swing.

Anyway, my head made that sound when I planted it firmly on the table in annoyance. I glanced over at the clock and watched as the long hoof ticked past the twelve once again. Marking the third consecutive hour of the meeting that consisted of nothing but nonstop arguing. Honestly, can’t these ponies finally agree on something? I actually set up a sound nulling spell around me to have some reprieve, but I quickly realized that, as the mediator, I really needed to listen to everything. 

Being a Princess is annoying sometimes.

I deactivated my spell and let the sound attack my ears once more. Those five minutes were nice while it lasted. A barrage of angry voices and random, nearly unrelated, topics assaulted my ears. I instinctively folded them back. It didn't help either that I was up all last night trying to decide my Nightmare Night costume. Have you ever tried choosing between Clover the Clever or Einstein the Brain? Magic vs Science? It’s nearly impossible! Anyway, it took me a second, but I finally managed to adapt to the level of sound being outputted. I focused on the current loudest speaker, a blue unicorn sitting at the side of the table.

“Applejack, I do not want my little sister out at night in these dangerous times!” she yelled.

“Waddaya mean, ‘dangerous times’? So there’s been a few ponynappins. So what? This ain't Manehatten. We look out for our own here in Ponyville, so it’ll be fine,” Applejack replied. 

“I don’t care, Applejack! I don’t wanna take the chance. Manehatten’s already canceled theirs, and I say we follow their example.” I found my attention directed back at the one who caused this meeting, a pale yellow earth pony with a splattered red bright orange mane.

“C’mon, Carrot Top. Ah know your filly is comin’ back from Canterlot in a few days, an’ ya wanna keep her safe. But didn't you go an’ tell me that she was looking forward to Nightmare Night?”

That got me to raise an eyebrow. Carrot Top has a filly? I actually didn't know that….  I really wish I had remembered. Maybe then I wouldn't have chosen her.

“Yes, but that was before ponies began disappearing!” she replied.

“I agree with Applejack, but there is also the issue of assigning a new chaperone for the foals going on the Nightmare Night Scare trip,” Rarity added, “While it is true that Zecora will be regrettably unable to assist us this year, I’m certain we could have somepony else volunteer.”

“That’s also a problem! Then we’d not only be putting the foals in danger, but also the pony who’s accompanying them,” said Mayor Mare.

“I see what you’re saying, Ms. Mayor,” began a brown-coated stallion that I recognized as the town’s resident watchmaker, “but that doesn't excuse that nearly every foal in this town is eagerly anticipating Luna’s return this year. Even though the crown left the decision up to us, I don’t think Luna will be exactly thrilled when she learns that she can’t visit her favorite town.”

The Mayor’s eyes shrank from hearing that. Time Turner smirked and received a death glare from Carrot Top. The two seemed to have some sort of feud going on between them from what I could tell. I really hope that they work something out soon. I know that it isn’t my business, but I wonder if I could help them after all this is settled.

The Mayor cleared her throat and regained her composure, “Be that as it may, my point still stands. On the off chance that there is a group of ponynappers, anyone who’s outside at night is in danger. Being away from the main part of the town will make the situation worse. I propose that we simply cancel that part and let the rest of the night go on.”

Finally, progress. Now I can end this. “Well how about this idea,” I said, “Let me take the foals this year. As you all already know, I planned this year’s Nightmare Night scare trip. If Zecora is busy and nopony else can take over, then it makes sense that I take them personally. I know several high level protection spells and even a few that can detect malicious intent. I mean, I probably would’ve had to come along anyway.” Looking back, I’m actually fairly sure that I brought this up earlier.

“Now that sounds like a mighty fine idea, Twi! Good lookin’ out.”

Carrot Top scoffed, “One pony, guarding a dozen foals? Forgive me if I don’t have much faith.”

Ow… my confidence. See, now I remember why I chose her first.

“Please, not just any pony. This is Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. Sister to the most powerful shield caster in all of Equestria, and the Element of Magic!” exclaimed Rarity, “I couldn't imagine anypony I could trust more with Sweetie Belle’s safety.” I smile and blush a little. It’s nice to know that somepony has trust in me.

“Plus, if you don’t trust her, why not go with her?” Turner asked.

Carrot groaned, “You know I can’t! I’m headed to Fillydelphia tomorrow. I’ll be gone for at least a week, so I won’t be back in time.”

Now it was Turner’s turn to scoff mockingly, “Oh, how convenient is that?”

Carrot stomped a hoof on the table, “Don’t test me, Turner!”

The Mayor leaned forward and pleaded, “Ponies, please! We don’t fight in city hall!”

Carrot ignored her. “And why are you two even here?!” she yelled, pointing at Rarity and Applejack, “It’s obvious that Twilight would side with her best friends. She isn't a mediator, she’s a extra vote for them!”

I lean back in offense. That was absolutely not true. I’m very impartial. I even ruled against Rainbow Dash at the Falls…. Wait… should I even be bragging about that?

Rarity reeled back, clearly offended, “Well, I never!”

“Now, hold on a sec. That is not true!” Applejack yelled.

Carrot rose up and matched her, “Oh, yes it is! She just said that she--”

Oh no! I’m not letting them argue again. “ENOUGH!” I yelled. I’ve been working on my royal Canterlot voice lately. It still pales in comparison to Princess Luna’s but I was glad that it was at least enough to silence this small group. 

“Enough arguing! This is supposed to be a civilized meeting of Ponyville representatives. Rarity and Applejack are large contributors to the town and often volunteer in many public activities. While Time Turner and Colgate--sorry, Minuette--are actually on the city council. By comparison, Carrot Top, as the monthly representative, you are the least qualified to be here.”

Seeing Carrot Top slump back down in her seat allowed me to take some solace, knowing that an end was probably in sight. I took a deep breath and continued, “Planned activity or not, my role here is to make the final decision based on what I hear from you six. Now, since it’s been three hours and you all are still arguing, we’ll settle this the way we should've from the start. With a vote. A blind vote. Everypony put on one of these.” I conjured up six black blindfolds and floated one over to each pony. 

Carrot rolled her eyes. “Why even make it blind? We all know who will choose what in the end,” she said, tying the band over her face.

“Oh, shut up already,” muttered Turner.

Soon everypony was blind and ready. “Now, as mediator, I only get to vote in the event of a tie. So first: who votes for there to be no Nightmare Night?”

I watched as a number of ponies’ hooves went up. I counted them silently as to not give away the number too early.

“Now, who votes for there to be a Nightmare Night?”

Once again I counted the number of hooves raised.

“Now, with the final score being four to two, it seems that we will have Nightmare Night this year.” 

Carrot Top’s mouth hit the ground while AJ and Turner high hoofed each other. “What?! It should have been a tie! Who changed their vote!?” she looked over to Minuette who shrugged, then over to Mayor Mare, who avoided her gaze.

“You! Now I get it! Worried about your image huh? Can’t bear to disappoint not one but two Princesses?”

The Mayor turned back to her, “Now hold on. That’s not--”

“No. It’s alright. I get it. But when somepony gets hurt, or ponynapped, I know who’s getting impeached.” Carrot Top finished her rant and hopped out of her chair, leaving the room entirely. Minuette quickly rushed after her.

“Yeesh, what’s rustlin her jimmies?” Applejack asked.

“Don’t be mad at her. She’s simply being overprotective of her daughter,” Turner answered.

“Don’t worry about her. We need to discuss how to deal with the new ponies moving into town--”

While they went on about something I turned back to the clock. I never did check the exact time. “Oh no! I promised Spike I’d be home by now!” Spike gets upset at me if I’m out too late without telling him. He’s cute that way when he’s being protective. I like to choose to believe that it’s not dragon instinct, but genuine love, that causes him to act that way. At least, I hope it is.

“Sorry everypony, I have to get going. You guys can go on without me right?” I announced. Before anypony could say anything, I teleported away.


~~~



“So, I’m confused. What’s all this about ponynapping?” Spike asked, scratching his head.

I trotted over from the closet, placed a few sets of clothes on my bed and examined them. “I told you, Spike. Over the past few weeks, there’s been a string of ponies going missing. Right now there are no leads as to who, or what, may be causing it," I said.

“Do you think it's the Diamond Dogs again? I mean, they did abduct Rarity before. It could also be the Changelings."

Hmm, that idea actually had some merit. The dogs are known for occasionally abducting ponies every so often. But they’re usually so dumb that anypony, even a foal, could escape them. Although, it’s never a good idea to dismiss something based on assumptions. 

"That's an interesting theory, Spike. The Diamond Dog one anyway. Abducting ponies isn't something the Changelings do without taking their place, though. I will ask Princess Celestia about looking into the dogs.” 

Actually, I shouldn't assume that the changelings are still doing the same things, either.  “A-hah!" I cheered, holding up a set of robes in my magic.

"What's that?"

"My Clover the Clever costume from Hearth’s Warming Eve. I'm thinking of wearing it as my costume for Nightmare Night. How do I look?" I posed a little so Spike could see.

“I dunno, Twi it looks smaller than it did last year. Did you shrink it in the wash or something?"

“I... don't think so. Maybe I'm just taller. I guess it does feel a little tight.” I looked down to see that the robe no longer reached down to my fetlock, but rather, ended at my knees. I really am getting taller. I’m guessing it probably has something to do with me being an alicorn. I don’t know, something about me being taller than the rest of my friends just doesn't sit right with me.“Do you think Rarity would mind if I asked her to lengthen it for me? No doubt she had tons of orders just like this."

"I'm sure she’d love to. Anyway, what do you have planned for this year?"

I smiled widely at him, "It's gonna be great, Spike. You know that small graveyard near the edge of Whitetail woods?"

"You mean the one that's like two miles in?"

"Please don't exaggerate. It's not that far."

"Still too far for me to walk."

"I plan on teleporting us to the middle of the forest and walk the rest of the way. That should set the mood. Then, we should arrive at the graveyard by the time all the foals are sufficiently nervous. Once there, I'll tell the creepy story of the zombie pegasus that Rainbow Dash taught me. Since Zecora couldn't come, I'll have to use my magic to create the effects. Once that happens, I'll spontaneously teleport everypony back to town and before they know it, Rainbow Dash will jump out and scare them with her zombie costume. It’s perfect!” 

It should have been. I had spent a week planning everything out. I’d even considered asking Fluttershy if some of her animal friends could provide some creepy noises when we were walking. But I reconsidered when I started thinking that it would’ve been too much.

"Wow, nice! You sure thought everything through. But then again, I'd expect nothing less."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Spike chuckled before grabbing his biker coat and aviators out of the closet, "Nothing. Anyhow, I'm only in this thing for the candy, so you probably won't see me tonight."

I rolled my eyes, "Don't worry, I'll be sure to head to Rarity's place when I need you.” 

Spike tripped, causing him to drop his fake mustache. He gave a sheepish smile before turning and running out of the room. “Don’t eat too much candy this time!” I yelled out at him.



~~~



Two days later I emerged from Rarity’s home dressed in my newly resized Clover the Clever robes. Oddly enough, Rarity wasn't wearing anything at all. “Thanks again, Rarity.”

Rarity locked her doors, a habit that has begun spreading lately after news about ponynappings reached Ponyville. I honestly wasn’t sure what to feel about that. I’m glad that ponies are taking this seriously. But Equestria’s such a peaceful place, relatively speaking, that ponies haven't had to lock their doors in fear for years. 

Ponies shouldn't have to worry about their neighbors hurting them…. I just realized how hypocritical that sounds.

Rarity trotted down to meet me and we trotted into the town proper. “It was nothing, really,” she said, “Such a simple task only took a few minutes. I’m just sorry it took me this long to get to it.” 

I adjusted the rope around my neck; it was made of a smooth fabric that didn't chafe. I bet it would still feel nice even as I slowly tightened it around somepony’s neck. Once again, Rarity goes above and beyond what I asked of her. She’s so nice sometimes. I’m glad she’s my friend. “No. I think it’s perfect, and you did it just in time. Look, everypony’s already outside,” I said, pointing to the center of town. 

Everypony was in costume and having a blast. I looked around and the first pony I picked out was Pinkie Pie, darting around as a timberwolf. I then saw a familiar gray mare rolling around in a giant bubble. I felt my smile grow when I saw that Applejack was dressed as a lemon. She looked very unhappy about it; in fact, I was willing to bet she lost another bet with Big MacIntosh.

Once I reached the center of town I finally decided to pop the question. No doubt she had something fabulous planned, I thought. “So, Rarity, I give up.” 

“Pardon?”

“Out of all the days in the year, why did you choose today not to wear anything?”

Rarity gained a large smile and an equally large twinkle in her eye. “That’s because I wanted everypony to see me when I do this.”

“See wha--” I had to stop and shield my eyes when Rarity’s horn lit up and blinded me. It also seemed to gain the attention of everypony around, as they all came to see what she was doing. By the time the light faded everypony’s jaw fell flat on the ground. Standing in the center of town was a stunning white alicorn with a flowing violet mane. She stood tall, regally outfitted with stunning silver regalia similar to Princess Celestia’s.

“Aba...yuo….ahhwa….” For a few moments I couldn't even manage to form a cohesive sentence to respond to what I was looking at. “Rarity? How in Equestria did you do that?!” I finally yelled.

“Ohhhh, it worked!” she squealed, looking herself over. “ Do you like it Twilight? I spent weeks with Spiky-wikey’s help trying to master this spell.”

“Yeah, I love it! But how are you doing that?”

“Do not panic. I have, unfortunately, not actually ascended. This is just an illusion spell that I modified to last me all of tonight.”

“It’s amazing!”

Spike walked up next to her, decked out in his full biker costume. He lowered his shades and looked her over, “Ehh. I liked her better before,” he muttered. I turned to glare at him, but luckily, Rarity was too enraptured in the attention from others to notice.

I didn’t have time to lecture him, because at that moment my eyes wandered up toward the large clock in the distance. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately. I actually kind of miss it now. “It’s almost time for the field trip! Rarity, I’ll see you later. I need to go meet the kids.”

“Yes. Yes, you go have fun with the children,” she replied waving me off with a regal hoof. She immediately turned back to pose for a photo for a small colt that was dressed as a dalmation dog.

I quickly ran to the meeting place at the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres, where the participating foals were supposed to have gathered. I immediately saw the Crusaders, who decided to wear their talent show costumes. Probably because they were out of ideas. I also noticed a colt that I didn't recognize right away. 

Standing near the front was a small brown colt whose mane was somehow styled in an odd spiky fashion. However, the only thing weirder than his mane were the clothes he wore along with it. He wore baggy pants held up by brown suspenders that were slung over his dark purple sweater. He had on a single shoulder guard that had screws sticking out of it and a metallic hoof band. 

I examined him curiously, desperately trying to work out who he was supposed to be. “You’re that new colt. Sweetie Belle’s coltfriend, right?”

“No he’s not!” Sweetie yelled, blushing hard. 

“Hi, Princess! My name’s Button Mash. But for tonight,” he declared raising his hoof high, “I am former SOLDIER 1st Class, but current Shinra resistance member, Cloudy Strife!” Turning his neck around he grabbed the large wooden sword that was sitting on his back and took a cool fighting stance.

I must have just given him blank stare because something caused the colt to groan in annoyance, “Oh come on! Cloudy Strife? Of the Final Fantasy series? Protagonist of the best one?! Does nopony appreciate good story?”

What? I love a good story… but somehow I still didn't recognize who he was talking about…. Actually, I began to wonder if that was what I was like last year when nopony recognized my costume.

“It’s alright, matey. That’s a smashin’ good costume, it is.” A small spotted colt trotted up to Button and patted him on the back.

“Pipsqueak! You showed up!” I cheered.

“I wouldn't miss it fer the world! It’s my favorite part ya know.”

“Why are you dressed as a pirate again? Weren’t you one last year?”

“Aye! T’is true. But I’ve been promoted! I’m now Captain Pipsqueak the Pirate.” This time, instead of a bandana and pirate blouse, Pip was dressed in full captain regalia, complete with a large hat, long jacket, and even brandished a mid-sized plastic cutlass. The only thing I noticed he was missing was the classic shoulder bird. I actually thought that he would've looked nice with one.

“An’ this here’s me first mate!” A small filly with a light blond mane stepped up next to him and waved at me. She wore a similar costume to the one Pipsqueak wore last year except that she lacked the eyepatch and sword.

“Hello, Dinky,” I greeted.

“Okay meet and greet, done! Can we go now?!” Scootaloo groaned.

“Alright, alright. Are you all ready? Is everypony here?”

There was a chorus of affirmative answers. Once they quieted down, I nodded and smiled excitedly, “Okay then, gather around.”

The foals did as they were told and the next thing they knew, they were smack dab in the middle of a forest. I looked at their startled faces and squealed inside. This was already going perfectly.

“Who? What? How?” Button screamed, swinging his sword and talking through his teeth. “Wh-where are we!?”

Button was soon joined in his weapon swinging by Pipsqueak, “Arr, what sort of black magic be at work here. Where have ye brought us!” Hmm, I noticed Pipsqueak’s pirate accent actually got better over the year. It was cute.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked around and began to panic, “Twilight! Why’d ya go an’ bring us to the Everfree?”

“Girls, this isn't the Everfree. It’s Whitetail Woods,” I soothed. I didn't need them too freaked out. We hadn't even started our trek yet.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, “Pfft, obviously. Scaredy-cats.”

“Um, Scootaloo? Could you get off now?” Dinky asked. Scootaloo blushed and quickly released her hold on the small unicorn. Dinky giggled and patted her back.

“Whatever,” Scoots groaned, “It looks the same in the dark anyway. Why are we here again?”

I smirked and looked over to the two colts, “Well, when those two decide to stop swinging their swords around, we can go.”

Button and Pip finally stopped battling invisible enemies and the group followed me further into the forest.

“Umm, Miss Twilight?”

“Yes, Dinky?”

“I’m scared…. Where are we going again?”

We kept walking, but I decided to take a second to glance back at the group. The crusaders were huddled together and the colts were jumping and pointing their swords at anything that even resembled movement. I was so glad to see my plan working that I felt myself skipping slightly. I bet they're having so much fun right now.

“Well, that’s for me to know and you to find out,” I probably sounded way too giddy when I said that.

“W-will Princess Luna be there at least?” Pip asked.

“Pip! Don’t drop the line! The monsters will attack if they see an opening!” Button screamed.

“Sorry, Pip. Luna’s back in town, but I asked her to let me handle this without her help.”

Pipsqueak looked downcast and moved back to assist Button in his imaginary fight, although with less energy.

“I’m not scared, I’m not scared, I’m not scared.” Scootaloo muttered.

I turned to take a second look at them. That’s when I realized that something seemed off. Even with the dark setting, they shouldn't be that scared. We haven't even gone that far. I wonder why-- 

I almost screamed but I caught my breath when I hopped backward from a long jagged spike that jutted out at my throat. I could've sworn that there wasn't even a tree shaped like that on this path.
I realized that my horn was glowing brightly. I had to concentrate to contain my magic. Once I calmed down I realized that I must have startled the children, because they were huddled behind and struggling not to scream outright. 

I turned back to the tree and realized that there were in fact, no trees out to stab me. In fact, the path was clear of almost any foliage whatsoever. I was seriously confused about all this. Maybe the foals were right. Maybe we should turn back. Something didn’t feel right.

“W-w-w-what was it? What’s wrong?” Sweetie asked.

“It’s uh… nothing. Let’s move on,” I answered. Maybe a little further wouldn't hurt. I just need to keep a closer eye on the foals is all. Moving forward, I decided to hold some magic in my horn for emergencies. Just enough to teleport or for a defensive distraction. This caused my horn to glow in the dim light as we moved along.

As we moved through the forest I couldn't have helped but notice how dark the forest was getting. Which was weird because from the path we were on, I could still see the moon. By all accounts, it should’ve been-- I heard a noise and instantly lost my train of thought when I threw my head to the side and lowered my horn in aggression.

Nothing.

This was the fifth time I’d been startled by nothing. By this point, my eyes were darting in every direction. I was effectively a nervous wreck. I simply couldn't understand it. I felt like I was walking right through the middle of the Everfree Forest, as if there was a timberwolf or ursa right behind every tree. I was hesitating in my steps for no reason. Whitetail Woods is probably the safest area in Ponyville, it was a peaceful place that even Fluttershy had no problems with it.

So why was I so afraid of being there?

Eventually we made our way into the graveyard. Even though I hesitated to take my eyes off of my surroundings, I turned around to talk to the foals. What I saw made my heart fall. They were staring at me with complete fear on their faces. Looking back they did ask me several times if they could go home. I guess I was so nervous and preoccupied I didn't hear them. I felt horrible. 

That’s it! Forget the trip, we’re going home, I decided. But I swore that I would be coming back here to… to….

It was then that I realized that the foals weren't looking at me. The second I realized that, my entire back went numb when a sudden chill stuck me. There’s something behind me I realized. I needed to turn around.

I had to turn around. I had to see what’s behind me. I needed to… turn….

Turn around!

Finally, my body moved and I bolted to stand in front of the foals protectively. What I saw caused my eyes to shrink to dots. There was a tall creature standing on top of a tombstone looking down on us.

I tried to open my mouth, but the second I did something flashed in my vision and my breath caught in my throat. 

Horrible images 

Creatures fighting a horrible bloody war. 

tHEfAngsANDhOrns! 




Sorry.... Sometimes… I can still see them. These images in my head. Creatures with pointy horns, and rings. Swords and other weapons. 

My head began to pound harshly. At some point the creature began to talk.

“Now, how in the world did you all get here?”

Startled, I accidently let out the bit of magic that I was holding onto. Even though it was just a small amount by my standards, to a normal unicorn it was a headache-inducing amount. And it was aimed straight at the creature. Somewhere in the back of my head, I’m pretty sure I saw an image of Fluttershy being angry at me.

Luckily… or maybe unfortunately, the creature seemed to simply I shrug it off; as if it had absolutely no effect on him whatsoever. 

“Cute. Are you going to answer me?”

This isn’t good…. I have to get the foals out of here. The foals are the first priority! Wait! A single thought blared in my head. They’re foals. Foals scream when they’re scared, right?

So why aren't they screaming?!

“Hmph. Ponies. Well, I don’t know how you managed to get in here, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

Instantly, he spread two enormous wings and, shamefully I began to cower. My own wings covered my face in fear. 

My only regret was that I never told Spike how much I loved him.

I waited for the pain, or at least something, but nothing happened. After a few minutes of silence, I decided to open my eyes. From what I immediately observed, we were back to where I had teleported us the first time. I supposed that it was too much to hope for that the entire thing was a strange hallucination.

However, fear surged within me again when my vision began to swim, and everything grew dark. Something did happen! What did it do?! Did it hurt me?

My chest hurts!

I can’t breath!

I--

Something slammed into my back and my lungs finally reinflated. I soon realized that, somehow, throughout everything that just happened I hadn't taken a single breath. My vision recovered and I hunched over and instantly began hyperventilating. Once I calmed down some, I turned and looked at the foals. Sweetie was crying, and Pip was shivering in a wet puddle while Dinky appeared to be trying to comfort him. Scootaloo had passed out and Button was nowhere to be found. Directly behind me was Apple Bloom. She looked calm on the outside but I could tell by her wide eyes that she was just as scared as the rest of us. She took a step closer.

“Twilight?” she began, her scared eyes darting around nervously, “W-wh-*gulp* Ah tried to run, ah really did! Ah tried to scream or move, or somethin... but ah couldn't do anythin’.... I--" tears began forming in her eyes as she finally focused hers into mine, "What just happened?”
I could only look at her, feeling horrible that I couldn't even offer a semblance of comfort or insight.

“I-I don’t know....”


~~~


After pulling ourselves together, and finding Button Mash holed up in a bush crying for his mom, we made our way back to Ponyville. As much as it embarrasses me to admit it, my nerves were too frazzled to teleport. We all felt better when we finally made it into town.

Much better, actually.

In fact, when Dash came up to us to ask what happened, we all felt like nothing even happened. However, what did happen weighed heavily on our minds. Even though weren't afraid anymore, the memory of what made us that way was still fresh.

Rainbow Dash saw us from a nearby cloud and flew up to me in her zombie pony costume. “Twilight? What the hay? I thought you were bringing them to the middle of Ponyville. Why are you coming back this way?”

I was about to answer before Button Mash stepped in front of me. He had a weary, soulless look on his face and, at some point, lost his sword and shoulder guard. “Miss Twilight, thanks for the trip… I think I’m gonna go home now and go to sleep.” Without waiting for my response, he trotted off slowly, his head twitching every so often. The other foals said similar things before also trotting off in various directions. None of them even thought about finishing Nightmare Night.

“What’s with them?” Dash asked.

I wanted to answer her question, I really did. I knew the answer, and I’m sure Rainbow would be concerned. But I was also really out of it at the time. All the energy had been sucked out and I had a lot on my mind. I decided to take a page from the foals’ book and go home. 

Good thing Spike wasn't home yet; I don't think I could deal with him throwing up molten remnants of candy on the ground again. I simply walked in, dropped my robe and lay down on my bed. Many thoughts were running through my head at the time. 

“What was that thing?,” I muttered, voicing my thoughts, “Why was I so scared of it? It doesn't make any sense. What was it doing there? Why did it tell us to leave? Did anything even really happen or was it all an illusion or prank?” 

I jumped out of bed with a startling realization. “That’s it! It was an illusion. Not the creature, but the fear. It was unnatural, gradual. It affected the children first because they were the least resistant.”

I quickly ran to look for a spellbook I know that I've read about a fear spell, one that Luna developed as Nightmare Moon. I found it after a few minutes of searching. 

“Here it is! This spell creates an area around the caster at least half a mile wide at its strongest. Those caught inside are subjected to horrible visions and jump scares that are related to their worst nightmares. Wait, that doesn't sound right.... I remember only seeing visions when looking directly at it and they weren't my worst nightmares. They were... something else."

I definitely remember seeing something. I struggled to recall those images but nothing surfaced. I grunted in annoyance and decided to shelve this thought and come back to it later. 

"Whatever. Maybe whoever or whatever used this spell modified it. For now I need to find out what it was." I reached over with my magic and grabbed several creature encyclopedias. Just as I opened the first one, I realized something. 

"Let's see. It was tall, had wings, umm.... what else. Liked hanging out in cemeteries. Ugh! Why can't I remember? I was starting right at it! I mean, sure it was dark but it wasn't pitch-black. I could see the kids just fine."

"Twilight, why are you yelling at yourself?"

"Agh!" I found myself falling out of my seat when Spike appeared behind me.

"Woah," he chuckled, "Who pranked you tonight?"

"Spike! Great timing. I need your help."

"I don't know if I'm up for research, Twi. I tried not to eat a lot of candy, but I guess I did anyway. So I’m pretty tired."

"Don't worry, it'll only take a second," I said, trotting up to him. "What do you know of a tall creature with wings who can cast magic?"

Spike looked at me like I was crazy. I couldn't blame him, I probably looked pretty frazzled back then. "I-Is this a trick question?"

"No, Spike. It's a serious matter and I need help figuring this out. Do you know anything about a winged creature who can use magic?"

"You."

"What?"

"You're a winged, magic-using creature."

I looked at my back, staring at my still rather new wings. I turned back at Spike and leveled a deadpan gaze, "Spike, this isn't a joke. There is something potentially dangerous in Whitetail Woods, and for the life of me I can't remember what it looked like. All I know is that it had wings and apparently can cast fear magic."

"But that's the thing. The only winged creatures that have both wings and external magic are alicorns and dragons, but dragons can't cast fear magic. I guess it could be a changeling. Or maybe Discord? I dunno."

I opened my mouth to rebut, but I quickly realized the validity of Spike’s point. I trotted back over to the encyclopedia. "That's true. But it couldn't have been Princesses Celestia or Luna; and I'm absolutely sure that Cadence doesn't know any fear spells. You may have a point but I don’t know if changelings can even cast fear magic." 

"By fear spells, do you mean like the one Sombra used?"

"N-no. No, it couldn't have been. Sombra’s worked by directly showing us our worst fears and making us believe it to be true. Whatever this was it was far more powerful. We felt scared, Spike. For no other reason than simply feeling absolutely terrified. Like whatever caused it directly simulated that feeling inside of us."

"Wait. Are you talking about something that happened tonight?"

"When I took the children out for the Nightmare Night Scare. We encountered something. I don't know if it was a trick or an illusion. But the fact remains that it literally scared the magic out of me. I can't even imagine how the kids felt. They were stone-still during all of it. Apple Bloom told me herself that she couldn't make her body do anything. I need to go find them tomorrow to make sure if they're alright."

"There's an idea! You could check to see if they know something."

"No, I wouldn't want to remind them too much about tonight. I actually think that I'll head back up there tomorrow. Just to see if it was real."

"But you said it yourself. That thing could be dangerous. At least take somepony with you."

"I don't know. I don't want to put anypony on high alert just yet, so I’ll probably ask one or two to come. Really, I just need to verify if it was real or not. I’ll even prepare a teleportation spell beforehand. The second something happens, I’m out."

“Then you’ll come back with the elements right?”

“No, I’ll tell Princess Celestia and let the royal guards handle it. We don’t exactly have the elements anymore.”

“Well, just don’t do anything crazy. Please.”

I heard the concern in his voice, so I trotted up and gave him a small hug. “I promise I won’t do anything reckless. Do you mind helping me find an anti-fear spell?”

“Sure!” So then we went to work looking for a spell that would allow me to get through the fear barrier in the forest.

Looking back now…I think that I can see that this is probably where everything went so wrong. So... very wrong. 

Sorry for the stains, I need to change my bandages. I can feel blood dripping.

> Letter #2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moving on, I’ll just skip to the next day since that entire night is mostly just a blur. All I remember is that I woke up using a particularly large book as a cover. I got myself cleaned up, decided to leave Spike alone, and ran outside to find The Crusaders. I needed to make sure that they were alright. I would have felt horrible back then if something bad happened to their minds because of the fear spell that I walked them through. I ran to Sweet Apple Acres first to see if they were there, and I met Applejack on the way.

“There ya are, Twilight. I’ve been meanin’ to ask ya.”

“Do you know what was up with Apple Bloom? When ah got home yesterday she was plum tuckered out on the floor. Ah don’t know whatcha did on that trip of your but doggone if it wasn't effective. She didn't even ask fer candy this mornin’.”

“Oh, Celestia, Applejack I am so sorry! I’ll go check on them immediately,” I rushed past her into the farm. I feel like she called after me saying something, but I was too worried about the girls to listen. 

 I found them just as they were leaving their clubhouse.

“Girls!” I called out.

Three pairs of eyes looked down at me, and to my surprise, three smiles. 

“Hiya, Twilight!”

“Hi, Twilight!”

“‘Sup!”

I reeled back in surprise, as I looked at them; they were as upbeat and energetic as always. “Umm, I just wanted to tell you all that I’m sorry about yesterday. I’m not sure what happened, but I shouldn't have dragged you all out there.”

They looked at me, then at each other, with confusion. “I don’t get it,” Scootaloo muttered.

What?

The three fillies came down from their treehouse and continued looking at me with blank stares of confusion. “Now what’re y’all apologizing for?” Apple Bloom asked.

“What am I--I’m talking about what happened yesterday in the forest.”

Another group of blank looks.

“Why’re you apologizing? It was awesome!” Scootaloo cheered.

“I still think she used magic on us,” Sweetie Belle added.

“My only complaint was that it was kinda short.”

“You… enjoyed it?”

“Well duh! Being scared is what Nightmare Night’s about,” Scootaloo answered.

I honestly didn't know what to do then. I supposed that I had underestimated the fillies’ mental resilience. I thought about what Spike said the other night and decided to ask them after all. “So, if you don’t mind, do you remember what the creature we saw looks like?”

I swear, I was getting tired of getting those looks. i Am NOT CRaZY! I was not crazy.

“What creature?” Sweetie asked.

“The one that made us so scared. In the graveyard?”

“N-no. I remember that I was scared by the dark forest and weird-looking trees,” Sweetie replied.

“Pfft! I wasn't scared by all that. What freaked me out was the fact that we just kept walking and walking. I thought we’d never get home! No offense, Twilight, I honestly thought you got us lost.”

“What? No. Remember? We found the graveyard, something appeared in front of us and scared you all. Apple Bloom, you yourself said that you couldn't move at all,” I said.

“Yeah, when ya went an teleported us smack dab into the middle of the forest. I was scared stiff.”

“No, that’s not--ugh,” I groaned. “Girls, what happened after we got to the graveyard?”

Scootaloo stepped forward, “Well, by that point these crybabies were so scared that they begged you to take them back to Ponyville. I was fine but you were all like ‘Noooo, let’s go back’. We got back to Ponyville and saw that Nightmare Night was all over, so we all went home.”

Apple Bloom scoffed, “Stop fibbin’. You were the most scared outta all of us.”

“Nu-uh! That was Sweetie Belle. She was almost crying by the time we got back.”

“Was not!”

“Girls!” I yelled. They all stopped arguing and turned back to me. “Are you sure that’s what happened yesterday?”

“Yeah.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Yup.”

I put a hoof to my chin. This was very confusing, but it supported my theory that it was all an illusion. The only problem was the fact that they remembered the events differently than I did. They did not recall the creature at all.

I thanked them and left. I then went to Pipsqueak’s house. He told me largely the same story except for the fact that he didn't remember going to sleep last night. His mom filled that in and said that he had gotten home and instantly passed out. Button Mash’s mother told me the same thing.

By that point, I was extremely confused. It seemed that I was the only pony to remember my version. Whether it was the right version remained to be seen. I suggested memory magic and I reasoned that if a memory spell was involved, as an alicorn I was the most resistant. That would explain why I remembered that something was there, just not its appearance. 

After taking some time to think, I decided to go back into the forest on my own and check things out, hoping that I was the one in the wrong and that there wasn't anything particularly dangerous. I activated the anti-fear spell and left. As I trotted back toward Whitetail Woods, Rainbow Dash once again flew down to meet me.

“Hey Twilight. What’s up?”

“Hi, Rainbow. I’m just going into Whitetail for a little bit.”

“Whitetail Woods? Oh, that’s right! What happened last night? You told me that I was gonna get to scare the kids. I spent all of Nightmare Night waiting for you ponies and you all just show up from the forest looking like you all saw a ghost.”

“You remember that?”

“Uh, yeah,” she deadpanned. “You ignored me and went home. I spent the rest of the night trying to make up for the time I lost.”

“The rest of the night? How long?”

“Well, ponies didn't start heading home until about 2 or 3 hours after you got back. Luna was great though. Life of the party. Heh, she even--”

“I knew it! Rainbow, come with me,” I ran off and Rainbow took flight after me.

“Huh? What is it? What’s up?”

“I have reason to believe that there is a dangerous magical creature hiding near the graveyard in Whitetail Woods. We’re going to go investigate.”

“Woah, cool. Should we get the others?”

“We will if we find anything. For now, I just need to know whether or not something is there.” We stopped at the entrance to the forest and I turned to Rainbow. “Rainbow Dash, I need you to fly high over the forest and keep watch for anything suspicious. I’ll try to teleport close to the graveyard, where we saw the creature. If something happens I’ll send up a flare so you can find me.”

Dash saluted me and flew into the sky, soaring high over the forest. I charged up my horn and with a quick blink, found myself neck-deep in the forest. I looked around and found myself instantly unnerved. I began trekking toward the graveyard. I could feel the anti-fear spell working because I wasn't jumping at every little thing like last time. Every so often, I looked up to make sure that I could see Dash flying around. It made me feel better that she was here. I still think maybe I should’ve gone to get the others, though.

I noticed that the further I went in, the more unnerved I was becoming. I wasn't entirely sure if it was because of the spell covering the forest or because there might be something powerful enough to cast the spell in the middle of it. One look upwards told me that Dash was still keeping tabs on the forest.

I soon found myself jumping at random things again. The spell was definitely getting stronger the further in I was getting. Luckily, I was still able to keep my wits about me, for all the good that was doing me.

Eventually, I could see the clearing where the graveyard was located. I stopped behind a veil of trees and looked around from where I stood. “I don’t see anything,” I muttered, taking a step forward. When I still couldn't see anything I lit up my horn and strode directly into the graveyard.

I looked around and noted that everything looked normal. The tombstones were straight and undisturbed, the sun was shining down on the clearing and, despite the fear and nervousness still pulling on my mind, everything was peaceful. “Hmm, maybe the spell is simply tethered to this area. Some mischievous unicorn probably set it up to be stronger at night,” I reasoned. “Anyway, looks like nothing’s here.”

I turned around to begin trotting back to the path from which I’d come, but stopped when I realized something. “Oh that’s right. Rainbow Dash!” I called out. “There’s nothing here! Let’s go home!” With that I let out the flare to get her attention.

I waited a few minutes for her to come down. After about ten minutes and another flare, I began fidgeting in place worrying about her. “Where is she…. Oh no, did something happen? It’s my fault. I shouldn't have brought her out here. I have to find her! I have to--”

My breath caught in my throat when a fierce chill numbed my entire body. The same fear from yesterday blazed through my mind when several black feathers fell from the sky. Slowly I managed to turn my head and watched as the creature from yesterday descended from the sky. Black feathers floated down around him.

I remember trying to move my legs, only for them not to budge. I tried as hard as I could to force my body to move. I even tried to send up another flare to signal Rainbow. Oh Celestia, Rainbow Dash! She was in the sky! Did this creature hurt her? Is that why it wasn't here? Did he go after her first? It’s my fault she’s missing. I needed to do something but I couldn't move….

I was frozen in place and afraid for my life.

“I thought I told you to leave.”

“I-I-I-III-” I stuttered. I couldn't even turn my body to face it. All I could do was tremble like a scared little foal.

“Obviously, I didn't make myself clear when I--”

It stopped! Now’s my chance, I thought. I didn't know what had gotten its attention and I didn't care. I struggled and summoned all of my willpower and let out a blast of magic. Without even checking to see what happened, I bolted out of the clearing and into the forest. The only thoughts that came to mind were the simple facts that I needed to get out of there and find Rainbow Dash. 

Those thoughts came to a screeching halt when, out of nowhere, I felt myself trip and fall. I tried to get back up, but some force I couldn’t see began dragging me back to the clearing. This nearly gave me a heart attack. I screamed and reached for things to hold onto but nothing was stable enough to stop it. My magic wasn't working and I even tried to use my wings to fly away, but the same force that was dragging me back somehow kept me from even getting in the air.

The worst part was when I looked back and realized that I wasn't being pulled by magic. My body was just being moved by some invisible force that I couldn't fight against, and it dragged me back to where I ran from. I found myself being suspended in the air  front of the creature who once again stood on top of one of the tombstones. 

“I see. You have them both.”

It said something, but I couldn't process its meaning; I was too stunned to see that the blast of magic I’d let out had absolutely no effect. I was knocked backed to my senses when I found myself falling to the ground. I looked up at it just as it spread its enormous wings. I prayed that it would simply send me back like last time. So I closed my eyes and hoped for the best.

My prayers must have been answered because I felt something amazing happen. All of the fear and overall helplessness completely left my body. I opened my eyes and gasped at the sight before me. For the first time I could finally make out the physical details of the figure in front of me. No longer was it shrouded by darkness that refused to be memorized.

He. It was a he from what I could tell. He was a tall, bipedal human that reminded me of my friends in Canterlot High. Although, this one was different, his skin was shaded differently and he had short pitch black hair. He wore black wrist bands and had pale gray feathers that shined with an almost silver glow in the sun. He wore pitch black pants that contrasted with a shining white sleeveless shirt. 

I was rendered speechless. This time not by fear but by awe. It was clear that I was in the presence of something greater than myself.

“You’re an alicorn,” he stated, looking at me with a straight face. He spoke with a low, almost bored tone.

He spoke to me! I felt my face heating up slightly. “I am.” I put my hoof to my mouth in surprise. I realized that I had no trouble speaking to this person. There was no nervousness in me despite the power that I could feel coming from him.

“I see. I was informed that I would be sought out by one of you sooner or later.”

“Um. Yes. If you don’t mind me asking; who are you, and why did you cover the forest with such a powerful fear spell?”

The… man, if he could be called one, nodded. “I am Samael and I needed to stay hidden. I was told, when afraid, ponies would naturally choose flight over fight. I figured that only alicorns would be strong enough to resist it. Though, judging by how you acted, I may have made it a little too strong,” he explained.

I avoided my gaze, embarrassed for a few seconds. “You say that you were informed. Who informed you?”

“That’s not something you need to know.”

I flinched, and decided to ask something else. “I had a friend, in the sky. She was supposed to be following me but she’s gone. Did you do anything to her?”

He simply shrugged. “She must have abandoned you.”

I looked at him confused. Rainbow Dash, the element of loyalty, abandoned me? Impo...si…. 

*Smack*

I slapped a hoof to my face when I remembered that I neglected to put the anti-fear spell on her. She must have entered the radius of the fear spell at some point and flew off in fear. Not that I could’ve blame her.

“Never mind!” I said. “Who are you and why are you here? You’re obviously not from Equestria.”

“That is true. I am not from this world, but I need to be here in order to save it.”

That one caught me by surprise. “Save it? From what?”

The man crouched down and sat on the tombstone he was standing on. Somehow I also felt the need to sit down. So I did.

“You already know of other worlds and dimensions, correct?” I nodded, and he went on,  “In one particular dimension, there was a war, a great war. Someone turned against their master and raised an army against him. Many perished and he lost. In order to save himself and regain his power, he fled. We’ve tracked him here. If he wanted to, he could turn this place to ruin. I need to find him.”

“If this pony--”

“Not a pony.”

“Sorry. If this person is so dangerous then why didn't you come to one of the princesses for help? You obviously know who we are.”

“I cannot interfere with this world. My job is to find him, contain him, and leave.”

“But we can help you find him. I can help you. Tell me what he looks like!”

“I cannot. He has no doubt changed his shape. If he hasn't made himself known, I can’t either.”

“But he has! I’m willing to bet that this person is behind all the recent ponynappings!”

He tilted his head but kept his straight face. “Ponynappings?”

“Yes, various ponies are disappearing in Equestria, and If what you say is true he might be behind it.”

“Pony… nappings? You mean deaths?”

“What? No! They aren't dead, just disappeared.”

“Then they’re dead.”

“No, if they were dead, there would have been bodies, and all of Equestria would be on high alert. There hasn't been a pony on pony murder in centuries. If one did happen, all of Equestria would know about it…. Unless….”

~~~

“Princess Celestia!” I yelled bursting into the throne room. I looked up at Princess Celestia who was reeled back from my surprise appearance. 

She took one look at me before addressing the other ponies in the room, “Um… court is adjourned for today. I apparently need a minute with my fellow Princess. Everypony out, please.”

With a few odd looks, everypony left and soon it was just me, the guards, and my fellow Princess. She tried to give me the nice, innocent act, but I wasn't having any of that.

“Well, hello, Twilight. I must say I wasn't expecting you,” she began, wearing that annoying smile. You know the one.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.

Something seemed to click in her head as her smile disappeared. “Guards, leave now!” she commanded. As ordered, every guard left and Celestia’s horn glowed with what I assumed was a sound proofing spell. After making sure we were alone she turned to me with a serious look. “What do you know?”

“I know that there are no ponynappings. Somepony is out murdering them, and you’re covering them up.”

“You must understand, Twilight. There hasn't been a case of unprovoked serial murders in the last 520 years. Ponies would panic if they knew. In fact, we were lucky that one of the guards came upon the… body before anypony else did.”

“How are you even doing it? In fact, how many ponies are actually missing?”

“Luna has practically all of her night guards out. They watch every corner from the shadows. And… none. Every reported case of missing ended up… well, you know.”

“How could nopony know about this, how do you keep them silent? You don’t… do anything to them do you?”

“Oh Twilight, no. Of course not. Not many regular ponies actually know what’s really going on. They’ve willingly agreed to secrecy as long as we promise to provide personal protection to them and their families. It’s nothing short of a miracle that the silence has lasted this long.” Celestia sighed and looked out the nearby window. 

“I know that things will get out soon. I just hope that we find out what’s going on and who’s doing it.” I was about to say something when Celestia turned to me. “For now though, I have a question. The only ponies privy to this information are Luna, all of the night guards, my private research and hospital staff, a hoof-full of solar guards and I. All of whom have willingly taken a vow of silence on the matter. How did you find out?”

This is where my confidence faded and I reminded myself that I was still talking to the ruler of Equestria. “Yesterday… I took some fillies and colts into Whitetail Woods for Nightmare Night. We entered into an area that was being affected by a fear spell.” Celestia’s eyes went wide, but I continued. “We ran into what was causing it, and were rendered frozen with fear. Luckily, he let us all go.”

“Oh my. Do you know what it was?”

“I’m getting to that. Today I went to check on the foals and found that they didn't remember anything about the encounter. I was almost convinced that they entire thing was an illusion caused by fear, until I ran into Rainbow Dash and realized that they had their memories altered. I decided to go back into the forest just to check and, well, I found it.”

“What was it?”

“Once he noticed that I was an alicorn he revealed himself and dropped the fear spell. I discovered that he was actually a warrior from another world looking for somepony--someone--who escaped into ours.”

“And this warrior is going around doing the deed?”

“No, the one he’s looking for is. He told me to call his name when any of us found him.”

“What was his name?”

“Samael,” I said.

The second I said his name Celestia somehow turned an even paler shade of white. Her normally bright pastel hair seemed to lose its ethereal brightness and even slowed in its flow. “S-Samael? The Samael?”

“Do you know him?”

Celestia fixed her gaze on me once more, this time with a frantic look. “Twilight, please tell me that you didn't anger him!”

“Um, no, I don’t think so. I blasted him out of shock once, but it had no effect. He didn't even seem to care.”

“That’s good. Equestrian magic is absolutely useless on their kind anyway.” Celestia called her magic and opened the doors, two royal guards quickly ran in. “Comet, Jade! New orders for the Captains of the Night Guard and of the Solar Guard. Please make sure they are delivered immediately!”

“Ma’am!”

“Celestia, what--”

“Tell them both to send an order to their troops in every location. Under absolutely no circumstances are they allowed to engage or capture the suspect or culprit of the recent incidents. NO circumstances. Understood?”

“Yes Ma’am!” After saluting, both guards ran off and the doors closed once more. Celestia turned back to me and fixed me with a firm gaze.

“This goes for you too, Twilight. This situation is beyond us. If the Angel of Death himself has come to Equestria to capture something, I have no doubt that all of Equestria is in danger. If you have even an idea of who this pony is, you are to call him immediately. Understood?”

“But I--”

“Is this understood, Twilight?”

She stared down on me with an unmovable look that caused me to wilt in submission. “Yes, Princess Celestia. Should I let my friends know as well?”

Celestia looked away and seemed to think deeply about it before answering, “I would advise against it. We know nothing about this suspect, what it looks like or even if it’s a he or she. If Samael hasn't been able to find it, then it’s probably taken the shape of a pony. If what you’ve told me is true, half of your friends would go looking for them. They would instantly distrust those whom they would normally consider a friend. That would make the situation worse. The other half would probably recklessly spread the news around and still spread mistrust. No, I advise you to keep a lookout for anything suspicious. Act normal, keep a level head, and for the love of Faust do not engage or investigate anypony even if you think you’ve found it.”

She trotted over and leaned down to hug me, “I really worry about you, Twilight. I don’t want your inquisitive nature to be your undoing. Promise me that you won’t do anything reckless. Seeking out Samael past his fear barrier was as reckless as I want you to get.”

The saddest part.... was that I didn't even break my promise to you.
> Letter #3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


I decided to take it easy and ride the next train back to Ponyville. I had a lot on my mind, so the time passed fairly quickly. I really wanted to do something about this whole situation, but now, both the ruler of Equestria and an otherworld Death Angel were advising me not too. I supposed that I didn't have a choice. I would have to sit this one out. 

A slight jerk forward alerted me that I’d arrived at my destination. Trotting outside I decided to go find Rainbow Dash and let her know that I was alright. She was, no doubt, freaking out about leaving me behind in the forest, not that I could blame her. I just needed to reassure her that it wasn't her fault.

I took all of three steps from the station before a ball of confetti hit me in the face and rained down, covering my entire body.

“Welcome! Welcome! A fine welcome to you--no, wait a minute…. I did this one already! Silly Pinkie. Howdy! Howdy! Howdy-- wait another minute.” A pink hoof shown through the darkness and moved a few streamers from my eyes. Pinkie Pie stood in front of me with her usual high-energy smile.

“Twilight? I didnt know you were new!”

“Pinkie Pie,” I deadpanned, “I’m not new. I just went to Canterlot for a little bit. What is all this?”

She giggled and gathered up all of the streamers and confetti back into a ball. “Sorry, Twi. There’s been a whole slew of new ponies today so I had to welcome them all. And of course, I’m throwing a party tonight welcoming them. Oh gasp! You should come meet them!”

Oh yeah, I thought. I just remembered the Mayor talking about some new ponies moving into town. I really should've gone to sleep the night before that meeting. “I don’t mind going Pinkie. When is it?”

“It’s right now!” she exclaimed. “At Sugarcube Corner.”

“Really? Why this early? And for that matter, why are you here?”

“So they’ll have more time to socialize. Duh! I’m here to find any new ponies and direct them to where the party is. Like so.” Pinkie turned her body and stiffened, pointing her head directly toward the bakery like a living arrow. I simply couldn't help but giggle at her. Pinkie’s antics were just what I needed after the days I’ve had lately. I bade her goodbye and made my way over to Sugarcube corner.

The second I opened the door three things instantly met my face. The first was the many voices conversing with each other. The second was another ball of confetti, and the third was Pinkie’s smiling face. She reared up on her hind legs and began doing a familiar howling gesture.

“Welcome to Po~o~nyvi--”

“Still me, Pinkie.”

“Darn! I was waiting to try that one out. Oh well, next time. Anyway,” she ran over and put her hoof around my shoulders and led me through the party. She pointed at ponies and told me who they were. 

“Over there’s Lemon Drops,” she said pointing to an earth pony mare with a yellow coat and blue mane. She appeared to be talking to Bon Bon, and making fast friends with her as well. “She makes lemon candies. Over there are the Pitter Pat twins,” she pointed to a pair of light blue stallions; both of whom were currently hitting on Raindrops. She seemed to actually be enjoying it. Pinkie then turned to Rarity, who had been talking to a curiously familiar pony. “You remember Coco Pommel right? It seems that her job in Manehatten is done, so she moved down here to learn from Rarity. Isnt that great?!”

Finally, she turned me toward a pegasus pony that had attracted the largest crowd, including what looked like the rest of the new ponies. He had a light blond mane and a pale gray coat. “And over there is Shift, he’s an adventurer. Over in the crowd you can see the other new ponies that aren't important; Cloudy Sparks, Ink Well, and Button Mash.” 

“But Button Mash and his mom aren't new,” I said.

“Well, I couldn’t give him a party before because he wouldn't leave his room,” she pouted. “I glad Sweetie Belle finally got him to come to this one.”

“Why does Shift have such a large crowd? Is he really that interesting?”

“Well, he’s telling these really funny stories. So that’s one reason.” Twilight looked back over to him and noticed how energetic and animated he was. He was waving his hooves around with each word and the ponies around him were listening to him intently.

“I guess I’ll listen to some stories then.”

“Don’t forget to grab a cupcake!” Pinkie said, handing me one and nudging me over to him.

“So then, the Wonderbolt yanks me out of the sky and wing slaps me a few times for being an idiot. I don’t know what she was so mad about. Nopony told me that I wasn't allowed to practice with the storm clouds.”

Rainbow Dash jumped up, “I know, right?! I mean put up some signs or something! I can’t tell you how many times I was tempted to practice in the Cloudsdale colosseum. I never thought about using storm clouds, though.”

“Oh, yeah. Wonderbolt-grade storm clouds are no joke. One wrong move and BAM! Fried wings.”

“Rainbow Dash?” I trotted up to her and gave her a surprised expression. She quickly extracted herself from the group and met me halfway.

“Oh, hey, Twi. Where’ve you been all day?”

“I was… in Canterlot. What happened to you today?”

“Yeah, it’s the weirdest thing. I woke up this morning outside Whitetail woods. I had this creepy feeling, like something was out to get me. I shrugged it off and joined in on this awesome party. Speaking of which, Twilight, you gotta meet Shift. He’s got such awesome stories. It’s like having somepony read Daring Do live! I know some of them aren't real, but they way he tells them, it’s just awesome to listen to. ”

“Alright then. I guess that it couldn't hurt to mingle a bit.” I was still tired and I planned to leave early. Before then I wanted to at least meet these new ponies.

“And then we took our keyblades and-- o-oh,” he quickly bowed his head when he saw me make my way through the crowd. “Princess Twilight.”

I blushed a bit and told him to stand up, “It’s fine. You don’t have to bow to me. I’m just the local librarian.”

“It’s still an honor to meet you. I’ve heard so much. How you beat Nightmare Moon and Discord. How you even beat the Changelings and Tirek. All without any injuries!”

I blushed harder from the praise. “Well they weren't all--”

“I mean, I can’t go anywhere without harming myself or others.”

“Well, we have our share of clumsy ponies here in Ponyville. In fact, you remind me of one in particular. Except your eyes are red, not golden.” It was true, he did have deep magenta eyes. Such a color was a rarity even among ponies. His cutie mark was that of two small red horns with a glowing golden ring between them.

“Really? Who?”

I looked over the crowd and tried to find her. “Pinkie, do you know where Derpy is?”

Pinkie popped up next to us and caused Shift to flinch slightly. I begrudgingly let out a giggle at the sight of somepony else doing that for a change. “Derpy couldn't make it today. She had a thing with Dinky.”

“I actually met her earlier when I first came in. We saw the similarities instantly. We played the mirror game for a bit and she gave me a muffin when she had to go. Best. Muffin. EVER!” His eyes glazed over and he began drooling slightly. This actually reminded me of the first time I had one of her muffins. He wasn't overreacting at all. It was really that good. 

I....I really wish I could've had just one more…. Sorry, got emotional there.

“But anyway,” he restarted, “you wanna hear some of my stories? I have this great one about a giant ham. Not true of course, but I’ve been told it’s hilarious.”

I was already beginning to like this stallion. Unlike a certain show-mare, he wasn't using his stories to brag, he was using them to entertain. Not only that, but he was modest, funny, and just a joy to be around. I could definitely see why the ponies of Ponyville had gathered around him. It was times like that that I was glad to be the Princess of Friendship.

I took my place within the herd and tuned into his stories. His voice was smooth but excitable, fast-paced, but he still managed to enunciate clearly. And, I just had to appreciate the way he told his tales with such emotion and description. I couldn't help but become entranced by both his outlandish tales and his true ones. The next thing I knew it was nearly night, marked by the sun dipping to make way for the moon.

“So exactly how did the Moon King fall to the hero?” I asked.

“It turns out that it was weak to oxygen. Once the stallion’s oxygen tank took a hit from behind and hit the monster, he knew what he had to do. He took a deep breath, yanked out his cord,  took his tank, and pointed it directly at the creature. In one fell swoop he turned the nozzle and let all of it out, completely destroying him.”

“Oh no,” said one mare, “If he lost his oxygen how did he survive?”

Shift gave all of us a sad look. “That’s the end. The stallion gave his life for the sake of his planet. If he didn't do what he did, the Moon King would have used the moon’s magic to crash the moon into his home. But don’t worry, even this story has a moral.”

“What is it?” I asked.

Shift looked directly at me with a strange look. “Not all stories have happy endings,” he said softly.

“That’s… so sad,” I muttered. Even my eyes were beginning to tear up. I wasn't the only one, several other mares were doing the same. Rainbow looked fine on the outside, but her shaking told a different story. I looked outside and realized that it was already night time. All my fatigue from the day finally came back, and I realized how tired I was. I let out a large yawn and stood up. 

“Well, it’s about time for me to go,” I said. I was surprised to see many ponies were still here. I may have well been the first pony to leave now that I think about it. Pinkie Pie stood up and looked at me with wide eyes. “Aww, can’t you stay for one more story?”

“Girls, he’s gonna run out at some point. Isn't it better to save some for next time?” I said, trotting to the door. “I’ll see him again. He’ll be living here for a while so I’ll have other chances. Bye, Shift. Your stories really are amazing. If you ever think about becoming an author, I don’t mind editing and proofreading.”

“Thanks, Princess!” he replied, waving his hooves at me. “See you tomorrow!”

I left Sugarcube Corner and held my head high to feel the night air. I took a long inhale before slowly letting it out. I was tired, and I learned some terrible things, but at least the day had ended on a high note.

I began trotting home, doing what I always did when I was outside at night. I looked upward and gazed out at the sea of stars. I marveled at the work and effort Luna put into her night so that ponies like I could enjoy it. If anypony asked how many constellations I could point out back then, I’d have spent entire the night showing them. 

I was so enraptured by the stars in the sky, I didn't notice the sound of hoofsteps running up behind me.

“Hey, Twilight?”

My attention was finally turned away from the stars when I turned back to see who was calling my name. I turned around and found my head forcibly turned back toward the sky. Before I could understand what was happening I was flying through the air and crashing back down several feet from where I turned around. My jaw was likely cracked and I may have sustained a serious head injury when I crashed to the ground. Before I could get up and see what happened, I felt somepony grab my tail, lift me up, and fling me through the air. 

I didn't come to a stop until I slammed against a wall, probably forming cracks all over it. I hunched over and struggled to regain my breath before losing it in violent coughing spree. Specks of red littered the ground around me. Everything had happened so fast, I didn't have any time to come to terms with what happened. First I was looking at the sky, then the next thing I knew I was slammed against a wall looking at the blood dripping from my muzzle. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I observed that I had been thrown into an alleyway near the edge of Ponyville.

I slowly glanced up, “W-w*cough* what?”

“Sucker Punch.”

Standing in front of me was a pegasus with a dark grey, almost pitch black coat. As my eyes slowly trailed upwards something caught my attention. A cutie mark  depicting a golden ring between two red horns. “S-Shift?”

I finally got a look at his face, and what I saw took my breath away. The charming colt that had the golden mane and kind smile was nowhere to be seen. In front of me stood a monster in every sense of the word. He had a nearly psychotic smile that showed off a row of jagged, pointed teeth. His once calm red eyes were now glowing in the dim light with black swirls of darkness spinning within, nearly hypnotizing me when I stared at them. Fear, real fear, gripped my soul at that point and it didn't take me long to piece together what was happening.

"SAMA-ugh." I tried to scream out his name, but Shift was too fast. He jabbed me harshly in the neck, sending me into another coughing fit.

He gave me a smug smirk and waved his hoof at me. "Ah, ah, ah. Not yet. We haven't even gotten to know each other yet."

"S….S-Sa-," I tried to speak, but once again fell over and coughed up blood. His attack must have damaged my larynx… my vocal cords, because barely any sound managed to escape my mouth. My eyes widened when one simple fact entered my mind.

“Yes, that’s right. I very well could have killed you just then.”

My head shot up and I fixed my stunned gaze on his. He looked at me, with that sick smile still on his face. “You’re probably wondering how? I mean, you are an alicorn. You should be more resilient than that.” He stopped, locked eyes with me for a second and dropped into a deep frown.

The next thing I knew I was back on the ground with a deep hoof print on the side of my face. If I was in pain before, I was in agony then.

“Please,” he scoffed. “No one is immune to death in this or any world. The only difference is the effort it takes.”

I let out a low growl at that last sentence. I mustered up all of my will and, taking him by surprise, I let out as much magical force as I could. I didn't have as much magic as I did when I fought Tirek, but I could still send out a considerable blast.

It did nothing. When the smoke cleared and the pieces of rock fell to the ground Shift just stood there, dusting off his coat. He had an amused smile that was directed right at me. 

Impossible, I thought. I let out all the magic I could. There was no way he could have survived without so much as a--

“That’s good. Equestrian magic is absolutely useless on their kind anyway.” Celestia’s words from before echoed through my head and I cursed myself for forgetting them.

He finished dusting himself and spoke in a low sarcastic manner. “Twilight, don’t make a scene. I still have a few things to do to you before I go.”

I began backing away until I hit the wall. I knew that I should've flown away, but the image of him breaking my wings kept them glued to my side. He took a step closer and I decided to take my chances. I forced my wings open and tried to take to the sky.

I didn't get far because he quickly grabbed my tail and slammed me harshly back into the ground so hard that I’m pretty sure a small crater formed. To keep me from getting up he dug his hoof into my chest and twisted it.

I let out a soundless scream as I felt my ribs cracking under my skin. 

CruNCh

I can still hear the sound in my head. I can still hear his laughter.

“Oh, calm down,” he said, “I’m not going to kill you. Not here, anyway. That would bring undue attention to Ponyville.”

“Y-*cough* kill…,” I coughed out, somehow managing that much.

“Good girl. Yes, I am the one going around killing all your precious equines,” he smiled.

“Why?” was all I could get out before I ended up coughing out more blood. My throat was in blazing pain by this point. My skull and jaw were probably both cracked. My ribs were nearing their breaking point. I’ve never been in so much pain… it was the second worst experience in my entire life.

He gave me a large smile that sent shivers down my spine. “I am so glad you asked. You see. I hate this world. Do you know why? Don’t worry, it’s not the colors, the ponies, the magic, or even your self-righteous views on friendship. When I first came here, I meant no harm beyond spreading the seeds of evil to regain my powers. Do you know what I discovered?”

My heart nearly stopped beating when his smile disappeared. I felt my ribs break completely under his hoof and I heard the crunch of my broken bones. When I felt one pierce my lung I let out another soundless scream of pain and tears began falling from my eyes.

It hurt… so much. I’m sorry about the stains, this is hard for me to recall…. 

He continued in a rage. “I discovered that no matter how much I tried, what I did, or who I manipulated! I absolutely, positively, could NOT get you ponies to kill one another! I could get you to beat one another, mug one another. Even rape was possible If I tried hard enough. But whenever it would get to the stage of murder, something would happen. The authorities would appear, they would come to their senses, or something else ridiculous. It was as if the world itself would not allow death by  murder! Not even that bastard Tirek managed to kill any one of you! I don’t know what sort of creational magic surrounds this disgusting place, but I couldn't stand it anymore!

“Finally, I’d had enough. I tried not to get directly involved for fear of being found. But I just couldn't take it anymore. If I couldn't get you ponies to do it then… well,” he smiled, “you know the saying. I began killing, and my powers returned more and more.” He lifted his head into the air and closed his eyes, his smile shrinking into one of bliss. “Soon, I will return home and I will ascend to my rightful place. But before then....” 

All at once, he threw his head back down to face me with the most psychotic and disturbed smile that I wouldn't see even in my worst nightmares. But what really got my attention, what really had me crying… were his eyes. His real eyes. Red slits surrounded by pools of darkness. Inside that darkness, I saw something I never wanted to see again. I saw the death and hate. I saw the utter evil hidden in it. He finally lifted his hoof from my body, and before I could even take a breath, plunged it right through me and into the ground below. Even now it boggles my mind as to how a flat hoof could have pierced through my body with such ease. 

I can feel the pain even now. Not a crushing feeling like before, it was as if I had been completely run through with a razor sharp object. I looked down with a hazy gaze at the bloody hoof jutting from my chest, and I saw my own blood pouring out. I watched as it began spurting and bubbling down to the ground to pool around me. My vision began to grow dark and I realized that I was dying, I looked up at Shift one more time. His eyes had turned back to normal and he opened his mouth to say something before I went completely black.

“Equestria will have its first real serial killer….” 


> Letter #4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


In an instant, my eyes burst open and I sat up while taking in huge gulps of air. It took me a few a seconds, but I finally registered two familiar voices calling my name. 

“Twilight. Oh my goodness. Are you okay?”

“Woah, Twilight. What did you drink last night?”

My eyes darted around frantically until they finally focused in on the sight of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash in front of me. As soon as I looked at them a strange image briefly flashed in front of my eyes. I soon disregarded it when all the memories of last night surged into my mind, and I let out a loud scream.

I don’t know how long I was screaming but it was long enough that both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy felt the need to cover my mouth.

“Twilight, why are you screaming? What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare? Why were you out here in this puddle?”

“Shut up already!”

I took deep breaths bordering on hyperventilation. Panicked, I tried to tell them everything but to them it sounded like a broken chopped up sentence. “Shift--broken--jumped--world--kill--Equestria!--need to--SAMAGHHGHHHH!”

I fell to the ground clutching my stomach. All at once I could feel it happening again, something piercing right through me. I wasn't stupid, I was already putting the pieces together. Last night was real. Shift is the one Samael’s looking for. I’m still alive which means he did something to keep me from talking. I was able to scream earlier so my throat wasn't ripped out. 

In the middle of my thoughts, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had come over and began fawning over me with worried expressions.

“Twilight! Twilight! What’s wrong? Are you--”

I didn't pay them any mind, the second my chest pain subsided I jumped up and bolted toward Whitetail Woods. Above all else, I needed to let Samael know where his target was. I tried a few times to say his name but a sudden stabbing sensation shut me up. Just as I approached the forest, a familiar pale gray colt stepped out from it. He looked just like he did at the party yesterday. He had a kind, somewhat smug smile that grew when he saw me. 

Fear stabbed my heart and I turned to run the other way. 

“Finally! Jeez, Twilight what’s got you so freaked out?”

“I really think something is wrong with her.”

I didn't even notice that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had been chasing after me. I froze in place before looking back toward the forest. Shift had began trotting in our direction and waving excitedly. I wasn't fooled though.

“Twilight! Hey!” I ignored Shift’s call, I knew I needed to get my friends to safety. 

Fluttershy and Dash looked behind me and smiled when they saw him. Before they could say anything, I grabbed both of them and activated my magic, teleporting all three of us somewhere, anywhere. I wasn't even thinking about the destination when I did it. 

When we reappeared Rainbow Dash quickly separated from me. “Girls, you have got to listen to me!” I said frantically. “You need to stay away from him at all costs.”

Fluttershy gave me a confused look, “Who? Shift?” 

“Yes! He’s a-pain- I mean that -cringe- Look! Just don’t go near him!”

“What did I do?” I nearly jumped out of my skin when Shift appeared next to us. I sputtered in confusion before I finally realized that we didn't move anywhere. I didn't realize that by not thinking of a destination we would simply disappear and reappear next to the same spot. 

I instantly tried to run, but in my impulsiveness I crashed right into Fluttershy, who had been standing in front of me.

“Oh my Celestia! Fluttershy. Are you okay?”

“Mmmhmm,” she tried to say even though she was holding her nose in pain. Rainbow dropped down to comfort her.

“What the hay Twilight? Why’d you go and do that?”

“I-I--”

My blood froze when I felt a hoof softly touch my shoulder.  I slowly turned my head to face my murderer. He looked nothing like he did last night. That sick bastard had the balls to wear a concerned face after what he did! I tried to shove him off but his grip was stronger than it looked. 

“Rainbow, why don’t you take Fluttershy to get her nose checked. I’ll talk to Twilight,” he said.

“Fine, but Twilight, you're acting weird, and I’m gonna find out why later. C’mon, Fluttershy.” She began to fly off with a whimpering Fluttershy in tow. I tried to call out after them but a crunching pain in my shoulder shut me up. I turned my head, only to see Shift with a sharp toothed smile. 

I managed to jump up and back away from him. The fact that he purposely let me go was not lost on me. 

“Look at you all energetic and scared. I see that you’ve healed up nicely,” he said, his tone sickeningly casual.

“Wh-w-what,” I finally managed to stutter out my question, “What have you done to me? What did you do! Why am I still alive?”

“Come on, I thought you were the local librarian. Listen. I told you that I wasn't going to kill you.”

“But you stabbed me! I… I felt it.”

“I did. That wasn't killing you though.”

“But there was no way I should've survived!”

“And yet, here you are. Yelling at me.”

The second I thought about yelling out for Samael he held out a hoof, and I, out of fear, shut up.

“Oh, calm down. You wouldn't be able to call for him anyway. I’m sure you’ve been experiencing some chest pains recently, correct?” He watched me flinch and his smile grew wider. “For right now, let’s call that a curse. I’ve cursed you so that if you say anything about who I am or anything about dear old Sammy, you’ll actually die. Understood?”

“T-theres no such thing as a curse…” I muttered. I just couldn't help it.

“If you say so. The basic fact, that you now have a hole in your chest that will slowly reopen every time you even think about saying anything. Plus, I’ll kill all of your friends,” he finished quickly.

“What!?”

He ignored me and continued. “So, this morning I was feeling pretty ballsy, right? I decided to try my luck and march near where Sammy is. Get this! The bastard didnt even sense me!” He began howling with laughter while my anger was beginning to overwhelm my fear.

“What do you mean, you’ll kill all of my friends! What do they have to do with anything!”

He finally calmed down and looked at me. “Oh, right. Yes, I want to make you a deal. I know that you’re the only one to have met Samael. Therefore, you’re the only one to actually be looking for me. I just want you to hold your tongue while I continue my work.”

“Let me guess, becoming Equestria’s first serial killer?” I snarled.

“Something like that. See, you can listen when you want to.”

“Why should I do that?! I could teleport to Celestia right now and sacrifice myself to tell ponies about you!”

In an instant he covered the distance between us and shoved his face into mine. “Yes, but then I’ll kill all of your friends while you're gone. If you take them with you, I’ll have killed off the entire town by the time you die. Either way, someone is going to leave this world, with or without you.” He backed away and I finally took a breath. “If you take the deal, then I promise two things: I won’t kill any pony you consider a friend, and I’ll take my time killing those you don’t.”

As much as I hated to think it, he had a point. I hated him. I hate him more than anything else in the world. For the simple reason that he was basically making me choose who was going to die. My friends, or an innocent pony. I knew that I couldn't physically stop him so I struggled to try and think of a way out.

“Y-you, promise?” I whimpered. I was visibly shaking and tears were rolling down my face. The only possible idea my frazzled mind could come up with at the time was to secretly write to Celestia that night. I would later go on to nearly pass out from the agony of trying to write the letter. The pain would steadily increase until I finally destroyed it. 

“My kind never breaks a promise,” he continued. “Of that, you can be sure. Look, I’ll even Pinkie swear.”

That sick bastard! He actually knew the motions. Even worse, he knew what it would do.

“Remember, Twilight,” he said, his face back to that fake 'kind and caring’ look. "Breaking a promise is the fastest way to lose a friend."

"FOOOOOORRREEEEEVVVVEEEEER!!!"

Just like I expected, Pinkie Pie popped up from behind Shift, causing him to ‘jump out in surprise’.

"Agh," he ‘screamed’. "Pinkie Pie? Where did you come from?" 

"I was just bouncing around when my mane bristled, so I knew that somepony was making a Pinkie Promise. By the way, I got that special cupcake you wanted. I never knew that there was somepony else who liked hot sauce as much as me!"

"Awesome, I'll meet you at Sugarcube Corner later. I still need to ask something of Twilight here.”

“Okey-dokey-lokie! Woah, Twilight, are you alright?”

I realized that I was both glaring at Shift, and still slightly teary-eyed, so I quickly wiped my eyes and changed my expression. “I-I’m fine. It’s alright.”

She didn't look convinced, but I guess she thought it had something to do with the promise so she let it be and left. I returned to glaring at Shift.

“You stay away from my friends, like we agreed.” I still couldnt believe I was agreeing to this. My only hope was that I could figure out something later when I wasn't under duress.

“I won’t kill them, yes. I won’t hurt them either, just to let you know. Believe me, Twilight, Equestria needs to know what death means.”

“We know what it means.”

“No, true death is unexpected, sudden. You wouldn't understand. So now, I want you to choose my next victim.”

“What? No! That wasn't the deal!”

“True. But at least don’t be a hypocrite and act like you aren't thinking of ways to betray me right this moment.”

I hesitated for a second, but that seemed to be enough for him. I blinked and he had somehow gotten behind me. 

“So who’s it gonna be, Twilight?” he whispered in my ear. I jumped back once again but I still found him standing at my side. His sadistic smile was back in full force.

“You have the power to choose who lives and who dies. Believe me, someone is going to die. It could at least be someone worthwhile. One of your enemies? A bad pony that wronged you? Somepony that got on your nerves recently, perhaps?”

“I won’t do it! Just leave me alone.” I immediately turned and ran away. I ran… I ran home, cursing myself in every way. I was a coward and a failure as a Princess.

I mean, how could I not be? I was the only pony who could stop him and now he was holding my friends hostage. If I told on him, he’d kill them without mercy. 

So I ran with tears and regret flowing off behind me. Even when Spike asked what was wrong, I ignored him, ran into my room and cried myself to sleep, all the while cursing myself. I got up that night and that’s when I tried to write to Celestia. 



~~~



The next day, I stayed inside, wracking my brain on how I could outsmart Shift. There was no way I would just stand by and let that monster do as he pleased. I was a Princess of Magic, for pony’s sake. I had come up with a few ideas, but before I could make sure they were foal-proof. Spike barged into my room. I had unlocked it earlier to show Spike that I was alright. I just told him that I was tired.

He looked shaken up, scared, and out of breath. “T-Twili-Twilight!” he heaved. 

I looked over to him, ignoring the brief image of… something. “What is it Spike? What’s wrong?”

“There’s a-- I don’t even-- A pony--Just--She--and the Mayor and--”

“Spike, calm down. What’s happened?”

Spike looked at me with the most frightened look I had ever seen. Taking a deep breath he began again. “THERE'S A DEAD PONY IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN!” he screamed.

In an instant, I ordered Spike to stay inside, lock the door, and wait for me, while I ran to where he said the dead pony was. As I feared, a large crowd had gathered in the middle of Ponyville. I shoved my way through to the front and almost threw up at what I saw.

I saw the mangled, bloody corpse of what might have been an earth pony once. Three limbs were missing, and the one that wasn't was twisted and separated from the body. Bones stuck out of her at every angle and her cutie mark and other pieces of her body were torn off completely. The worst part was that her blood was everywhere, it had been splattered and spread as if she herself had been tossed left and right by a wild beast. She would have been unidentifiable if it wasn't for her unique bright orange mane.

Everypony was either too shocked to move or freaking out over what they were seeing, but everypony went quiet when a small foal pushed her way through the crowd. She screamed and ran toward Carrot Top’s body. I was about to stop her, but then I got a good look at her.

It was a filly with a dark orange mane and pale blue coat. I watched, frozen in shock as the filly cried and screamed for her dead mother. Ponies were really starting to freak out, and in all the confusion sompony spoke to me. 

“This is a pretty good turnout. I wonder why it’s not like this all the time. Nice pick by the way.”

I turned and saw Shift standing right behind me, smiling like he had just won something.

I was still in shock from seeing a dead pony for the very first time. I barely registered what he said. “Wh…. What?” I whispered.

“I said, nice pick. You chose this pony. Now she’s dead, and ponies are panicking.”

I snapped out of my daze and glared at him, “What!? No, I didn’t! I said leave me alone and ran away. I didn’t choose anypony.”

He chuckled, “Well, maybe not consciously. But somewhere in your mind, the idea of her dying did appeal to you.”

“Y-you’re insane…. Why in Equestria would it?”

He shrugged, “Don’t ask me, Twilight. Ask yourself. Whether you know it or not, some part of you choose her. I heard it as you ran away. It called out to me. Honest. How else would I have known that she would just be coming back?” He chuckled at my shocked face. “Indeed, I found her trotting back into town and I instantly recognized her from the image you sent me.” He looked over to her mangled corpse. “Damn. I do good work,” he whispered, staring at it lovingly. 

I backed away, genuinely scared. If this is what he does to ponies, then he needed to be stopped at all costs. I decided to put one of my plans into effect.

“S-Shift?” I asked, and he looked back at me with a small smirk, “What happens if you break your part of the deal.”

He shrugged me off and continued admiring his handiwork. “Then I have no power over you. I uphold our part of the deal but you don’t have any reason to hold yours. Fair, right? Hmm. Maybe I should kill the Princesses next. Then maybe it’ll be like this more often.”

“YOU CAN’T!” I screamed. Luckily, since ponies were still panicking, my outburst did not draw attention. “I mean, you can’t… because you’d break your end of the promise. Celestia and Luna are my close friends.”

“Hmm, I suppose so.”

Hearing him admit it raised my confidence a little bit so I decided to get bold. “In fact,” I began, gaining a small smirk of my own, “You can’t kill anypony!”

Shift finally tore his gaze away from Carrot and frowned at me,“Why not?”

“Because, as the Princess of Friendship, I’m friends with everypony in Equestria.”

“So what? Are you just going to go around the world and make friends with every pony you meet?” 

“I don’t have to. The magic of friendship touches us all! Just from my castle I can tell when friendships are being disrupted!” I claimed. I will admit to have just been making that up, but I would later discover a map in my throne room that pretty much confirmed what I was saying.

Shift glared at me in silence. I took a silent gulp and hoped that he would buy it. When he smiled, I feared the worst. 

“Well done, Twilight Sparkle. You’ve found a nice little loophole for yourself there. Bravo. So would you say that killing poor Carrot Top--whom you chose, by the way--count as breaking our deal?”

“I didn’t choose her! Besides, you did break our… deal….” I trailed off. While I was talking, Shift broke down and started laughing madly. I only stood there in confusion. “Why are you laughing?!” I finally yelled.

“Because you’re so fucking predictable!” he yelled back. I was about to say something, but a panicking mare ran up and grabbed me. She started screaming something and I tried to see past her. When I finally did, Shift was gone.

I instantly had a sick feeling. Not the normal pain from trying to break his rule, but a general bad feeling. My first instinct was to try and find my friends and make sure that they were alright. Rarity was the closest, so I ran as fast as I could to her house. When I got within sight of her home, I teleported past the doors and inside.

“Rarity!” I called out. After teleporting around, I finally found Sweetie Belle upstairs calmly reading a book in Rarity’s room. She jumped as soon as she saw me.

“I wasn't doing any…. Twilight? When did you get in here? How did you get in here? ”

I lifted her up in my magic and pulled her face close to mine. “Where’s your sister?”

“She left a little while ago, something about meeting somepony and figuring out what happened. By the way, what did happen? I heard ponies screaming and Rarity came home and threw up.”

“Don’t worry about that! Where did she go? Who was she going to meet?”

“I don’t know. She said Sweet Apple Acres. So probably Applejack.”

Without another word, I dropped Sweetie and teleported out of Rarity’s home. I appeared on the outskirts of Applejack’s farm house and looked around frantically. I saw Big Mac ushering Granny Smith into the farm house. Not seeing anypony else I ran up to them.

“Blood! Bodies everywhere! Hide the children!” Granny Smith screamed. I guess that she must’ve been having some sort of mental breakdown from the body in the middle of town. Even so, I ran up to Big Mac as he finally closed the door on her.

“Big-huff- Big Mac!” He turned to me with a curious look. “Have you seen Applejack or Rarity?”

All he did was point toward town hall. I got his message and ran back toward the farm entrance. Upon reaching it I teleported once more to pass the distance faster. I appeared right in front of them; all five of my friends were gathered in front of town hall. Most of them jumped from my sudden appearance. Fluttershy even whimpered a little.

“Girls! I’m so glad you’re alright. Have you seen Shift?” I said, blinking away random images.

Rainbow trotted up to me and gave me a weird look, “Don’t change the subject. You still need to explain why you attacked Fluttershy the other day.”

“What? When did I attack her?”

Rarity stepped up and pushed Dash aside, “Rainbow Dash, please don’t exaggerate. It was merely an accident. But that doesn't explain your oddness as of late, darling.”

“Excuse me?”

“Sugarcube, for the last few days, ah haven't seen hide nor tail of ya, an’ when ah do see ya, you're always running off somewhere in a hurry. Now somepony’s bit the dust, an’ you up and disappear.”

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. “A-are you all suspecting me?”

Applejack reared back, clearly offended. “Now hold on. That is not--”

“Because I didn't do anything,” I interrupted. “Plus, the murder isn't the real problem anyway! I need to know--”

“Then what is the problem, Twilight Sparkle?” I jumped when Princess Luna landed behind me. She must have come from her examination and/or retrieval of the body. “Do you have an idea as to whom is responsible?”

I was about to shout out everything I knew when that oh-so-familiar pain struck me in the chest. 

“Twilight Sparkle? Are you alright?”

Once again I was about to say something, but the distinct sound of laughter entered my ears, looking around I saw Shift practically skipping down the street, laughing his tail off. Looking closely, I noticed something on his hooves, something distinctly familiar. “I-I have to go,” I said.

“I am not done talking with you.”

“I know, but I’ll come back. Right now I need to check something.” I tried to move past her but she stubbornly stood in my way.

“Twilight, I can tell when you are hiding something,” she leaned in close, “And you are most clearly hiding something of great importance.”

She was saying something, but all I could see was Shift trotting further and further away. The further he got, the more my bad feeling grew. 

“I’MSORRYI’LLBERIGHTBACK!” I screamed, teleporting away. I appeared directly in front of Shift who looked at me with his usual fake face. However, this time he couldn't seem to hide the malice in his eyes, or the smugness of his grin. 

“Hello there, Twilight. I was just looking for you.”

“Looking for me? Where did you go?!”

“Oh, I just needed to see something,” he said innocently. “Speaking of something, I have a question for you.”

I glared at him harshly. “What?”

“I noticed that you equines have a real vanity issue about you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m sure you noticed the difference in terms by now. I was wondering, you say anypony, which most likely means the same as anybody: a pony or person of any importance. The only difference being that anypony is… well… pony-specific I’m guessing.”

“Yeah, so?”

“So, what is the ‘any’ term for other sentient species? For griffons do you say anygriffon? For minotaurs do you say something stupid like anyminotaur. Frankly, it’s actually a little racist. Not that I’m complaining, of course. Actually, I’d even--”

“What’s your point?!” I yelled.

“My point, is that dragon scales aren't as tough as you think.”

I was going to yell some more but his sentence caught me off guard. It took me a few seconds to even come up with a response, and even when I did it was little more than a low whisper. “What?”

“My question to you is this: What is the anypony equivalent… to a dragon?”

My body began shaking uncontrollably and I stumbled back as his smile only grew. I watched as his face changed and his coat darkened before my eyes. I saw this, but my mind was still busy processing what he just said, trying to find any other meaning behind it. My eyes trailed down to the red stains on his hooves. Specifically, one hoof in particular. Stuck on his left hoof was a dark-stained purple scale. He followed my eyes and lifted his hoof up.

“Oh, yeah. I should probably wash this off. Eh, I’ll just tell ponies that I accidentally stepped in that other mare’s blo--” He couldn’t say anything else after I had tackled him to the ground. 

“WHAT DID YOU DO TO SPIKE?!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. 

I was literally on fire, ready to set off a magic bomb right in his face…and he just looked at me with that same insane smile that grew to take up his entire face. 

“Hey, Bright-Eyes, don’t ask me. If I were you, I’d get back home before there are two deaths today. Actually, what would be the any word for animals too?”

That question only served to anger me further. I wanted to do something. I wanted to hurt him like he hurt me. I had so many horrible thoughts in that one instant. I had so many images pop up in my head, only to be forgotten a second later when my concern for Spike outweighed my urges. I jumped off of him and bolted toward my house, teleporting soon after.


~~~


I burst into my castle and immediately began lifting my muzzle and shouting for Spike. He could’ve been anywhere in this huge place, so I didn't waste any time and ran toward the stairs. Halfway between the door and the stairs, I tripped on something and hit my head on the first step. Lifting my hoof to touch my head, I felt something wet touch me instead. Fearing the worst, I slowly turned back to what I soon perceived to be a mangled, half-eaten bird. I nearly screamed when I realized exactly what that was. My dread only increased when Shift’s laughter began to echo all throughout the crystal walls.

Leaving my deceased pet behind with a small puddle of tears, I continued my journey throughout what was supposed to be my home.

Not a horror house. 

I checked every room and every hallway, all the while screaming for my assistant. With every empty door I came across, I could hear Shift’s mocking laughter. I tried to follow it at one point but no matter which direction I turned, I couldn't pinpoint its location. In fact, it didn't seem to be coming from anywhere. 

Eventually I came to my room. By that point I was breathing heavily from running about. Shift’s echoing laughter was now louder than usual, so I had no doubt that he was in there somehow. What scared me the most, however, was whether or not Spike was as well.

I slowly opened the door. Peaking inside, I saw Shift, sitting at my work table, reading my friendship journal. He had on a bored expression until he saw me.

“Jeez, took you long enough. You’d think your own room would be higher up on the list of places to check.”

Cautiously, I looked around. “Where’s Spike?”

He turned back to his MY book. “Oh, he’s here…  and there… and I’m pretty sure a piece of his tail is under the bed--”

“THIS ISN’T A JOKE!” I screamed. “WHERE IS… MY...Frie…” I went dead silent when drops of blood grabbed my attention. When I looked up, I saw something that would continue to haunt me even as I write this now. Stuck to the ceiling with his own blood somehow, was the broken and disfigured body of my closest friend. While he didn't look as bad as Carrot Top, he was still seriously injured. I could see a broken arm and, just as Shift said, the little arrow at the end of his tail was gone. It was torn off and leaking blood. He was missing several spines down the length of his back, and his broken arm hung down limply.

I was stuck, frozen in shock with tears streaming down my face. Meanwhile, Shift put down our friendship journal and trotted past me and out the door. As he trotted by, I vaguely remember him whispering something to me.

“I know you don’t do these anymore, but I’ve got a letter for you. Ahem; ‘Dear Princess Celestia, Today, I learned not to be such a smartass.’”


> The Final Letter 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I-I couldn't… I can’t. I don’t believe it. This isn't happening. THIS ISNT HAPPENING!  No! I refused to acknowledge thi--

My denial skid to a halt when Spike’s body fell from the ceiling and landed in front of me. 

I… I just broke. I grabbed his bloody form and held it tightly to my own. I looked over his face and I screamed. I screamed louder than I’ve ever screamed before. Even when I ran out of air, I continued screaming. My magic went haywire and my castle trembled from the raw magical force I was letting out. At some point I ended up teleporting, and with all that magic being fueled into it, I nearly blew the hospital away when I reappeared.

Eventually, my screams turned into tear-filled wails that continued to shake the foundations of the building. To their credit, the doctors instantly realized what was happening and tried to act, but against my better judgment, I feebly fought them off. I hunched over and held Spike tighter, screaming and crying for them to stay away. I didn't want to be separated from him. It wasn't until Doctor Stable came right up to me and ordered me to let them help that I reluctantly gave him up. 

I watched with bloodshot eyes as they rolled him away into another room, reaching out with a trembling hoof. I sat there, in the crater that I had made, and cried until my tear ducts went dry.

Shift. He did this.

I have been upset before. 

I’ve been angry before.

I’ve even been known to briefly burst into flames due to frustration before.

But I’ve never experienced pure, unbridled hate for any living creature. Not Discord, not Chrysalis, not even Tirek. 

With another burst of magic, I blew away the nearby wall and flew out of it. All I could see was red. He did this. He killed Spike for no reason. 

I was going to make him pay.

I zoomed across Ponyville and found him talking to Rainbow Dash. Without a second thought, I dive bombed him, crashing into him and dragging him through the ground. When we stopped moving, I punched him with all of my earth pony strength. I poured all of my rage into every single strike. I figured that if I couldn't use magic then I would simply use physical force. 

I continuously slammed my hooves into Shift’s face and body. Blood began splattering everywhere, but I still didn't stop. Even when somepony tried to pry me off, I simply bucked them back and continued. Even when I felt bones crack and break I still didn't stop. When I heard ponies telling me to stop, I still didn’t. When I looked into his sick golden eyes, I responded by slamming the pony’s head into the ground several times. 

Above all else, I needed to make sure that he’d never hurt anypony again. Even if I had to sink down to his level.

With one last punch I heard a final sickening crack. The pony I was beating finally went limp, and I realized that my job was done. I stood up, half my body covered in blood and breathing heavily. I looked around and noticed that I had attracted a crowd. I saw ponies looking at me with fear and horror. I saw Time Turner holding a frightened filly. I saw my friends covering their mouths with tears flowing. I saw Rainbow Dash with a bloody nose being held by Shift.

My eyes went wide. I clearly recognized him. His rare dark red eyes gazed into mine with a look of shock and concern. Slowly, I turned back to the pony I had just killed. I only then realized that she was a mare. She looked almost exactly like Shift, except for two things. Her coat was lighter.

And her cutie mark was of seven bubbles.

It slowly dawned on me what had happened. I backed away, stuttering. I looked at my hooves and shuddered at the sight of the blood of an innocent mare dripping from them.

I looked around, and everypony I looked at flinched and moved back. 

“I-I-I didnt mean--”

“Twilight, why?” My face shot back to Shift’s and I could feel my anger reignite. 

I lunged at him. “THIS IS YOUR FAULT!” I screamed. Everypony in the crowd scattered and I was held up and slammed into the ground my a magical force. I struggled to get up but the magic was far too powerful for me to break.

“ENOUGH!” I stopped struggling when the Royal Canterlot Voice rang throughout the town. I saw Princess Luna descend from the sky. “EVERYPONY! RETURN TO YOUR HOMES AND LOCK YOUR DOORS. STAY INSIDE AND DO NOT COME OUT!” Everypony did as she asked and soon the only ponies around were myself, Luna, and my friends. I saw Shift trotting away, smirking at me.

“NO! Don’t let him get away!”  I panicked. “He did this! He--”

“Quiet, Twilight Sparkle! Do not try to place blame. We saw you.”

“But it’s not my fault! Listen! I need to call Samae--” I saw Luna’s horn alight and everything went black.


~~~


Twilight woke up to see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash looking over her. Using her magic, she picked Rainbow Dash by her neck and forced her eyes wide open. With her hooves, she grabbed Fluttershy’s mane as she tried to run. Turning Fluttershy toward Rainbow Dash, Twilight ripped a section of pink mane out and stuffed it down Fluttershy’s throat. 

Rainbow Dash screamed but Twilight only smiled. She dropped Fluttershy and watched as she tried to crawl away. Grabbing her wings from behind, she stomped down with one leg and pulled with the other. Fluttershy tried to scream but the hair in her throat caused no sound to come out. Only the sound of flesh ripping echoed.


~~~


“Twilight?” Rarity said, looking around nervously. Twilight simply took a step forward.

“Twilight what’s wrong? You’re making me nervous. I really think-ack AGGHRRAGHHHCCCCCKKK--”

Twilight lunged and pushed Rarity to the ground, both of her front hooves pushing down on Rarity’s windpipe. Rarity tried to use her magic but one look into Twilight’s eyes broke her concentration. Twilight stared down at her with a crazed look and a crooked smile. Finally, Twilight released the pressure and let Rarity breath. However, the second she did, Twilight grabbed Rarity’s horn. With a strong yank, she tore it right off, along with a section of Rarity’s skull.


~~~

Applejack ran. Her hat had long since fallen off her head, but she had no intention of going back for it. From out of the darkness, a brown rope flew and caught her around her midsection. Magic took control over the rope and wrapped it tightly around all four legs. Twilight slowly walked up and licked her lips in delight. Taking out an apple from nowhere she shoved it into Applejack’s mouth. Without any further delay, Twilight leaned down and tore into Applejack’s neck.


~~~



Pinkie Pie leaned back, struggling against Twilight’s harsh grip. Her mane was limp and her coat was dull and listless. Around her neck was a razor thin wire and behind her, holding the wire, was Twilight, standing tall on two legs and holding her up.

Right now, the wire was only tight enough to choke her slightly. But as time went on, Twilight slowly tightened it. The wire began digging into Pinkie Pie’s skin. She coughed and choked, trying to get some semblance of air into her. Her eyes began slowly filling with blood before rolling back, and her body began going limp.

However, before she could die, Twilight’s magic activated. Her horn glowed a sickly purplish black and Pinkie’s struggling began anew. Twilight continued to tighten the wire until Pinkie’s body fell to the floor, blood squirting profusely from her neck. Twilight tied the wire into a knot around Pinkie’s severed head and let the balloon attached to the other end lift it high into the sky.


~~~


I watched all of these scenes play out on various screens. I don’t know where I was, but these scenes refused to go away. When one ended it would only repeat itself, like an endless torture for what I had done. Eventually, various memories came back to me. I realized that I had seen  brief shots of each of these once before.

“Is this what goes through your mind now?”

I lazily turned my head to see Princess Luna trot into view. 

She turned to me and sat down to meet my eye. “What happened, Twilight? Why have you gone down this path?”

“Why indeed?”

Luna’s head snapped toward the new voice; a dark gray colt trotted into view in much the same way as Luna.

“Who are you?! How can you see me?”

“Chill, Moonie. I’m just here to talk to Twilight.” He trotted through Luna and came up to me. “Twilight, what happened? Killing ponies was my end of the deal. You trying to put me out of a job?” he snarked.

“Away from her, apparition!” Luna yelled.

Shift ignored her, “I mean, I wouldn't mind if you joined me. You’re already my accomplice.”

I knew that he was right and I let my gaze fall. He used his hoof to gently guide it back into his, “Now that you’ve felt death with your own hooves, you might have a little more understanding.”

Luna took my face and pointed it to hers. She had a gentle look in her eyes. “Twilight, do not listen to him. I do not know what has happened before now, but this isn't who you are. You have not killed anypony nor do you ever have to.”

Back to Shift, “She’s lying to you. The mare is dead! You felt her skull break under your hooves. You heard her neck snap after the final punch. She lives no more!”

Back to Luna, “All is not lost. Do not accept these views. You were tricked and manipulated into doing what you did. He is nothing but a dream. Remember your true, kind nature!”

Back to Shift, “But look at your new nature. The horrific scenes of death that play through your head. This is you. This is what your mind can conceive. Embrace it.”

Back to Luna, “But this isn't you! This is just what the evil has implanted in you. The real you would never consider acting upon this… this madness.”

I looked back to the horror stories playing above. I felt something awaken deep inside of me, and I too woke up.


~~~


It was the middle of the night when I finally escaped the castle dungeon and appeared in Ponyville. Shift was already there, clearly expecting me. I stood there for a few minutes glaring at him.

“I’m done!” I finally said.

His smile faltered, “Excuse me?”

“I said ‘I’m done!’ I won’t help you hide anymore!” I yelled.

“So you want to die?”

“I’d rather die myself then let you keep killing.”

“Oh? Did Luna get into your head?”

I flinched back, “H-How did you know that?”

“Duh, I was there wasn't I…? Oh! Did you think I was a part of your dream? No. I’m inside of you Twilight. Ready to kill you from the inside out.”

“That’s impossible!”

“Fine, go ahead. Call him! Kill yourself!”

I took his challenge. Fighting through the pain I took a deep breath. “SAMAEUGH--” I felt the familiar stabbing sensation in my chest. I tried to ignore it but the more effort I put into saying his name, the more it hurt. Soon, I fell over, on the verge of passing out from the slow pain.

“S-Sa-Sama-S-ACK--” I began coughing out blood.

Shift laughed as he trotted up to my fallen form. Still laughing, he began kick my gut and stomp on my head. “Give it up, Twilight. You’ll pass out before you finish.”

“Indeed. Though it’s not necessary, anyway.”

I watched as Shift’s face finally dropped and he took a huge leap backwards. Black feathers began falling from the sky. I saw two figures descending in front of me. One stood tall and held onto a large scythe. The other was a pony tall pony with a flowing dark blue mane.

Luna turned to me and lifted me with her magic. “I am sorry that I’m late. The barrier of his was hard to enter,” she said.

I lazily looked back over to the two otherworldly creatures. Shift was smiling again, “Well, you got here faster than I thought.”

“I’m not here to talk. Let’s go, Lucifer. Now!”

“Make me!” Shift began transforming, but into what, I never saw. My vision failed, and I passed out again.


~~~


I woke up sometime later in a hospital bed. Princesses Celestia and Luna were standing over me, and the former was crying.

“Twilight!” Celestia cried, “I’m so glad you’re alright! I’m sorry, I’m so sorry! I should've sent you home with guards. I should’ve--”

“Sister. What’s done is done. Twilight is safe now.”

Celestia sniffed and wiped her face. “I-I know, but--”

“Shi-Shift….” I coughed, “Where is he?”

“Th-sniff-they fought. Samael won and took him away.”

Luna continued. “Samael removed his influence from you when he left.”

I finally looked over at Luna. Only then did I realize how badly injured she was. Half of her body was bandaged. Her wing was wrapped up and one eye was covered. “The curse?” I asked.

Luna scoffed, “There was no curse.” Knew it. “Shift messed with your head, Twilight. He made you think you were in pain to control you.”

“H-he was in my dreams….”

“Your mind created him. He was a manifestation of Shift’s influence. Believe me. He is gone now.”

I sighed in relief. I realized something and sat up in alarm, “My friends! Derpy! Spike! Are they alright?!”

Celestia gently sat me back down. “Your friends are alright. Rainbow Dash needed to have her nose fixed but otherwise she’s alright.” 

I noticed that only half my question was answered. I opened my mouth, but a small sniff came out. I realized that I was crying. “Spike? Derpy? What about them?”

Celestia put a hoof to her mouth and made a small whimper. She bolted out of the room in an effort to hide her tears. Luna took a deep breath and looked me in the eye.

“Derpy Hooves… she is dead.” I gave a small gasp, but she continued, “Spike is…. a little more complicated--”

“IS HE ALIVE!?!”

“He is, but he’s in a deep coma. The doctors aren't sure when, or if he’ll wake up. He suffered from large amounts of internal bleeding and he needed his tail amputated. It isn't looking good.”

Silence shrouded the room for several seconds, only broken by my quiet whimpering. Luna eventually got up. 

“Your friends are nearby. They understand what happened and aren't mad. Do you wish to see them?”

I thought about it and nodded slowly.

Soon several concerned heads popped into view. I gave a small smile and they trotted completely into the room. 

Rarity stepped closer and gave a small concerned smile. She had bags under her eyes and it didn't look like she had any sleep in days. “Twilight. I’m so sorry we didn't trust you.”

Twilight took a nearby scalpel and slit Rarity’s throat before stabbing it into both of her eyes.

“Hah!” Applejack said to her. “Speak fer yourself. I never doubted her!”

Twilight lept up and punched her in the face. While Applejack was recovering, Twilight grabbed a section of the ceiling and brought it crashing down on her. Blood spattered everywhere, but she repeated the action again and again while laughing madly.

Rainbow Dash clapper her hooves together, bringing my attention to her. “Man, I can’t believe Shift was the one doing all of those horrible things! I feel so stupid!”

Twilight first used her magic to grab the ICU near her. Then she wrapped it around Rainbow Dash, holding it in the air until she stopped struggling. 

Fluttershy whimpered, her eyes bloodshot from crying, “I just wish that none of this ever happened. I just want to go back to the way it was before all of this!”

Twilight grabbed Rainbow’s limp body with her magic and proceeded to beat Fluttershy with it. Fluttershy tried to run but Twilight grabbed her by her long tail and slammed her into the wall.

Pinkie Pie had a slightly limp mane but still tried to give an uplifting smile, “Come on everypony. We shouldn't be so down. Let’s be happy that it’s all over.”

Twilight first shoved her hoof deep into Pinkie’s mouth. Grabbing her tongue, she ripped it clean out. Stucking her other hoof into her mouth Twilight picked her up and tossed her out the window.

I finally had it. I screamed. My friends all looked at me with concerned looks.

“Twilight, darling, what’s wrong?” Rarity asked, “Why are you screaming?” Fluttershy covered her head and huddled into a corner. 

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. “I-I can’t…. I can’t stop! Please make it stop!”

“Stop?” Applejack questioned. “Stop what?”

I opened my eyes again and the first thing I saw was myself brutally murdering whomever I looked at. I panicked and shoved everypony out of the way and ran out of the room. I immediately ran into Celestia and Luna, who were talking in the hall. I began to have another vision, so I tried to run the other way. I felt myself struck in the back. I recognized it as a classic but powerful sleep spell.

I woke up back in my mind. Images of death were not what I expected to find. So the fact that Shift was sitting there watching them completely stunned me.

He was currently laughing hard at an image of me slaughtering Lyra. I merely stuttered out meaningless sounds. He finally turned to me and stood up.

“Nice place you have here. I wish I could stay.”

“Ho-ho-how are you here?! Samael took you away!”

“That he did. I supposed it was about time. My work was done anyway.”

“What? You failed! As far as Equestria knows, only two ponies were killed by you.”

“Ah, don’t be modest. The second one was all you. And, if we’re going to be honest, so was the first.”

My anger flared and I launched myself toward Shift. “I didn’t do that!” I began punching him the same way as I did before, only this time I was sure it was him. “I’m not letting you do this anymore!”

Uninjured, Shift shoved me off, “Do what?” 

“You won’t manipulate me anymore!” I yelled.

“So what? You’re going to kill me now?” he said, smirking while he dusted himself off, “I’m not even really here.”

I picked myself up, “I’ll make sure none of you remains. If I’m going to be a murderer, I’ll at least do it for the safety of Equestria.” I once again threw a punch in his direction.

Shift caught it and flipped me into the air, his smile never faltering. “What about that mare? You killed her in cold blood. Was snapping her neck for the safety of Equestria, as well?”

I opened my wings, righting myself mid-air and dive bombed Shift from behind. “You tricked me! You manipulated me into doing that! But you don't have any power over me anymore!”

Shift’s smile fell and he spun around, round house punching me right into the ground. “I never had any power over you. Everything that happened was your decision. You decided to seek out Samael, you chose Carrot Top, you tried to be a smartass, and now you tried to fight me. I made you do nothing!”

“Yes you did! Whatever you did to me that night! I can’t stop thinking about death! Everytime I look at my friends, I imagine myself killing them. You did that!”

Shift slapped me. “That’s all you, Twilight. This is your mind we’re in. Now shut up and listen. I’ve left this world. So my influence is fading. However, like I said. My work is done.”

“You can’t kill anymore!”

He gave me a large smile. “I don’t have to. You’ll do it for me.”

“No! I refuse!”

“But Twilight, you already have. Plus, you have it now, the urge to kill. You’ve felt the blood of another on your hooves. Look around you! It’s all you can imagine now. Do you remember what I told you the night we met?”

“You were going to become Equestria’s first real serial killer,” I answered, standing up.

“No. You don’t listen. I said I was going to make Equestria’s first killer. And I have. When I’m gone, and when you wake, you’ll have the urge to kill others. You know the pain of loss. You’ve felt the blood of others. And you have the power to do it. You have everything you need now. You will be Equestria’s first real killer. How can you even deny it?!” he laughed gleefully.

I struggled to block out his words, but the sights and sounds of the ponies in my fantasies rang throughout my head. “No!” I lunged at him one again and savagely bit into his neck. Blood began splattering everywhere. He merely looked up at me.

“Wonderfully done,” he rasped. I finally realized what I did and began shaking horribly. Shift slowly began to fade but the blood on my mouth and hooves remained. 

“With my death… I pass my bloodstained torch over to you.”

A large audible crack sounded throughout my mind. The number of screens displaying various murder methods nearly tripled.

And I laughed. I laughed because he thought he had won. I knew what he wanted from me. I knew that as soon as I woke up these scenes would play in my eyes. I knew that I would eventually act on those scenes to make them stop. I knew.

And I knew exactly how to fix that before any of it could happen.




~~~



Twilight stopped writing when her ears twitched. She could hear footsteps coming down her stairs. 

“My friends are here…” she thought. Giving a lopsided smile, she turned to face the door. “I guess they finally came to check up on me,” she muttered.

“Twilight?” Rarity called out. “Are you there? Can we come in now? We haven't seen you in weeks.”

“Please let us in…” Fluttershy whimpered.

Twilight heard Rainbow’s voice next, “Forget that! I’m going inside!”

“Rainbow Dash, wait--”

Rainbow burst through the door and nearly threw up at what she saw.

Standing in front of them was the once proud Twilight Sparke. Wingless and eyeless with a cut off horn. She held a pencil in her mouth and gave them a crazed lopsided smile. 

“I can’t hurt you like this….” she giggled.