Pinkamena attempts to return to reality under a new name and look, but has she truly changed for the better?
It's been about 2 years since Pinkamena was sealed into The Apocrypha by Eternal Sleep, The Embodiment of Death and Lilith's Guardian. In that time, Eternal Sleep has made residence in Canterlot Castle for the time being to oversee Lilith and everyone else and make sure everything continues to run smoothly. After being imprisoned for so long, she is finally given an opportunity by her watcher, Hermaeus Mora, to leave her prison in an attempt to lead the natural life she once so desired. However, if she is to show her face again on the outside, then some changes will have to be made...
2 years time... 2 years have passed since Eternal Sleep, The Embodiment of Death, sealed Pinkamena into The Apocrypha as punishment for her attempts to escape using Lilith's body as a vessel. In the present, Eternal Sleep has made residence in Canterlot Castle to oversee the daily life of the ponies of Canterlot and Ponyville for the time being. As for everyone else, it took about 3-4 months in the hospital for Twilight and her friends to recover from the beatings they received when Pinkamena took control of them. As for the ones who stopped them, Lilith, whom has changed her appearence to look like that of a normal pony rather than a little filly, decided to make residence in Ponyville with Grimm Smiles so neither of them would be alone, with Eternal Sleep still keeping watch over her.
Caramel Swirls however, decided to move on after revealing her "side" to Pinkie in the fight against Twilight and Rarity. Although Pinkie insisted that she stayed, Caramel's mind was already made up and left Ponyville to pursue other places to try and start over once more. With life pretty much back to normal and everyone fully recovered from past incidents, everyone was relatively happy... except for one forgotten individual. Pinkamena's Prison, which was The Black Book, was located in Lilith's Old Chamber deep under Canterlot Castle, and more specifically, under the Throne Room. The chamber had been remodeled to have the book on a pedestal, chained and protected with multiple different sealing spells. No one was allowed near it, even Eternal Sleep forbid herself from going near it.
Pinkamena's prison however, wasn't a cell of any type. It wasn't meant to be a prison in the first place. Now after being confined to The Apocrypha for so long, she is finally given an opportunity by her watcher, Hermaeus Mora.
"Catching up on some more reading are you?" Hermaeus Mora asked, appearing next to Pinkamena in the form of a floating eye with multiple black tentacles.
"Of course, what else is there to do in a place that seems to contain information on everything in the known universe." Pinkamena said sarcastically.
"I'm honestly more surprised that you haven't succumbed to insanity from being in here for so long." Hermaeus Mora said.
"I succumbed to insanity a long time ago Mora, now it's just boring." Pinkamena said. "I've... been trying to harbor these malicious feelings, since I can't ever get rid of them because it's who I am... the least I can do is try to repress it."
Hermaeus Mora chuckled silently to himself.
"What's so funny?" Pinkamena asked.
"The fact that you are just now trying to repress your malicious intent, when you could have completely avoided this fate if you only did it sooner." Hermaeus Mora said. "Like when you were given the chance too."
"Yea well I tried... I just didn't have the patience to keep it up..." Pinkamena said, as she closed the book she was reading.
"Look at the bright side, the information on maintaining stability outside of the pink one's body really was in here." Hermaeus Mora said. "If only you'd have waited just a little bit longer before attempting that escape you did..."
"Yea yea I get it I get it I MESSED UP okay? You don't have to keep telling me... I feel bad enough as it is already..." Pinkamena said sadly.
Pinkamena walked towards the edge of the floor and sat down near the odd green flowing ocean, sticking her hoof in it and splashing it around.
"Let me ask you this... if you were given the chance to leave this place, would you take it?" Hermaeus Mora asked. "How do you think others on the outside would react to your return?"
"I... I guess not very well... I didn't really think about that." Pinkamena replied. "Don't get me wrong though, I want to be free of this place so badly... that's not me saying I don't like your company, you've actually been a pretty enjoyable guy Mora."
"Your feelings towards me is appreciated." Hermaeus Mora said. "I've noticed that in the time you've been here, you haven't tried to actually escape this place of you're own will."
"Well what would be the point? Sure there's probably some information here somewhere on leaving this place but where would It get me? There's probably a huge chance there's maximum security on the book that pulled me in here anyway." Pinkamena explained. "Also like you said, if I did manage to get out I'd probably just be hunted down by Eternal Sleep or someone and just be shoved back in here, or maybe she'd just end my life right then and there."
Hermaeus Mora looked diligently at Pinkamena.
"I mean sure I've repressed most of my malicious intent in the time I've been here, but I don't think I'd get the chance to do anything on the outside..." Pinkamena said. "...Why are you asking me these things?"
"I can obviously set you free of this place without any effort, but I wanted to see what your answer would have been if I just blatantly asked." Hermaeus Mora explained. "Honestly, I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed with your answer."
"Oh yea? Well thanks and all but like I said before, even you were to set me free, I don't think I'd survive long out there..." Pinkamena said, punching the green liquid.
"You seem to forget who I am my dear... I can help you so that when you leave this place and return to the outside world, you can have the life you once dreamed of..." Hermaeus Mora offered. "I can change you..."
"Y-You can? You'll... actually help me leave this place? You'll help me be different?" Pinkamena asked frantically. "H-How? How can you help me?"
"Well first things first, we'll have to change that appearance of yours." Hermaeus Mora said. "Since we definitely can not have you walking back outside as you are now."
"What do you suggest then? A different mane style? Outfit?" Pinkamena asked.
"We'll have to go a bit above and beyond since that dark coat color of yours is sure to give you away." Hermaeus Mora explained. "We'll have to change the entirety of your appearance."
Hermaeus Mora's eye began to glow a deep green color.
"Do you have any preference to how you'd like to look?" Hermaeus Mora asked.
"Not exactly, just go with whatever you think is best." Pinkamena said happily.
Pinkamena started to feel a tingling sensation as her entire body became engulfed by green aura. It lasted about 1 minute and then dissipated shortly after. Hermaeus Mora then materialized a mirror in front of her.
"Well? What do you think?" Hermaeus Mora asked.
"I... I can't believe it... I don't even recognize myself..." Pinkamena said in awe. "It's like... I'm a completely different pony..."
Pinkamena no longer looked the way she once did. Her coat was that of a light gray and her mane and tail were both long and voluminous, stripped lavender and pure white. Her eyes also became that of a cool, crystal blue.
"I... I can't believe you can do this... I thought my powers were crazy but this is just amazing!" Pinkamena said very happily."
"It looks like you're pleased with that appearance." Hermaeus Mora said. "Your dark appearance before resonated with only unpleasant emotions... so I gave you something that spurred a feeling of tranquil and relaxing emotions."
"It's perfect! You're amazing Mora!" Pinkamena exclaimed. "Wow... I can't remember a time I acted so... ecstatic... I didn't even think I harbored those emotions..."
"Perhaps a part of your first vessel stayed with you..." Hermaeus Mora said.
"Heh... maybe... can't say for sure though." Pinkamena said. "So is that it? Am I ready?"
"Not exactly." Hermaeus Mora said. "There's one last thing we need to change."
"What would that be?" Pinkamena asked.
"Tell me my dear, what is your name?" Hermaeus Mora asked.
"My name? You know that Mora! It-" Pinkamena stopped herself. "It's... my name is..."
"Along with a new appearance, you'll need a new name to go by correct?" Hermaeus Mora said.
"You're right, I didn't even think about that..." Pinkamena said. "Do you have something in mind?"
"How about... Einna?" Hermaeus Mora suggested. "It's an innocent sounding name and quite a cute, uncommon one at that."
"Einna..." Pinkamena said softly, thinking about it. "Yea... Einna... I like it! It's a cute sounding name you're right!"
"Well then, it looks like you have a new persona, Einna." Hermaeus Mora said, materializing a lavender shawl in front of her along with a brooch. The center of the brooch was swirling green and black, resembling the ocean of The Apocrypha.
"What are these for?" Einna asked, wrapping the shawl around her neck and fastening it with the brooch. "Just to make me look even cuter?"
"It's a bit more than that." Hermaeus Mora said. "You see, because that appearance is created using my own energy, it will destabilize if you're not within The Apocrypha."
"What!? Then how will I be able to stay like this on the outside?" Einna questioned.
"That's exactly what the brooch is for my dear." Hermaeus Mora said. "It's linked with the energy here in The Apocrypha, as long as you have it on, your appearance won't fade."
"You really think of everything don't you?" Einna said, chuckling. "I have to say... I'm gonna miss you Mora... you've acted more than just a prison warden to me... in fact you're acting quite the opposite now Heh..."
"You don't have to worry about us not talking anymore, that brooch also acts as a communicator so you can continue to talk with me even after you've left this place." Hermaeus Mora said. "I should also mention that those powers of yours will no doubt leak an unsettling aura and alert ponies like Eternal Sleep to your presence, the brooch also hides that aura and keeps it from escaping, so Eternal Sleep shouldn't be able to notice you."
"I didn't think about that either! This brooch does everything it's great!" Einna exclaimed.
"However, it will only mask that aura if you don't use your powers, if you do use them then the brooch will not be able to hide you for a while." Hermaeus Mora explained. "You can still use your speed and strength without revealing yourself, but everything else is off-limits."
"Right, that makes perfect sense, hopefully I won't have any need to use my powers anyway!" Einna said. "Alright... I think everything is ready to go...But wait... what about the outdoor security? There's gotta be alarms everywhere for even the smallest movement there..."
"Who said that you could only leave through the book?" Hermaeus Mora said. "I can create an exit to wherever you so desire, all you have to do is tell me."
"You truly are amazing Mora..." Einna thanked. "Okay... I want you to open a portal that's on the outskirts of Ponyville... I'm going to try and finally do this..."
"I have the utmost faith in you my dear." Hermaeus Mora said, creating the portal exit behind Einna.
"W-Wait! I can talk to you when I'm out there right? About where I go and what to do and stuff? I-I've seen some stuff through Pinkie's eyes when I trapped there but it's been so long and I don't remember a lot of things..." Einna asked.
"Of course you can, just try and not make it look suspicious, we wouldn't want others to think that another unstable pony who whispers to her accessory would be moving in right?" Hermaeus Mora said.
R-Right! That wouldn't be a good start to things now would it..." Einna said, turning to look at the portal exit. "...I have one last thing to ask you in person before I leave Mora."
"What would that be?" Hermaeus Mora asked.
"...Why did you decide to free me? To help me leave this place?" Einna asked. "I don't think this is what Eternal Sleep expected of you as my warden... and I didn't expect it myself..."
"I might have agreed with Eternal Sleep that this place would be your prison... but I never said for how long." Hermaeus Mora said. "Besides... you are a very interesting case as most people say... and I'd hate to keep something so rare locked up..."
Einna looked at Hermaeus Mora and started to tear up, her hooves wiping the tears from her face.
"Come on, no tears now dear." Hermaeus Mora said. "You have someplace to be."
"Y-Yea... S-Sorry..." Einna said, wiping the remaining tears from her face. "...Thank you Mora... I'll always be grateful for what you've done for me."
Einna turned back around and looked into the portal exit. She took and deep breath and leaped into the gateway.
-Outskirts of Ponyville-
The portal opened on the outskirts of Ponyville behind a large tree like Einna requested. Einna carefully trotted out of the portal and looked around to make sure no one saw her.
"Good, no pony saw me." Einna said, taking a breath of relief and looking out to see Ponyville in view. "Alright Mora... you there?"
"Always." Hermaeus Mora said.
"Good... alright then..." Einna said, taking a big gulp and walking towards the path into town. "Here goes nothing I suppose!"
Einna continued to walk along the dirt path into Ponyville while looking around at her surroundings. She admired the tranquil environment and felt a sensation of peace with the sun bearing down on her.
"It's been a while since I felt like this... feeling the warmth of the sun on my body... I never really got to enjoy it before and I never realized it felt so nice..." Einna said softly. "I don't think I've ever felt this good honestly..."
After a relaxing walk, Einna had arrived at the main entrance of Ponyville.
"Well... it looks like I'm finally here!" Einna said, taking a deep breath. "It sure does look a lot different since the last time I was here... mostly because of that big crystal castle here now! Who in the world could that belong too?"
"You should probably head down to the City Hall so you can get registered into town, we can explore and possibly talk to others when we get finished settling in." Hermaeus Mora suggested.
"Good idea Mora!" Einna said softly. "Now um... I think Town Hall was this way?... Help me out here Mora!"
"Just keep going straight, you should eventually get to Town Square and that's where it would be." Hermaeus Mora directed.
"Alright... so just keep going straight and-" Einna stopped. "Wait a minute! Won't it cost bits to purchase a house here? How could I have forgotten such an important detail!?"
"You don't have to worry about that, all you have to do is ask the right person for help..." Hermaeus Mora hinted.
"Ask the right person for help? But I'm not ready to speak to others so... casually! I'm awkward enough as it is when I'm trying to be friendly with ponies!" Einna panicked. "What am I going to do..."
"Excuse me, but is there something that I can help you with?" A Voice said.
"Huh?" Einna said, looking behind her and realizing that it was Twilight, only this time she had wings. "Twil- uh I mean... H-Hello there... m'am..."
"You don't have to be so shy, it's alright! My name is Princess Twilight, but I'd prefer it if you just call me Twilight, I'm still not used to the whole princess thing anyway!" Twilight giggled.
"P-Princess Twilight?" Einna said, surprised. "She's a princess now!? What happened when I was trapped in The Apocrypha!?... Ah well... forgive me Your Highness! I-It's an honor to make your acquaintance!"
"There's no need for anything like that, I'm just a normal pony like you and everypony else here!" Twilight said. "Anyway, I'm guessing you're new here since you look a bit lost, and I don't think I've ever seen you here before... What's your name?"
"M-My name? It's... It's Einna." Einna said carefully. "Also you're right, I am new here and I hate to admit it but... I am a bit stuck right now..."
"Einna huh? That's a really nice name! I've never heard anything like it before!" Twilight exclaimed. "Also, if you need help with something I'd be more than happy to lend a hoof."
"Really? Are you sure? I mean I wouldn't wanna be a bother on my first day here..." Einna said.
"Nonsense! What is it that you need help with?" Twilight offered.
"Well... I know this is going to sound stupid but... I don't exactly have any bits to purchase a house here... and I only realized it after I left from my... home." Einna explained.
"Don't have any bits? That would usually be one of the first things you made sure you had before you set off on moving somewhere else don't you think?" Twilight said. "Can I ask where you're from?"
"Where I'm from? I'm uh... I'm from..." Einna panicked. "Mora help me out here! I don't know the names of any other places far away from here!"
"Say you're from Las Pegasus and then explain to her..." Hermaeus Mora said, quickly telling Einna an explanation that she could tell to Twilight about her dilemma.
"Is everything alright Einna?" Twilight said, a little confused.
"Huh? Oh yea s-sorry... don't worry about it everything's fine! I've uh... I've just been feeling a bit under the weather is all!" Einna said nervously. "But um... Oh yea! I'm from L-Las Pegasus and the thing is I sorta blew most of my bits there... I've tried to stop but I realized that If I was ever going to stop I needed to completely get away from that type of environment... so I decided to come here! Even though I don't exactly have any spending money, I figured I'd make it work somehow! Heh... heh heh..."
Twilight look diligently at Einna, analyzing her story thoroughly.
"...Alright! I suppose that makes sense, seeing as how you'd like to get away from that sort of thing, but you should have really kept some kind of emergency funds in case something like this were to happen!" Twilight suggested.
"Yea you're right... I wasn't thinking at all... that's why I came! I heard it was a relaxing and relatively nice little town so I thought it'd be just what I needed." Einna explained.
"Well things are certainly looking good now, there have been... a lot of times in the past where we weren't very fortunate, what with Tirek and Discord and Pinkam-" Twilight said, cutting herself off. "B-But that's all in the past now! Everything's been going great lately! So you don't need to worry about anything!"
"You... You cut yourself off after somewhat mentioning somepony else..." Einna said. "Who was she?"
"It's... It's not important... well it is but... it's best if I don't bring it up..." Twilight explained. "It happened a long time ago and nopony exactly likes talking about it, myself included."
"I see... sorry..." Einna said, her eyes saddening.
"Maybe someday, when we're closer and not in public... I'll tell you the story, but for right now... it's best to just keep things as they are." Twilight said. "Moving on from that... Why don't I take you to City Hall myself and help you get settled in?"
"Really? But I don't have any bits... how will I be able to get a house here?" Einna asked.
"You don't have to worry about that, I'll set you up with a house here myself! Consider it my gift to you for coming here and listening to me babble!" Twilight giggled.
"T...Thank you! Thank you so much Twilight! I can't believe you'd do something like this for me!" Einna exclaimed.
"It's no trouble at all! As long as you're happy!" Twilight said, smiling.
"...Would it be alright if I... hugged you?" Einna asked.
"I don't see why not!" Twilight said happily.
"Great! N-Now how do I do this... I-I don't exactly hug people often... do I raise both hooves at the same time or-" Einna questioned, but was cut off by Twilight hugging her.
"You sure do have an odd personality Einna, but I really like that about you!" Twilight said, laughing.
"Heh... thanks Twilight..." Einna said softly, wrapping her hooves around Twilight.
"Now come on, let's head down to City Hall and get you registered." Twilight said, releasing herself from Einna.
"Alright then! Let's go!" Einna exclaimed, walking together with Twilight.
-City Hall-
"Well, here we are!" Twilight said. "It's this big building right here, it isn't very hard to miss!"
"Let's head inside then." Einna said, walking with Twilight into the building and upstairs into the Mayor's office.
"Why hello there Princess Twilight! It's very nice to see you Your Highness!" Mayor Mare said. "Who's this that you brought along with you?"
"Hello Mayor, this is my new friend Einna. She just recently came to town and I'd like to set her up with a house here." Twilight explained.
"Of course, it's always a pleasure to have someone new move into town!" Mayor Mare said. "Now then... let me see what houses are vacant for her... here we go! There's an open house that's already furnished just outside of your Castle Princess! Will that do?"
"What do you think Einna? Is that good?" Twilight asked.
"Yea! It's great! We can be neighbors already!" Einna exclaimed.
"I like the sound of that! Alright Mayor, we'll take it!" Twilight said.
"Excellent! Now let me just get Einna into the system and... done! Everything is all set for you Einna, I hope you'll enjoy your time here in Ponyville!" Mayor Mare said.
"I'm sure I will Mayor! Thank you!" Einna expressed.
Twilight and Einna exited City Hall and proceeded to walk towards Einna's new home, when suddenly a very familiar face showed up to greet them.
"Hiya Twilight! It's nice to see you today! Who's your friend that you got with you!" Pinkie exclaimed, jumping up and down.
"Hi Pinkie, it's nice to see you too! I'd like you to meet my new friend Einna. She just moved into town and I'm helping her settle in." Twilight explained. "Einna, this is Pinkie Pie! She's the party planner here in Ponyville and she also works at Sugercube Corner, which is our bakery. She's probably the most friendliest and hyperactive pony you'll meet here so it shouldn't be... Einna? Einna are you okay?"
Einna's face and body became petrified. Her eyes widened extremely as she looked directly at Pinkie. Her breathing was sporadic and she started to sweat.
"...Is she gonna be okay Twilight? She doesn't look so good and she's just... staring at me..." Pinkie said, worriedly.
"She did tell me she was feeling under the weather before but it didn't look very bad..." Twilight said. "Einna? You can tell us if there's something bothering you! We're here for you!"
"I... I can't... you're not..." Einna said, trying to calm down.
"EINNA!" Hermaeus Mora said, resonating it through her mind. "You have to calm down, if you don't then everything you've been doing up until this point will have been for naught!"
Einna began to breathe more fluently, she pulled herself and together and wiped the sweat off her forehead.
"I'm... I'm sorry about that... I don't know what came over me..." Einna said, still trying to recollect herself.
"Are you sure? You didn't look so good... maybe it would be best if we stopped by the hospital?" Twilight suggested.
"No no really Twilight, it's alright I'm fine... I appreciate the concern and all... but everything's alright, truly!" Einna explained.
"Hmm... well alright, I'll take your word for it." Twilight said. "Come on Einna, let's go see your new house."
"Wait Einna! Um... if it's alright with you, I'd like to talk with you for a little bit." Pinkie asked. "I promise not to take up too much of your time."
"Oh um... I... I don't know P-Pinkie I'm..." Einna said nervously. "...I guess I can spare some time to t-talk..."
"I'll continue on to your house okay Einna? Just come when you're done talking. It shouldn't be hard to find, just go in the direction of my Castle and you'll get there!" Twilight explained as she flew off.
"...S-So Pinkie was it? What is it that'd you'd like to talk about?" Einna said, as she took a big gulp.
Pinkie looked at her with a questionable face on and walked slightly closer to her.
"...I didn't want to say it in front of Twilight but... there's something about you that just seems... familiar..." Pinkie said. "Like I... know you somehow..."
"K-Know me? That's crazy, absolutely crazy heh heh... I've only just moved here and... and... and I've never seen you before until now!" Einna explain, very nervously.
"Well that's just it, I don't know you! I've never seen your face and I've never seen you here before! You're a complete stranger and yet... I don't know what it is about you... but I just feel a certain... attachment to you for some reason..." Pinkie explained, looking deeply at Einna. "...In any case, I'm sure these feelings of mine are just from the fact that you're new and I love meeting new ponies! I hope we can become real good friends Einna!"
"Right... right of course you do..." Einna said. "I'm... happy to you meet you too Pinkie... for the first time... and I really do hope we can become good friends..."
Both of them walked closer to each other and proceeded to hug one another.
"...It's so good to see you again Pinkie..." Einna said quietly.
"What was that? I didn't quite catch that!" Pinkie questioned.
"N-Nothing! It was just me muttering to myself! Heh heh..." Einna said, releasing Pinkie. "Well um... I'll see you around then I suppose... I'm going to go and catch up with Twilight alright?"
"Okie dokie lokie! I can't wait to see you again Einna!" Pinkie exclaimed, as she hopped away.
"That was quite the ordeal wasn't it? I won't lie, it was somewhat amusing for me to watch..." Hermaeus Mora chuckled.
"Ohhh shut your trap Mora... or whatever it is you use to talk..." Einna said, softly chuckling as well. "I'm just relieved I was able to do it... I'm starting to get used to talking with these ponies."
Einna looked up to see where Twilight's Castle, she started to walk in it's direction to find her new home that Twilight was so kind enough to get for her.
"It's not that much farther Mora, when we finally get settled in... then we can finally take our time and start exploring this place!" Einna exclaimed, her smile bursting with confidence. "Let's hope that this streak of good luck of mine continues heh heh..."
Upon arriving at Twilight's Castle, Einna looked around for her house on both sides.
"Einna!" Twilight called out, waving to her from a vacant house that was a few yards from Twilight's front door. "Over here!"
Einna rushed back to where Twilight was, looking at her new house and smiling with delight.
"Do you like it? I think it's one of the relatively new ones too!" Twilight exclaimed.
"It's wonderful! I'm very grateful for it Twilight!" Einna expressed. "Can we go inside?"
"Of course! Let's go!" Twilight encouraged, opening the door and walking inside together with Einna.
"Wow! It's beautiful!" Einna exclaimed, running around the inside of her house and admiring everything. The house was fully furnished with above-standard furniture. There were multiple bedrooms on the second floor along with 2 bathrooms. The first floor consisted of a large living room, a kitchen, dining room, and a basement entrance. "This is amazing! There are so many rooms and it's so big!"
"I'm glad you like it Einna! There's just one catch though however..." Twilight said.
"A catch? W-What is it?" Einna said worriedly.
"Well... like I said outside, this place is one of our newer models, so the taxes on it every month are a bit... high." Twilight explained.
"Wait... Y-You mean I have to pay money every month to stay here or else... I'll get kicked out!?" Einna asked nervously. "B-But I don't even have any way to get more bits! That thing what's it called..."
"A job." Hermaeus Mora said.
"A job!" Einna announced. "Yea I don't... I don't have one of those..."
"Don't worry Einna relax! You don't think I'd just throw you into some expensive house and let you fend for yourself did you?" Twilight reassured. "I'd hate myself if I did that to you Einna! You don't have to worry about your payments for one full year alright? I'll take care of it for you."
"Twilight... you're doing so much for me and we just met... I can't thank you anymore then I already have..." Einna said very thankfully. "I promise I'll repay you somehow for everything you've done!"
"Thank you Einna but you really don't have to, I'm just happy to help!" Twilight said, averting her eyes down to Einna's chest and looking at her mysterious brooch. "You know I didn't say anything about it before but... that's a very interesting accessory you have there! It's very pretty and alluring..."
"O-Oh! So you noticed it heh heh... Yea, it was given to me by a close friend of mine b-back in Las Pegasus..." Einna explained. "It really... means a lot to me..."
"I see... I've never seen any jewel like it around... it really seems to be one of a kind!" Twilight expressed. "...It's odd but... I feel a sense of calmness when I'm around you Einna..."
"R-Really? Oh well... thanks heh... I'm glad that you feel that way!" Einna said happily. "Hey listen Twilight... I plan on going out and taking a look around town... not now though because I actually wanna get settled in first and all... but I'd like to ask a favor of you."
"What is it Einna?" Twilight asked.
"Well... I'd like to have a little get together if you don't mind!" Einna exclaimed, her cheeks puffing and turning red. "Y'know... with your friends and stuff... I'd like for you all to come here tonight so I could get to know all of you better..."
"That sounds like a great idea Einna! I'm sure everyone will love to meet you!" Twilight exclaimed. "I'll just let you relax for a bit now and I'll come back in a few hours with everyone else!"
"A-Alright Twilight! I'll get things set up here for when you all come!" Einna said happily.
"Okay! I'll see you tonight Einna!" Twilight said, walking towards the door and exiting her house.
"Are you sure you're alright with this? You're not exactly 100% when it comes to talking with others, let alone a large group." Hermaeus Mora said. "I just don't want you having a nervous breakdown when trying to make a first impression with her friends."
"D-Don't worry Morie! I know I'm not the best at conversation yet... but the sooner I try to make friends with those whom I hurt the better..." Einna expressed. "It would probably make my life here a lot easier too heh heh..."
"Did you just call me Morie?" Hermaeus Mora inquired.
"...Yes... do you not like it?... I was just thinking and it crossed my mind and I thought it was kind of cute..." Einna said, puffing her cheeks. "I won't say it anymore if you don't like it d-don't worry!"
"...You can continue to call me that if you want, it doesn't bother me..." Hermaeus Mora said.
"Awesome! Come on Morie! Let's start getting things ready in the living room!" Einna squeed, excited to see Twilight and her friends for their get-together tonight.
-A Few Hours Later-
Einna waited patiently on the couch for Twilight and her friends, conversing with Hermaeus Mora in the meantime. It was already about 7:30 p.m. and it was relatively dark out.
"They are coming r-right?" Einna questioned. "It's already pretty dark out... maybe something important came up."
Einna looked at the clock and back at the door, thinking if she should still continue to wait for them.
"What should I do Morie? Should I keep waiting or... or should I just go to bed or..." Einna asked.
As Einna was questioning Hermaeus Mora, she heard faint chatting coming from outside and then shortly after she heard knocking on her door.
"Hello! Einna! We're here!" Twilight shouted.
"I think you should get the door." Hermaeus Mora suggested.
"No kidding!" Einna said, running to the door and pulling herself together. "Alright Einna... you can do this!"
Einna opened the door with the smile, and greeted Twilight and her friends.
"H-Hi Twilight! I was starting to think that you weren't gonna show up because it was getting pretty late..." Einna revealed.
"Sorry about that Einna, it was a little hectic getting everypony on such short notice. There were only 2 ponies who were unable to make it..." Twilight said. "But don't worry, I was able to get most of my friends here!"
"I can see that heh heh... well why don't you all come inside and make yourselves at home? I wouldn't wanna keep you standing outside." Einna said, inviting all of them inside.
Everyone went inside and proceeded to sit down in the living room, which was quite large and spacious with a warm fireplace in the front.
"Why don't you all introduce yourselves to Einna?" Twilight suggested.
"Alright, I'll go first!" Applejack insisted. "It's a pleasure to meet ya Einna! My name's Applejack and I run the farm around here called Sweet Apple Acres! I'd be more than happy to give you a tour of the place sometime!"
"It's uh... it's nice to meet you Applejack! I'll be sure to take you up on that offer too!" Einna said, feeling a bit nervous.
"My turn! My name's Rainbow Dash! I'm pretty much awesome in any way you can think of..." Rainbow Dash boasted. "If someone ever gives you trouble here though, just let me know and I'll make sure to put em in their place for ya!"
"Oh wow... gee thanks Rainbow Dash... T-That means a lot!" Einna said. "I'm glad that there's someone who I know that'll help me out in case something like that happens..."
"Oh pick me pick me!" Pinkie yelled. "Hi Einna! We've already met before in town but I'll just repeat myself! I'm Pinkie Pie and I work at the bakery here called Sugarcube Corner! I'm also the pony you wanna talk to in case you want any kind of party planned!"
"I couldn't forget you Pinkie heh..." Einna said, sighing. "I'll be sure to come to you if I ever want to throw a... party."
"Um... Hi Einna... my name's Fluttershy and um... I live on the far side of town in a cottage by the forest." Fluttershy explained shyly. "...I tend to just take care of the little wild critters that are around..."
"That's really sweet of you Fluttershy... I'm sure you do a great job at it!" Einna complimented. "Maybe I'll come by and visit you sometime, if you don't mind that!"
"Oh it's fine... I'm usually really shy around new ponies but... I feel sort of... safe with you." Fluttershy admitted, her cheeks turning red.
"Yea, I didn't wanna say anything because I didn't wanna make things awkward... but you do seem to give off a real nice vibe Einna." Rainbow Dash said. "I don't know what it is... but I'm not complaining!"
"T-Thanks girls... I don't know what it is but I'm really happy you feel that way!" Einna said, still a bit nervous.
"I think it was my turn yes? Well Einna darling, it certainly is a pleasure to meet you!" Rarity said eloquently. "My name is Rarity. I run the Carousel Boutique here in Ponyville where I make an array of gorgeous outfits myself. Please stop by if you ever want to immerse yourself in them! I'm sure I could help you find something to your liking!"
"Thanks Rarity! I probably will stop by sometime soon to see what you have!" Einna said.
"That being said, I have to say I absolutely love that shawl of yours that you're wearing! Especially that exquisite brooch of yours that you're using to fasten it!" Rarity said excitedly. "I've honestly never seen anything like it!"
"I know right? I said the same thing before when I first met her, it really must be one of a kind!" Twilight said. "She said it was given to her by a close friend of hers back in Las Pegasus."
"You're from Las Pegasus!?" Rainbow Dash asked. "That's awesome! I've always thought about going there but I've never had the time too! What's it like?"
"Oh um... well it's mostly a nightlife kind of city, what with the casinos and stuff. I-I lived there for a while but I sort of had a... problem? I'm not saying it's a bad place, it's really cool if you're into that sort of thing, but I just wanted to get away from that sort of thing heh heh..." Einna explained, scratching her head nervously.
"Sounds like my kind of place! Don't know if I'll ever really actually go there, but it sure does sound interesting!" Rainbow Dash said enthusiastically.
"I'm glad that it peaks your interest! Um... should I introduce myself now?" Einna questioned.
"You don't have to if you want, I already told them everything you told me when we were coming here, I hope that's alright." Twilight said.
"Oh yea it's fine! Thank you! I-I'm not very good with long explanations yet as you can probably tell heh heh... so thanks!" Einna said, as she took a big gulp. "But um... listen Twilight, there is something that's been really bugging me lately..."
"What is it?" Twilight asked.
"Well... back when we were in town today... you were telling me about all the unfortunate things that occurred here... I know you said you'd tell me about her when we were closer but... well it's just been on my mind is all..." Einna revealed.
"Wait... is she talking about her Twilight? You told her?" Applejack asked.
"It sorta slipped out when I was explaining our past to her..." Twilight said, looking back at Einna. "Why do you want to know so badly?"
"...I just...do." Einna said. "I know it's sudden and all but... I just... want to know..."
Twilight and her friends turned to look at Pinkie. She was staring at nothing with sad eyes.
"Pinkie? Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked, rubbing her back.
"...Yea... I'm fine... don't worry about me..." Pinkie said with a despondent tone. "...If you want to tell, then go ahead... I think it may be for the best that she knows..."
"Are you sure Pinkie? We know how hard of a subject this is for you..." Rarity asked.
"She deserves to know... it wouldn't be right to hide something like this from her..." Pinkie said, snuggling next to Fluttershy.
Twilight looked back at Einna and took a deep breath.
"...I guess now's a good as time as any." Twilight said, clearing her throat. "Are you ready Einna?"
"...It was a long time ago when it first started... Pinkie had been having some painful headaches for a few days, but we didn't think of it being anything really serious at the time. Unfortunately... one day... Pinkie went into shock and her body underwent a complete transformation... she turned into a dark, twisted version of... herself." Twilight explained. "It was an alter ego of hers that seemed to develop a mind of it's own... she called herself "Pinkamena"... and she almost brought complete destruction upon us..."
Einna was silent.
"Luckily, we were able to stop her before she did any irreversible damage and she willingly sealed herself back into Pinkie's mind.." Twilight continued. "For a while, we thought it was all over... but one day Pinkie came to me saying that she had been talking to Pinkamena, and how she had promised her she'd help her escape her mind and lead a normal life like the rest of us... We decided to give her one last chance and things were going fine for the most part..."
Einna remained silent, her eyes beginning to tear a little.
"We didn't really know how to free her... so I was going to ask Princess Luna if she knew anything on the subject. When I got there, I met Eternal Sleep, who I later learned was "The Embodiment of Death" and Princess Celestia and Luna's little sister. She helped us try and free her by taking us to a place called "The Apocrypha" in a black book that apparently contained all of the knowledge in the world." Twilight said. "When we got there though, Pinkamena was nowhere to be found, she was completely gone!... Hermaeus Mora, the thing that was in charge there, told me something before I left... I didn't know what it meant at first but then I realized he was giving me a hint! Pinkamena had escaped into the body of one of our friends, Lilith. She's... a demon and Eternal Sleep found her in the Castle Depths and has been watching over her up until this day, she's one of the ponies that couldn't make it today."
"I... I see..." Einna said, slightly crying. "P-Please continue..."
"If it's too much for you I can stop here! I don't want to make you cry or anything..." Twilight sympathized.
"N-No no it's fine... really..." Einna said, wiping her face. "I want to hear... how it ends..."
"...Alright then... after Eternal Sleep found her, she was furious and Pinkamena was on the verge of destabilizing. Rather than kill her, Eternal Sleep decided to seal her in The Apocrypha, where she would be kept prisoner by Hermaeus Mora there for the rest of her life... she didn't go without a fight though... me and my friends here all ended up in the hospital because Pinkamena used us as puppets to fend off Eternal Sleep and the others, all of us except for Pinkie..." Twilight said, nearing the conclusion of her story. "I don't know exactly what happened after we were used as puppets... but Pinkie told us that Eternal Sleep was successful and she sealed Pinkamena away, ignoring her pleas and cries for forgiveness... and now, here we are... that's the story Einna... now you know..."
Einna continued to cry on the couch as she wiped the tears from her eyes. She got up shortly afterwards and walked closely towards Pinkie.
"...E-Einna?" Pinkie said, her voice breaking.
Einna got closer to Pinkie and embraced her.
"...I'm sorry Pinkie... I'm so sorry!" Einna cried. "I'm sorry..."
"W-Why are you apologizing? You don't have to apologize for anything silly..." Pinkie said, returning the hug. "...I do appreciate the hug though... thank you... Einna."
Einna continued to hug Pinkie for a few minutes until she released her grip.
"...Thank you Twilight... for sharing that with me... I'm sorry for completely killing the mood by having you tell that story but..." Einna apologized.
"It's alright Einna, it's probably for the best that I told you now rather than later..." Twilight said, looking at the time. "That story took longer to tell than I expected, I didn't even notice it was that late."
"If you all have to go then don't let me keep you! Again I'm sorry for having something like that brought up again... but I hope that in the time I'm here, I'll be able to become good friends with each and every one of you!" Einna exclaimed as she smiled.
Twilight and her friends all agreed happily as they came together for a big group hug, with Einna being in the middle. Einna waved goodbye to all of them as they left her house and proceeded to go home.
"Oh my gosh..." Einna said, taking a breath of relief as she jumped onto the couch. "That... that was unbelievable! I can't believe I actually made it through something like that..."
"How did it feel? Hearing your entire life retold to you by those whom you previously hurt." Hermaeus Mora asked. "I can imagine it wasn't easy."
"I bursted into tears and cried in Pinkie's arms Morie, what do you think?" Einna said.
"Point taken." Hermaeus Mora said. "In any case, everything seemed to have went smoothly. You've gotten on good terms with most of her friends and it should be much easier for you here with their assistance."
"Yea... you're right about that Morie... but I think we'll save all that for tomorrow..." Einna said, yawning and walking upstairs. "I'm actually feeling tired for the very first time... so I think I'll just head on up to bed now... wake me up in the morning would you Morie?..."
"I'll try not to forget..." Hermaeus Mora said, chuckling.
"Huh!? What!? What happened?" Einna said, jumping up out of bed. "What gives Morie? You scared me half to death!"
"You asked me to wake you up the morning didn't you? Well that's what I did." Hermaeus Mora said.
"I was hoping you'd be a bit more subtle..." Einna said, rubbing her head. "Well thanks I guess, we do have a lot of things to do today anyway, so we should start heading out!"
"Actually, since you do actually have a body of your own now, you're going to have to take care of it." Hermaeus Mora reminded. "Which means you should probably take a shower before heading out so you'll be fresh and... more appealing to others."
"Oh yea... I remember Pinkie taking one of those everyday when she got up." Einna said. "That's where you go into the bathroom and cover yourself with water right?"
"Correct." Hermaeus Mora said.
"Well alright then!" Einna exclaimed, leaving her room and proceeding towards one of the bathrooms.
"Wait a minute... what about my shawl? I don't want to get it wet... but I need to take off my brooch for that! If I do though... Eternal Sleep might sense my presence!" Einna questioned.
"You can take off the brooch, just hold onto it while you're showering. I know it's going to be difficult to shower with only one free hoof, but as long as it's in your possession, it'll still work." Hermaeus Mora reassured.
"Ohhh alright, I understand." Einna said, removing her shawl and holding the brooch in her right hoof as she stepped into the shower.
"Now uh... which one of these knobs do I turn first?" Einna asked, pondering as she decided to turn the left knob all the way.
"HOT! HOT! THAT'S REALLY HOT!" Einna yelled, squirming to turn the other knob all the way. "COLD! SO COLD! THAT'S FREEZING COLD!"
"Just turn the left knob half way and the right one only a few times." Hermaeus Mora guided.
Einna squirmed as she followed his instructions. The water became a nice, relaxing warm temperature.
"Ahhh... now that feels really nice..." Einna said, enjoying herself under the warm waters. "Oh yea that's right, I have to use soap and stuff."
With only one free hoof, it was a little difficult for Einna to wash herself correctly. She was able to make due though and turned off the water when she was finished. She stepped out of the shower and dried herself off, along with the brooch.
"Wow! I have to admit that really did feel good! I feel so refreshed and relaxed!" Einna said, putting her shawl back on and fastening it with the brooch. "I think I'm ready to go Morie! Where should we head first?"
"I think you should head on over to Twilight's and ask about any possible jobs you could take. You need to start making bits as soon as possible." Hermaeus Mora suggested.
"That sounds like a good idea, let's head on over there now!" Einna said, leaving the bathroom and proceeding downstairs to her front door. "...Hey uh Morie? Before we go out can I... ask you something?"
"What is it?" Hermaeus Mora said.
"Well it's just that... I know you gave me your reason for why you set me free from The Apocrypha already, but is there something you're... not telling me?" Einna questioned. "I mean... I'm very grateful for everything you've done for me don't get me wrong, but I just feel like there's something you're not telling me..."
"..." Hermaeus Mora was silent.
"...Mora?" Einna asked again.
"Why don't we just head to Twilight's now? I think it's best that we get there right away." Hermaeus Mora said, avoiding the question.
"O-Oh... yea right... sure." Einna said, shaking her head and trying to forget about it. "Let's go!"
Einna head outside and locked the door behind her. She walked on over to Twilight's and knocked on her door.
"Oh! Good morning Einna!" Twilight greeted. "It's nice to see you, please come in!'
"Thanks Twilight." Einna said, walking with Twilight to her Throne Room. Upon arrival, she saw that the others were also here on each of their thrones hanging out.
"Hi Einna!" They said in unison.
"Hi everyone! It's nice to see you all again." Einna exclaimed. "Hey Twilight, I was hoping you could help me out with something today... if you're not busy that is!"
"Not at all! What is it that you need help with?" Twilight offered.
"Well... I was hoping that you could..." Einna said, about to ask for help when she went to rub her stomach. "Err... what is this... why is my body making these noises?"
"You must be hungry Einna! Have you eaten anything since you came here?" Twilight asked.
"Eaten anything?... uh no... I can't say I have..." Einna said, her stomach growling ferociously.
"Hmm... I know! Why don't all of us go out to eat together!" Twilight suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea!" Applejack said.
"Yea I could go for something to eat." Rainbow Dash said.
"Great! Don't worry Einna, this is our treat for you so you don't have to worry about paying." Twilight said. "Come on girls! Let's head out!"
"You really are too good to me... all of you..." Einna said, feeling a little guilty. "But thank you! I'll be sure to repay you all for this kindness!"
"Don't worry Einna! We're friends after all! Friends help each other out all the time!" Pinkie exclaimed.
Einna looked in the other direction and blushed. They all walked together as a group until they reached Twilight's favorite restaurant in town.
"This place?" Rainbow Dash questioned. "Don't get me wrong, I love the food here and all, but doesn't it seem a bit early for burgers?"
"You're probably right, but I was really craving one along with some onion rings this morning..." Twilight said, as she licked her lips. "Besides, I figured it be a good opportunity to show this place to Einna!"
"I was hoping for something a little less... messy for breakfast, but I suppose if it's for Einna I cane make an exception." Rarity said.
"Me too, although I'm fine with anything, I'm not really a picky eater..." Fluttershy said.
Twilight and everyone else went inside and sat down at a large table.
"What can I get'cha girls today?" The Waiter asked.
"We all want the same thing right?" Twilight asked.
"Yep, pretty much." Everyone agreed.
"I'll just get you the same thing we're all having alright Einna?" Twilight said.
"Sure! T-That's fine! I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even know what to get heh heh..." Einna said nervously. "Nevermind what to get! I don't even know what this place is and what I'm supposed to do!..."
"Sounds great! Your food should be out very shortly!" The Waiter said happily, walking away.
"Hey... P-Pinkie!" Einna whispered.
"Huh? What is it Einna?" Pinkie asked, averting her attention from her friends who were all chatting.
"This is probably going to sound really stupid but... what are we waiting for? What is this place?" Einna whispered.
"Huh? You don't know what a restaurant is? Haven't you ever eaten out before?" Pinkie questioned.
"N-No heh... can't say I have! Would you mind explaining it to me?" Einna whispered. "I must look like the biggest idiot to her right now!..."
"Wow! That's a first, I've never met anypony who hasn't eaten at a restaurant!" Pinkie said, snickering. "Well basically, it's a place you go to if you don't feel like cooking at home or if you don't have anything to cook at home! Also if you're just craving something, like Twilight! You order the food you want and other ponies make it for you! Then you just wait for it to come out and you eat! You have to pay for your food though, but the prices here aren't bad at all!"
"I see... but what's the point of it all?" Einna asked, holding her stomach and feeling it growl even more. "Also why won't this pain in the lower half of my body go away!"
"Well that's why silly! You're hungry! You need to eat food everyday so you're stomach won't make those noises and so you'll have enough energy!" Pinkie explained.
"So... I need to eat everyday so I don't run out of energy?" Einna said. "That seems a bit tiresome don't you think?"
"Not at all! Just eat food that you really like and enjoy!" Pinkie said. "That's what I do!"
"I see... I think I get it now! Thanks for explaining it to me Pinkie!" Einna thanked nervously. "I still don't fully understand but I get the gist of it at least..."
"Oh lookie! Food's here!" Pinkie exclaimed.
The Waiter returned with a cart that had multiple trays on it. He placed one in front of each pony and returned back to the kitchen afterwards. Everyone was digging into their food and munching happily, except for Einna, who was watching everyone and how they ate their food. She looked at her tray and saw 3 hayburgers, a case of onion rings, and a milkshake.
"Something wrong Einna?" Twilight asked, the bottom half of her face covered in ketchup.
"N-No! Nothings wrong! I was just thinking about where to start exactly heh heh..." Einna said nervously.
"I'd recommend starting with the hayburgers, they're SO good!" Twilight said, digging into her food.
Einna looked her tray and slowly moved her head down towards it. She opened her mouth and hesitantly bit into one of the hayburgers, chewing it slowly in her mouth.
"This... This is amazing!" Einna exclaimed, swallowing her food. "It tastes so good!"
"I'm glad you like it Einna!" Twilight said, wiping her face.
"Like it? I absolutely love it!" Einna said, shoving her face into the food and rapidly eating.
"Careful Einna, you don't wanna eat too fast or else you'll start feeling sick!" Pinkie said.
"O-Oh, is that so? Sorry, but this is the first time I've... eaten something this good!" Einna said, finishing the last of the food on her tray.
"By the way Einna, was there something else you wanted to ask me when we were at the castle?" Twilight asked.
"Hm? Oh yea! I was going to ask if you wouldn't mind helping me find a job around here..." Einna asked, as she was eating her onion rings. "I need to start making bits right away anyway, but I just don't know where to start..."
"Ah I see, well I'm sure that there are plenty of job openings arou-" Twilight said, cut off.
"You need a job!? Why don't you come work at Sugarcube Corner with me! It's really easy! The pay is good, and you get to eat all the sweets you want!" Pinkie exclaimed. "As long as you don't get caught that is!"
"You want me to work with you? Really?" Einna asked nervously. "B-But doesn't that involve making stuff... for other ponies? I don't even know how that works!"
"Don't you worry your silly little head Einna! I'll teach you everything you need to know!" Pinkie said, slurping down her shake. "Come to Sugarcube Corner tomorrow morning! I'll let Mr. and Mrs. Cake know that you're coming!"
"A-Alright! Thank you so much Pinkie!" Einna exclaimed.
"Don't mention it! I'm so excited to have you as a working buddy!" Pinkie yelled.
"Hey Einna, you should try the milkshake! It's good to have after you've finished everything else." Fluttershy said.
"This stuff in the glass?" Einna questioned, as she began drinking it through the straw. "Wow! This is so much more different from the burgers! It's so sweet!"
Einna continued to slurp down her milkshake, which she finished relatively quickly. She sat back on her chair and began to rub her stomach.
"Feel better Einna?" Pinkie asked. "You sure do look it!"
"Yea! I feel a lot better now, the pain in my stomach is gone!" Einna expressed, looking at everyone else and seeing that they were all finished too.
"Well that definitely hit the spot!" Applejack said, letting out a loud burp.
"Pfft- you call that a burp? Let me show you how it-" Rainbow Dash said, cut off.
"Ugh! I'd prefer it if you don't do that please! It's just so unnecessary!" Rarity said, with a look of disgust as Applejack and Rainbow Dash laughed.
"Alright everyone! Are we all ready to go?" Twilight asked.
Everyone agreed and started to get up from their seats, each of them leaving some bits for their portion of the bill. Twilight paid for Einna's share and they all proceeded to leave the restaurant.
"Well that sure was a good time!" Applejack said. "Unfortunately Ah gotta start headin back home now, Ah got a lot of work that needs to be done around the farm so I'll talk you guys later!"
"Yea, I gotta head back to Sugarcube Corner now! I have to prepare for Einna's Orientation!" Pinkie squeed, jumping up and down. "Bye girls! I'll see you tomorrow Einna!"
"I'm gonna head out and practice more of my sick moves! I'll see you guys later!" Rainbow Dash said, flying off.
"As for me I also have to take my leave. I promised Sweetie Belle I'd help her with a school project today so I'll talk with you girls later alright?" Rarity said.
"I'd better head home too, Angel must be hungry now so I'd better hurry back and feed him. I'll see you girls later!" Fluttershy said softly.
"Well Einna, I have some things to attend to back at home. I hope you'll be alright finding your way around by yourself!" Twilight said. "Feel free to drop by anytime though, it's always a pleasure having you!"
"Alright Twilight! Thanks for everything today!" Einna said, waving her off. "Hmm... now what should I do I wonder... hey Morie? Is everything alright? you've been awfully quiet lately."
"Hmm? Don't mind me, I've just been thinking about some things lately..." Hermaeus Mora said. "Why don't you take this opportunity to look around town?"
"Good idea! I'm sure there must be other things that have changed since the last time I was here!" Einna said, proceeding to walk through town.
Einna walked through town and observed all the buildings and stores. She tried to stay out of other ponies ways and continued to explore Ponyville, when she suddenly bumped into another pony when she wasn't paying attention, causing them both to fall and the other pony to drop her bag of groceries.
"Oh my gosh! I-I'm so sorry! Are you alright?" Einna apologized, as she stood up to help the other pony, she noticed something familiar. "Wait a minute..."
"Y-Yea... I'm fine, don't worry about me..." The White Pony said, picking up the items that fell out of her bag.
"Um... forgive me for asking but... is your name... Lilith? By any chance?" Einna said nervously.
"Huh? You... you know me?" Lilith questioned. "I'm not sure we've ever met before have we?"
"Oh! Uh... well you see I..." Einna choked. "That's right I forgot! This is my first time meeting her! She looks so much more different now though... what do I say to her!..."
"Is something the matter?" Lilith said blankly.
"Everything's alright! D-Don't worry about me! Heh..." Einna said, taking a big gulp. "Also um... you're right we haven't met before but but... I'm a friend of Twilight's! She told me about you and you looked like somepony who'd fit her description! Heh heh..."
"Ohh so you're a friend of Twilight's are you? Then you must be that new pony she was telling me about that one night." Lilith said. "Your name's Einna right?"
"Yep! That's me alright heh... were you the one that couldn't make it to the little get-together I set up last night?" Einna asked.
"Mhm... sorry about that, it's not that I didn't want to come, it's just that my housemate doesn't like going outside at all." Lilith explained. "I usually don't leave her alone for very long when I go out, so that's why I couldn't make it."
"Oh... I see." Einna said. "Well it's alright, it's good that you care for your friend so much..."
"Thanks... you seem like a nice pony to me." Lilith said. "I don't usually do this, but why don't you come over for a little? There's something about you that I... like. I can also introduce you to my housemate..."
"Oh! Well sure, I'm not doing anything important right now." Einna said.
"Cool, follow me then." Lilith said, walking in front of Einna to a house on the edge of town.
"No doubt about it... this is the same, small Lilith that Eternal Sleep nearly killed me over for taking control of, although she isn't very small anymore..." Einna thought. "I'd better be careful... there's no doubt that Eternal Sleep is still watching over her... I have to make sure I'm on my best behavior when I'm around her..."
Lilith and Einna arrived at the house on the outskirts of town. Lilith unlocked the door and Einna followed her inside.
"Grimm! I brought company! She's one of Twilight's friends so you don't have to be so shy around her!" Lilith yelled, setting the bag down on the table. "Come on Einna, the living room is this way."
Einna followed Lilith into the living room and saw a tall, beige colored pony with black, messy hair sitting on the couch smiling.
"Lilith... you should tell me beforehand if you're going to invite somepony over HeHe..." Grimm said.
"Sorry Grimm, but I ran into her when I was buying groceries today. She's the one Twilight was telling us about, the new pony that moved in yesterday." Lilith explained.
"Ohhh her HeHe... I remember that." Grimm snickered.
"Her name is Einna and I thought maybe we should get to know her since we couldn't make it her get-together last night." Lilith said.
"Sounds fair HeHe..." Grimm snickered.
"So Einna, what brings you to Ponyville?" Lilith asked.
"Well... I came from Las Pegasus. I wanted a change of environment so I decided to come this quiet, little town out here." Einna explained. "So far I really like it too!"
"I see... Las Pegasus huh? You sure are from far away." Lilith said, looking down at Einna's chest. "That's a very peculiar brooch you have there... I've never seen anything like it before."
"You're not the first pony to say that heh heh..." Einna said nervously. "It was given to me by a close friend of mine back in Las Pegasus before I left... I rarely ever take it off..."
"I see... how interesting..." Lilith said, staring at the brooch.
"Lilith... I have a question to ask you..." Einna asked.
"Hm? What would that be?" Lilith replied.
"...Twilight told me the story... the story where over 2 years ago... there was somepony by the name of P-" Einna said, cut off.
"STOP!" Lilith yelled. "...forgive me for yelling... but it brings back unsavory memories... I'd rather you not say her name..."
"S-Sorry... I didn't mean to bring anything unpleasant back..." Einna apologized.
"It's alright... anyway, what about the story?" Lilith asked.
"...I heard from Twilight that you were different from everypony else..." Einna said. "That you're... a demon... is that true?"
Lilith's eyes widened, and then slowly closed.
"...It's true that I am a demon... but I don't act like one, at least not anymore..." Lilith said. "I live here with Grimm, whom I've grown quite fond of over the years... I've suppressed most of my impulses as best I could and I try to live as calmly as possible. Eternal Sleep, the one who found me and saved me from what I was, is still watching over me even up until this day..."
Einna was silent.
"She's always looking out for me... and I'll always be grateful to her for saving me..." Lilith said. "She says that one day I'll have to move on... since I don't belong in the world of the living anymore. She doesn't know herself when that day is... and to be honest I hope it never comes because... I've grown to enjoy my life here in Ponyville... it's something I've wanted ever since I was alive... and I just want it to stay like this for a long time..."
"...That's... that's incredible Lilith..." Einna revealed, her eyes tearing up. "Me and her... we really are so much alike... how could I have done something so horrible to her in the past..."
"...Thank you for sharing that with me Lilith... it means a lot to me." Einna said happily. "I hope we can become good friends!"
"...Yea, I hope we can too Einna." Lilith said, slightly smiling.
Einna extended her hooves to Lilith, offering a hug to her.
"I'm... I'm not really that big on hugs..." Lilith said.
"Neither was I at first." Einna admitted, chuckling.
"...Ah what the heck." Lilith said, walking closer towards Einna and embracing her.
"Aww that's so adorable HeHe..." Grimm snickered.
Lilith and Einna continued to talk to each other for a while afterwards. When it was getting late, Lilith walked Einna out and said their goodbyes, saying that they'll look forward to seeing each other again soon.
"Wow, I was there for much longer than I expected." Einna said, yawning and walking back towards her house. "I can't wait till tomorrow! My first day working together with Pinkie nonetheless! This is going to be so great! Wouldn't you agree Morie?"
There was no response from Hermaeus Mora.
"Morie? Are you there?" Einna asked, tapping the jewel on her brooch. "Hmm... maybe he fell asleep because he was tired... Oh well, I'm sure he'll be there in the morning! I just hope I can wake up on time by myself heh heh..."
"Zzzzzzzzz..." Einna snored. "Zzzzzzzz... ahhh more hayburgers please... Zzzzzzzz..."
Einna slept soundly in her bed, drool leaking out of her mouth and onto her pillow.
"Einna!" Hermaeus Mora said. "Wake up Einna!"
"Huh? Eh? W-What?" Einna questioned, slowly sitting up and rubbing her eyes and yawning. "Oh Morie... you're finally talking again..."
"Sorry, I've been... thinking about some things." Hermaeus Mora expressed. "But that's besides the point, you really overslept Einna. You should have been at Sugarcube Corner an hour ago!"
"WHAT!? ARE YOU SERIOUS!?" Einna panicked, stumbling out of bed and running towards the bathroom. "It's my first day too! This is a horrible first impression I'm leaving!"
Einna quickly took a shower and woke herself up as she got ready to leave. She sprinted out of her house and ran towards Sugarcube Corner, bursting into the building through the front doors.
"Why hello there!" Mrs. Cake said greeted. "Are you Einna? You were supposed to be here a while ago."
"Oh! Hi Einna! You know you're like an hour late right?" Pinkie stated, as she emerged from the kitchen. "That's not really a good way to start things off."
"I know I'm so sorry! I really overslept this morning and by the time I woke up it was already too late..." Einna apologized. "I know it's a bad start but I promise to work extra hard! I won't let you down Pinkie!"
"Hmm... what do you think Mrs. Cake?" Pinkie asked.
"Well she is still new here so I'll overlook it this time, but I hope from now on I hope you'll come in on time." Mrs. Cake said.
Yes I will! Thank you Mrs. Cake!" Einna expressed.
"Go on Pinkie, take her to the kitchen and have her begin her orientation." Mrs. Cake said.
"You got it! Come on Einna! I know were gonna have so much fun working together!" Pinkie said.
"Heh... I'm looking forward to it Pinkie." Einna said happily. "Yes... I'm looking forward to the two of us having fun together..."
Einna followed Pinkie into the kitchen. She proceeded to go behind the counter with Pinkie, who started to take out a bunch of baking ingredients.
"Alright Einna! We've got a lot of orders to fill today and we're already behind so I'm gonna quickly go over the things for your orientation alright?" Pinkie said. "Okay first things first! Do you have any experience baking?"
"Baking? Wait a minute... isn't that the thing Pinkie did everyday in this place? With that stretchy stuff and white powder? I don't know how to actually do it though..." Einna thought. "Well um... I think I've seen somepony do it before but I've never actually done it myself..."
"Hmm I see... I was hoping you'd have a little experience but it's okay! I'll teach you the basics today and help you through the orders!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"Thanks Pinkie, I'm sorry that I don't know anything when it comes to this stuff..." Einna expressed.
"Don't worry about it! That's why this is an orientation for you! Just focus and take your time." Pinkie said. "It'll be fine, even if we don't get through everything we need to!"
"Thanks Pinkie, I'm looking forward to working with you!" Einna said happily.
Pinkie explained to Einna all the different things to bake and how you go about doing so. Einna tried to make cupcakes, muffins, cakes, pies, and cookies. Sadly, she failed miserably at each attempt.
"Is this enough batter Pinkie?" Einna asked, pouring a different amount of batter into each baking hole. "I still don't know if I'm doing this right..."
"Well put in the oven and let's see what happens!" Pinkie yells, shoving the sheet into the oven and closing it.
After a few minutes, the oven door opened with a puff of smoke. Einna carefully pulled out the sheet of charred muffins. Pinkie took a bite and started chewing very loudly.
"Mmmmm!! Much better than the last 46 batches! I can only taste a little bit of ash this time!" Pinkie said, swallowing the muffin.
"Oh maybe we should just forget about it Pinkie... I'm no baker and I don't think I'll ever be able to get it right..." Einna said, throwing the sheet away.
"Heyyy come on now! You're not gonna be a master at this in one day! It takes a lot of practice to get everything right, even I still mess up sometimes!" Pinkie said, consoling Einna.
"R-Really? So you think I can do it?" Einna asked.
"Of course! You just gotta keep at it! Eventually you'll be a pro in the kitchen!" Pinkie exclaimed, looking at the time. "Whoops! Looks like it's closing time, we'll continue your training tomorrow Einna!"
"Alright Pinkie, I'll try to wake up on time for once too!" Einna laughed, walking out of the kitchen.
"Hello Einna, how was your training with Pinkie?" Mr. Cake asked.
"It went well, I just have a lot more practice to do if I want to really be of any help though." Einna said.
"Well don't you worry about that, I'm sure Pinkie will turn you into a professional in no time." Mrs. Cake said.
"Thanks Mrs. Cake, that means a lot coming from you!" Einna expressed.
"Oh before you go, would you mind wiping down the counter here really quick? We have to go and get the little ones upstairs ready for bed." Mrs. Cake asked.
"Of course, I'd be happy to." Einna said, walking behind the counter.
"Thanks Einna, we'll see you tomorrow!" Mr. Cake said, walking upstairs with Mrs. Cake.
Pinkie was still cleaning up the kitchen while Einna was wiping down the counter. As she was finishing up, the front door opened.
"Sorry but we're closed now, come back tomorrow and we-" Einna said, stopping herself.
Einna looked up and noticed 3 shady and muscular stallions. Noticing their facial expressions, it was obvious what their intentions were.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Einna asked, in a very annoyed tone.
"Now what's with the attitude huh? We haven't said a single thing yet and you're already attacking us." The Head Stallion said. "Maybe we're just here to place an order ya'know?"
"Sorry but like I said before we're closed..." Einna said, in a more serious tone. "I'd say come back tomorrow, but I'd prefer it if you didn't..."
"My my, such disrespect am I right? Well we can't have that now can we?" The Head Stallion said. "But I'll tell ya what sweetheart, just hand over everything in the register and we'll forget everything that's happened here."
"Einna? Is everything alright out here? I heard voices but we're supposed to be closed right no-" Pinkie said, cutting herself off. "Hey! What do you think you're doing!?"
"Stay in the kitchen Pinkie! I'll handle these brutes myself." Einna said, hopping over the counter.
"But Einna! You can't take on all 3 of them at once! It's too much for you!" Pinkie said.
"Don't interfere Pinkie! Please! Just leave it to me!" Einna said, with a menacing tone.
"Well you're a feisty one aren't you? Unfortunately I was hoping we could have done this the easy way, but ya leave me no choice." The Head Stallion said, pointing his hoof at her. "Take care of her."
The 2 accomplices walked towards Einna.
"Come on now girl you're only making this harder on yourself." The 1st Accomplice said, raising his hoof at her.
"Only use my strength and my speed..." Einna thought, lifting her hoof and stopping the accomplice's.
"What!?" The 1st Accomplice said.
Einna smiled as she flung his hoof upwards and roundhouse kicked him straight in the gut, sending him flying back towards the wall and leaving a crack in it.
"You little! I'm gonna grind you into dust!" The 2nd accomplice said, running towards her and attempting to punch her.
Einna sidestepped and brought her hoof crashing down on his back, causing him to fall to the floor instantly. She then proceeded to kick him towards the wall with a strong impact.
Both of the accomplices laid unconscious. The only one left was the Head Stallion.
"I-I don't believe this! How are you so strong!?" The Head Stallion asked fearfully.
"If I told you..." Einna said, quickly running behind the Head Stallion, almost instantaneously. "You probably wouldn't believe me..."
Einna punched his chin upwards and violently kicked him through the front door of the building, where he laid passed out.
"Phew." Einna said. "Did you see that Mora? I can't believe that just happened."
No response.
"Why don't you ever say anything anymore..." Einna said softly.
"THAT. WAS. AMAZING!" Pinkie screamed, running to hug Einna. "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU TOOK ON ALL 3 OF THOSE GUYS AND WON! WITHOUT EVEN BREAKING A SWEAT!"
"T-Thanks Pinkie, but it was nothing really... I was only doing what was necessary..." Einna said.
"But it WAS something! You saved not only the money! But you saved me too!" Pinkie yelled, hugging Einna even more. "I can't thank you enough for what you did!"
"Pinkie... I'm so happy to hear you say that..." Einna said, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Aww Einna! You should be doing the opposite of crying now!" Pinkie said happily.
"What's going on down here?" Mrs. Cake asked, noticing the 2 passed out stallions and broken door. "Sweet Celestia! What happened here!?"
"You're not gonna believe it! 3 bad ponies came and tried to steal from us! But Einna stopped all 3 of them by herself!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"Really? You stopped all of them by yourself Einna?" Mr. Cake asked.
"I did, though I apologize about the door and the wall. I guess I don't know my own strength heh..." Einna said nervously.
"Nonsense! Don't worry about that! You saved us from being robbed tonight! Who knows what would have happened if you weren't here!" Mrs. Cake said.
"Yea Einna! I didn't know that you were that strong!" Pinkie said. "I was really surprised and... and... a little scared."
"S-Scared? Why would you be scared Pinkie?" Einna asked worriedly.
"It's just that for a moment there... it's almost like I've seen that fighting style before..." Pinkie said, choking on her words.
Einna's heart sank.
"W-What? R-Really? Well um... I'm sure it was just a coincidence Pinkie! I didn't mean to frighten you! I was only trying to protect you after all..." Einna said.
"Oh no don't worry Einna! I'm super grateful for it! My mind's just probably playing tricks on me that's all!" Pinkie said happily.
"Oh... alright then... that makes sense..." Einna said, as she breathed a sigh of relief. "What should we about these 3?"
"I think you should go tell Twilight about it, I'll start restraining them to make sure they don't go anywhere." Pinkie said.
"Alright Pinkie, I'll be right back!" Einna said, as she ran to Twilight's Castle.
Einna approached the door and started knocking on it. After a few minutes of waiting there was still no answer.
"I guess it makes sense that she wouldn't be able to hear me knocking since she's probably somewhere in there!" Einna said. "Is it really alright for me to just walk in though?... Oh I have to! This is an emergency!"
Einna opened the door to Twilight's Castle and walked around looking for her. She walked around for a few minutes until she found her in her library reading.
"Twilight!" Einna exclaimed.
"Wahhh!" Twilight yelled, dropping her book. "Einna? What are you doing here? You scared me!"
"Sorry sorry! I didn't mean to just barge into your castle, but we have an emergency!" Einna said.
"An emergency? What happened!? Is someone in trouble!?" Twilight asked.
"No, not anymore. 3 thieves just showed up at Sugarcube Corner not too long ago and tried to rob the place!" Einna said. "But I took care of them before they were able to do anything."
"Really? You took on 3 thieves all by yourself?" Twilight asked. "That's amazing! I'm sure Pinkie and the Cakes were extremely grateful!"
"They were, and I was happy to help them." Einna said happily. "But we need a place for these 3 thugs, they're unconscious for now though."
"I'll get Spike to write a message to Princess Luna right now. We usually don't get this kind of trouble here in Ponyville, so we don't really have any place for them." Twilight said. "Why don't you head back to Pinkie, I'll get the message out and Luna should be there soon, I'm sure she'd love to talk to about it."
"Alright Twilight, thank you for everything." Einna said, turning around and leaving the castle.
Einna arrived back at Sugarcube Corner and saw the 3 thugs all tied up together outside of the building, still passed out.
"Hey Einna! Did you talk to Twilight?" Pinkie said.
"Yea I did, Princess Luna should be arriving soon with a transport for them." Einna said, looking at the thugs.
After about 5 minutes, a black chariot with a few bat ponies came by and landed nearby the building.
"Hello Pinkie, and hello Mr. and Mrs. Cake, a pleasure to see you this evening." Princess Luna said. "I was informed by Princess Twilight that your business was raided recently. Are all of you okay?"
"We're all fine Luna! It's all thanks to Einna here! She took on all 3 of these guys by herself and saved us!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"Really? I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you Einna." Luna said. "I can't say I've ever seen you Ponyville before, are you new here?"
"Y-Yes Princess! I recently moved here not too long ago..." Einna said.
"Well, this is a very nice first impression to make among the town." Luna said, as the guards moved the thugs onto the chariot. "You know, with someone with such strength, would you ever consider joining The Royal Guard in Canterlot?"
"The... The Royal Guard? Really?" Einna said surprisingly. "You'd want me for The Royal Guard?"
"Well it's not everyday we come across a pony who can single handily stop a robbery by herself." Luna said. "Your strength will no doubt be a huge asset to the The Royal Guard."
"Wow... I didn't think I'd get a chance like this so soon..." Einna said. "I don't know... I was just getting used to Ponyville and..."
"Well I'm not forcing you to join, the decision is entirely up to you my dear." Luna said. "I'm sure our sister Eternal Sleep would love to have a chat with you."
"Eternal Sleep? Y-Your sister?" Einna said. "I thought it was only you and Celestia?"
"Eternal Sleep doesn't usually stay with us, she has her own... job to do." Luna said. "However while she is with us, I'm sure she would love to talk to you. She was always interested in ponies that were unique."
"Unique? Wow... I don't know what to say..." Einna said. "I'm not sure if I..."
"Einna! You have to go and speak with Eternal Sleep!" Hermaeus Mora said. "Don't respond to me or else Luna will suspect something. But go with her, getting on Eternal Sleep's good side will be very beneficial."
"Well when you come to a decision, please feel free to contact me via Princess Twilight." Luna said, turning to her chariot. "I look forward to seeing you again."
"Wait! Luna! Do you think I come with you? Right now?" Einna said. "I'd like to meet Eternal Sleep... and see what The Royal Guard is like."
"Of course! Come, sit next to me and we'll head back to Canterlot at once." Luna said.
"Wait Einna! Are you really leaving Ponyville for Canterlot so soon? I... I was really looking forward to working with you more..." Pinkie said sadly.
"Don't worry Pinkie, I'm only going to speak to Eternal Sleep and see if The Royal Guard would be a nice place for me." Einna said, moving towards Pinkie and hugging her. "Even if I do like it, I won't join immediately so I'll still be living in Ponyville with you for a while..."
"...Alright Einna, come back soon okay?" Pinkie said happily.
"I'll be back soon Pinkie." Einna said, getting on Luna's chariot.
Luna and Einna left Ponyville and flew towards Canterlot. When they got to the castle, Luna and Einna walked to the front doors and went inside. They proceeded into the Throne Room with the 3 thugs being carried by multiple guards behind them.
"Sorry, I know it's eerie in here when it's dark." Luna said. "I'm going to bring these thugs to a holding cell. While I do so, I'll tell Eternal Sleep of your arrival and tell her to come to the Throne Room right away."
"Alright... thanks Princess Luna... I'm extremely grateful for everything you're doing for me..." Einna said.
"It's no problem at all my dear." Luna said, looking down at Einna's brooch. "My my, that's quite a peculiar brooch you've got there. It's the first of it's kind that I've seen..."
"Heh... yea a lot of ponies seem to be mesmerized by it... I guess it is pretty unique." Einna said, clutching the brooch.
"Indeed it is, it has a very mysterious aura to it... and you have a very mysterious one as well." Luna said. "A very calming and relaxing one..."
"Again... a lot of ponies seem to say the same thing heh heh..." Einna said. "But thank you, I'm flattered really..."
"Well my apologies for stalling, I'll go fetch Eternal Sleep at once." Luna said, turning around and leaving the Throne Room.
"Hey! Mora! Answer me for once!" Einna said softly, tapping on her brooch.
"What is it?" Hermaeus Mora asked, with an annoyed tone.
"What's happened to you? You barely talk to me anymore! You used to help me with everything but now your silent all the time and only rarely speak!" Einna expressed. "Is something bothering you?"
"...Nothing is bothering me, forgive me as I've had something... interesting on my mind lately." Hermaeus Mora said. "I did not mean to be rude."
"Well... thanks for telling me, I hope you won't be like this all the time! I miss talking with you ya'know?..." Einna said.
"Don't worry Einna, I won't be like this for much longer..." Hermaeus Mora said, with a serious tone.
The doors of the Throne Room opened once again, but this time a small filly of a pony came through.
"You're Einna I presume?" Eternal Sleep asked.
"Yes... Are you... Eternal Sleep?" Einna asked.
"I am, my sister has told me of your strength and what you did. Is it true?" Eternal Sleep questioned.
"Yes... 3 thugs came to the bakery and I fended all 3 of them off by myself." Einna said. "I don't find it to be an extraordinary feat, but lately everyone has been making it sound like it is."
"It's not that it isn't extraordinary, it's simply quite a surprise to hear something like that." Eternal Sleep said. "You don't hear it very often after all."
"I see... well Princess Luna said that you found ponies like me interesting, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to talk to you." Einna said.
"Yes, I do have an interest in you. You're not like the other ponies, mostly just because of your unexpected strength and speed." Eternal Sleep said. "Could you explain it to me?"
"Umm... I would, but it would take more than one night chatting in a dark Throne Room." Einna said, giggling.
"I suppose you're right." Eternal Sleep said, chuckling a little bit. "Nevertheless, I look forward to getting to know you more."
"Likewise." Einna said, with a smile.
Einna! Move closer to Eternal Sleep. There is something that I need to inspect..." Hermaeus Mora said. "Don't reply to me, just do it..."
Einna hesitated at first, but slowly walked closer to Eternal Sleep.
"Is there... something you need?" Eternal Sleep asked, looking down at Einna's brooch.
"Well... that's an interesting brooch... I don't know why but it looks so familiar... yet I've never seen anything like it before..." Eternal Sleep said. "Why is it that..."
"It looks familiar for a reason, Eternal Sleep." Hermaeus Mora said, admitting his voice to Eternal Sleep.
"What!?" Eternal Sleep said, shocked.
The brooch suddenly sprang black tentacles all around it and lept off of Einna's shawl and onto Eternal Sleep's face, constricting her with it's tentacles.
"Mora! What are you doing to Eternal Sleep!?" Einna said, running towards Eternal Sleep and attempting to pull the brooch off, but to no avail. Einna noticed her body flickering with the brooch no longer attached to her. She began to revert back to her old self. "NO! MORA WHY!?"
"I told you I wouldn't be acting like that much longer didn't I?" Hermaeus Mora said.
The brooch squeezed Eternal Sleep's face more and more. She stumbled around helplessly and only muffled words could be heard. Soon, Eternal Sleep stopped struggling, and the brooch simply fell of her head onto the floor, the tentacles receding back into it and leaving it with a dim, green color.
"Eternal Sleep! Are you okay!?" Einna asked fearfully.
"...Okay? I'm better than okay... I feel great!" Eternal Sleep said, looking directly at Einna. Her eyes were that of a bright green color. "What's the matter Einna? Don't you recognize me? It's me... Morie."
"W-What!? Mora? What did you do to Eternal Sleep!?" Einna yelled.
"Oh nothing much, I simply took her over and buried whatever willpower she had deep down inside her." Hermaeus Mora said. "This one always fascinated me ever since she entered The Apocrypha... but I had to wait until the right time so I can further... analyze her."
"I... I don't understand... I thought... I thought you helped me escape because you cared about me!" Einna said, tears welling in her eyes. "I thought we were friends!"
"Friends? Far from it my dear, I simply needed you as a safe way to move about the world without exposing myself to anyone." Hermaeus Mora said. "For that, I thank you."
Hermaeus Mora tested combining his daedric power with Eternal Sleep's. His hoof began glowing a bright green fire.
"Wonderful! This is even better than I anticipated... Oh you should probably get out of here while you can, we've caused quite a commotion and it's only a matter of time before someone shows up." Hermaeus Mora said. "I'm sure you don't want anyone to see you like that after all... anyway, I'm going to go have some fun in this world... I bid you farewell, Pinkamena."
Hermaeus Mora disappeared in a flash of light. Einna laid there on the ground, crying heavily about Mora betraying her and leaving her in a horrible predicament.
"It came from the Throne Room! Over here!" A Voice said.
"No! No no please! W-What do I do!? What CAN I do!?" Einna panicked, not knowing what do about her situation.
She looked all around the room until she saw the remains of the brooch on the ground. She ran towards it and picked it up, but it was not returning her to her disguised form.
"Come on! Work! Please work!" Einna cried, tears falling down her face as she shook the brooch violently. "Please!! Work!! PLEASE!!"
"In here come on!" A Voice said, right outside the door which was seconds away from opening.
Einna bit the brooch and ran desperately to the stained glass window, leaping through it and clutching the brooch in her chest as she plummeted down into the Castle Gardens.
Einna plummeted down into the Castle Gardens below. She fell down until she collided with a tree, breaking branches and tumbling down onto the ground.
"AGH!! Ughhh..." Einna cried, her right back leg broken from the impact. "I have to hide... and fast!"
Sparks of purple electricity emitted from her broken leg. She limped into a nearby shrub and laid inside, breathing heavily and still somewhat sobbing. She looked at the brooch that she clutched onto and breathed a sigh of relief seeing it was unscathed.
"Why... why won't you work? Is all of you power gone? It can't be... there has to be something left!" Einna cried, putting the brooch to her forehead. "Even if it's just a wisp of power..."
Einna attempted to generate a small spark of her own power, and infused it with the brooch. At first nothing seemed to happen, but suddenly the bright, green glow returned to the jewel of the brooch.
"Ah! Yes! Thank you so much!" Einna said softly. She attached the brooch to her shawl once again and her body began to flicker and regain her disguised image.
"Thank goodness... I was afraid it was never going to work again..." Einna said, attempting to get up but letting out a pained groan from her shattered leg. "What? My leg should have healed by now... are my powers getting weaker?"
Einna rubbed her leg and only a faint amount of sparks was emitting from it.
"I guess it makes sense... I'm not acting the way I used to be... and it was those actions that fueled by powers." Einna said softly. "Even so, I'm not reverting back to what I was! If turning my life around means forsaking my powers, than so be it!"
Einna looked through the shrubs leaves and saw the moon illuminating the sky from above. She also heard the sounds of guards rushing about the area.
"I don't think I'm in any position to go anywhere at the moment... maybe I should just sleep it off here... until morning..." Einna said tiredly. "I have to stop Mora..."
The night passed by as Einna slept peacefully in the shrub. When dawn broke, she was awoken by the sun shining through the leaves.
"Mmmmmm! Ahhh!" Einna said as she stretched out of the shrub, looking around to make sure no one was around. "That was a surprisingly comfortable place to sleep... and my leg seems to all healed up finally."
Einna jumped out of the bush and carefully looked for a way out of the Castle Gardens. As she was making her way to the exit, she was stopped by a familiar voice.
"Einna!? Hold it right there!" Luna yelled, flying down to meet her.
"O-Oh... hello Princess Luna! How are you this morning?" Einna asked nervously.
"How am I? I should be asking you that! What happened last night in the Throne Room? I heard that something had happened while I was transporting the thugs." Luna said. "But when I arrived there was no one there, only a shattered stain glass window."
"Oh! That! That was um... well that was... that was me!" Einna said sorrowfully. "S-Sorry! But I accidentally broke it when Eternal Sleep was showing me some of her unique abilities! I got excited and I kinda fell through it! Heh heh..."
"You... you fell through the window? You're not hurt after falling from... all the way up there?" Luna questioned.
"N-No I'm fine! The shrubbery broke my fall and I was completely fine! I was just tired after that and decided to sleep it off." Einna explained. "That's why you found me here in the Gardens."
"Ah, I see... well as long as you're alright, just try to be more careful okay?" Luna said. "Speaking of Eternal Sleep, where is she? I haven't seen her since I sent her to the Throne Room last night."
"Eternal Sleep? Well I think she um... I can't tell her what really happened! That would just make things worse for me!" Einna thought. "I think she said she had some important business to attend to! She could only talk for a little bit so she left in a hurry! I don't know where she is now though..."
"Is that right? Well then that's fine then, she's always busy so I'm not surprised." Luna said, walking past Einna. "Well why don't you head on back to Ponyville? I'm sure you've had an eventful night by the sound of things and you can always come back later."
"Right! But um... I understand if I'm asking for too much Luna but... would you mind taking me back to Ponyville now?" Einna asked. "I know it's not my place to ask but I would really appreciate it!... also I don't have any bits for the train..."
"I suppose it's no trouble, come with me." Luna said. "We'll leave immediately."
- Ponyville, Atop Twilight's Castle -
"Such an interesting combination of abilities!" Hermaeus Mora said, sitting on top of Twilight's Castle. "I've never seen anything like it anywhere else before... this was truly worth the effort."
Hermaeus Mora conjured green sparks in his left hoof and green flames in his right. He smiled as he observed them. Suddenly his smile faded and he closed his eyes, only to have his smile reappear.
"It's truly something else isn't it? How countless undiscovered plains have countless undiscovered secrets..." Hermaeus Mora explained. "Some being boring and some being truly amazing... that's a great thing to strive to see... wouldn't you agree Einna?"
Hermaeus Mora got up and turned around to see Einna on the other side of the roof.
"I thought I exhausted all of the energy from that brooch, but I guess you have your own way of doing things don't you?" Hermaeus Mora said. "I'm not going to question how you found me because I already know obviously, but now that you have... what will you do my dear?"
Einna's face got more and more annoyed as she lifted her hood and started to channel her electricity, which was only a faint light purple and only coming out in sparks. She looked at her hoof with a discouraged face.
"All out of gas?" Hermaeus Mora said, releasing a blast of green fire from his hoof.
Einna sidestepped out of the way and jumped closer towards Mora.
"You're agility doesn't seem to fail you it seems." Mora said, jumping backwards towards the edge. "But you won't be able to stop me with just that... you're nothing more but an empty shell of your former self my dear."
Einna gritted her teeth and started to get extremely angry. "MORAAA!" Einna yelled, leaping towards Mora at full speed.
"It looks like you've gotten stupider as well." Mora chuckled, disappearing in a flash of light like before.
Einna realizing she couldn't stop herself, tumbled towards the edge of the building and grabbed the ledge before she was able to fall. Hermaeus Mora reappeared in a flash of light and looked down at Einna dangling.
"Here I thought you came here with a plan..." Mora said, putting his hoof above Einna's. "But I guess I overestimated you..."
"No! Mora please don't do it!" Einna cried. "Don't! Please!"
Mora slammed his hoof down on Einna's , causing her to cry out in pain and release her grip. Einna fell down to the ground in front of Twilight's Castle, leaving a small crater in the ground.
"Aghhh! M-My back! Oh my..." Einna cried, lying on the ground in pain.
After about a minute, ponies started to crowd around the area and see what happened. The doors to the castle sprang open and Twilight and her friends came out.
"What on earth was that?" Twilight questioned, looking around and seeing Einna lying on the ground in excruciating pain. "EINNA!"
Twilight and her friends rushed to her side. Twilight sat next to her and held her in her lap.
"Einna! Who did this to you!" Twilight asked, noticing the faint sparks of purple electricity emitting from her back. "Einna? Are you okay? What are these... sparks coming your body?"
"Twilight!" Hermaeus Mora yelled, coming to the ground under the guise of Eternal Sleep. "Get away from her!"
"Eternal Sleep!? What are you doing here!?" Twilight questioned. "Why do you want me to get away from her? She's our friend!"
"Friend? She's been lying to you Twilight! All of you!" Hermaeus Mora said. "All you have to do... is remove her brooch, and you'll see for yourself who she really is."
"NO! T-Twilight! Please! Don't take it off! I-I'm begging you!" Einna cried.
"What's so special about her brooch?" Twilight questioned, looking into the swirling vortex of the jewel of the brooch. "When I look more closely at it... I feel as if I've seen this pattern before... somewhere..."
Suddenly, memories of The Apocrypha came rushing back to Twilight. The jewel resembled the same pattern as the ocean there.
"No... N-No it can't be..." Twilight said, as she dropped Einna and backed away.
"What's the matter Twilight? What is it?" Applejack asked.
"...Everypony get back, now." Twilight ordered, as she moved closer to Einna.
"NO! TWILIGHT PLEASE!" Einna cried as she lifted a hoof up in desperation.
Twilight went up to Einna and pulled the brooch of her shawl, throwing it on the ground next to her.
Einna tried to crawl away but fell on her side. Her body began to flicker back to her old self for everyone to see.
"IT'S HER! SHE'S BACK!" A Townspony screamed, running away along with the rest of the town.
Twilight and her friends all backed away from Einna. Rather than feeling fear however, they were all consumed with rage. Except for Pinkie, who was more shocked than angry or scared.
"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING BACK HERE!?" Rainbow Dash yelled. "YOU SHOULD BE LOCKED UP FOR ETERNITY!"
"Please! I can explain! If you'd just give a chance I'd-" Einna pleaded, but was cut off.
"WE GAVE YOU MORE THAN ENOUGH CHANCES!" Twilight yelled. "There's only one course of action left to take for you..."
Twilight's horn started to glow a strong, resonant purple and everyone got close to surround Einna, except for Pinkie. Eternal Sleep was smiling as she waved her hoof to Einna.
"NOOOOOO!" Einna cried loudly, jumping up from the crater, biting the brooch and bursting down the street, her back still in shambles.
"DON'T LET HER GET AWAY!" Rarity yelled, as they all chased after her.
"Twilight! A moment of your time if you wouldn't mind..." Hermaeus Mora said.
"What!? Now? What is it?" Twilight replied.
"I'm sure you and your friends can handle Pinkamena, so I want to tell you that I'll be leaving to other places because my duty calls for it." Hermaeus Mora said. "I probably won't be back in Ponyville or Canterlot for a while, but when I do return I look forward to hearing about your triumph."
"Right, I'll tell you everything when you get back Eternal Sleep!" Twilight said, as she sped off to catch up with her friends.
Hermaeus Mora waved Twilight goodbye as she smiled and left in the opposite direction.
Einna sprinted down the street as fast as she could, but her speed was drastically reduced due to her injury.
"I... I don't know how much farther I can run before I..." Einna said, breathing heavily.
Einna made a sharp turn down the street but suddenly she was grabbed by a mysterious hoof and pulled into a nearby dark alley. The hoof was covering her mouth and her brooch fell to the ground.
"Stay quiet if you don't want to die." The mysterious voice whispered. "We'll wait for them to pass."
"W-Who are you? I can't see you because it's so dark..." Einna whispered in a muffled tone.
"You forgot my voice already? I have to say I'm hurt Einna." The Voice whispered.
Einna looked at the color of the hoof that was over her mouth. It was a pure white color and she tried to think hard about the voice.
"Wait a minute... Lilith? Is that you?" Einna muffled, trying to move her head upwards to look at her.
Lilith and Einna ducked farther down in the cover of the shadows and hid as they saw Twilight and her friends searching frantically throughout the streets. Lilith's hoof started to glow red as it started to engulf Einna.
"H-Hey! What are you doing?" Einna panicked.
"Relax, I'm only masking your aura with my own, that way Hermaeus Mora will think you have been... taken care of." Lilith whispered, as the red aura shortly vanished afterwards. "It looks like they've passed."
Lilith released her hoof from Einna's mouth and picked up her brooch.
"Wait... you know about Hermaeus Mora?" Einna asked.
"I know Eternal Sleep when I see her." Lilith said, handing her her brooch. "...and that wasn't her."
"I see... thanks." Einna said softly, fastening the brooch to her shawl as her appearance flickered back to her disguised form.
"I know, but I still prefer using it rather than be my old self..." Einna admitted, kneeling down and rubbing her back. "Aghh!..."
"You hurt your back from the fall before didn't you?" Lilith said, helping Einna up. "Come on, lean on me."
"O-Oh... alright." Einna said, slowly moving towards Lilith and putting her right hoof around her.
"Alright, hold on tight." Lilith said, her horn glowing a bright red and teleporting both of them to her house. "Come on, I'll help you upstairs to the bedroom."
Einna walked painfully with Lilith through the living room and up the stairs.
"Hey Einna, didn't expect to see you again like this HeHe..." Grimm said, sitting on the couch. "I hope you won't try to kill us this time HeHe..."
"N-No! Never! I would never..." Einna said sadly, as she continued to walk to the next floor.
Lilith opened the door to her bedroom and helped Einna onto the bed, carefully getting her settled and under the covers.
"I'll get some food brought up for you, just rest for now alright?" Lilith said, as she turned to leave the room.
"Wait! Lilith!" Einna announced. "Before you go..."
Lilith stopped with her hoof on the doorknob. "Yes?"
"...Why are you doing this? Why did you save me? Why did you help me?" Einna asked frantically. "I... I don't deserve your kindness after what I did to you and Grimm... so why are you helping me now?..."
Lilith closed the door and turned back to Einna's bedside.
"...I told you a long time ago, when I was a little filly... we're a lot alike, you and me." Lilith said. "I'll never forget what you did, but should I always hold that against you? Do I think ill of you for everything you did? All for the sole purpose of freedom? Absolutely not. Besides, you and me, we're technically sisters aren't we?"
"S-Sister? Really?" Einna questioned.
"We were both born out of something terrible, and we shouldn't even exist... If you think about it, you're my kin... and I am yours..." Lilith said, putting a hoof to Einna's chest. "I can sense it... you've tried... so hard... to change. Those malicious feelings of yours are disappearing as we speak. The only difference between us is how we were born... you were born out of the pure manifestation of negativity while I was born out of regret, sorrow, and hatred from when I was alive."
"Lilith..." Einna said softly.
"Our powers won't diminish completely, but they may as well not be there if we don't exhibit the feelings that created us." Lilith explained. "They will always be there, we just have to learn to control our unsavory emotions if we wish to use them to our full potential. However... do we really need a reason to use them again? If we're happy then... why do we need them?"
"You're right Lilith... like you, I wanted to change myself... if that means forsaking my abilities... then I'll gladly throw them away!" Einna announced.
"I'm glad to hear you say that, sister." Lilith said, with a smile.
"...But I can't get rid of them just yet..." Einna said sadly. "I'm sure you know why as well..."
"Hermaeus Mora." Lilith said. "I understand, and I am willing to help you in anyway I can. Eternal Sleep was the one who saved me from myself... and now it's my turn to do the same for her."
"Thank you Lilith... for everything..." Einna said, tears welling up in her eyes.
Lilith wiped the tears from Einna's face. "The only problem is that... we don't know when we'll see Hermaeus Mora again... he left Ponyville and won't return for some time... I have no idea where he is, but I'm sure he won't cause any substantial damage wherever he goes."
"He won't, Mora is more interested in analyzing this world and what is holds." Einna said. "He's just interested in expanding his library even more for the most part."
"Then for the time being, let's get you fixed and something in your stomach since you must be absolutely famished." Lilith said.
"I guess I am a little hungry..." Einna said, her stomach making a loud noise.
Both Lilith and Einna laughed together as Lilith left to go get food for Einna. When Lilith returned, she brought a tray of home-cooked food for Einna and laid it in front of her. Einna insisted that Lilith eat with her and together they laughed while discussing all sorts of things. It didn't take too long for everything to be eaten and Lilith removed the tray from Einna's lap.
"Why don't you get some sleep now? It's getting late and I'm sure your back will feel better in the morning." Lilith said, rubbing Einna's head. "Don't worry about anything else, I'll make sure you're safe. I won't let anything happen to you..."
"...T-Thank you... Lilith..." Einna said softly, as she quickly fell asleep from Lilith rubbing her head.
Lilith shut off the lights and quietly left the room, closing the door and making her way downstairs.
"Is she gonna be alright HeHe?..." Grimm asked.
"She'll be fine, all she needs is a good night's rest..." Lilith said happily. "Tomorrow, I'll make sure ponies see her for who she truly is now... not a menace to society or a blood crazed demon... but as a changed pony... and a friend to us all..."
Lilith opened the bedroom door and went to Einna's bedside.
"Man I didn't know she was such a loud snorer..." Lilith chuckled. "Hey! Einna! Wake up!"
"Augh huh!? Wha?" Einna jumped. "Oh... it's only you Lilith, good morning to ya."
"More like good afternoon." Lilith said, pointing at the clock and noticing Einna's expression. "You still look pretty tired."
"Oh yea, I'm sorry... I didn't expect to sleep for that long." Einna said, her eyes with dark bags underneath them. She attempted to sit up but cried from her back pain. "Ah! Ah! M-My back..."
"It looks like you still haven't fully healed surprisingly... I knew your powers had weakened but I didn't think they would have weakened this much so quickly..." Lilith said. "In any case, just keep resting for now. You don't have to worry about a search party or something coming for you..."
"Really? Oh thank you Lilith... you don't know how much that means to me..." Einna replied happily, falling back into the bed. "I'm surprised that they just decided to stop..."
"Actually, I was out all night last night talking to Twilight and her friends. It was... quite hard trying to convince them... but I was able to do it in the end." Lilith said. "In fact, their downstairs right now and they want to talk to you."
"Oh that's good... at least I'll be able to sAY WHOA WHOA WAIT! Downstairs? N-Now!? I can't I-I don't think I'm ready so suddenly!" Einna cried, pulling her cover partially over her face. "W-What if they just want to get rid of me..."
Lilith walked closer to Einna and lifted her chin. "I won't let them do that. They may be my friends, but I'm not going to let them hurt you."
Einna smiled at Lilith as a single tear fell from her eye. The door opened and Grimm peaked her head in.
"Hey Lilith HeHe... Twilight and the others want to know if they can come up now HeHe..." Grimm said.
"Yes, send them up." Lilith said.
"Lilith!" Einna said in a soft, scared voice while grabbing her scarf.
"You'll be fine... just relax and talk to them... show them that you've truly changed for the better..." Lilith said, comforting her and standing by the head of her bed.
The door opened again and Twilight and her friends walked in. They looked at Einna, who was crippled and lying in bed with extremely tired eyes. Grimm chuckled and closed the door as she left the room.
"Umm... h-hi there..." Einna said nervously.
"...Hello... Einna..." Twilight said carefully. "How um... how have you been?"
"I've um... I've been... fine, kinda." Einna said softly.
There was an awkward silence for a minute.
"Okay! Are we really doing this? I know we agreed to do this Lilith, but this is ridiculous! We've given her too many chances!" Rainbow Dash yelled. "Have you forgotten what she did to you!? Out of all ponies?"
Just as Lilith was about to speak, Einna lifted her hoof to her mouth to stop her.
"...You all hate me, I know that..." Einna said sadly. "It only took me failure after failure to finally get what I always wanted... and that was friends like you... even if it was only for a short time... it was the happiest moment of my life!"
All of their eyes widened. They looked at each other with slight confusion.
"Really now? How do we know you weren't just egging us on! So you could do... whatever evil thing it is that you do!" Rarity questioned.
"Yea how can you expect us to believe you? After everything that you did? After everyone that you've hurt!?" Applejack asked angrily.
"We shouldn't have agreed to this in the first place! We should just end her right now!" Rainbow Dash said, walking quickly towards her.
Lilith stepped in front of her with her horn glowing a deep red.
"Touch her and you can bet your life I will-" Lilith threatened, as she felt a tug on her scarf. Lilith turned around to see Einna shaking her head.
"No Lilith... it's okay... step back..." Einna said sadly.
"What? But Einna if I do then..." Lilith said, looking at Einna's facial expression. She dropped her head down and the glow from her horn disappeared. She then proceeded to back up from Rainbow Dash.
"Come closer Rainbow..." Einna said softly, signaling her with her hoof.
"What? You're okay with me?... What are you planning huh? Are you trying to get me to drop my guard!?" Rainbow Dash asked furiously.
Einna lifted her hoof and showed her the extremely weak faint purple sparks emitting from it.
"I couldn't do anything to you if I wanted to Rainbow... I barely have any power anymore..." Einna said, letting out some pained groans. "...You've always wanted me dead... and I don't blame you... you're just trying to protect your friends after all..."
Rainbow Dash's expression changed to a surprised and remorseful look. "I... well yea... I mean... who wouldn't right?"
"...Extend your hoof please..." Einna asked softly as she smiled slightly.
Rainbow Dash hesitated at first, but proceeded to extend her hoof at Einna. Einna weakly clutched Rainbow's hoof and turned it into a fist and brought it close to her face.
"Einna!" Lilith cried.
"Don't! Lilith..." Einna said softly. "This is Rainbow's decision..."
"Einna!? W-What are you doing?" Rainbow Dash said, completely surprised and taken aback.
"...I'm so weak now Rainbow... I know... that you've always hated me since the day I emerged..." Einna said sadly. "I've always wanted a friend like you... all of you... and I'm glad I was able to experience it!"
"...Are you... asking me to..." Rainbow Dash said, almost tearing up.
"I'm not asking you to do anything Rainbow... I'm just giving you the opportunity to do what you've always to do since our first encounter." Einna said, slightly laughing. "...Heh... when I first confronted you I completely overpowered you... isn't it funny how things turn out in the end?..."
Rainbow Dash looked at Einna with teary eyes. She turned around to look at her friends, who were also on the verge of crying. Rainbow Dash turned back to look at Einna, who had her eyes closed.
"I... I... AHHHHHH!" Rainbow Dash yelled, slamming her hoof down on the bedside and not hitting Einna. "I... I can't... I can't do it..."
"I thought you always wanted to..." Einna said softly.
"That was in the past... how could I hit someone who has been nothing but friendly since they came to town only a few days ago?" Rainbow Dash said, with a small smile. "How could I hit someone who enjoyed hayburgers and fries with all of us?... How could I hit... one of my friends?"
Einna's eyes started to flood with tears. "R...R... RAINBOW!!" Einna cried, as she leapt up and hugged Rainbow Dash while sobbing loudly.
"What do all of you think you're doing back there!? Get over here!" Rainbow Dash cried.
Everyone else gathered around Einna and group hugged as they cried. Lilith watched and wiped away a single tear from her eye with a smile. After a few minutes, the ponies started to disperse and wipe away their tears.
"Einna?" Pinkie said, walking closer to her bedside. "...That's a really cute name you've chosen..."
"Heh... thanks Pinkie... I'm glad you like it." Einna said happily.
"...When I first met you those few days ago... I always wondered why I felt like I knew you... why you felt so familiar." Pinkie said, touching her brooch. "You've finally changed Einna... I'm so happy for you..."
"Thank you Pinkie... thank you so much... all of you... you've all made me so... so..." Einna said, her words losing meaning as she fell back onto the bed.
"What's wrong with her Lilith?" Fluttershy asked.
"Don't worry, this is normal for entities like us. Her body is just reacting to the sudden shift in her personality." Lilith explained. "Without that negative energy fueling her, her stamina is drastically being reduced as a result. It looks like this is the very first one since she's breathing quite heavily."
"Will she be okay?" Twilight asked. "She's not going to.. die is she?"
"Heh... it's funny how much you all care about her now." Lilith said with a smile. "But no she'll be fine, she just needs to rest for a while. The first one is always the worst. She'll regain her strength by tomorrow and she'll be good as new. She'll experience sudden fatigue and weariness like this for the rest of her life, though they won't be as extreme as this one. Even I still experience small episodes like this now and then, since were acting outside of birthed emotions."
"Well... then I guess we'll head out now Lilith. Thank you for convincing us to give her one last chance... I'm happy that she's finally changed." Twilight said.
"I'm happy for her too Twilight, would you mind telling the townsponies and even the Princess's about her? I have to stay here and watch her." Lilith requested.
"Of course, I think everyone needs to hear this as soon as possible!" Twilight said, proceeding to walk out of the room with her friends. "When she wakes up and she's feeling better, tell her to come by the castle, I'd love to spend more time with her!"
"Pfft forget that! Tell her to stop by my place! I wanna see just how much she can keep up with me when we play all the activities I've got planned for us!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Well, I'd love it if she could stop by sometime and see all my animals. I'd love to have a relaxing chat with her..." Fluttershy asked sweetly.
"I most certainly would love it if she'd stop by Carousel Boutique! We have such similar tastes in fashion and I'd love to make something for her!" Rarity said enthusiastically.
"Have her stop by the farm sometime! I'd love to introduce her to the family! I'd also appreciate some help around the farm." Applejack said.
"Tell her when she's ready she can some back to work! We still have a lot of training to go through! Those cupcakes ain't gonna bake themselves!" Pinkie laughed.
All of them chatted about Einna as they proceeded to leave Lilith's house. Grimm walked upstairs past Twilight and the others and looked into the room.
"Looks like everything went well HeHe..." Grimm said.
"Better than expected." Lilith said, smiling as she looked at Einna. "Heh... when she wakes up she's going to have an entirely different life..."
- The Next Day -
Einna snored in her sleep again. she tossed in the bed until she was awoken by the door opening.
"Yes it's actually morning this time." Lilith chuckled, setting a tray of food down in front of her. "You didn't eat at all yesterday so you must be starving."
"You read my mind!" Einna said, sitting up from her bed completely healed. "My back is better now too! Things are finally looking up for me!"
"Indeed, now just relax and eat your food." Lilith said, walking towards the door. "Someone is here to see, it should be someone you remember."
"Who is it?" Einna asked, her mouth filled with food.
Lilith opened the door and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna entered the room.
Einna nearly choked on her food as she swallowed it.
"Celestia! L-Luna!" Einna said nervously. "F-Forgive me! It's um... it's a pleasure to see you."
"Hello... Einna, that is what you go by now right?" Celestia asked. "Twilight informed us about who you really were... and at first we were very skeptical on the situation."
"O-Oh, were you?" Einna asked nervously.
"At first we weren't sure if we should allow it... but Twilight and even her friends made a very convincing argument." Luna said, laughing a little. "Also, seeing you fiercely eat that food in bed makes you look quite harmless in my eyes."
"Heh heh... thanks Luna... listen to me Princess Luna, Princess Celestia!" Einna asked. "I promise that I've changed, and I will be a benefit to society! Like my sister here Lilith, you know that demons like us can change! I will do whatever I can to repent for what I did in the past!"
Celestia and Luna smiled as they looked at eachother. "That won't be necessary Einna. We're more than confident that you've changed your ways. All we ask is that you make yourself at home here in Ponyville and live happily. We look forward to seeing you again the future Einna." Celestia said, proceeding to leave the room with Luna.
"Wait! Princess Luna!" Einna called.
"Yes Einna?" Luna responded.
"Is um... is that position you offered me in The Royal Guard still available?" Einna asked nervously.
"Of course Einna, it will always be there for when you decide to take it up." Luna said. "You have all the time in the world to choose a time to join."
"Thank you Princess! I'll keep that in mind!" Einna said, continuing to eat and finish her food.
Princess Celestia and Luna left the room and proceeded outside.
"Well Einna, it looks like you're feeling a lot better now." Lilith said, taking the tray from Einna.
"I feel amazing Lilith! I've finally been given the chance to do what I've always wanted..." Einna said happily. "The only question is... where should I start?"
"I'm glad you brought that up. Before everyone left yesterday, they all wanted to spend more time with you." Lilith said. "It's up to you though who you want to see first."
"Really? All of them? Wow... I didn't expect that!" Einna expressed, giggling with cheer. "Hmm... actually, I think I'd like to hang out with Rainbow Dash first today."
"Rainbow Dash? Really? I expected you to say Pinkie." Lilith said.
"Don't get me wrong, I do want to spend time with her but I think me and her are already on good terms from yesterday... since I am part of her heh heh..." Einna said. "As of now, I want to try and become better friends with everyone else, and what better way to start then with the one who hated me the most!"
"You've got an interesting way of doing things... but I like that about you." Lilith said, walking towards the door with the tray.
"Wait! Do you think I could use your shower before I go? I haven't showered in a while..." Einna said.
"Sure, its down the hall and to the right." Lilith said. "Don't worry about taking off your brooch, my aura is still masking you so you'll be fine."
"Thanks Lilith! I wouldn't have made it this far without you..." Einna expressed.
"You don't have to thank me, we are sisters after all." Lilith said as she smiled.
"Yea... sisters!" Einna said happily.
Einna went into Lilith's bathroom and proceeded to remove her brooch and shawl. Her form returned and she turned on the shower, scrubbing herself and relaxing under the water. When she was finished, she returned to her new form and went downstairs into the living room.
"Well looks who's finally feeling better HeHe... it's nice to see you up Einna HeHe..." Grimm said.
"Thanks Grimm, it's good to finally be up!" Einna said, looking at the clock and noticing it's still early. "Rainbow Dash should be up at this time, she looks like the athletic type."
"Alright Einna, I hope you have a great time with your new friends and basically your new life." Lilith said with a smile as she handed her a small map to Rainbow Dash's House. "Rainbow Dash lives in a Cloud Palace above Ponyville, you can't miss it but if you do somehow, here's a map to show you the way."
"Thanks Lilith! I'll come visit you again the next time I get the chance!" Einna said, hugging Lilith.
"I'll look forward to it." Lilith expressed. "However, don't forget about you know who... when he returns..."
"I haven't forgotten Lilith, and you can bet I won't." Einna said confidently. "When he shows himself here again... you can bet he'll be in for quite the surprise..."
"Again, I looked forward to it..." Lilith said, nudging Einna on.
Einna backed away from Lilith and opened the door. The warm sun shone on her mane and gave her a sense of relaxation and happiness. With an enthusiastic smile, she stepped outside and was ready to experience her new life.
Einna walked out of Lilith's house and into the town. Expecting the townponies to run, most of them looked at her with a smile on their face and they waved at her.
"Hi Einna!" Lyra greeted, as she walked past her.
"H-Hello!" Einna replied nervously as she continued to walk down the street. "I didn't expect everyone to be so welcoming of me..."
Einna looked at the map that Lilith gave her.
"Well if I wanna spend as much time as possible as I can with Rainbow Dash, then I'd better head there as fast as I can!" Einna cheered, attempting to burst down the street with her extreme speed, but instead ended up running at the speed of a normal pony.
"Hmm... it looks like I've lost my super speed and strength along with my power..." Einna said. "Oh well! That's just one step closer to me being even closer with everypony else!"
Einna walked through the town while continuously looking down at her map, trying to figure out where Rainbow's house was.
"Ugh... this is harder than I expected it to be." Einna admitted. "I think... I'll have to ask somepony for directions..."
Einna looked around her and saw a lavender colored pony with spiked light blue hair coming in her direction.
"Come on Einna! You've got to learn how to talk to others than just with Twilight and her friends if you really wanna be comfortable around here!" Einna said, as she took a big gulp and approached the pony. "Umm... hello there!"
"O-Oh... hello there, you're that... one pony that did those horrible things around here a long time ago aren't you?" Cloudchaser asked.
"Well um... yea... that was me... but I've changed now! Really! You don't have to be afraid of me or anything!" Einna expressed.
"Oh I know that, Princess Twilight and the others told the whole town about you. I'm glad that you've had a change of heart! I hope you'll like here in our little town!" Cloudchaser said.
"T-Thanks! I'm looking forward to it too!" Einna said happily. "Um... If you don't mind, I actually need your help with something."
"What is it?" Cloudchaser said.
"Well I'm a little lost actually, do you know where I can find Rainbow Dash's house? I thought maybe as a fellow pegasus yourself you might know where she lived." Einna asked.
"Oh yea! I know where Rainbow Dash lives. Here let me see your map..." Cloudchaser said, moving closer to Einna and explaining direction and marking her map. "Did you get all that?"
"Yes! I did, thank you so much." Einna said thankfully. "Maybe sometime when you're not busy, we could... hang out sometime?"
"Sure! You seem like a really nice pony now, I'd love to be able to get to know you more." Cloudchaser said, smiling and waving Einna goodbye as she walked away.
"Alright! Time to get going!" Einna said, following Cloudchaser's directions and proceeding towards Rainbow's house.
- Below Rainbow Dash's Cloud Palace -
"Well... I finally found it but... how am I supposed to get up there..." Einna questioned. "I may have to ask somepony for help again..."
Einna looked around her and noticed a pony that looked similar to Cloudchaser, only her hair wasn't spiked up.
"Excuse me! H-Hello there!" Einna greeted.
"Hello there, you're that pony Princess Twilight was talking about right? Einna was it?" Flitter said. "It's nice to see you change your ways! Is there something you need?"
"Thanks... and yes actually! Do you think you could um... carry me to the top of Rainbow Dash's Cloud Palace up there? It's embarrassing to ask for such a thing but I don't know any other way to get up there..."
"Hmm... well I could but you wouldn't even be able to stand up there. Only pegasus ponies can stand on clouds." Flitter explained.
"Hmm... since I'm still technically an entity, I think I should be able to walk freely on clouds right? At least it makes sense..." Einna thought. "Oh you don't have to worry about that! I'll be able to walk on the clouds, I have my own... way of doing that."
"Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to fall through and hurt yourself." Flitter expressed. "But if you're sure then I guess I can take you up there."
Flitter flew up behind Einna and picked her up. She carefully flew up and hovered above the cloud, gently releasing Einna on top of it.
"Oh thank goodness..." Einna said, breathing a sigh of relief as she walked along the cloud. "Thanks Flitter! I couldn't have done it without you, I hope to see you again and hang out sometime!"
"I'm surprised that it actually worked! But no problem!" Flitter said, waving as she flew away. "I'd love to hang out with you by the way! Just let me know whenever!"
Einna waved goodbye and walked towards Rainbow Dash's Cloud Palace door. She lifted her hoof and knocked on her door. She took a deep breath and calmed herself as she awaited her answer. After a few seconds of waiting, Rainbow Dash answered and opened the door.
"Einna!? Hey it's great to see you!" Rainbow Dash cheered. "How um... how are you up here actually?"
"Oh I'm still technically an entity remember? The whole "only pegasus's can walk on clouds" thing doesn't really apply to me." Einna explained. "But that's besides the point! I was wondering if maybe you'd wanna... hang out today or something?"
"Are you kidding!? Of course! I was hoping you'd come here actually, I told Lilith yesterday before we left but I didn't know if you'd be feeling better by then." Rainbow Dash said, coming outside and closing her door. "But that doesn't matter! Come on! Let's head out!"
Rainbow Dash grabbed Einna and flew off the cloud towards the fields. Rainbow Dash set Einna on the ground when they arrived.
"So what do you have planned for today Rainbow?" Einna asked.
"Oh you'll see! A while ago I had an Iron Pony competition with Applejack to see which one of us was the strongest!" Rainbow Dash explained. "We're not going to do the entire competition today, just a bunch of the exercises that we had to do! Does that sound alright to you?"
"Yea! Since I lost my super strength and speed, this will be good to see where I stand and I'm sure you're going to destroy me." Einna laughed. "But it's all in good fun right?"
"Ha! Maybe for you! Me on the other hoof, I don't like to lose!" Rainbow Dash expressed. "So don't think I'm gonna go easy on you!"
"Oh so that's how it's gonna be is it?" Einna said, getting her game face on. "Well Rainbow, I'm not gonna let you win so easily, ya got that?"
"Let's see if you can back those words up!" Rainbow Dash said, walking towards a stump and sitting on the other side of it. "Come on! We're starting with hoof wrestling!"
Einna approached the opposite side of the stump and grabbed Rainbow's hoof.
"So... how does this work?" Einna asked.
"It's simple, on the count of 3 we both try as hard as possible to slam the other pony's hoof down to the ground. The one who is able to do it is the winner." Rainbow Dash explained. "We can't move our other hoof though and we can't get up or anything like that."
"Alright then! I think I get it." Einna said, with a psyched look on her face.
"Alright! On the count of 3 okay? 1... 3!" Rainbow Dash yelled, pushing Einna's hoof down to the ground and almost winning right off the bat by catching her off guard.
"Hey! That was a cheap shot." Einna chuckled, struggling to push Rainbow back up. "I may not be as strong as I was... but I think I'm strong enough to deal with you!"
Einna pushed Rainbow Dash all the way back over. Rainbow struggled to maintain her position and push Einna back as her face flushed red. Einna continued to push down until she was about to win, but she started coughing and grabbed her chest with her other hoof. Rainbow Dash saw this opportunity and, with all her strength, pushed Einna back and slammed her hoof to the ground.
"YES! I WIN!" Rainbow Dash cheered. "You put up a good fight there Einna I gotta say!"
"Heh... heh... you got lucky..." Einna said, sweating a little and slightly coughing.
"Are you alright Einna?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"...I'm fine, don't worry, it's just the side effects from me being... me! Remember?" Einna explained, wiping off her swear and standing up. "I'll be fine! Really! This is good for me to get used to it! What's next?"
"Alright then, come on! We got a lot of other events to do!" Rainbow Dash said, trotting into another part of the field.
Throughout the day, Rainbow Dash and Einna did many different events. The exercises consisted of the Barrel Weave to the Haybale Toss to Push ups and a tug of war. Needless to say, Rainbow Dash won most of them with Einna only succeeding in the tug of war. For the last event, they would both compete in a short race around the track.
"Alright Einna! This is the last thing I have planned for today!" Rainbow Dash said, breathing lightly. "We're going to do one lap around this track! The one who completes their lap first is the winner!"
"Alright Rainbow... seems easy enough." Einna said, breathing a little heavier. "Come on! Let's get started."
Rainbow Dash and Einna both took their positions on the track and got ready.
"Ready... SET GO!" Rainbow Dash yelled, as she bursted down the track.
Einna followed swiftly behind Rainbow Dash, increasing her speed continuously until she and Rainbow Dash were neck and neck. Both of them tried to pass each other up, but it was a stalemate of speed halfway across the track.
"I gotta say Einna... you're a lot more athletic than you look..." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm glad though... this wouldn't have been any fun if you were a pushover!..."
"Heh... thanks... Rainbow! You're not so bad yourself... considering you've won almost every event!..." Einna said, breathing heavily. "But I... won't let you win this one!..."
"Yea? Well you're going to have to prove it!" Rainbow Dash challenged, as she pushed herself and started to pass up Einna.
Einna tried to do the same for herself. The finish line was almost there and she pushed herself past her new limits. Instead, she completely lost momentum and started to slow down. She came to a halt and fell to the ground, breathing extremely and sweating profusely. Rainbow Dash, unaware of her condition, continued to run and crossed the finish line.
"HA! I WIN! YES!" Rainbow Dash yelled.
Her celebration was short lived however, as she looked back on the track and saw Einna collapsed.
"Einna!" Rainbow Dash yelled, flying over to her immediately. "Are you alright? What happened?"
"Heh... I guess I need to take my new limits into consideration..." Einna said, still breathing heavily. "Don't worry... I'm fine... I just pushed myself a little too hard..."
"Are you sure? We can go to the hospital if you want." Rainbow Dash asked.
"Heh heh... they won't know how to analyze me... it's alright though Rainbow, I just need to take it easy now." Einna said, getting up carefully while leaning on Rainbow. "This is embarrassing isn't it..."
"Nah it's alright I don't mind. Here, get on my back and I'll carry you back to my place." Rainbow Dash said, getting down so Einna could get on.
Rainbow Dash carefully flew back to her house and opened the door. She walked into her living room and set Einna down on the couch.
"How are you feeling now?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I'm feeling better now Rainbow, like I said I just needed to rest for a little bit and take it easy." Einna said, getting up from the couch. "See? Good as new!"
"That's good, I was worried you may have pushed yourself a little too hard there." Rainbow Dash said, walking into the kitchen. "You want something to eat? You must've worked up an appetite after all of that!"
"Yea I could go for something to eat." Einna said, chuckling.
Rainbow Dash returned with a plate of sandwiches for each of them to pick from.
"Looks tasty!" Einna said, taking a sandwich and biting into it. "Also, thanks for hanging out with me today! I had a lot of fun with you Rainbow! It's also good for me to try and build up some more stamina again."
"I did too Einna! I'm... I'm glad I got to know you better. You're a really nice pony after all!" Rainbow Dash said, eating her sandwich. "We should do it again sometime! You can bet you'll see an improvement when you're with me!"
"Definitely! There's no doubt I'll work up a good sweat when I'm with you!" Einna laughed. "Wow... it's already sunset, time sure flies doesn't it?"
"Yea you said it." Rainbow Dash said, finishing off the food. "Are you full?"
"Mhm, it was plenty of food! Thanks again." Einna said, letting out a small burp. "S-Sorry!"
"Haha! That's nothin! Watch this!" Rainbow Dash said, letting out a huge burp.
"Whoa! Looks like I still have a lot to learn from you!" Einna expressed, laughing with Rainbow.
"...Hey Einna, come with me into the kitchen." Rainbow Dash said. "I have something for you."
Einna followed Rainbow Dash into the kitchen. Rainbow Dash opened the fridge and rummaged through the very back of it.
"I... I normally don't share this is anypony because... well I just love it so much so I like to save it for when I'm craving it." Rainbow Dash said, taking out 2 cups of cider. "...I'd like to share it with you though Einna, to commemorate our new friendship!"
Einna took one of the cups and sniffed it. "Wow! It smells really sweet!" Einna said.
"It's Applejack's signature apple cider. It's my absolute favorite! I try my best to get as much as I can, but Pinkie always somehow gets there before me..." Rainbow Dash said. "But that's besides the point! It may be cold but it's still cider! You're the only one I've shared my stash with Einna!"
"Wow... thanks Rainbow Dash! That... really means a lot to me!" Einna said happily, lifting her cup to Rainbow Dash. "Cheers! To our new friendship!"
Rainbow Dash cheered with Einna as they both drank the cider in one chug.
"WhOA! That tasted amazing! How often does Applejack make these?" Einna asked.
"Unfortunately you showed up just as the cider season was ending. So there won't be anymore until next season." Rainbow Dash admitted.
"Awww... it was so tasty though..." Einna said.
"Well... I do have plenty of cider stocked up... so I guess... you can have some every now and again... but not always! I don't want it to disappear too fast." Rainbow Dash said.
"Really!? Yes! Thank you Rainbow!" Einna squeed, hugging Rainbow Dash.
"Yea yea... but don't tell Pinkie! She's crazy about the stuff too and if she finds out it'll be gone before I can have another drop." Rainbow Dash said.
"No problem! My lips are sealed!" Einna said, looking out the window and seeing it was getting quite late. "It looks like it's getting pretty late out Rainbow, I should probably start heading out now!"
"Alright Einna, come on I'll help you down to the ground." Rainbow Dash said.
Rainbow Dash walked Einna outside and lifted her to the ground.
"I'll look forward to the next time we can hang out Rainbow!" Einna said, waving goodbye to her.
"Me to Einna! I'll cya later!" Rainbow Dash said, flying back into her Cloud Palace.
Einna began walking back to Lilith's house. It was nightfall at this time but there were still ponies outside conversing and walking around. Einna arrived at Lilith's house and knocked on her door.
"Einna? I didn't expect to see you here this late." Lilith said. "How was your day with Rainbow Dash?"
"It was great! I had an amazing time with her! Don't worry I'm not coming in or anything, I just wanted to ask for a favor." Einna said. "Would you mind making me a small map to Applejack's Farm, Rarity's Place, and Fluttershy's Place? I know where Pinkie and Twilight live already."
"Oh yea, sure no problem. Just give me a minute." Lilith said, taking a few pieces of paper and writing directions on them. She then labeled them and handed them to her. "There, you should be able to find them no problem now."
"Thanks Lilith, I'll let you know how things are going tomorrow!" Einna said, waving goodbye as she left.
Einna continued down the street, seeing other ponies waving at her with smiles. She walked back to her house, opened the door and turned on the lights.
"Been a few days since I was here..." Einna said, walking towards a mirror and looking at her brooch. She turned around walked towards her fireplace, turning it on and listening to the sounds of her fireplace crackling in the quiet abode. "It sure it a lot quieter here... with no one to talk to..."
Einna walked upstairs and opened her bedroom door. She got into her bed and got underneath the covers.
"...Why am I feeling sad? I have friends now! The friends I've always wanted!" Einna expressed. "Instead of feeling sad, I should be happy and excited! Tomorrow I'm gonna go see Applejack and then Rarity..."
Einna giggled in bed as she thought about the upcoming days she would spend with her new friends. She turned out the lights and, despite her excitement, quickly fell asleep with a smile on her face.
"So you've survived have you?" Hermaeus Mora's voice echoed. "Well that's unfortunate... but I have some ways of dealing with that..."
"HUH!?" Einna said, sitting up from bed, profusely sweating. "W-What?... Oh... I was only dreaming..."
"Not exactly." Hermaeus Mora said, his voice echoing from the brooch.
"WHAT!? MORA!?" Einna yelled. "YOU'RE BACK ALREADY?"
"No no my dear, I'm still experimenting with Eternal Sleep in that wonderful place of Las Pegasus that we used as your back story." Hermaeus Mora said. "But of course, I created that brooch so naturally it would be connected with me."
"W-Wait! You knew I was alive this whole time?" Einna said nervously.
"Of course, you think that masking your aura would fool me? I'm afraid I'm smarter than that dear." Hermaeus Mora said. "In any case, you're starting to become an extreme annoyance to me Einna... you seem to be quite fond of that brooch... let me help you with that."
The brooch revealed it's black tentacles again, throwing Einna's shawl off as they began to dig into her chest.
"WHA! AUGH!" Einna grunted, as she dropped to the ground. "What... What are you doing... to me..."
"I'm bringing back what you should've been all this time..." Hermaeus Mora said ominously.
The tentacles dug deep into her chest and spread out inside. The tentacles pulsed almost like veins as they could slightly be seen under her skin. The jewel was the only visible part and it was fused with her chest, emitting a pulsing green glow.
"What did you do to me!? MORA!" Einna screamed. "WHAT DID YOU DO!?"
"Tell me Einna, what do you think is born when a manifestation of negativity... represses her negativity? Does it all just disappear? Or does it curdle into something far worse?" Hermaeus Mora chuckled. "Oh, and have fun trying to make friends with any more ponies out there... I don't think anyone was able to get any sleep last night due to some... unfortunate visions."
"Visions? What!? What does that mean!? Mora! Mora answer me!" Einna cried. "Don't leave me! MORA!"
Einna stood up quietly as Hermaeus Mora did not respond. She tugged on her brooch but it was no use, it was now permanently attached to her.
"What did he mean by that? Ponies weren't able to get any sleep last night because of... visions? I don't understand his riddles..." Einna said, tiredly walking to the bathroom and opening the cupboard. "Where's my comb... I need to start getting ready..."
Einna closed the cupboard. Suddenly, in the mirror of the cupboard she saw a black, shadowy figure with no legs floating behind her for a split second with a large grin on it's face and bright green eyes.
"AH!" Einna yelled, turning around to see nothing there. "Wha... am I... I could've sworn there was... alright calm down Einna, you're just overreacting... you're a changed pony... you have nothing to be afraid of..."
Einna went into the shower and sat under the hot water for longer than usual. The water relaxed her and made her feel drearier and drearier.
"If you're going to fall asleep be my gueeest... it'll benefit me more than it will yooou..." The Voice whispered with a silent laugh.
"HUH!?" Einna panicked, looking all around her as the shower continued to beat down on her. "Oh my celestia... I'm starting to lose it... I'm hearing voices and I'm seeing things..."
Einna stood up and turned off the shower. She dried herself off and went downstairs into the living room.
"I guess I'll go see Applejack today... she'll probably make me help around the farm but that's fine... maybe it'll help me wake up..." Einna said, opening her front door and proceeding outside.
The second that Einna began walking outside she knew that something was wrong. She saw ponies walking around slower than usual with tired eyes. She saw that some ponies who caught her gaze were struck with sudden terror.
"What... What's going on? I thought that everypony was alright with me now..." Einna questioned. She looked at her map and made her way towards Sweet Apple Acres. As she was walking, she saw Cloudchaser from yesterday who also looked exhausted.
"H-Hey Cloudchaser!" Einna greeted.
"AH!" Cloudchaser yelled, falling to the ground and cowering. "C-Cloudchaser? What's wrong? Are you okay?"
Cloudchaser cowered until she slowly lifted her head up to see Einna's face.
"O-Oh... it's you... Einna." Cloudchaser said, slowly getting up and yawning. "S-Sorry... I thought you were something else at first..."
"What's wrong with everypony Cloudchaser? Why is everypony tired and... afraid of me again?" Einna questioned.
Just as Cloudchaser was about to respond, she saw the shadowy figure emerge above Einna. It started at her with her deep green eyes as it let out a vibrant breath.
"I... I... I GOTTA GO EINNA!" Cloudchaser yelled, speeding past her in fright.
"Awww that's a shaaame... I was hoping things would get interesssting..." The Shadow said eerily, receding back into Einna.
"What!? Wait! Cloudchaser!" Einna yelled. "What is going on!..."
Einna shook her head and continued to Sweet Apple Acres. She arrived at the farm and saw a few ponies working drearily. She walked around and found Applejack struggling to kick the trees.
"Applejack!" Einna greeted. "H-Hi there!"
"Huh? What?" Applejack said, turning around and seeing the shadowy figure floating above Einna.
"NO! Not you again! Please!" Applejack said, backing up to the tree and dropping the apples in the basket.
"Applejack! Applejack it's me!" Einna cried, walking closer to her. "What's the matter with you Applejack?"
"Yessss? What's the matter Applejaaaack?" The Shadow said menacingly.
"NO STOP GET AWAY!" Applejack yelled. "HAVEN'T YOU TORTURED US ENOUGH!?"
"APPLEJACK!" Einna yelled, slapping her across the face.
"OUCH!" Applejack said, holding her face and looking back up seeing only Einna. "E-Einna? Oh... it's only you."
"Applejack what happened? Why is everyone so tired and... afraid of me again!?" Einna asked desperately.
"Oh it's hard to explain Einna... all ah know is that last night, pretty much the entire town had nightmares and couldn't sleep..." Applejack said, picking up her apples. "When ah saw you... you looked like the thing that was IN the nightmare..."
"M-Me? I was causing the nightmare?" Einna said sadly.
"Ah didn't say you were the cause of the nightmare, I'm just sayin you looked like the thing that was in it..." Applejack yawning and starting to snore a little, and then rapidly awakening quite scared. "AGH!"
"Are you okay!?" Einna asked.
"I'm... I'm fine... it's just that every time ah close my eyes... I see that... thing." Applejack said. "Look Einna, I'm guessing you came over here because you'd wanna hang out or something and I appreciate that. But I'm just too tired right now to do anything else..."
"Oh... I see. It's okay... I understand." Einna said. "I hope that this nightmare thing doesn't continue..."
"You and me both..." Applejack said, drearily bucking apples. "Why don't you go see Fluttershy or something... she usually doesn't do anything big... and if she's a victim of this nightmare like the rest of us... then she may need a friend right about now..."
"Alright! I'll go do that! Please take care Applejack." Einna said, turning around and leaving the farm.
Einna made her way through town, seeing ponies trying to fall asleep on tables but then violently waling up with fear. She arrived at Fluttershy's cottage and knocked on her door.
"W-Who's there? No one's home! Go away!" Fluttershy said nervously.
"Fluttershy? It's me! Einna! I came to see if you're alright!" Einna said.
"E-Einna?" Fluttershy said, slowly walking towards the door and opening it, only being greeted by a haunting gaze of deep, green eyes. "WAHHH!"
Fluttershy slammed the door and locked it tightly.
"F-Fluttershy! Fluttershy please! I want to help you! Fluttershy!" Einna cried, but there was no answer afterwards. "DARN IT!"
Einna yelled out of anger and turned away from Fluttershy's cottage.
"...Why! Why is this happening when I was FINALLY happy..." Einna said disgruntled. "...Maybe I should go see Lilith! I'm sure she's got an answer for this! She couldn't have succumbed to the nightmares since she doesn't need sleep right? She has to have an answer..."
Einna ran through town and arrived at Lilith's house. She banged on the door out of desperation, which Lilith opened shortly after.
"Lilith! Are you okay!? The whole town is suffering and... and... everyone is afraid of me again!" Einna cried. "You have to have an idea of what's going on right Lilith!?"
Lilith looked above Einna and saw the shadowy figure waving at her with a smile. She proceeded to look down at her chest and saw the throbbing green veins in her skin with the jewel.
"...We need to talk." Lilith said, inviting her inside.
Einna followed Lilith inside and into the living room. She saw Grimm sound asleep on the couch like usual.
"Grimm isn't affected?" Einna asked.
"Grimm is weird, she doesn't care but that's besides the point." Lilith said, walking closer to Einna and touching her brooch. She began channeling her energy into it but it responded with the tentacles inside Einna tightening and electrocuting her.
"...Interesting, it looks like the brooch has bonded to your vitals..." Lilith said sorrowfully. "Which means it can't be removed without putting your life in extreme danger."
"Well why does the brooch matter? What's it doing to my body?" Einna questioned.
"The brooch itself isn't doing anything... what it is doing is acting as a medium to you." Lilith explained. "A medium for that thing that's now inhabiting your body."
"Thing? What thing!? There's something inside of me!?" Einna panicked.
"You haven't noticed? I would have expected it to be easy to notice when you're awake." Lilith said.
"What!? I don't... I don't get it what's happening!?" Einna asked frantically.
Alright, I'm going to explain everything to you so pay attention... There's another entity inhabiting your body as we speak. My guess is that it's probably the manifestation of what you used to be... only this time even more concentrated than what you were." Lilith explained. "You're probably thinking, how can another entity be born from an entity? Well you were never supposed to exhibit feelings of happiness or joy or bliss, but you did. Now what do you think happened to all those feelings? You think that they all just disappeared? No, they're still there and you're still harboring them. They will NEVER disappear."
"But... But if that's the case, then how did they just... awake again!?" Einna asked.
"The brooch. Hermaeus Mora must obviously be aware of your presence and used his power to awaken those feelings again inside of you, only this time making it separate from you... sort of." Lilith explained. "Last night while you were sleeping is when I'm guessing it was awakened. It possessed you while you were sleeping and only then can it use it's power. In this case, it seems to be causing havoc by indirectly invading the dreams of ponies and tormenting them since it doesn't have a physical form."
"So... you're telling me that when I fall asleep it'll take over again?" Einna asked.
"Unfortunately yes, since it can only take you over when you're not conscious. That brooch gives that entity the ability to awaken even while you're awake, but it can't do anything besides observe." Lilith explained. "It's odd though... it doesn't look like it can separate from you... it's like it's stuck to you, it may be that it can't survive without a host. It's like an umbilical cord to a mother, only parasitic."
"This is... this is unbelievable..." Einna cried. "Even when I'm not trying to be hurtful... I end up hurting everyone..."
"I'm sorry Einna... Mora really thought of everything this time..." Lilith expressed. "You can't really do anything to stop it... even though it's living off of you. Even if you were to end your life in a last ditch effort, that would just give the entity the opportunity to inhabit your now hollow body..."
"...I may not be able to do much... but you can Lilith!" Einna expressed. "You can help me protect our friends at the very least!"
"Me? What do you want me to do?" Lilith asked.
"You can protect their minds! You're a stronger entity than I am by far! Y-You must be able to apply some kind of protection to them somehow!" Einna pleaded. "Please Lilith! I'm begging you!"
"...I can probably provide protection for their minds... but ONLY their minds. The rest of the town I can't help sadly..." Lilith said. "It'll take a lot of my power to maintain consistently... so if I do this, it'll be up to you to figure out what to do afterwards."
"I already know that Mora is the key... but we can't get to him until he returns..." Einna said. "Which means I have to prep for whenever that day comes..."
Lilith closed her eyes and gathered her energy as her horn glew a dark, red color. She opened her eyes and she walked outside and released it into 6 different directions.
"There... it's done..." Lilith said tiredly. "I'll keep the barrier up until Mora's return, whenever that may be..."
"Will you be okay?" Einna asked. "I don't want this to be a huge burden on you."
"It's fine, it's not that it's hard to maintain but rather it takes a lot of my energy to split it in so many different ways." Lilith said. "I'll just be a little more tired is all, other than that I'll be fine... I think you should start heading back now and confront that... thing in the comfort of your own home... it's almost nightfall after all."
"You're right... but before I go... do you have anything to eat? I haven't eaten anything all day and I'm starved heh heh..." Einna blushed.
Lilith rolled her eyes.
"Come with me..." Lilith said, going into her kitchen and warming up some leftovers from the night before. Einna munched on them and quickly devoured the plate.
"Better?" Lilith asked.
"Better." Einna laughed nervously. "Alright, I'll head back now. I'll try my best Lilith!"
"I wouldn't expect any less." Lilith said, waving Einna goodbye.
Einna walked through the barren streets of the town. It seems everyone went home early for sole purpose of catching up on sleep.
"I'm so sorry everypony... I promise I'll save all of you!" Einna said, running back home as fast as she could.
When she arrived at her house she quickly opened her door and slammed it shut, locking it tightly behind her. She then sat on her couch in front of the fireplace and took a deep breath.
"HEY! SPIRIT THING WHATEVER YOU ARE! ANSWER ME!" Einna yelled. "I KNOW YOU'RE THERE!"
"You don't haaave to yell you knooow... I am a part of yooou..." The Shadow said, emerging from Einna.
The Shadow had no visible appearance except it's shape was a mirror image of Einna. The Shadow was completely black and only it's eyes and mouth had a glowing green color. It seemed to speak in an echoing, whispered tone that dragged out some of the words it spoke. She was emerging from the back of Einna's neck and only had her 2 front hooves since the bottom half of her body was merely a shadowy amalgamation. Einna turned around and looked at the entity with it's haunting gaze.
"Who are you!? Why are you doing this to everyone!?" Einna asked.
"Those are quite odd quessstions to start wittth... why am I doing this to everyonnnne?... Because I can obviooously... why would I neeeed any other reasooon?..." The Shadow explained. "You should already knooow the answer to that firssst question... but I suppose it would be easssier to address me if I had a naaame... you may call meeee... Annie."
"Well... Annie... I still don't understand why you're doing this! What do you have to gain from torturing innocent ponies!?" Einna asked.
"Are you being seeerious right now? Honessstly? I'm the reborn evil that was insssside you... I exissst for one reason and one reasson alooone..." Annie explained. "That's to cause paaain and sorrrrow to everyone arooound me... you had the same reasons for when yooou awoke for the verrry firssst timmme..."
"I... you're..." Einna said angrily. "...You're right, that was my reason... WAS MY REASON! But I've changed since then! I've turned into something I was never supposed to be! You can do the same! I can hel-"
"I have nooo interest in anything else Einnna... besidesss, even if you were to somehow channnge me... the cycle would jussst repeat... over and over againnn..." Annie said. "I don't have annny intention of changinnng though howevvver... and I don't intend to ssstop with my tormennnnt..."
"...Fine, if that's the way you're going to be! Then I'll stop you! I will find a way to stop you and I will save everypony from your torment!" Einna yelled. "I've already protected my friends! So you can't hurt them anymore!"
Yesss yesss... I'm quite aware of the barrrrier you erected for your friennnds... Howeverrrr, not being able to torturrre 6 minds when I can stilll torturrre an entirrre town... doesn't exactly bother meee..." Annie expressed.
"Just you wait! I will... stop you!" Einna said, rubbing her eyes. "I'm not going to let you-"
"Shouldn't you be heeeading to bed? You loook quite tireeed..." Annie said, silently laughing.
"Ugh... If only I didn't have to sleep like Lilith..." Einna said, slowly walking upstairs to her bedroom. "I'm sorry everypony... I swear I'll make up for everything..."
Einna got under the covers and reluctantly started to fall asleep. As she was closing her eyes, she could see and feel Annie dragging her shadowy hoof across her side and onto her head. She hovered above Einna's head and began to sing an eerie song.
"Mommmy... daddddy why am I crying?... Everyone I looove is dying...
Lay my head dooown on the bed... Everyone I knooow is dead...
Reeeaper, reeeaper go away... No one heeere wants to play...
Someone saaave me, someone pleeease... Stuck here in my memorieees...
Toys will make the reeeaper dead... Now I've become the killer insteeead....."
