> A Cursed Soul > by pvzMLP > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My box finally unwound and I appeared on the center stage of the run down pizzarea known as "Freddy Fazbears Pizza". To some this place is a childhood dream come true to others......it's a nightmare. This place IS my nightmare. I was once a normal boy going to this place for my friends birthday party, but for some reason I was locked out. I pounded on the door trying to get somebody's attention, but no-one came. Except "HIM!" He stopped his car out front opening the door. The first thought that ran through my head when I saw him was 'This guy must like the color purple'. He walked over to me asked me what was wrong. I told him I couldn't get in to my friends party. He knelt down to me and gave a cupcake he had in a container in the front seat. He told me he was saving them for a special occasion. I thanked him for it as he drove away. That mistake is what cost me my LIFE. Memories aside I noticed that I wasn't in my puppet form I was in my spirit form. The second thing I noticed was the animatronics aren't on stage which makes no sense. They were shut down years ago. So then that must mean my friends are controlling them. But why? We all agreed to just roam the pizzaria in our spirit form. And only take control of the animatronics only if...... HE'S HERE. We all agreed to stop controlling the animatronics when Mike left and to only control them unless that purple menace comes back , he always comes back. In another room somewhere in the restaurant I could hear metal footseps, an axe hitting metal, a recognizeable screech and silence. "He's not leaving this pizzaria alive this time!" I said to myself in a demonic echoe. I walked off the stage following the metal footsteps of foxys feet through the dust until I found him and the others. They were dismantled there heads all in a row with the lights flickering out of their head. I looked towards the one door we couldn't enter as ANIMATRONICS. As I walked through the doorway my friends spirits appeared in the doorway surrounding the only escape exit. And in the middle of the room standing there petrified was the killer of us all, the one reason we are trapped in this place, the one reason we killed all those security guards thinking it was him because of the purple clothing he wore when he killed us. It's the purple guy. "W-w-what? B-but I killed you. How is this happening? Who are you!? What are you?!?" He screamed backing up to the left wall with me slowly walking up to the cause of all that has happend in this cursed pizzaria. And I couldn't help but let out a demonic chuckle at how terrified he is right now. "IT'S ME" I said in my terrifying demonic voice. His eyes kept darting around the room looking for something, anything to help him until his eyes locked onto a golden bunny animatronic suit that he recognized from all those years ago when he still worked in this restaurant chain. The Springtrap suit. Seeing his opportunity to save himself he dashed for it at a speed that would impress Foxy. "You can't hurt me now you demonic little brats!" He laughed as he got up looking at the kids he killed all those years ago now a ghost. "These suits are basically indestructible so there's now way you can stop me now! HAHAHAHAH-" He suddenly gasped out in pain as the suits springlocks presses in on slowly making dripping waterfall from the hinges of suit. As he was screaming in pain I looked back at my friends to suddenly see them start floating into the air flying through the cracks in the building into the sky for the fate that awaits them. Me? I'm still here while my friends are going to those pearly white gates. I looked down suddenly realizing I must be going to see the devil. My friends killed the night gaurds, I give them life and I have to go to hell?!? I broke down right there sobbing waiting my terrible fate. But that never happened I looked up to see some form of light approaching me. I stood up cautiously not sure it'll harm me. Then suddenly it shot towards me enveloping me in a warm light. As I struggled against I felt as if everything was fine and I felt like laughing so that's what I laughed for the first time in years and it felt. In fact I felt so happy I didn't even notice I was suddenly in my box as the puppet. I looked around in sadness realizing it was all a dream the purple guy was still alive and I'm still trapped here I felt like sobbing but I could only make gasping sonuds. Then suddenly someone opened the box. Or should I say somepony? ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. EQUESTRIA, PONYVILLE, TWILIGHT SPARKLES LIBRARY It was a dull day to say the least for Twilight Sparkle. Why you ask? Because she couldn't think of anything she hasn't already done yet so she decided to sit in the crystal map room thinking of something just anything to do. With a groan she threw her head and front hooves over her seat. Spike came in hearing Twilight's groan of boredom which she never does! "What's wrong Twilight? You seem depressed." he asked stopping at the doorway. "I don't know Spike. It's just I can't think of anything to do today." She said with a .... bored expression on her face. Spike was about to suggest somthing until the jingle of a music box could be heard outside."Spike do you hear that?" The drake quickly nodded his head. "Come on let's go check it out." She said trotting past Spike who was now jogging to catch up with her. As they exited the crystal castle she noticed other ponies were gathered around some sort of giant present with a tiny music box sitting next to it. As she approached the box the ponies moved out of the way while Twilights friends trotted up behind her. The first to speak was Rainbow Dash"Uhh Twilight do you know what this is?" She asked mothioning towards the box. "I'm not sure what it is." She said examining the box and the music box next to it. "Isn't it obvious? It's a present and a pony-in-the-box!" Giggled Pinkie at how clueless her friends could be. "Well I know that it's just ... what is it doing here?" She asked looking around at her friends who just shrugged in response to her question. Suddenly the music box stopped and they could hear the sounds of a child sobbing in the box. They all gasped at hearing there was a child crying in this box. So without further hesitation she used her magic to quickly open the box only to find it wasn't a pony. > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARRIONETTES P.O.V I could not believe what I was seeing right now. I've seen some strange things in the pizzaria like a strange shadow that looks like Bonnie, but this, this took the cake. Staring right down at me was a purple unicorn( they had some books in the restaurant for kids so he knows) that was looking around in confusion at me. "Umm are you......real?" She asked hesitantly not sure what this creature was or why it was here in the first place. She was still looking down at me waiting for a response. All I did was stare at this talking equin unicorn. Until the silence was broken from a very timid sounding pony. "Umm Twilight can you tell us who or what is in that box please, I-I mean if you want to that is."with Twilight turning her friend to answer her friends question I slowly rose from my box standing on my tiny stubbs I call legs. As I got a view of my surrounding area I noticed the harsh glare of the sun beating down on his white mask. As I adjusted to the light Twilight s friends froze in shock at what appeared behind her. Standing at six feet tall this thing was horrifying. 3rd Person A very thin body, arms and legs. Three long appendages on each end of its arm. But that isn't what they saw at first. The first thing they saw was that horrifying pale white face, rosy cheeks, purple "tears?" running down from its eyelids, a carved smile on its face and lastly those ghostly white eyes. It was enought to make Applejack and Rainbow Dash back up with a fearful expression on their faces. Pinkies mane deflated and held on to a shivering Rarity soon joining her in shivering. Fluttershy just simply fainted right there her hooves all pointing up in the air. Twilight tipped her head to side confused and scared by her friends a actions. She was going to ask what's wrong, until she noticed the large shadow overlapping her shadow by a few feet. Turning around slowly in fear of what was behind her she slowly looked up meeting the horrifying eyes of the puppet. In doing so she instantly cowered into a ball hooves covering her eyes tears slowly started forming around her eyes waiting for whatever this "thing" is going to do her. That never came instead when she lifted her head up she was greeted with a small present being held by the puppet. Twilight was still petrified to do anything so the puppet decided to take the wrapping paper off the box and opening the tape on the flaps with his long fingers. Leaving the open box at her hooves she looked down to see what appeared to be a plushie version of the puppet. Levitating the plushie in front of her face before she put it down in the box looking smiling at the kind gift. "Th-thank you." She said to him looking at his face.(Or mask) Her friends slowly trotted up to her and Rainbow even managed to bring Fluttershy to back to the waking world to see the puppet give Twilight the plushie. Still wary of motives they slowly stopped next to Twilight looking up at the Puppet. Then Twilight opened her mouth to speak but stopped realizing she couldn't think of anything so Fluttershy was the first to speak."Umm c-c-can y-you tell us y-your n-n-n-name p-p-please?" She stuttered they all looked up at him waiting for his response . Then it spoke as if it had a second voice talking at the same(think chyrsalis)"My name is the Marrionette." > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd person "That's an interesting name. Well my name is Twilight Sparkle and these are my best friends. Girls introduce yourselves. Twilight told them turning around. Then Applejack stepped forward and held out her hoof to shake Marrionettes. "Nice meetin ya Marrionette my names Applejack and I run an apple orchard here in ponyville." She stated proudly lifting her head. "Nice to meet you Applejack I hope we can be the best of friends." The Marrionette said shaking her hoof with is three digit hand. Applejack backed up as Rainbow stepped forward. Flying to look him straight in the eye. "The names Rainbow Dash. Fastest flyer in all of equestria and weathermare to ponyvilles weather team." She stated in a tomboyish voice. "Pleasure to meet you." Marrionette said holding out his hand to shake her hoof which she hesitantly took. Backing up Rarity took the spotlight(That was a joke) and stood before the Marrionette holding her hoof out to shake his hand. "My name is Rarity a clothes designer and ponyvilles fashionista. Pleasure to meet you." She told him with a friendly smile and a voice that makes her sound like she belongs to royalty. "The pleasure is all mine." He told her shaking her hoof. As she stepped back Fluttershy stepped forward her face covered by her mane and looking at the ground. "H-hi m-m-my n-name i-i-i-is F-f-fluttershy." She told him still looking at the ground too shy to face him. "Nice meeting you Fluttershy." He told her as she started backing Pinkie Pie jumped forward jumping still while talking to the Marrionette at incredible speeds. "HimynameisPinkiePienicetomeetyouareyounewintowndon'tthinkI'veseenyoubeforeit'sgreattoseenewfacesaroundandifyoulikeitIcangiveatourofouramazingtownandIdidn'taskyouifyoulikeparties. Welldoyouhuhuhuh?!?" She said to him in just in just one breath. "A....party. I haven't hosted one in along time. Sure I love parties I was made to make kids happy by giving them these toys and a music box like mine." He told them which received curious stares from them. Twilight then stepped forward. "What do you mean you were made to entertain kids?" Twilight asked him speaking everyones thoughts on what he just told him. "This will take awhile we may need to go somewhere more comfortable for an explanation." Notioning to the fact that they were standing outside. "Alright follow us you can explain it to us when we get to the crystal library." She told him in which he tilted his head to the side. "Crystal..... Library?" He asked unsure if he heard right. In response Twilight just pointed her hoof down to the end of the road to a crystal tree with a sign in front that said 'Crystal Library'. Marrionette only had one word to say."Touche." > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marrionette P.O.V "Well then let's get going." Twilight said ending my thoughts on this crystal library. They all walked down the middle of the while I decided to walk instead of float deciding not to explain I was a ghost in a Puppet suit. As we walked down the path I noticed some ponies standing outside their house looking at me in confusion and fear. I then noticed that a mint green unicorn was looking at me then to a picture in her hand. 'Comparing me something?' I thought as we walked by her. I then realized that while they were staring at me they didn't run away in fear they just stood there. "Twilight?" I asked gaining her attention."Why aren't they running away from me? Some looked petrified when they looked at me but they didn't run away. Do you know why?" I asked with a tilt of my head. She thought about it for a moment before coming to a conclusion. "Well it might be because of us." She told him in which he tilted his head again. "Alright let me explain. I'm a princess and me and my friends are the bearers of the Elemants of Harmony. That and we saved equestria six times so far." She finished with a proud smile. "That's....impressive." That's all I had to say though Rainbow had other thoughts. "What do you mean that's impressive!?! That's freakin awesome!!!" She shouted while doing a backflip. "Well it's just where I come from six people saving the world on their own is unheard of so I just don't know what to think about it so sorry if I offended you." I finishedd while Rainbow flew up to my face. "That's alright we probably wouldn't have saved equestria if it wasn't for the Elements of Harmony." She finished flying back to her position floating above the group. Five minutes of walking later and we are standing outside the crystal library. It looked interesting but it looked like an eyesore."Hey, where's Pinkie?" I asked suddenly realizing she was gone. The girls just looked at me with a smile on their faces." You should go in first." Twilight told me with a smirk. I just walked ahead of Twilight opening door and.... "SUPRISE!!!" > Chapter 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Confetti and streamers fell down from the ceiling as I opened the door to see party decorations, cake, cupcakes and a large number of ponies I saw in the streets walking to here. As the noise died down everypony took a moment to look at me in confusion before Pinkie jumped out from the middle of the group of ponies and bounced over to me. "Pinkie what-what is this? And how did you manage it?" I asked tilting my head to the side at the impossible act she pulled off making a party this fast. She just giggled at my questions. "Well silly this is your welcome to ponyville party!" She exclaimed pointing to a giant banner where the words 'WELCOME TO PONYVILLE' was painted. "It's a party a throw to whoever moves into ponyville or visits for a couple days!" She told me to which I was utterly dumbfounded(Though with me being a robot with a mask on they couldn't see) "But, why? I only just met you today and you're throwing me a party? As a matter of fact HOW did you set this up?" The disbelief in my voice clearly visible. I then felt somepony poking me and turned my head to see Twilight just looking at me with a determined expression on her face. "Don't ask. It's just Pinkie being Pinkie." She told me in which I tilted my head to the side. That caused her to sigh."Just don't think about it too much it will just cause a headache. It's easier to just accept it." She told me shivering as if she remembered something painful. As I turned my head to Pinkie I could hear Twilight mutter." Never again." "Alright so what Twilight told me I'm not gonna ask, but why are they here?" I asked Pinkie pointing towards the random ponies confusion seeping from my voice." I don't even know them." Just then a pony with a blue coat and a white and blue mane stepped out of the crowd."Because everpony deserves a nice warm welcome to a new place when they meet new ponies." She told me before tilting her head to the side a smile on her face." Hi Twilight!" She told her with a wave. "Hi Minuette!" She said to her with a smile on her face. All attention was brought back to me as the mane six walked out from behind me with a smile on their faces."You see in this town we accept everypony for who they are and we welcome them with warm hooves cause then you'd barely get a chance to meet anypony. So we'd like to know what do you think?" Twilight asked me pulling her five friends close for a group hug all smiling at me. I felt a surge of happiness inside me and I felt tears rolling down my mask. These ponies that I just met are throwing me a party." Thank you so much." I told them to which they smiled even brighter. "Now that that's out of the way..." Pinkie began as she reached to the side to pull out a colorful cannon" LET'S PARTY!!" She pulled the string on the cannon and more confetti popped out and so did party hats conveniently landing on mine and everyponies head. Throughout the party I met some nice ponies like Ditzy Doo, Doctor Whooves, Minuette, Big Macintosh. And as the party came to a close I saw the mint green unicorn I saw walking to the Crysal library come to me with an earth pony with a light yellow coat and a blue and pink mane walk up to me. The mint green unicorn was the first one to talk to me. "Hi my name is Lyra Heartstrings and I just help but notice that your body figure looks awfully like a human. So are you?" She asked with wide eyes and smile on her face. The earth pony next to her just groaned in annoyance. "Lyra this is ridiculous there is no such thing as humans so please just leave this nice stallion alone." She asked her with a small glare on her face. "But Bon Bon he hasn't given an answer yet. You never know he could just be a human in costume.'GASP' Are you a human in a costume?" She asked with a her smile back on her face. Bon Bon justed sighed in defeat." I'm going home now. Lyra don't stay out too late." She told her exiting the building. I then turned my attention back to Lyra still looking at me with a smile on her face. I bent down and whispered into her hear."Stay after the party and I'll tell you along with the mane six." She just gasped and hugged her where I slowly returned the hug in which she just walked away to the food tables. Thirty minutes later it was just me, the mane six and Lyra. She helped them clean up where I with my tall height got to the harder to reach places. Soon the place was back to normal. I was about to call everypony back to where I was standing before a bright flash of light appeared in the middle of the stairs while I was adjusting to the bright light I heard everypony gasp. "PRINCESS CELESTIA!! > Chapter 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As my eyes adjusted to light I saw another alicorn standing in the middle of the room. What stood out about her was her ethereal mane with the colors of green, blue, and pink flowing around her as if it was caught in an endless breeze. She looked around before her eyes landed on me. I saw no fear in her eyes no confusion she just......stared at me. "Celestia what are you doing here? If you told us you were coming we could have prepared for your arrival." Thankfully Twilight was the one who broke that awkward silence. Celestia turned around and smiled at Twilight as she trotted over to her the rest of the mane six-and Lyra- bowed to her like any other subject. "Arise my little ponies." She told them in which they rose and looked at her and smiled at this kindhearted ruler."Sorry I didn't send a letter for my arrival, but I felt a strange surge of magic appear in the center of town when I went to investigate all I found was a present box and music box. Do you know what could have caused this magic and what those items are?" She asked them with confusion in her voice. Twilight was about to speak up, but I beat her to it. "That would be me Celestia." At the sound of my voice she turned around to see me standing at my full height which was foot taller than her. "I will happily explain my appearance and that strange magic so-" I wasn't able to finish my sentence before a strange glow surrounded my body and was lifted into air brought down to eye level with Celestia who was glaring straight into the white dots that are in my black outlined eyes." You will not harm my subjects." She said to me a threat in her voice. "Celestia!! What are you doing!?!" Twilight yelled at her former mentor horrified at what she was doing to me. "This thing is filled with dark magic and only dark magic. The only other being with this amount of dark magic is Sombra and we know how that turned out!" She yelled to her student and this angered me. She was going to harm me all because of the magic I use. Then I heard a sound that would seal everyones fates THE SOUND OF A CLOCK STRIKING TWELVE > Chapter 6 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3RD PERSON The Marrionette was trying his absolute hardest to not give into the curse of the time. But it was a futile effort. His mind was slowly losing consciousness to his curse. And so the strings of sanity were broken. 'Everyones gonna die' Was the last thought that crossed his mind before he lost control. The ponies were having a hard time wrapping their heads around what was happening. Celestia looked as if she was going to rip his head off. "Celestia! You don't have to kill him he said he was going to explain himself after the party!" Twilight yelled at her former mentor not believing that she was going to kill him because of the magic he uses. Celestia heard her pleas and looked at her with a solemn expression on her face. "Twilight, this much dark magic cannot be controlled by anything! Didn't you see what happened to Sombra? This much dark magic can lead to millions of dea-" She wasn't able to finish her sentence before a three fingered hand wrapped around her thought lifting her into the air her hooves trying to take his hold of her. The girls and Lyra gasped in shock and fear at what he was going to do to her. Pinkie Pie on the other hand went running off in the direction of Spikes room? Though that didn't matter to them what mattered was what the Puppet would do to Celestia. He then pulled her close to his masked face. She tried speaking, but only pained gasps escaped her muzzle. He then spoke to her in the most demonic voice anypony in the room has ever heard. "I'm out of my box, I've broken the locks, and now I'm able to roam free, get my revenge, I will not end, not until he is killed by me, IT'S ME." He than had his left hand pulled behind his back his sharp fingers glinting in the light before moving forward toward Celestias chest. Every pony readied themselves for the sound of flesh ripping. That is until a music box was heard. They all opened their eyes seeing Pinkie holding a windup music box in her hooves. The Puppet then fell to the ground landing on his back the white light drained from his eyes. Celestia gasping for air her subjects rushing towards her to make sure she's alright. "I am *gasp* alright my little ponies." She told them through pained breathes. Her gaze then shifted to the Puppet. Trotting over she levitated him his body dangling like a corpse. Twilight then walked up behind her. "What are we going to do with?" She asked her mentor worried that the Puppet would attack them. "I want answers and he's the only one who can answer them. We are going to wait till he wakes up. Until then we keep that music box wound up." She told them bluntly. They then all took a seat waiting, but knowing till six A.M for these answers they want from him. > Chapter 7 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Puppet P.O.V As I slowly gained consciousness I was terrified at what I did to the ponies, since they were my new friends and accepted me for who I am. But surprisingly enough they were all alive, but looking at me wearily while Rainbow and Applejack were glaring at me. I then sighed. "I've got some explaining to do don't I?" At the sound of my question Rainbow flew right up to my mask and glared hostility into my white eyes. "You're bucking right you have some explaining to do! Why did you try to kill the princess?!?" She yelled at me hatred showing in those magneta eyes. Every other pony in the room nodded in agreement. I sighed before a question came to mind. "How did you know a music box stopped me?" At the question I just asked them they thought about it themselves before turning to look at Pinkie. "How did you know to use a music box Pinkie?" Twilight asked the hyper pink pony confusion in her eyes at how she knew to stop the Puppet. "Whenever the twins got mad and pouring flower on me didn't calm them down I use a music box soooooo I thought' hey maybe he's just cranky and needs to calm down' so I ran to Spikes room where I remembered he had a music box when he was greedy and rampaged the town so I grabbed the music box ran back wound it back up and ta-da!! He's sleeping like a baby." She finished her explanation while her friends could only gawk at how at how if she didn't get to that box in time they would all be dead. Then Celestia broke the silence. "Now that that's out of the way we'd like some answers." She said turning to me with a glare in her eyes. "Starting with how did you get strong enough to break my levitation spell?" She asked me confusion in her gaze. "That is simply part of my curse." I told them bluntly in which everyone looked at me in confusion at whta I just told. I simply sighed." You'll probably like to know what I'm talking about don't you? It's...not a happy story and it'll take a long time to explain so..." I then held open my hand where a golden wisp floated to the ground then taking the shape of a mirror." I'll show you." ***************************************************************** Far up north a being of dark magic was awakening feeling a creature as strong as him had just suddenly appeared and its presence made him feel stronger and more powerful. He was also getting glimpses of horrifying creatures that would give anybody no sleep at all, but he wasn't just anybody he was King Sombra and be was about to make everyponies life a living NIGHTMARE. > Chapter 8 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd person The Puppet showed them what happened to him. His death, stuffing the children in the suits, the deaths of the night gaurds and then the purple guys death. To say they were horrified was an understatemen. Rarity had fainted on a couch that wasn't there before. Fluttershy was threw up into a nearby trash can and was bawling her eyes out in the corner. Pinkies mane and tail had deflated and was looking petrified at what she just witnessed. Rainbow tried to keep a straight face but ended up looking scared and was comforting Fluttershy. Applejack took her hat from her head and had it placed in front of her chest to respect the dead. Twilight was looking at the Puppet warily, but he could see terror gliting her purple eyes. Lyra then backed away eyeing his sharp claws fearfully. Celestia the pony they all knew and love, the pony who had to raise and lower the sun every day, the one pony who had to deal with the pain of banishing her own sister to the moon for a thousand years. Was crying with a horrified expression on her face. The Puppet simply stayed quiet while they let the information of his life sink in to these innocent souls who had never witnessed this much violence and heartache. The first thing to the break the silence was the sound of an opened door and then a black alicorn filly came running in completely oblivious to the somber feeling in air." Mom! I'm from the sleepover at......Appleblooms?" Her voice then became confused at she glanced at the rooms inhabitants before her gaze rested on the puppet in the middle of room." Mom? What's going on?" She asked slightly scared at what had happened in the room before she entered. "Nyx, honey. Why don't you go wake up Spike and go help him make breakfast, alright?" She asked her obviously as a diversion for them to discuss what they had just witnessed so they didn't have to discuss it in front of one so young. "Oooookay then?" She said with a questioning tone her voice. She then ran up the stairs away from everypony and everyone. Rainbow had finnaly coaxed Fluttershy out of the corner, though she looked fearfully at the Puppet. "W-w-w-why d-d-did y-y-you k-kill t-those o-other h-h-humans?" She asked fearfully stuttering at him. He simply looked down in shame, but they couldn't see it 'cause the mask. "We never got a good look at our killer, we only knew he had purple clothing like the night guards so we killed nearly all of them in hope for our revenge. We are always haunted with shame and guilt afterwards." He told them with a note of sadness in his voice. It was then that Twilight realized something." Wait, you said nearly. So who survived?" She asked him while the others in the room leaned in for an answer. "The two night gaurds that were never killed by us are Mike Smidt and Jeremy Fitzgerald. They were smart and listened to the instructions given to them. They quit were fired for 'tampering' with us when in reality the management didn't want them going crazy after one week there." He told them chuckling at the looks the animatronics had when they survived the week. Everypony was silent for the time being, before the Puppet and Celestia felt a sudden change in the magical properties of this world. The Puppet had no idea what it was, but Celestia clearly did."Sombra has returned!" > Chapter 9 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd Person "Who is this Sombra you speak of?" The Puppet asked tilting his mask to the side. He did feel a strange surge of magic similar to his own, but not as powerful. If anything he should be easily able to kill or stop this Sombra. So why were they so worried? Everypony looked terrified of what Celestia just said, but Rainbow looked unsure of what she said. "Are you sure this is Sombra? I mean didn't the Crystal Heart destroy him or something? Are sure it's him and not some other villain?" She seemed to have asked that last question pleadingly as if she didn't want to believe he has returned. Celestia looked grim when she answered Rainbows question. "I'm absolutely sure it was Sombra, though he didn't feel as powerful as before. That means we'll have a couple days to prepare before he returns." She seemed relieved when she spoke that last sentence. The Puppet though looked as if his head might explode from what he was hearing he was so confused. "Can one of you please explain to me what's going on?" Everyponies attention was now on him and what he said. "Twilight you and friends and explain everything to him I need to warn Luna, Cadence and Shining Armor about what's going on. I'll speak to you soon." With she teleported in a flash of white everyponies attention now on the Puppet. And then Lyra realized something. "You guys remember what we saw in his memories?" All the girls looked confused at what she just asked. "What SPECIES he was?" That made Rainbow, Applejack and Twilights eyes open in realization before groaning in annoyance all giving Lyra twenty bits each into her outstretched hooves while the others looked on in confusion. Twilight simply said. "Bet." That made everypony and Puppet say 'Ooooh' in unison. Twilight then coughed into her hooves gaining everypony and Puppets attention on her. "With that out of the way girls let's explain to him everything that happened to us starting with Nightmare Moon, The Elements, Discord etc. etc." With that they explained everything to the Puppet. **************************************************** In Manehattan a young mare was rushing to get to work because she only had five minutes left. She knew she wouldn't make it in time. She looked around trying to find a cab to take her to destination, but no luck. She was about to keep running before she noticed an alleyway. She would have ignored not for the street sign that pointed down the alley and said 'Rocky Slope' which was the street that her job was at. Without much consideration she bolted down the alley trying to get to her work place in time. The alley was getting darker and darker, but she didn't care all that mattered was getting to work in time. She didn't even notice the decayed yellow leg that she tripped over falling into the hard stone ground. She groaned in pain looking back at her to glare at whatever tripped her, but a her eyes widened in suprise at seeing it was some sort of giant decayed yellow rabbit with......blood around its torn fur? She approached it warily not sure of what it was only when she was right in front of it she smelled something decayed inside of it. Holding one hoof to her muzzle to block the smell she used her other to kick its leg. No reaction. She was about to turn around and continue on her way before a yellow arm reached out and grabbed her hindleg dragging her towards it. Petrified by fear she didn't scream out. It then stood up at a six foot height. It then gripped her throat cutting off all oxygen. While she was gasping in pain it used its left hand and slowly lifted its upper jaw up revealing an image that made her sream internally. Before she died from lack of oxygen she heard it whisper three words. "I AM SPRINGTRAP." > Chapter 10 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd Person The girls have just finished explaining all their villain encounters and how Twilight became an alicorn to the Puppet. They weren't sure how he handled what they explained to him since he has a mask for a face. He simply nodded when they finished explaining everything to him. "No offense to you girls, but that sounds like something out of a childrens book." He simply stated. "Well what we all explained to you was true, and now that I think about I suppose you're right. It does sound a lot like a childrens book." Twilight told him. Everypony and Puppet just stayed in silence in the room before Spike came into the room with Nyx carrying a plate of pancakes, cooked eggs and a glass of orange juice. "Here you go Twilight! One helping of your favorite-!" He stopped talking and walking abruptly his base fixed on the Puppet. Nyx walked up behind him and stared at him curiously for a while before reaching out a hoof to poke his back. He simply fell down stiff as a board while Twilight levitated the breakfast out of the air before it could come crashing down and set in down on a table to the side. "Ummmm.....was it something I said?" The Puppet asked curiously not sure what he did wrong. "But, you didn't even say anything silly!" Pinkie told him tipping her head to the side curiously while Rainbow flew out the window and came back with a cloud the size of Spike. Floating it over him she gave it one small kick and about a gallon of water fell down him instantly waking him up. "Twillighttheresamonsterinthecastlewegottoleavenow!!!" He said in a speed only Pinkie could copy. "Spike, our friend here isn't a monster. Spike I'd like you to meet the Puppet, Puppet I'd like you to meet Spike." Twilight motioned Spike to the Puppet and vice versa. "Ummm...hi?" Spike said not sure if he could trust the Puppet. "Hello." The Puppet did his best impersonation of BB he could and that made the girls widen in surprise. Applejack was the first one to speak."No offense to ya Puppet, but that was mighty creepy." She told still a little freaked out at that child voice. "You think that's creepy? You should hear BBs laugh! It still scares me every time." He told them chuckling before he realized something."So.......what now?" All the girls and Spike looked at each other not sure of what to do. Nyx was the one who broke the silence."Mom, it's show and tell today at school! Why don't I introduce Mr.Puppet to class!" Nyx told her enthusiastically. Twilight looked at the Puppet with a look that said 'Do you want to go?' He simply nodded which made Nyx smile as brightly as Pinkie Pie. "School starts in one hour Nyx you better get ready." Twilight told her daughter with a big smile. > Chapter 11 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd Person While Nyx was getting ready for school everypony tried to come up with a conversation starter, but they couldn't think of anything. They still had questions to ask the Puppet, but with Spike in the room and Much getting ready they had to hold those questions for another time. "Well y'all this was interestin' , but I got a farm to run and as far as I know those apples need some motivation to get out of them trees." With a tilt of her hat she trotted out the door. Rainbow then got up from where she was sitting and hovered over to the window. "Yeah, we got a new shipment of rainclouds today and we got to put them in storage for use later this month. So see ya." She opened the window flying out with her signature rainbow trail behind her. "While I do love these little get togethers I have a boutique to run so good day to you all." Rarity finished her sentence with a hug to everyone in the room suprising the Puppet and with a mischievous smile she gave Spike a kiss on the cheek who then slumped over with a contented smile on his face and hearts floating over him. Rarity giggled at his reaction then left the castle. Fluttershy then stood up. "Umm I'm sorry, but I need to go feed my animals. Especially Angel, he gets really cranky if I don't feed him on time." She then walked over to the castle door and left to feed her animals( And that devil in a bunny form). Lyra was the next to stand up. "As much as I want to ask you more about humans I have a lot of bits to collect and then I'm going to rub it in Bon bons face. But I promise I won't tell anyone what happened to you and what you did." With that she then walked out a door an excited expression on her face. Pinkie then hopped up from where she was sitting. "This was fun, strange and weird, but I need to go help the Cakes make sweets for the day. So goodbye!" With that she then hopped into a nearby cupboard much to the Puppets confusion who simply tilted his head to the side and rubbed the holes where his eyes are. Twilight simply giggled at his reaction. "You shouldn't question Pinkie and her methods. Believe me that's one episode I don't want to repeat." She finished while Puppet felt a strange sense of deja vu. Nyx then hopped into the room an excited expression on her face. "Okay mom I'm ready to go!" She told Twilight while hopping up and down excitedly. Twilight simply giggled at what she was doing and told her to wait by the door. She then told Spike to organize the books in the library section of the castle. She then looked the Puppet at used her hoof to say 'follow me'. Then the pair of alicorns and The Puppet then walked down the street to the school gaining some attention from the ponies who were out and about. Some waving at them, some looking at the Puppet curiously and an occasional fear filled glance at the Puppet. Though all and all it went better than Twilight expected. They arrived at the school ten minutes early with no goals or fillies outside. "Nyx have a good day at school and get good grades." Nyx then giggled since that what Twilight always told her when she went to school. Twilight s attention was now on the Puppet. She used her hoof to motion for him to come closer. She then wispered to him when she felt he was close enough. "If anypony asks you a question about you please don't tell them what happened to you and what you did." The Puppet then looked her straight in the eye. "I promise I won't. I was made to entertain kids remember?" Twilight then smiled and gave Nyx a kiss on her forehead and waved goodbye trotting down the road. Nyx then looked up at him. "Okay here's what I'm going to do. When you hear my name called up wait near the door then I'll say I'd like you all to meet my new friend' then you walk in. Okay?" She asked him. He then nodded before realizing something. "You should probably go to class now." He told her in which she turned around and ran into the school. The Puppet then took his position next to the closed door and waited for a signal. To pass the time he conjured up an enchanted music box which will make him fall asleep until the lines that Nyx spone will wake him up. So with that he than slumped to the ground waiting for his cue. 30 minutes later "I'd like you all to meet my new friend!" With those words spoken the music box stopped and the Puppet awoke. He then stood up and used his three fingered hand to open the door. When he opened to door he was greeted with what looked to be thirty children in the room all looking at him with wide eyes. His attention was then on Nyx who was at the front of room with dark pink mare sitting in the desk behind Nyx with a suprised expression on her face. Nyx looked at him with a happy expression on her face and motioned for him to come up to front of the room. He then did as she asked all eyes on him as he approached the front of the room. Standing next to Nyx who was only two feet tall with him at seven feet tall he could only think they all feeled intimidated. Then the mare behind the desk finnaly found her voice and started talking. "Ummm nice to meet you mister..?" She asked him still a little creeped out by his appearance. "You can simply call me Marrionette or Puppet. Whichever one you want." He told her in a kind voice that seemed to calm him her down entirely looking at him with kind expression. "Well it's nice to meet you Marrionette you can call me Ms.Cheerilie. So I take it you're Nyx new friend?" She asked him as if he was any pony. "Yes that's correct. I only got here yesterday and it was Nyx who decided to bring me to show and tell. So I guess I'll answer some questions that you ask." He told her with a kind looks in his eye. "Well you heard him class. Do any of you have any questions for Marrionette here?" She asked her class in which they all raised their hooves into the air gaining a chuckle from Cheerilie and the Puppet. Marrionette pointed to a foal with a grey colt and black mane. "What are you mister Puppet sir?" The Puppet simply answered. "Where I come from I'm known as an animatronic. My purpose is to entertain kids at a family friendly pizzaria." He then pointed to a filly with a poofy red mane, a yellowish coat and glasses." What do you do to entertain us?" He thought about that for a moment before summoning a present into his hand which made everyponie eyes wide with surprise before handing it to the filly who opened it and pulled out a Freddy Fazbear plushy. She then gave it a great big hug. "Thank you." She simply told him. "You're welcome. Oh, that's not all I can do I can also make music." He summoned a music box onto his hand winding it up then set it down on Cheerilies desk. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RW8dIG0i-cQ When it was finished everypony in the room clapped at the music he played, except for two earth fillies who looked unimpressed." So what, you can make music big deal." The pink filly with a tiara on her head commented. Then the filly right next to her with gray coat and glasses on her face talked next. "Yeah, like that's so lame nearly everypony in Ponyvilles can sing so like what's so impressive about that?" She then bumped hooves with pink filly. Cheerlie then glared at the two of them sternly. "Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon! He showed us a display of what he could do and then you-" She didn't finish what she was going to say before the Puppet interupted her. "Cheerilie it's quite all right." His gaze then rested on the two fillies that insulted him. "You're right I can create music. But is it impressive no. I'd show you some other pieces of music I made, but it's not for children of your age." That seemed to gain their attention. But before they could say anything the recess rang. "Alright class we'll continue asking Marrionette questions after recess." With that said everypony left the room for recess. Nyx then came up to him and gave his leg a big hug. "May I ask why you are hugging me Nyx?" The Puppet asked her unsure of why she was doing this. She then let go of his leg and looked at her hooves nervously. "Oh I was just wondering if...maybe I could....have the music box you used?" The Puppet looked down at her smiling warmly (on the inside). "When school is over how 'bout I give you one?" She then looked up at him happily before nodding as fast as her tiny head could. Before holding out her hooves to him. He then picked her up and returned the hug to her. "Thanks Mr.Puppet." She told him sweetly. "You're welcome Nyx." He then out her down. "Now, why don't you play with your friends?" She smiled at him before grabbing onto one of his fingers. "I want to introduce you to them okay?" She looked at him with the most adorable puppy dog eyes he's ever seen. 'If I was alive I'm pretty sure I'll get diabetes right now.' He thought to himself. "Alright then, I'll meet them." Nyx simply ran towards a group of three fillies Notioning for him to come over. When he was walking to them he looked at Nyx friends. The earth pony had a yellow coat, a red mane and a large red boson the back of her head. The unicorn had a white coat, a curly pink and light purple mane. The pegasus had an orange coat and purple mane. "Puppet I'd like you to meet my best friends. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo." Nyx told him motioning to them in order all giving him a smile and wave. He learned that Apple Bloom was sisters with Applejack. Sweetie was sisters with Rarity. Scootaloo looked up to Rainbow as her sister and vice versa. They are in club called the Cutie Mark Crusaders a group in which they did all they could to look for their cutie marks. The rest of the school day went by fast without a question the Puppet had to lie about. It was three o'clock when it was time to leave. He then followed Nyx outside where Twilight was waiting with smile. Nyx then ran up to her and gave her a big hug. "How was school honey?" Twilight asked Nyx. "It was great! Everypony loved Mr.Puppet and gave me a music box!" She told her grabbing the music box from her saddle bags. "That's nice him." He said looking happy at the Marrionette. Mouthing 'thank you'. > Chapter 12 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot Castle. Throne Room. "Tia, are you sure it's Sombra that has returned?" Luna asked her sister for the third time since she shared what she knew. Sighing heavily she motioned for her guards to leave the room until they were done speaking. "Luna, for the last time it is Sombra. I felt his dark energy. Now we only have three days to prepare before he returns." She then turned to look at her worried sister. "I already sent the message to Cadence and Shining Armor, I'm now awaiting their response." She told her younger sister. "I know it's just....Tia what he did to me caused us to be separated for one thousand years, I don't want him to do that to us again." Celestia looked into Lunas eyes before pulling her close for a hug. "Lulu, I swear on my life and the sun that I will not let that EVER happen again." She then pulled away giving her sister a confident smile which Luna then returned. "So Tia, what about this Puppet you told me about? Can he be trusted with that much dark magic?" Luna asked her sister serious again. Celestias smile call when Luna mentioned the Puppet. "Sister? Sister what's wrong?" Luna asked currious in her sudden change. "Luna, the Puppet is....I don't know how to explain it, but I feel he'll help us defeat Sombra once and for all." She then looked her sister straight in the eye a tear flowing down her cheek. "Luna, that Puppet has a life that would drive millions to insanity. He's not a Puppet Luna he's a spirit controlling it. The spirit of a child who was murdered trying to see his friends birthday party." Luna had a good to her mouth a look of horror on her face. "But, but what pony could be cruel enough to murder a child?" Celestias crown deepened. "The kind that would kill five more." Luna looked terrified tears streaming down her face at the thought of one pony killing six foals. Celestia then held her sister in her hooves trying to calm her down. Luna always had a love for children, it only makes sense that she's crying this much. "Shhh, it's okay Luna, it's okay. There's nothing we could do." Luna was about to make a retort when Celestia continued. "There's nothing we could have done because it was on earth Luna so don't blame yourself for something who couldn't have stopped either way." That seemed to calm Luna down who then gently pushed away from her sisters embrace wiping the tears from her eyes. "You're right Tia there was nothing we could have done." She then noticed that the time was now ten o'clock. "Tia it's time to lower the sun and make way for the moon." Her sister then took notice of the time before nodding her horn glowing with a golden aura while Luna's a dark blue. After a minute the moon had replaced the sun in its place in the sky. Luna then turned to her sister. "Its been a long day Tia, I think it's time to turn in for the day." Celestia then nodded to her sister before teleporting to her room Luna doing the same. Luna flopped onto her comfy bed throwing away her royal wear onto the nearby dresser. She then snuggled up to her warm and soft pillow before-literally-drifting off into the dreamlike. The first thing she noticed that was wrong was the tons of doors leading to different dreams all had a black rose on the front a sign of a nightmare. This confused and worried Luna because she had never seen so many nightmares in one night. She then proceeded to extend her magic to all the doors with a black rose. Equestria had a population of one billion ponies living here and fifty million were having a nightmare. She was starting to become fearful of what was happening. She looked into the nearest dream to see a sight that would forever scar her. Sitting in the corner terrified was a middle aged stallion pointing to something in the nearby closet. Luna then slowly walked towards the door turning the handle with her magic to see.....to....see It appeared to be some sort of Fox deformed into what an insane pony would see. It then slowly turned it's head before jumping at Luna who then slammed the closet door as hard as she could the sound of a thud hitting the door. She then made the nightmare disappear leaving the now relieved stallion playing with his son and daughter their mother watching from a distance. Luna then exited the room the rose now a bright white. Her attention now all the other doors she murmured under her breath. "This is gonna be a long night." > Chapter 13 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before nightime. Ponyville. 3rd person. The Puppet was following Twilight and Nyx, still drawing some attention, but none looking at him fearfully. It was only when they were outside of.......'A giant gingerbread house?' The Puppet thought in his head. "Twilight, what is this....thing?" He asked motioning to the ginger bread house. "Hmm? Oh this is sugarcube corner. The place where Pinkie lives. Since Nyx got an A+ on her show and tell today I thought a treat was in order." Nyx eyes lit up with excitement before dashing inside at a Pinkie run......more of a blur than a dash. Twilight and Puppet then entered the doors Twilights muzzle filled with the wonderful aroma of sweets. The Puppet.....smelled nothing. Since he doesn't need to breath and has no nose holes. Nyx was waiting by the counter jumping up and down in excitement a wide grin on her face. Just then Mrs. Cake came from out back noticing Nyx jumping up and down made her giggle. She then noticed Twilight and Puppet. She smiled at them before waving them over to the counter. "So what can I get you three today?" Nyx was the first to answer. "I'd like five scoops of vanilla ice cream. A bowl and spoon please." Mrs. Cake then turned to Twilight. "And what is it for you Twilight?" Twilight then thought of her decisions before answering. "I'd like three chocolate cookies and a....oooh...strawberry ice cream cone." Mrs. Cake then-you know what- Cup Cake then wrote down both their orders before turning to the Puppet. "And what can I get for Puppet?" She asked confusing the Puppet before he remembered that he saw them at the party. He simply pointed a finger at his immovable mouth. Cup Cake then looked at him apologetically. "Oh I'm sorry dear I forgot you couldn't eat." Puppet waved a hand at her. "Its alright, they'll get used to it eventually." Cup Cake gave him a smile before turning to Twilight and Nyx. "So is that all today dears?" Twilight and Nyx both smiled before nodding. "Alright then this should take a couple minutes so have a seat." She then walked back into the backroom. They both chose a booth next to the window Twilight and Nyx both sat next to each other and the Puppet sat across from them. Twilight decided on some small talk with the Puppet. "So Puppet would you mind showing me the song you played for Nyx?" He was about to answer, but the sounds of crying diverted their attention. Cup Cake then came out from the back room quickly trotting over to them with their sweets on her back and two foal S in her hooves. Twilight then levitated the food from Cup Cakes back and onto the table. While they were eating Cup Cake tried to make them sleep, but they kept crying. Then a music box started playing. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RW8dIG0i-cQ The twins then quickly fell a sleep while Cup Cake looked at the music box and bits that were left on the table the music box with a note that says 'For you' Cup Cake smiled. A couple yards away the odd group walked away from sugar cube corner. Twilight looked at the Puppet with a smile which confused him. "What?" Twilight then answered. "That was a nice thing to do for Mrs. Cake. The only time they can stop crying is when Pinkie pours flour on herself." She then giggled remembering the time she walked in on Pinkie foalsitting. She took a picture of it and put in the group scrapbook. "But what I'm saying is that Will really help the Cake family in the long run. You have a good soul." She then continued to walk on. The Puppet thought over what she told. 'I'm a good soul?' Then an image of the nightgaurds popped into his head. 'No, I'm a cursed soul.' The sun was going down by the time they reached the castle. Twilight opened it with her magic Nyx then running off to her room. 'Probably to do homework.' He thought. He followed Twilight into the map room grabbing a nearby book from a shelf behind her seat. She then remembered the Puppet. She then put the book back onto the shelf. "So Puppet, do you have any other melodies or songs?" The Puppet thought this through before summoning a diffrent looking music box than the melody one. "Yes I do. Only I'm not the one who made these songs it's as if they were made from watchers of me and my friends." Twilight looked at him curiously. "Alright then let's play this one. Its also random every time." He then wound it up where it let out a beautiful song. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uUBSFZvImbU By the time it was over both Twilight and the Puppet had a tear at the edge of their eyes. "That was....beautiful." She then took notice of the time. "Spike should have dinner ready by now. You can come if you want." At first he didn't answer her. "I'll be right there." Twilight then left the room leaving the Puppet alone with his thoughts. "Am I a good soul?" Like the first time the images of the nightgaurds appeared before an image of his new friends replaced it. "Maybe, just maybe." > Chapter 14 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot Castle morning Celestia had just woken up stretching in the comforts of her comfy king bed. She then went into the bathroom to brush away her bedhead. She then levitated her necklace and tiara on before slipping stepping into her gold shoes. She opened the door to leave the two guards stationed by her bedroom still there. "You're dismissed." They then bowed to her before starting a patrol around the castle. She arrived in the dining hall finding a couple of the castle residents there, but not her sister. She then frowned at this. Luna had always managed to arrive in the dining hall before her, but yet she wasn't there. She then approached one of the guards stationed by the door. "Has Luna come down to breakfast?" She asked that guard. "No your majesty. She has not appeared in the dining hall yet." Celestia then frowned at this revalation. She then walked out the dining hall passing by a couple servants and guards who bowed to her as she passed. She then stopped outside her sisters room her night guards still stationed outside her door. She then knocked on the door not getting any response. "Luna? It is time to wake up sister." Still no response. She then sighed. "Alright I'm coming in." She opened the door before closing it behind her. She then noticed that the bedsheets were thrown on the floor leading to the bathroom. "Luna?" She asked as she knocked on the door. Getting no response She opened the door to see the silhouette of her sister sitting in behind the shower curtains no water running. "Luna?" She asked more quietly. She then pulled away the curtains. Luna was hugging her hooves close to her in a fetal position. Her long flowing mane now dull and resting on her shoulders like normal hair. She then looked up a look of utter terror on her face. She then wispered. "Make the nightmares go away." Celestia had a hoof to her mouth in shock. She has never seen her sister look so terrified. She then put a hoof to her sisters forehead. She pulled it back in suprise. She felt as cold as ice. She then turned the shower to hot letting it wash over sister who was still in the fetal position. "Luna I'm going to go get a doctor just stay here okay?" Her sister slowly nodded. As Celestia left her sister to warm up in the tub she walked out of the bathroom to see a golden bear slushy with a purple hat and bowtie sitting on Lunas bed. Disregarding it She walked out the doors, but not before hearing a silent voice say. "IT'S ME." ****************************************** Luna was lying in the tub the warm water washing over her. She was still shaking in fear at the creatures She saw in the dreams. She then noticed a golden bear plushy sitting on the counter. Luna has never had a plushy since she returned to equestria. She then noticed that this plushy had white pupils in the middle of its eyes just like. "No." She then backed as far as she could into the tub away from that thing shaking even more. "Please go away." > Chapter 15 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ponyville The Puppet had Twilight set a spell that made the music box continually rotate from 12 am to 6 am so no harm could come to her family. As it ended his black eyes had started to glow until white pupils were there. He looked at the window and could see a couple ponies walking outside in the dark sky. For what reason he did not know. He turned around exiting his room which in general was just a room Twilight never used so it was empty. He decided to use his floating capabilities as to not disturb anyone. What he was going to do? Make some song boxes to listen to. But where? He deicided on the basement which had some bookshelves and strange bits of technology on the crystal floor. He found a small supply closet with some bookshelves on the side and and a small table in the middle. Using his magic he summoned 3 song boxes. They were random every time as if made from an alternate universe.....He just had a strange sense of dejavu. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ITy4VVHghiQ This one was interesting to say the least. More of one that could be used to calm the nerves. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3gyvHFBa5B0 This one was....made for Foxy. Memories came rushing through his mind of his friends and the pain that they caused to the night guards. "Oh what I would do take it all back." He murmured to himself. The next box. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vIA6lp3xj-8 "No. Nononono. How could anyone know of him?!? How could anyone know of my younger brother?!?" He used his magic to destroy the boxes. 'How? How is this a song based on his brother?' He thought to himself. The image of his younger brother dying on the hospital bed bandages covering his head. In his dying breath the Puppet asked for forgiveness. Then when he saw the restraint his new friend was having his birthday at. The locked door was just an excuse. He broke down right in front of Freddy Fazbears pizza memories rushing through of his brother dying. He didn't even notice the purple man come up behind him and slit his throat. Now he was cursed in this forsaken body along with his friends, but he knew he deserved it. Breaking down his mask actually was able to move it's face. His mask became the one of bawling child only he sat in the corner lying down in the fetal position real tears falling down his mask. ********************************************* Canterlot palace Celestia was rushing to Lunas room with a Doctor struggling to keep up. "Your highness?!? What is wrong with Princess Luna again?!?" He asked her not slowing down his pace. Celestia looked over her shoulder. "She seems broken. I've never seen her like this before, it's as if she witnessed something of terrifying proportions." She shivered at that image of her sister lying down crying in the tub. "Right now she needs help." They then arrived outside Lunas door the same night guards there only they looked confused. "Your highness, what is happening?" The one on the right side asked. "Luna is not well make so sure no-one comes through this door." The guards saluted letting the Princess and Doctor run through to the bathroom. Only to find Luna holding a golden bear plushy in her hooves just staring at it tears rolling down her eyes in rivers, but only blinking and breathing as any sign of movement. Celestia shook her sister. "Luna?" She shook her again. "Luna?!" She shook her a third time. "Luna?!?" She then wrapped her in a hug. "LUUNNNAAA!!!!" > Chapter 16 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight awoke to a knock on her door. Groggily she opened her tired eyes. She sat up rubbing her eyes to wake her up and clear the sand from her eyes. "Yes?" She asked still waking up. She heard Spikes voice calling from the outside. "Twilight, you need to see this." Twilight got up out of her bed worried about why Spike sounded so scared. She opened the door and saw him shivering a look of fear on his face. "Spike?! Are you alright?!" She asked checking him over for any sign of being hurt. "I'm fine, but the Puppet he's.......you just need to see this." He told her as he turned around and started jogging Twilight following. They reached the top of the basement where Twilight could hear the Puppets voice on the other side. "I heard him down there and went to check on him, but......" Spike trailed off his eyes fearful. Twilight pulled him into a reasurring hug which he quickly returned. "Don't worry Spike." She told him as she pulled away. "I'll see what's wrong." Spike said nothing he just nodded and sat down at the top of the stairs. Her basement was similar to the golden oaks library, except for the crystal wall and floor. As she reached the last step she could hear the Puppet talking to himself in the corner. "Its all your fault. No I didn't mean for it to happen. Yet you did it anyway. I didn't think it would hurt him. But it did and you were haunted for days about how guilty you felt. I never wanted to hurt him just scare him. And look what happened, look where you are now, stuck in the body of a Puppet. I wanted revenge. You could've passed on, but no, you stayed instead going to your younger brother." Twilight couldn't take it anymore. She was right in front of his face when she smacked him with her right hoof. The Puppet looked around rubbing his face from the physical pain. "Twilight why'd you hit me?" He asked the alicorn princess. "You were rambling on about something and arguing with yourself." The Puppet looked down in shame at scaring Twilight. "I'm sorry." He told her. "It's alright." She dismissed. Then something crossed her mind about what he said. "Can I ask you something?" The Puppet looked up. "Sure." "Did you have a-" She was interupted by Spike landing in a heap at the bottom of the stairs. "Spike! Are you okay?" She asked as she reached him. Spike groggily stood up. "Yeah. Dragon scales and all that, but anyway we got a letter from Celestia. "Spike told her holding the note in his claw. Twilight grabbed it with her levitation spell. After reading through it Twilight looked at Spike and the Puppet. "I'm going to be gone for a while. Somethings wrong with Luna." With that said she then teleported. The Puppet looked at the scroll before grabbing it in his three fingered hand. One sentence caught his attention and filled him a fear he hasn't felt since he was haunted. And sentence was... "Holding a golden bear plushy." The Puppet looked at Spike urgency in his voice. "Where do the Princess live?" "On top of the nearby mountain. Why do you ask?" The Puppet looked at Spike fear in his eyes. "There life is going to become a living nightmare." > Chapter 17 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot Castle Celestia was sitting anxiously in a chair by Lunas bed. Luna was still holding the golden bear in her hooves. Tears still fell down her face and her eyes were completely focused on the bear. The Doctors horn was glowing while touching Lunas for head with it. He then pulled back his eyes showing confusion. Celestia leaned forward. "Is there anything you can do to help her?" Celestia asked desperately. The Doctor shook his head. "There's nothing wrong with her. I've tried every medical spell I know of, but her readings show normal." He then shot the Princess an apologetic glance. "I'm terribly sorry your highness, but there's nothing I can do." Celestia hung her head in defeat. Tears rolling down her face. "Its-its alright. You can go now." The Doc nodded. He was about to open the door before it was slammed open by Twilight. "I got here as fast as I could. What's wrong?" The Doc had a sad expression on his face and simply nodded his head to Celestia. Twilight gasped before running over to her former mentor. "Celestia?" Her eyes then caught sight of Luna in the bed. "Celestia, what's wrong with Luna?" Celestia lifted her head about to answer before a pink flash caught their attention. Cadence ran over and embraced her Aunt. "I got the letter. Please tell me what's wrong with Aunty Luna!" Celestia raised her head. "I don't know." Twilight shook her head in confusion. "What do you mean you don't know? You've lived for thousands of years how could you not know?!?" Twilight then started to hyperventilate. Normally Cadence would help Twilight with that, but now she's more worried about her Aunts. "But, how did this happen?" Cadence looked up desperately at Celestia. Her Aunt sighed. "Luna didn't raise the sun or arrive for breakfast. I went to her room and found her in that position in the bathroom except without the golden bear. She said. "Make the nightmares go away." Celestia looked down in defeat about to bawl her heart out. Twilight had calmed down listened to what Celestia said. She then narrowed her eyes at the bear and trotted over to Luna's bedside. She put a hoof to her chin in thought. She looked behind her and saw that Cadence was trying to comfort Celestia. She turned her head back to the bear in Luna's hooves. She then reached out one hoof. And at that moment the doors to the room burst open adpnd Twilight heard the grunts of the guards outside. She turned her head and saw the Puppet standing in the door the guards groaning on the floor. Cadence saw him and let out a terrified scream. Her horn lighting up she was about to blast him. Twilight then ran in front her stopping Cadence from firing at him. "Cadence, it's okay. The Puppets a friend." Cadence then looked at her then the Puppet. Celestia then stood up. "What are you doing here Puppet?" She asked him. The guards then got back on their hooves pointing their speares at the Puppet. Celestia then raised a hoof for them to stand down. They looked at her confused before returning back to their posts closing the door. The Puppets gaze was focused on the golden bear in Lunas hooves. He slowly floated over to the bed. "When did this happen?" He asked. "When she woke up. She said something about Nightmares." Celestia explained. The Puppet looked down. "Puppet what happened to my sister?" The Puppet looked back at her. "A mistake I made." > Chapter 18 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cadence looked at him suspiciously. Celestia was keeping a closer eye on him. Twilight finnaly calmed down and looked at him confused. "What do you mean Puppet?" She asked. He turned his head to look at Luna and sighed. "Its not a pretty story, but alright. Before I was murdered I had a little brother named Joey. He was born different than everyone else. He has some sort of birth defect where he can't stop crying. I was always bullying him because of it. Then one day when we went to Fredbears Family Diner to set up for the party I." He trailed off and started shaking. Twilight put a hoof on his leg encouragingly. "Then what happened?" He took a deep breath. "I locked him in the spare parts room for two hours. He was always scared of the animatronics. I threatened him through the door that if he did tell I'd hurt him. The next day it was his birthday. Me and my friends had an idea to put him in Fredbears mouth. He was terrified, and we were laughing. Until Fredbear....bit down." Everyone in the room had a hoof to there mouth in horror. "But that doesn't explain aunty Luna." Cadence pointed out after a couple minutes of silence. He turned his head and looked at the golden bear in Lunas hooves. "For two years I had nightmares about the animatronics seeing them as some sort of horror movie. I never told my parents because they....wouldn't care since I killed my brother." Celestia looked at him urgently. "So how do we help Luna?" He looked down. "I was haunted with nightmares until the day I was murdered." Everyone paled. Twilight started to hyperventilate. Cadence was shaking Luna trying to break her from the trance. Celestia looked down at the floor tears falling from her eyes. The Puppet looked down in shame before his gaze rested on the golden bear. He floated over and grabbed the bear holding it in his three fingered hands. He looked at it closely in the eyes before he noticed a small piece of paper under his hat. Grabbing it he flipped it over reading the message. 'Everyone who've known in this world will have an endless sleep filled with nightmares and they'll never wake up.' He started shaking and dropped the bear. Twilight noticed this and walked over to him waiting behind him. "What's wrong?" She asked. He looked at her then at the paper in his hands. > Chapter 19 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After thinking it over Marrienette decided to reveal the message to him. "Its a letter." He held it out in his hand where Celestia took it in her levitation. Holding it so the three Princess can get a good look at it. Celestia looked fearful at the Puppet. "What does it mean?" She asked with pleading eyes. He looked away struggling to answer her question. "They'll be stuck in a coma haunted by MY nightmares." He told them looking down guilty. The three Princess looked at each other before Cadence broke the silence. "But nightmares were Auntie Lunas specialty. Without her how can we stop this?" Twilight held a hoof under chin thinking. She gasped. Celestia looked at her. "Do you have an idea?" Twilight nodded. "Yes, but none of us are going to like it." Celestia looked at her worried. "What is it?" Twilight looked up. "It involves Nyx." **************************************** Manehatten suburbs. Coco Pummel has just returned to the entrance to the apartment after a picnic with the other neighbors. Ever since Applejack and Rarity helped her the neighborhood made it a tradition to have a picnic once a week. Greeting the landpony she took the keys out her saddle bag. But before she used them to open the door she heard a slight sound behind her door that sounded like a paddle ball. Curious she unlocked the door. Slowly opening it she saw something that looked like a mix between a robotic fox and spider holding a paddle ball and bouncing it in her right paw. It turned to her and Coco almost had a heart attack. Not out of fear, but of the feeling of how cute it was! > Chapter 20 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manehatten suburbs The thing in general Coco was looking at was so cute. It-she waved at Coco still using the paddle ball in her other hand. Coco then got a closer look at her and saw that it was a mangled fox robot thing. "Hi I'm Coco. What's your name?" She asked. She opened her mouth to answer her, but only static came out. She held a hand to her mouth in surprise before looking away sadly. "Oh, you can't speak?" She nodded. "Oh. How about I call you Vixen?" She looked up and nodded happily making fast happy sounds. Coco giggled. "Okay Vixen it is then." Coco put her bags on the table Vixen continuing her paddle ball streak. "Hey Vixen?" Vixen looked up. "How'd you get here?" She asked. Vixen then put her head on the couch and started acting asleep. She then stretched and looked around alarmed. "So you woke up here not knowing how you got here?" She nodded. "Hmmmm. Oh I'll take you to my friend Twilight in Ponyville she'll help you." Vixen nodded happily losing her concentration her paddle got stuck in the fan above her the hall in her mouth. "After I help you down." *************************************** Outside alleyway. He was listening to them another dead pony in his grasp. This one had a purple mane and a pink coat along with a scarf around her neck and three buttons on her flank. He was listening in on them before a static noise distracted him. "MANGLE." He said to himself. He heard them talking about Ponyville and a pony named Twilight. "YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE ME MANGLE. I WILL KILL YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS WHO DID THIS TO ME." > Chapter 21 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manehatten Suburbs Coco was sleeping in her bed resting her head on her pillow and hugging her blanket close. She was having a strange dream. She saw something that looked like a giant skinny ape with black and white features with black tears rolling down its...smiling sharp toothed mouth and long sharp claws. 'Gasp' She awoke looking around her room she saw Vixen sleeping on the ceiling.....somehow. She did a double check around her room just in case. She still wasn't convinced. She threw the covers aside and leaned over and took her lantern she keeps in drawer out. After quickly lit it looking around she looked out the window checking for anything that could be watching her. After a minute she decided she was being paranoid. She blew out the lantern, put it away and got back in bed and went sleep. ********************************** She was getting a lot of stares heading to the train station. Mainly 'cause of the mechanicly broken down fox following her, but nearly everypony didn't think about it or bother her though they did keep their distance. After a while she started noticing a lot of missing pony posters including.... "Sufi Polomare?!?" She stated in surprise to see that her former boss was missing. Coco knew Suri took self defense classes from time to time and she's a unicorn. "It doesn't make any sense." She said to herself putting a hoof to her chin Vixen stopping to wonder at how many ponies are missing. The train whistle nearby broke her from her thoughts. "That's the ten minute warning! Come on Vixen!" She and Vixen raced down the street avoiding the ponies in their way. They just made it with 30 seconds to spare. "Whew. We made it. Now let's get to Twilight!" *********************************** Train storage room Rain Check headed back into the storage room for more plates and blankets for the passengers. "Why did I end up with this stupid job?" Heard some stomping behind him and turned around to see.... "IT'S ME."