NOT A CLOPFIC! Roseate Grimsbane is a unicorn mare who tries to live as peacefully as she can in Equestria, or as peacefully as you can when you're a witch and your husband is an eldritch being from outside our known universe. Ask her some questions.
This is NOT a clopfic. The sex tag is merely for suggestive content.
There are forces beyond the boundaries of our world, a fact that Roseate Grimsbane is fully aware of. A powerful unicorn witch, Roseate has to function as a teacher and citizen of the town of Muleport, while concealing the otherworldly powers given to her.
The fact that her husband is an Alien Intelligence from beyond the Fifth Veil, doesn't make this a simple task.
This is a Comment Driven Story, where you can speak to Roseate using an enchanted mirror, an eldritch artifact that allows for communication with those beyond the Fifth Veil (You), so feel free to ask her questions and perhaps even give her some advice when the time comes. But please keep it clean.
"There is a barrier between our world and the dimensions outside, where eldritch beasts tread in planes of chaos and impossibility. Most of these beings choose to ignore us while others look through the glass barrier into our world.
"We call this barrier the Fifth Veil and it is what keeps us safe from the monsters outside, however, on occasion, it will crack and the dangers of entropy leak through. Fear the day that the glass shatters and our peaceful world comes to an end."
Quote from the Outsiders, by M.R. Amorcolt.
The door slammed loudly as Roseate Grimsbane stepped into her quiet sanctuary. Not only had she just moved into her new home last night, but today was her first day teaching at the Muleport School and already she felt exhausted. If she had to separate another pair of fighting colts, clean gum out of a young filly's mane, or hear another foal ask her about her Cutie Mark for the one-millionth time, Roseate would scream.
The town of Muleport was a small community located just west of the Whitetail Forest, a location that attracted many ponies that wanted to explore the outdoors or to get away from the rest of pony society. There was even an annual race, the Running of the Leaves, that many ponies enjoyed participating in. Somewhere in Equestria's history, some pony had come up with the bright idea of establishing a village of sorts that could appeal to tourism. This settlement grew into Muleport and, as it grew, so did the number of ponies that lived here, married, and had children who asked way too many questions.
Fortunately, she was safe at home now with no students in sight. Tired from the first day of class, Roseate rested her body against the door, slouching down to a sitting position, as she caught her breath.
Roseate Grimsbane was a unicorn mare with a dark teal coat, along with a vivid fuchsia mane and tail, both with powder blue highlights. Roseate's mane was tied back into a bun with a black hair band and resting on the tip of her nose was a pair of bifocal reading glasses that framed her lime green eyes.
Once her heart and lungs had finally caught up with her, Roseate pulled herself off the floor and made her way to the kitchen. While she and her husband hadn't finished unpacking, they had managed to fill the refrigerator with some food.
Her horn glowed a deep turquoise as she placed the satchel containing her school supplies into an empty chair next to the kitchen table. Roseate walked over to the refrigerator, opened the door, before reaching inside to pull out a tomato. As she bit into it, some of the juice dripped down the corners of her mouth. Using her tongue, Roseate licked up the small seeds back into her mouth, not wanting it to go to waste.
Much of the house consisted of wooden floors and green wallpaper with wavy patterns that reminded Roseate of lake water. The refrigerator was itself old, covered in a yellowing plastic and metal hinges that fortunately hadn't rusted over the years. It had come included with the rest of the house when Roseate moved in.
After grabbing a second tomato from the fridge and putting it on a plate, Roseate walked over to the wooden table and sat down in a chair. While she proceeded to take another bite out of the first tomato, Roseate could feel a tendril rubbing the back of her neck. Simultaneously, two other dark green tentacles began to rub Roseate's sore shoulders, causing her to almost purr.
'Rough day?' a masculine voice inquired as it touched her mind.
"Yeah," Roseate moaned as a few more tendrils joined in massaging the tension out of her back, "it was the first day of school so naturally all the foals decided to harass their teacher about her Cutie Mark."
The Cutie Mark in question consisted of an old tome with three green eyes looking down at it. It wasn't the worst Cutie Mark out there. Roseate could recall seeing a pony with a skull for her Cutie Mark and another with some sort of explosive. Still, it was one of those marks that made ponies ask questions, which ultimately just annoyed Roseate, especially since she wasn't really sure how to answer them.
As Roseate took a third bite out of the red fruit, a green eye appeared in front of her, almost as if some invisible creature was looking at her.
'I think it's fine.'
"Of course you do," Roseate raised her voice, "I received it after I summoned you the first time. However, it's not like I can tell my students that I'm a witch with some eldritch power. What if they tell their parents?"
Witchcraft wasn’t something ponies joked about in Equestria. Just mentioning witches could hush an entire room and if you were caught chances were that the Solar Guard would be sent after you.
In a magical kingdom like Equestria, most magics were considered safe. The act of witchery was not the act of magic itself, but the means by which one obtained access to it. Gaining magical powers from alien intelligences, eldritch lords, or beings from Tartarus was forbidden in Equestria, punishable by life in prison or even death. However, due to it being so difficult to obtain such knowledge, the crime of witchcraft was rarely seen.
Still, just the concept of a pony becoming a conduit for an otherworldly being made ponies feel uneasy.
Despite her outburst, the tentacles continued to massage Roseate's tired body.
"I'm sorry, Arsthotua," Roseate said calmly, "it's just been kind of a long day."
'I have a treatment that can help relieve the tension if you want.' A few of Arsthotua's tendrils shifted lower down Roseate's body, warranting a deep sigh from the mare.
With all the stress she had been feeling this day, Roseate would just love to throw herself into her husband's embrace. Sadly there was work that needed to be done first.
"Thanks, but I still need to finish unpacking," Roseate said as she finished eating the first tomato, "already I had to turn down a few stallions that tried to volunteer to come over to help."
A growl echoed through Roseate's mind as her eldritch husband grew irritated at the statement. Arsthotua was a very jealous creature and didn't like anypony messing with his wife, especially considering her past.
"Perhaps when we don't have so many boxes stacked about," Roseate spoke in a seductive tone, "you and I can have some fun trying out the new bed."
Many of the green tentacles seemed to squirm excitedly, while Roseate pulled herself out of the chair and made her way to the living room. At least, that was the plan once everything was cleaned up. Numerous cardboard boxes filled the room, an indication of the daunting task she had ahead of her. With a sigh, Roseate approached one of the boxes and began to unpack.
Two Hours Later...
Wiping some sweat from her brow, Roseate was pleased to see that she had managed to unpack all but two boxes. All her clothing was up in the bedroom, her alchemic supplies were tucked away safely in a secure room, and all the decorations were set up to make the house look normal and cozy. All that was left were a few artifacts she had collected over the years and for Arsthotua to finish securing the catacombs underneath the house. Everything was going so well.
"I'm almost done, honey." Roseate said with a smile, "How are the catacombs coming along?"
A green eye appeared in front of her.
'These diamond dogs are so easily manipulated,' Arsthotua answered, 'they are weak-minded and their greed makes them rather easy to control.'
As she was about to open one of the last two boxes, the sound of the doorbell resonated through the house, its chime like an eerie warning. Roseate's ears twitched, who could be visiting her home at a time like this? Carefully Roseate walked over to the front door and peeked through the peephole at the top. On the other side of the door was a pegasus mare with a wooden basket beside her. Using her eldritch magic, Roseate scanned the mare’s surface emotions to see if she carried any ill intent. Thankfully, it seemed that the mare was rather happy and content.
Putting a smile on her face, Roseate opened the door.
"Hello there," Roseate smiled, "what can I do for you?"
The mare's own smile brightened. She was a pegasus mare with a violet coat with an azure blue mane with yellow highlights. One of her eyes was blue while the other was completely white.
"Hello," the mare replied, "my name is Bell Flower. Usually, the only time we have an addition to our town is when somepony is born here, so it is quite a treat to have somepony new move in, which is why I brought you a pie."
Reaching into her basket with a hoof, Bell Flower pulled out a beautiful pie and presented it to Roseate. A turquoise aura enveloped the pie as Roseate took it with her magic.
"That is very kind of you," Roseate grinned, "thank you."
Sniffing the air, Roseate noticed a strange scent in the air. It wasn't the pie.
"Rumor has it that you and your husband moved in," Bell Flower inquired.
"That is true," Roseate tried to contain her nervousness, "however, he isn't feeling well. We are hoping the clean outdoor air will help."
"I'm sure it will," Bell Flower giggled, "In a few weeks the town will be having a Nightmare Night celebration. I hope both of you will be able to participate."
"We'll see."
"Well, I best be off." Bell Flower said, “Welcome to Muleport!"
Taking her basket in her mouth, Bell Flower turned around and trotted down the hill toward the town.
'She seems nice, but I would suggest being cautious around her. There is something ominous about her scent.'
"Indeed," Roseate answered, "she might have some monster blood in her or maybe some residual magic from when that draconequus was running amok last week."
Closing the door, Roseate took the pie into the kitchen, the scent of plums wafting into her nose. With the pie placed safely inside the refrigerator, Roseate walked back to the living room and examined the boxes.
"I think I might put some of these upstairs," Roseate said as she lifted both of the boxes and made her way upstairs.
At the top of the stairs there was a hallway with five doors, two on the right, two on the left and one at the end of the hall. Walking past all the other rooms, Roseate stood in front of the last door. After putting down the box, she placed her hoof against the door and channeled her magic into the lock, the only true key to the door.
The sounds of metal could be heard twisting and turning as the door opened. Unlike the rest of the rooms in the house, this room lacked the green wallpaper, instead consisting of plain wooden boards. A few cobwebs adorned the corners of the room.
If organized properly, this room could look like it was used for storage instead of magical purposes. Perhaps she could install a fake wall with a sliding panel to hide a secret room. When it came to a witch's secrets, it was always best to have more than one hidden room, to spread the eggs out into multiple baskets, so to speak. Already a few ideas of how she could accomplish this began to fill Roseate's head, but for now she needed to finish unpacking.
Opening the box, Roseate examined its contents. There were a few old tribal masks crafted by locals in the Hayseed Swamp, a manticore paw still possessing its three cursed wishes, the tooth of a dragon chiseled to serve as a flute, an old tome that was very precious to her, and a silver mirror. The mirror was round with silver metal wrapping around the edges like thorny vines. At the bottom was a green orb built into the mirror's thorny frame. On the back of the mirror was a silver string from which it could be hung.
However this wasn't any ordinary mirror, it was a Scryial, or Void Window created by the ancient Bicorns of old so that they could see out into the cosmos from their underground cities.
Careful, Roseate removed the mirror from the box and proceeded to find a location on the wall to mount it. She would need a hammer and a few nails to hang it, but that didn't mean she couldn't find the perfect spot in the meantime.
As soon as Roseate had found the perfect place, the sound of the doorbell interrupted her. Great, it was probably another pony wishing to welcome her to Muleport. With an annoyed sigh, Roseate placed the mirror against the wall as she proceeded to return to the main floor. The wooden steps groaned as she descended. Good, there was no chance any intruders would be able to ascend to the upper floors without either Roseate or Arsthotua hearing it.
The light outside was growing dim as the day slowly drew to an end.
Reaching the front door, Roseate looked through the peephole to see a familiar face on the other side. Roseate opened the door to greet the pony.
"Mrs. Cake," Roseate smiled, "It is good to see you here. What brings you here from Ponyville?"
The baker hurried inside with a worried look on her face. Glancing over Mrs. Cake, Roseate noticed a sort of glow to the mare's coat. Over her head, she wore a pink bandana.
"I need your help," Mrs. Cake said urgently, "the potion you gave me isn't working!"
"I see," Roseate answered motioning toward the living room, "please have a seat."
Mrs. Cake sat down on the couch and Roseate sat on a loveseat across from her, positioning herself in an authoritative posture. The only thing between the two of them was a wooden coffee table with a few coasters. Mrs. Cake looked down at her hooves nervously.
"I take it by this meeting that your horns have returned," Roseate said pointing at the bandana on Cake's head.
Silently, Mrs. Cake used her hooves to remove the bandana from her head revealing two small horns on her forehead. A sign that any pony would recognize as a trait belonging to a succubus. So there was something going on. Roseate nodded.
"Have you been taking the potion three times a day like I told you to?" Roseate asked.
"Y-yes," Mrs. Cake stuttered, "I followed your instructions to the letter to ensure nopony would see them. I didn't even notice that it had stopped working until our assistant Pinkie Pie pointed out the horns today. Thankfully I was able to convince her that they were merely part of a Nightmare Night costume I was working on."
If Mrs. Cake was being honest, this could mean that either the mare's body had developed a resistance to the potion, or...
"I might have something that can help," Roseate's tone changing from a friendly one to a more serious one, "however I need your complete honesty."
"I'll do anything!" Mrs. Cake said kneeling submissively, "I don't want to lose Carrot Cake, not because of these... things!"
Smiling Roseate leaned back into her chair, "Very well then, how long have you been pregnant?"
Mrs. Cake's eyes shot open, "Wha— how?"
"How do I know?" Roseate grinned, "Mare's intuition."
The truth of the matter was that the potion contained ingredients that could cause birth defects or even kill the fetus, which was why Roseate had enchanted the potion to ensure that the ingredients would be neutralized once the birth hormones began to appear. Wouldn't want somepony coming to her door with a torch and a pitchfork after such difficulties with the baby.
"I think it might have been about a week," Mrs. Cake answered.
"I see," Roseate stood up, "I have something that should work. Please stay here, I will return shortly."
Roseate made her way upstairs toward her alchemy room. It wasn't illegal to have a room dedicated to the storing of herbs, so as long as the more magical ingredients were hidden a room such as this was fine.
Opening one of the boxes, Roseate pulled out some mushrooms and a clove of garlic before grinding the contents with a mortar and pestle. Then, using her magic, Roseate carefully pulled some Poison Joke from another container and added it to the concoction.
"How is our guest doing?" Roseate asked the invisible entity in the room.
'Aside from a little fidgeting, she is waiting patiently for you.'
After adding a few portions of cornstarch and water, Roseate mixed the ingredients together until it was a fine paste. After depositing the mixture into a small, circular case Roseate made her way back downstairs to Mrs. Cake.
Mrs. Cake looked very anxious as Roseate approached.
"Take this," Roseate gave the container to Mrs. Cake, "now, it's going to smell, but you need to apply this to your head around the horns early in the morning and leave it there for a half hour before washing it off. After you give birth you may resume using the potion as usual."
A wide smile grew on Mrs. Cake's face, "Thank you so much! I truly owe you a favor!"
"About that," Roseate's mood nearly dimmed, "you still owe me for the potion. I think it is about time you paid up."
A shocked look appeared on Mrs. Cake's face, which changed to horror when she noticed Roseate looking at her belly.
"Y-you don't mean?"
It was then that Roseate realized her eyes had wandered.
Roseate shook her head, "Don't be absurd! What would I want with a baby? Perhaps you could have some... cupcakes sent over when you return home. I think that will work to pay for the cream."
A sigh of relief escaped Mrs. Cake's lips after hearing Roseate's demands, "Of course. I'll have Pinkie Pie bring you a dozen tomorrow."
"Thank you," Roseate said graciously as she directed Mrs. Cake to the door, "do take care."
"Before I go, are there any side effects I should worry about?" Mrs. Cake asked.
Roseate pondered the question before shaking her head, "At the very most some normally repressed genetic traits may become prominent, but nothing serious."
After she finished re-securing her bandana, Mrs. Cake was out the door and on her way back to Ponyville. It was nearly dark out, but Roseate doubted that would be an issue for the succubus.
"Arsthotua!" Roseate called out, "I’m going to have something for dinner! Do you want anything?"
'No thank you,' Arsthotua answered, 'I think I will hunt for some prey in the Eldar Realm.'
"Suit yourself." Roseate said as she walked into the kitchen, the scent of Bell Flower's plum pie still in the air. After pulling a plate out of a cabinet, Roseate cut a slice out of the pie and put it on her plate.
Returning to the refrigerator, Roseate grabbed a bin of whipped cream and dabbed some onto the top of the slice. Sitting down at the table, Roseate prepared to eat.
By the time Arsthotua had finished his hunt, Roseate would have consumed her meal and finished putting up the mirror. Using a fork, Roseate broke off a piece of pie and ate it. Judging by the flavor, Bell Flower had worked really hard to make the best plum pie she could. Roseate could also taste a hint of nutmeg and lemon zest.
After savoring the last bite, Roseate placed the plate into the sink and washed it before heading upstairs, stopping in one of the guest rooms to pick up a hammer and some nails. Arriving in the mirror room, Roseate was pleased to see the Scryial sitting where she had left it.
With her magic holding the hammer and a nail, Roseate walked over to what she thought was the perfect location for the mirror. On the wall in the back of the room was a wooden beam that served to support the house like a spinal column. Yes, this would be the spot. Setting the steel nail against the wood, Roseate hit it twice with the hammer.
Once the nail was in place, Roseate set the hammer down and picked up the mirror and hung it on the wall. After adjusting the mirror for a bit, Roseate stepped back and examined it.
Pleased at its positioning, she returned to the box and pulled out the old tome.
The tome's cover was covered with dark purplish scales, with bronze bindings and a lime green gem in the center of the cover. Upon opening the book, only blank pages awaited her, however, after Roseate channeled more eldritch magic into her horn, words began to appear. Like small black worms, the ink began to move across the page forming words in an alien language that only the most studied unicorn might understand. Even then, any pony that could recognize this unworldly tongue would struggle against the alluring song of madness. Fortunately, Roseate wasn't any ordinary pony, for what is cracked is already broken.
Known as the Isidria, this tome was the exact same book in Roseate's Cutie Mark, which made sense seeing how reading the ancient text had earned her the mark. The document possessed numerous authors, some from before the unification of the pony tribes. There were rumors that the first author was a sphinx, which would explain why some sections of the Isidria were written like riddles.
Finding the page she was looking for, Roseate walked over to the mirror and began to chant, "Kamorrah, morrah mor mel t'tadhe peth't yog hpmer warld'tuth. Yog lend't dier ngi gani, kav yel mey 'eo tos thasi ph'bl t'taph gles't ngi f’t tos meliph."
As the witch finished her incantation, the surface of the mirror began to shift and change, giving way to a black void. Slowly, lights emerged from the darkness, like the eyes of numerous deep-sea creatures peering out into the world. Though technically those eyes could also belong to ponies in other dimensions with their own Void Windows. A wide smile stretched across Roseate's face.
"Hello beings from beyond the veil," Roseate called out to the creatures in the void, "Your writhing, shapeless forms precede you. I am certain many of you are curious about this world, as well as the inhabitants that reside here. Therefore, feel free to ask questions and offer advice."
The eyes blinked like those of a diamond dog enticed by gems. She had their attention.
"Today my question for all of you is very simple," Roseate said, "I need a familiar for my studies and I was thinking of a form to give it, but I can't decide. What form do you think I should shape it into? I was thinking a raven at one point, you also can't go wrong with a cat, then I thought a parasprite might be kind of cute. Or maybe in your forbidden wisdom you have another idea entirely. What do you think?"
Only whispers seem to respond. No doubt it would take a while for the voices to pass through the void to reach her beloved mirror.
"Don't worry," Roseate smiled, "I have a special gem built into this mirror that will record your messages for me to respond to. I can also receive gifts, however, the interdimensional postal service isn't what it used to be, so don't be too surprised if something goes missing. Well, I guess that's it for now. See you all tomorrow!"
With her introduction finished, Roseate placed an old blanket over the mirror, ensuring that the relic was safe and that no random pony would stumble upon it. As for the other box, she could worry about unpacking it tomorrow.
Stepping out into the hall, Roseate closed the door to the mirror room and locked it before making her way to the bedroom.
No doubt Arsthotua would return from his hunt soon. Once inside her bedroom, Roseate untied her mane allowing her hair to fall flat against the back of her neck.
Unlike the rest of the house, the walls here were covered in a dark purple wallpaper. In the center of the bedroom was a round bed covered in purple bed sheets and a few purple pillows. The room lacked any windows, but Roseate was okay with that. The last thing either she or her husband would want was the possibility that they would be peeped on from outside.
On one side of the room was a walk-in closet, which stored some of Roseate's clothes and jewelry. There was also a small section for Arsthotua's clothes, though there weren't very many of those. Next to the closet door was a small wooden table made of a dark oak. A small digital clock rested on the surface, serving as the only source to indicate time outside of the dark room.
Roseate took off her reading glasses and set them along with the black hairband on the table, where they would be undisturbed for the evening.
With the room securely locked, Roseate walked over to the bed and pulled herself up on top. The soft silk sheets gently caressing her body as she lay on the bed.
The room grew dark as a black smoke began to cover the walls, floor, and ceiling. Shadowy fingers stretched outward like the roots of a great tree. Glowing eyes and dark green tendrils emerged from the smoke looming over Roseate. One of the tendrils stretched forward and rubbed the side of her cheek.
'That was a fine meal.'
Long tendrils soothed Roseate's limbs. One tentacle twirled part of her mane. A large eye drew close to her face.
'Now I think it is time for dessert.'
Roseate smiled seductively. Tonight was going to be a long night.
“Alicris is simply one of many worlds they yearn for, long for, and in response to their attention we seek them out. Like a moth to a flame. However, the fire is so bright there is no way we can comprehend it.
"But what happens to those who are burned? What scars are left behind?”
Quote from the Outsiders, by M.R. Amorcolt.
Roseate found herself in a cage made of coral, the frame held together by tentacles and barnacles. Stretching her limbs, she examined her surroundings before coughing on the thick air.
The surroundings did not surprise her. She recognized them from recurrent nightmares stretching back seven years ago.
Using numerous concoctions and spells, Roseate had tried ward off the dream, but all attempts had failed. Even dreamcatchers couldn't ensnare these nightmares. Repetition inured Roseate to the bizarre dream that plagued her subconscious.
Orange straps of slender fabric held tightly to her legs, chest, neck, and head, and a segment covered her right eye. As in her dreams before, the occasional shift of the light revealed profane magical runes adorning the edges of the ribbons binding her, runes that were both alien and yet familiar.
Her cage, along with many others, was suspended above a vast void. Strange sea anemone-like plants hanging from the fleshy ceiling cast the only light, shimmering between the cage’s tendril bars.
In her previous dreams the other cages were all empty, save for the bones of their original prisoners; however, now one of them actually contained another pony. It was a unicorn mare with a pale gray coat, a dark blue mane and tail, and amber eyes.
While Roseate could make out the mare's form she had difficulty discerning the mare's mood. Roseate was about to call out to her when a familiar, ominous sound began to resonate throughout the void.
A shadowy nebula began to float upwards toward them, its form slowly coalescing into a fearsome equine form. Stardust formed two wings and a horn.
This creature wasn't the fabled Nightmare Moon. No, it was a thousand times worse. It was a Tantabus, a dream tainter, a living key to the everlasting night, an eldritch parasite that beset even the greatest of the Outer Minds.
Roseate could feel the Tantabus's stare as it examined her and the other prisoner, an otherworldly malice filling the air. In its gaze she could feel HIS presence, exuding the same distaste HE channeled into her long ago when HE was still alive.
Recognizing that her nightmare would soon be over, Roseate closed her eyes, awaiting its end: for her body to be torn into oblivion like so many times before...
But the end didn't come.
The cage suddenly shifted as, somehow, the tendrils encasing it began to come loose. As the cage began to fall, the Tantabus let out a terrifying roar. HE wouldn't let her go! HE wanted to punish her as HE did so long ago!
A tendril of blue smoke reached out to grab the coral bars but instead shattered Roseate's confinement.
As Roseate plummeted into the depths and the lights of the anemones above faded, other shapes appeared at the edges of her vision. Things resembling insectile limbs, broken glass, webbing, and tendrils danced beyond the limits of Roseate's natural sight, but she could still feel them there.
The shapes turned their attention to her, observing as she continued to plummet.
Then eyes began to appear, glowing in the depths, watching her. The beings she had spoken to through the mirror were here now, beholding her with intrigue.
It was suffocating, having all those alien eyes watching her, just enough that Roseate could feel her heart racing, anxiety fluttering in her chest. That was when she felt them.
The soft tentacles of her beloved wrapping around her, holding her in an embrace of protection and reassurance. As long as Arsthotua was with her, Roseate would remain strong. As long as Arsthotua stayed by her side, she would be safe from HIM.
Roseate awoke on the round bed, her body covered in sweat. Her purple silk blanket lay disheveled, barely covering her. The room was empty, her husband's tendrils having withdrawn back behind the veil sometime during the night after their lovemaking.
Looking over at the clock, she saw that it was 7:13. She would need to start class at 8:30.
Pulling herself off the bed, Roseate prepared for school. First, she walked into the hall and turned into the bathroom to shower off the sweat and extra fluids from last night's activities.
Roseate pulled back the purple curtain and stepped into the shower. Standing under the shower head, Roseate turned the faucet handle. Soon, a cascade of water came streaming down, gradually warming. The warm water soothed her body.
Once she was clean, Roseate dried herself off using a towel and returned to her bedroom.
Walking over to the table, Roseate tied her mane back into a bun with the black hairband before levitating her bifocals onto her nose. Then stepping into her walk-in closet, Roseate examined some of her clothes. Today she felt like wearing a scarf.
After glancing over her collection, Roseate decided upon a scarf with black and green stripes. Then, noticing some matching stockings, Roseate determined that it would be a crime not to wear them, as well.
Now dressed for the day, Roseate stepped out of the walk-in closet and examined the time on the clock: 7:32. Three floating eyes emerged into existence, examining her.
'You look lovely today.'
"Thank you." Roseate smiled before turning toward the door.
'Those garments compliment your form perfectly.' Arsthotua continued, 'I almost want to take you right now.'
Roseate could feel an invisible tendril rubbing her left foreleg. "But then I would have to take another shower and come up with a lousy excuse for why I was late to my class."
A low chuckle rippled through Roseate's mind as the tentacle retreated.
Stepping out into the hallway, Roseate considered what to do next. Sure, she could head straight to school and sit there and wait a half hour for her students to arrive. Or she could open that second box she had stored away the previous night. Walking into the storage room, Roseate examined the undisturbed box.
Opening the cardboard box, Roseate perceived its contents. On the top was a black, wide-brimmed hat, a hat commonly associated with witches. She had once worn it as a joke for a Nightmare Night costume, the one time of year where one could be called a witch without the fear of the Solar Guard breathing down their neck. Putting the hat aside, Roseate continued to pull out other items.
There were three books. Each belonged to a different school of magic considered forbidden by the Equestrian government: Necromancy, Tartarian magic, and even Nightmare magic. Perhaps she might try to practice some magic from these books later.
Next, she pulled out an old, stuffed bunny doll.
"Oh, there you are, Mister Smelly Bottoms!" Roseate squeaked as she snuggled with the doll, "I was wondering where you had gone."
Perhaps she should convert one of the empty rooms into a toy room.
Moving her hoof around the inside of the box, Roseate felt her hoof rub up against a glass sphere.
"Oh, I almost forgot about this!" Roseate said as she pulled the item out with her magic. It was a crystal ball about the size of a pony's hoof, a completely transparent sphere.
Enveloping the crystal ball with her magic, Roseate walked over to the mirror, which was still covered with a blanket. While she considered tuning the sphere to the mirror now, Roseate was sure that she would need to leave for the school soon. With a deep sigh, Roseate returned the magical item to the box before stepping back out into the hallway and locking the door.
Walking down the stairs, Roseate made her way to the kitchen. Pulling open the refrigerator, she pondered what to make for breakfast. She decided on toast. She grabbed two slices of bread and put them in the toaster. While the machine cooked the two pieces of toast, Roseate pulled out some strawberry jam and butter along with a carton of orange juice.
Taking a glass from one of the cupboards and setting it down on the table, she poured herself a glass of orange juice before returning the container to the fridge. Lifting the glass up to her muzzle, Roseate took a sip of the golden liquid before letting out a happy sigh. Seconds later, the bread popped out of the toaster. With the toast finished, Roseate placed them on a plate and spread some butter across them with a knife. Once she had completed buttering the toast, Roseate spread some of the jam over it.
With her food prepared, Roseate sat down at the table and ate. It wasn't the best breakfast she ever had, but she wouldn't complain.
Once she finished her meal, Roseate placed the dirty plate and silverware in the sink and ran some water over them. Then, grabbing the satchel containing her teaching materials, Roseate stepped out the door and made her way to the school.
The children roared happily as the bell rang, indicating the end of the school day.
"Thank you all for coming," Roseate called out as the foals ran by, "Be safe."
Once the last child had left the room, Roseate let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, today had gone a lot smoother than yesterday. A few of the foals had come forward to apologize for harassing her about her Cutie Mark, probably at their parents’ behest. All the same, Roseate forgave them and they had proceeded with the class.
Now with class over, Roseate sat at her desk, stacking the collected pages of homework in a way that they could be examined later. Putting the papers in her satchel, Roseate prepared to leave the schoolhouse.
Her stomach rumbled ravenously. Perhaps Roseate could grab a bite to eat at the local diner. Stepping out of the schoolhouse, she made her way back to town.
Much like her home, the school was a small distance away from the town, separated by trees and bushes. A dirt path and a wooden sign served as the only indicators of where to go.
Stepping out into the street, Roseate examined many of the surrounding buildings. There was a town hall, and next to it was the library. Walking down the street, Roseate passed by a few small businesses before coming up to the Maple Family Diner, a business owned by a mare named Maple Syrup.
A bell rang as Roseate pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"Come on in!" Maple called out, "Take a seat!"
Maple Syrup was an earth pony mare with a golden coat and a brown mane. She wore a blue waitress uniform with a white collar and apron. Somehow, she had managed to balance a plate with numerous sandwiches on her back.
Following Maple's instructions, Roseate walked over to a booth and sat down. While the waitress continued to deliver food to the other customers, Roseate pulled out her students' homework and started to grade them. Considering that it was simple arithmetic, the grading process wasn't too difficult, at least not for her.
"Hey, Roseate!"
Roseate looked up to see Bell Flower sitting down at the same booth, just across from her, despite the fact that there were clearly a few unoccupied booths nearby.
"Hello," Roseate said before returning to her grading. "What brings you here?"
"I finished my shipments for the day," Bell explained, "so I decided to stop for a bite."
"I see."
Looking out the window, Roseate saw a stallion trying to get the attention of a mare who seemed to be ignoring him. Roseate shrugged, probably just a lover's squabble, nothing for her to worry about.
"So, how is your second day in town?"
"It has been going well."
At that very moment, Maple Syrup walked over with a couple menus.
"I'm sorry for taking so long," Maple apologized. "Here are your menus."
"Oh, don't worry about me." Bell Flower smiled. "I'll just have my usual."
"So the avocado sandwich and a root beer," Maple nodded before turning to Roseate. "And would you like some time to look at the menu?"
"I think," Roseate bit her lip, "I'll just try what she is having."
"Very well." Maple smiled. "I will have your meals out soon."
After writing down their orders, Maple walked back behind the counter, before putting the order up for the cook to see. As Roseate watched the waitress walk away, her attention was grabbed by another mare in a distant booth. She was a unicorn with a light bluish gray coat and dark blue mane, her amber eyes matching the movement of her pen as she wrote away.
"Who is that?" Roseate asked out of curiosity. Something about the mare's aura felt off.
Bell Flower glanced over her shoulder, "Oh, that's Moonlight Raven, apparently she is an author who comes to Muleport from time to time for the peace and quiet."
With Bell's explanation, Roseate shrugged and resumed examining her students' homework. A frown crossed her face as she noticed that one of her students, June Berry, had managed to completely fail her math homework. Perhaps Roseate needed to better explain the math section.
As Roseate proceeded onto the first Ponish assignment, Maple Syrup had returned with their root beers.
"Here's your root beer." The waitress placed a pair of glasses before them with the carbonated fluids and straws inside. "Your meals should be out shortly."
"Thank you," Bell said before taking a sip of her drink.
After grading another student's homework, Roseate took a sip of her root beer. The bubbly beverage was cold and refreshing.
"So you're the new teacher," Bell Flower exclaimed. "We have been needing a replacement since the last one disappeared."
Roseate narrowed her eyes. "Disappeared?"
"Yeah." Bell took another sip. "Just one Thursday afternoon, she walked out into the woods and was never seen again."
"They didn't find anything like a body?"
"Nope." Bell shook her head. "Just completely gone. Vanished without a trace."
"How strange." She tried to contemplate what could cause such a disappearance. There were a few supernatural forces she could think of, as well as some inter-dimensional ones.
"Hey, Bell!" A male voice called out, drawing both Bell Flower and Roseate's attention.
The voice belonged to a pegasus stallion with a white coat and a red mane and tail. A pair of red sunglasses covered his eyes.
"Hey, Signal Flare," Bell smiled as the stallion approached. "Are you here to restock on supplies?"
"Indeed I am." Signal Flare nodded before turning his attention to Roseate. "And who is this?"
"This is Roseate Grimsbane. She is the new teacher here in Muleport."
"I see, and a pretty one, too," Flare said.
"She's married." Bell Flower mentioned.
"So?" Signal Flare gave a confused look. "That doesn't change anything. Whoever they are, I sure hope they know how lucky they are."
Roseate giggled. "I'll remember to tell my husband that."
"Excuse me!" Maple Syrup said as nimbly squeezed past the stallion to give Roseate and Bell Flower their sandwiches.
"Oh, sorry about that." Signal Flare apologized awkwardly. As the stallion moved he accidentally bumped into Roseate.
While the brief contact was completely innocent, Roseate could feel her stomach twitch sickeningly.
Despite the sudden onset of queasiness, Roseate did her best to smile at the waitress. "Thank you for the food."
It wasn't hard for Maple to notice Roseate's discomfort, "Ma'am, are you all right?"
"I'll be fine." Roseate hoped.
She waited patiently for the stallion to abashedly excuse himself to go to the restroom before waving the waitress back over.
"You wouldn't happen to have some ginger, would you?"
Returning home, Roseate placed her satchel down against one of the legs of the table before making her way back up the stairs toward the storage room. As she made her way to the stairs, Roseate noticed something amiss.
"Hmmm..."
There were vibrations in the air that didn't belong. Like the strumming of a guitar in a graveyard, it was a sensation that felt off. Roseate recognized it as being caused by a dimensional intrusion.
Moving into the living room, Roseate made her way to the basement. Perhaps Arsthotua had an idea of what was going on.
Opening the door, Roseate descended the wooden staircase into the basement. The room was concrete. There were a few puddles of water in the corners, and a freezer stood in the back.
Roseate walked over to one side of the room where the concrete looked just a tad bit too dry. Placing a hoof on the wall, Roseate began to chant.
The concrete shimmered before the illusion gave way, revealing a carved-out passageway that descended into the bowels of the earth. With the way exposed, Roseate proceeded inside. Floating orbs of teal flame hovered near the walls, illuminating the path into the depths. The sound of water running was audible.
'Is everything all right?' Roseate asked telepathically.
'Everything is fine.' Arsthotua answered. 'We have a guest.'
Eventually, the path opened up into a large cavern with pools of water filled with glowing sea anemones. In the center of the room was a clearing with a stone table, seated at which was a figure who was undoubtedly the guest.
Drawing near, Roseate could see her husband's eyes and tendrils lining the cavern ceiling. One of the tendrils was reaching down, manipulating a chess piece on a gnarled chess board. The guest was playing, as well.
"Roseate." As Arsthotua spoke, his voice resonated through the cavern. "Allow me to introduce our guest. This is the Smiling Stallion, he has some business in the area and thought he would stop by for a game."
Turning to the visitor, Roseate looked him over. In profile, he looked like a gray earth pony wearing a black hoodie; however as he turned to face her, it became clear that his toothy mile-wide smile was conformed to his face.
"It is an honor to meet you." The corners of his mouth pulled upward during the entire statement, a rather unsettling display of razor-sharp teeth.
"How long will you be staying?" Roseate inquired, feeling uneasy. A part of her wanted to talk to her husband about the incident in the restaurant. It was a discussion she didn't want to share with a guest.
At closer inspection, it was clear that this wasn't an ordinary game of chess. The board was actually a cube, each side possessing checkered spaces with two different shades of aquamarine. It floated in the air, moving on an axis so that the box almost resembled a diamond. The pieces were mostly black or red; although as the board turned, Roseate noticed one side that featured mismatching pieces.
There were ten of these unique pieces: one blue pawn, two orange pawns, two yellow pawns, two white pawns, one pink pawn, one purple knight, and one violet bishop.
"Not long," the Smiling Stallion answered, "I am just waiting for the preparations; besides, your husband is winning."
The Smiling Stallion moved his hood, causing a red knight to advance forward to take one of Arsthotua's rooks.
"Indeed. Still, you are a worthy opponent."
One of Arsthotua's tendrils picked up his queen and moved it to the right five spaces. One of the yellow pawns marched forward on its own.
"Well, have a good game," Roseate said before starting to head back upstairs.
As long as Arsthotua kept an eye on the Smiling Stallion and made sure that he didn't cause any trouble, Roseate would be fine. She was about to leave when Roseate remembered what Bell Flower had told her about earlier.
"Before I go," Roseate turned to face the Smiling Stallion, "You wouldn't happen to be responsible for the disappearance of the previous Muleport School teacher, would you?"
The Smiling Stallion turned to face her, his eyes staring into hers. "Of course not, I only arrived moments ago, and my agents know full well not to mess in the affairs of innocent bystanders."
"Just making sure."
Roseate's ears twitched as the sound of somepony knocking on the door upstairs broke the stillness in the house. As Roseate walked up the stairs, she tried to think of why anypony would be knocking on her door.
'Of course, I'll have Pinkie Pie bring you a dozen tomorrow.'
"Oh, yeah!"
Reaching the front door, Roseate looked through the peephole to see a bouncing pink pony on the other side. The box of cupcakes miraculously balanced upon her head. Pinkie's eyes grew bright as Roseate opened the door.
"You must be Pinkie Pie." Roseate smiled. "Ms. Cake said you would be coming by."
"Indeedy weedy, here I am." Pinkie grinned, emitting a weird squeaking sound filled with emotion. "And here are the cupcakes that you purchased."
That was one way of putting it.
"Thank you very much. Please, come inside."
Once Pinkie had stepped inside, Roseate escorted her to the kitchen.
"If you could set them on the table, that would be just fine."
As Pinkie set the box of cupcakes down on the table, Roseate fished out some tarot cards. At times, she would feel the compulsion to see another pony's future through the cards, and often at such times, fortunes proved to be interesting.
"I hope you enjoy the cupcakes!" Pinkie squeaked.
"Before you go," Roseate sat down at the table, "how interested would you be in having me tell you fortune?"
"Can you really tell the future?" Pinkie asked excitedly as Roseate set up the cards.
"Not really," Roseate lied. "It's mostly a fun party trick."
"Oh, I love party tricks!" Pinkie sat down at the table. "Let's do it!"
Roseate shuffled the deck, cut it twice, and shuffled again. Once she was certain that the deck was properly randomized, Roseate began to draw cards and placed them face down on the table until there were two rows, each having seven cards.
"Now pick a card." Roseate motioned with a hoof.
"Okie doki!" Pinkie tapped a card in the row closest to her on the left corner.
Using her magic, Roseate flipped the card, revealing the image of three mares standing around a campfire.
"Judging from this card," Roseate examined the card. "You are part of a small group of friends, who have gone on numerous adventures together."
Pinkie took in a shocked breath. "How did you know?"
"Choose another card," Roseate said, ignoring Pinkie's question.
"Oh! Oh! What about..." Pinkie contemplated her choices. "That one!"
Flipping over the card Pinkie was pointing at, Roseate saw the image of a centaur. The card was upside down.
"There will be many struggles ahead of you..." Roseate scratched the side of her head, "the outcome of which will be decided by the next card you choose."
A bead of sweat dripped down the side of Pinkie's face as she stared at the cards. Roseate had to do everything she could to not just burst out giggling.
"How about that one?" Pinkie said at last, pointing to the card closest to Roseate.
A smile crept across Roseate's face as the card was flipped over and the image came into view. It was a castle surrounded by green fields with the sun over head.
"Yes, as long as you and your friends work together, great fortune will be your reward."
Pinkie wiped the sweat from her brow, "Hoo-ee, that was a close one!"
Roseate bowed her head. "Thank you for kindly accepting my offer."
"Hey, let me try!"
Before Roseate could do anything to stop her, Pinkie Pie flipped over one of the cards. It was a black card, the image of long black tendrils emerging from a swirling starry void. It was an extremely rare card to draw, and its omen wasn't good.
"Please don't do that." Roseate quickly scooped up the cards. "These cards are rather... Old."
Pinkie's ears flopped down. "I'm sorry."
The mare's mane seemed to almost deflate for a moment.
"It's okay. You didn't know."
With her apology accepted, Pinkie returned to her regular cheerful self. "Well, I best be going!"
"Allow me to show you out." Roseate smiled as she escorted Pinkie to the door.
"If you ever want more cupcakes, you know where to look!" Pinkie said cheerfully as she stepped outside.
"I do indeed." Roseate stood in the doorway. "Thank you."
Roseate watched as Pinkie bounced away before she stepped back into her domicile and locked the door. The matter with the black card was still on her mind. Returning to the table, Roseate took the pile of cards and neatly shuffled them once more.
"Surely it was just a luck of the draw." Roseate chuckled nervously as she tried to reassure herself. "Just a coincidence."
Picking up the deck, Roseate made her way back upstairs. She wanted to try to convert that one empty room into a toy room before consorting with the Scryial. Perhaps this would help distract her troubled nerves.
Pulling the cloth from the mirror, Roseate gazed into the vast void beyond its metal frame, the glowing eyes peering back at her. Next to her were a few books, a black cauldron filled with water and a burlap sack.
"Hello again," Roseate said to those within the mirror, "I will answer all your questions soon, but first we have a familiar to summon."
She began to pull supplies from the sack.
"Just a branch of olive," Roseate began adding ingredients to the cauldron, "about five grams of charcoal, three grains of wheat, a leaf of poison joke, some incense from Saddle Arabia, the eye of a cockatrice, and a single ruby."
Once all the ingredients were added to the pot, the water took on an oily sheen.
"Then all you have to do is say the magic words." Roseate smiled.
Closing her eyes, Roseate held her hooves up over the cauldron and began to chant.
Slowly, the contents of the pot began to swirl, glowing a bright sickly green before coalescing into a perfect sphere above the witch's cauldron.
Bones of jade crystal formed to create a feline skeleton, followed by crimson flesh and white sinew. Layers of flesh and fur grew over the newly constructed body. Once it was completely formed, the being was lowered to the ground, its body as still as death.
It was a cat covered in black fur with a pink stripe starting from between its eyes and moving all the way down the spine, the tips of its ears and tail bleached white.
From the sack, Roseate pulled out a purple collar with a silver pendant, which she placed around the cat's neck. A sealing rune was engraved.
Leaning down, Roseate sealed her lips around the cat's mouth a breathed into it, her breath giving it life. After giving three breaths, Roseate stepped back and watched.
The cat's eyes flashed open, the orbs a vibrant green. A smile crept across Roseate's face as her familiar came to life.
"Hello, my familiar, my name is Roseate Grimsbane, and I have summoned you to this plane to aid me in my craft."
The familiar looked down at his collar before giving her an annoyed glance, "Did you really have to pick such an unappealing collar to bind me with?"
Choosing to ignore the familiar's attitude, Roseate turned her attention back to the mirror.
"Now, in addition to other question I have for you, you can also try to name this little guy."
"What are you talking about?" The familiar’s annoyance mounted. "I already have a name! It's Gu'olghathmmphriesan!"
"Of course it is." Roseate giggled before whispering to the mirror. "Just go ahead and send us your best names. Now, onto the questions!"
Viper Pit asks: "How did she meet her husband?"
Evening Song asks: "What, specifically, did you have to offer and/or sacrifice to take Arsthotua as a husband?"
"It wasn't an offering in the usual sense of the word," Roseate replied. "Our first meeting was caused by an act of desperation. However, as with all beings from beyond the veil, a sacrifice was made, and an alternative was accepted."
Night Storm asks: "How powerful are your spells? And what kind of magic do you like?"
"The magic at my disposal is a mere fraction of that possessed by my husband. Truth is, I have no magic of my own." Roseate raised a hoof and touched her horn. "I was born with a rare genetic defect called, Congenital Cornual Nerve Aplasia, more commonly known as Dead-horn. Basically, while the horn is present, the nerves required to send magical data from the brain to the horn are missing. It is rare but common among ponies of a mixed lineage."
Roseate removed her hoof and frowned.
"Needless to say, this disorder cost me dearly in my youth," Roseate returned her gaze to the mirror and smiled. "But to answer your question, I enjoy trying to learn magic of various origins, including those considered forbidden by most scholars. I will discuss this in better detail shortly."
NicLove asks: "Can he make you a mother?"
A pained expression swept across Roseate's face. "He can and he has, but for some reason my children only slumber."
NicLove asks: "Can he only be male or is it just that he prefers to be male?"
"While his species is vastly different from ours," Roseate replied, "Arsthotua qualifies in both worlds as a masculine entity."
bestinDworld asks: "Do you like belly rubs?"
A green tendril reached out from the shadows and began to stroke Roseate's cheek. A smile crept across her face, and she pushed into the tentacle's embrace.
The familiar gave the tentacle a wary look.
"It depends upon who is giving it."
Roseate let out a little giggle as the green appendage caressed her.
Drake asks: "How did you figure out how to summon an Eldritch abomination?! Is it dangerous?! I would call the royal guard but I’m afraid he’ll eat me!"
"With the aid of the Isidria," Roseate held up the ancient tome, "I was able to summon Arsthotua into the world, and yes, such an act can be quite dangerous. Piercing the Fifth Veil is an arduous task even for them, and they can be stern with those they deem unworthy. However, many of them can be empathic of those in great need.”
The tendril withdrew.
"But don't worry, Arsthotua wouldn't consume you," Roseate answered slyly. "The consequences of your actions would warrant a more terrifying fate."
A chuckle escaped the witch's lips.
NicLove asks: "Why did you tell the town that you were married?"
Ri2 asks: "How did you meet your husband, and what was the wedding like?"
"Because we are." Roseate smiled. "We went through both the rituals of the Eldar Realm and of an Equestrian Wedding ceremony. And before you ask, yes, he did take on the form of a pony for the latter. He just isn't terribly fond of wearing a pony's skin."
A green eye appeared to observe the conversation.
"It also makes it so that stallions are less likely to ask to be my special somepony," Roseate continued, "or for my hoof in marriage. As for the wedding, the Equestrian wedding was just like your usual wedding. We made our vows for better or worse, we exchanged rings, we kissed, rice was thrown, pigeons ate the rice, the pigeons choked on the rice, and we proceeded on to the honeymoon."
Pulling out the Isidria, Roseate turned to a few pages where the squiggling ink formed the image of an orb with a mouth filled with jagged teeth and countless mouths within.
"The Eldar wedding wasn't too much different," Roseate said, pointing at the image. "However, there, when you throw the 'rice,' the 'pigeons' don't eat the 'rice.' The 'rice' eat the 'pigeons.'"
A shiver crept up the cat's spine.
Roseate set the tome aside and watched as a curious alien face loomed in the mirror.
Genesis asks: "How many realities are you currently aware of besides your own? I'm not talking simple planes of existence but all together realities that have different histories than the one you currently have?"
"Well, it depends." Roseate bit her lower lip. "If you are referring to alternate versions of the world I live in, I know there are a few, but I haven't seen them, nor could I describe them. If I had to guess, there are at least twelve. That I can say for sure."
Genesis continued: "Would it be at all possible to jump realities, should (or even realms though I strongly suggest you don't) the current one became too compromised?"
"It is possible." Roseate scratched her chin. "I do have a few artifacts in my possession that allow me to move to certain locations. However, it wouldn't be wise to take up permanent residence in those unearthly regions."
Acoustic Pulse asks: "How many realms are there, and do you have access to all of them?"
"Well, there is the Alicris Realm," Roseate answered, "which is named after our planet. Alicris is actually where the word Alicorn comes from, due to their connection with the celestial bodies. There is the Eldar Realm where Arsthotua and a few other eldritch beings come from. There is also Tartarus and Furorult, a couple of worlds meant for prisoners and the most dangerous of beasts."
Roseate stretched her legs before resuming her discussion.
"Those are just a few of the ones I've listed. I can assure your there are at least ten more that I haven't mentioned. As for whether or not I have access to them, the answer... meh."
Holding up the Isidria, Roseate turned to a few pages.
"Going to other realms isn't the problem," Roseate explained. "Rather, it is surviving in those domains and being able to return that is the hard part. For example, in the Eldar realm, oxygen as we know it doesn't exist. You have to carry a powerful vessel with the right magical sigils just to ensure that you can breathe during your visit. And that doesn't include having to deal with some of the harsher beings of that world."
FanOfMostEverything asks: "Is Discord an eldritch entity akin to your husband, or some bizarre class of being all his own?"
"Draconequi like Discord are a bit of a mystery, and an annoying one at that." Roseate rubbed her right temple. "While they are strange beings, they don't possess any of the traits most eldritch beings have. It has been theorized that they might be a species of Chimera that were birthed into existence when magic was first introduced to the world. However, there is so much evidence going around both confirming and contradicting this that I could never say for sure."
"Fortunately, most of the Draconequi left this world centuries ago." Gu'olghathmmphriesan grumbled.
Umbra Amino asks: "What’s the closest you ever came to be found out?"
"Let me think." Roseate said before a smile crept across her face. "There was one time while Arsthotua and I were on our honeymoon in Las Pegasus. Apparently, the maid hadn't noticed the 'Do Not Disturb' sign and half walked in on us... Anyway, fortunately this particular maid had been known for drinking on the job, so nopony believed her when she started crying about tentacles and shadowy tendrils."
NicLove asks: "From 0 to 10, how good are you?"
Roseate squinted. "I'm not sure. Good at what? You might want to be more specific with your question."
John Dillinger asks: "What sort of banks do you have in Equestria? Also, how is the economy?"
"Admittedly, I can't say for sure how secure our banks are. Sure, we have magical locks that increase the integrity of bank vaults, but when you have creatures powerful enough to simply tear those doors off their hinges, those security measures seem almost pointless. As for the economy, ever since the return of Princess Luna, the economy has improved quite a bit."
Death is disturbed asks: "Do you like heavy metal? If so, what bands do you like?"
"There are some heavy tunes that I enjoy. There is a band by the name of Thirteenfold based out of Manehatten that I find especially amusing. Then there is Madness Inscribed which likes to use a lot of occult imagery in their work."
NicLove asks: "How did you meet Cup Cake?"
"You mean Mrs. Cake," Roseate said. "I met her about... maybe five or six years ago. Back then, she used hats to conceal her succubic features, however it kind of prevented her from trying to find a special somepony. At the time, I was in need of money and discovered her secret when we accidentally bumped into each other at the market. A potion was made, some bits were exchanged, and she has been coming back to me for help ever since."
Flarion asks: "Have you ever heard of Lovecraft? Call of Cthulhu?"
"Those names don't ring a bell." Roseate shook her head. "Sorry."
Viper Pit asks: "Would you like some extra poison/venom? I have some to spare, which you could probably make some antivenom with it."
"I wouldn't mind some," Roseate replied, "although it would probably help if I knew what species the venom belonged to."
White Cobalt asks: "Hey Roseate, now that you're unpacked and settling in, do you have an idea of what your future holds for you here?"
"Well, I've been having these nightmares that have been pulling me to here," Roseate answered, "I am hoping that, perhaps, if everything is resolved smoothly, that I may be able to reside here with my husband for a time, while I continue my search."
The voices in the mirror went silent, their questions answered, for now.
"Now I have another inquiry for you all," Roseate said.
Turning to the side, Roseate brandished three hefty tomes.
"These volumes contain information on a few forbidden schools of magic." Roseate smiled. "However, I don't think I have the time to study them all, and I'm just not sure which one to start with."
Carefully, Roseate lifted up the books, showing the covers to the mirror. One book was black with a symbol resembling a unicorn skull on the front. The second book was crimson with patterns resembling flames along the edges of the cover. The last book was a deep blue with the icon of the Mare in the Moon in the center.
"We have a book for; Necromancy, Tartarian Magic, and Nightmare Magic," Roseate said, "Please feel free to offer your insight on which of these schools of magic I should study."
Having finished her answering their questions, Roseate covered the mirror again with a blanket.
"So where do I sleep?" Gu'olghathmmphriesan asked flatly.
Rubbing her chin, Roseate contemplated where her familiar might rest.
"I may have a room for you," Roseate replied, "it is still a work in progress but I am sure that you will not mind."
The familiar followed as Roseate left the Mirror Room and stepped out into the hallway toward one of the empty rooms on the upper floor that only recently had been given a special purpose.
Inside the room there were a few stuffed animals, including Mister Smelly Bottoms. In addition to her stuffed rabbit, there was a wolf, a llama, a parasprite, and an elephant; all of which appeared nice and snuggly compared to the worn bunny doll.
While Roseate searched for something for her familiar to sleep on, Gu'olghathmmphriesan looking around the room, his nose twitched as he evaluated it.
"It's kind of small," he grumbled.
"Well, beggars can't be choosers," Roseate retorted as she pulled a fluffy, white pillow out of the closet, which she then positioned near the back of the room, almost like a little throne.
Gu'olghathmmphriesan sniffed the pillow. "I suppose this will work."
Stepping onto the pillow, the cat walked in a circle before lying down.
"Well, good night." Roseate bade as she prepared to leave the toy room.
"Thank you, by the way," Gu'olghathmmphriesan said before his eyes closed.
Feeling tired and a little worn out, Roseate retired to her bedroom. After taking off her glasses and articles of clothing Roseate lay belly-first on the bed. A small tendril rubbed one of her shoulders.
'Are you okay?' Arsthotua asked.
Roseate sighed. "It's been a long day."
'Tell me about it.'
The tentacle continued to rub her tenderly.
"Well, aside from communicating through the Scryial and summoning a familiar," Roseate shifted to her side to see three eyes looking down at her, "today was my second day of work. I had to grade some homework. I learned that apparently the previous teacher just... disappeared. And then some stallion bumped into me."
'He touched you?'
"Yeah," Roseate sniffed, "it was completely by accident but still..."
'Are you okay?'
"No," Roseate whimpered, before plopping her face into a pillow, "and I've been queasy since then."
'I am very sorry,' Arsthotua said as two more tendrils began to caress her. 'Is there anything I can do for you?'
"I don't know," Roseate moaned, "I'm too tired to think."
'Then why don't you sleep and rest? Tomorrow will be a new day, and I am more than willing to guard and watch over you until then.'
As he said this, Roseate's eyelids grew heavy. With eyes closed shut and feeling spent, Roseate drifted off to sleep.
“There are doors in our world. Some are big and some are small. With the right words and the right keys, any pony can open them, leading into the world of the Breezies, Tartarus, Limbo, or even beyond into the Fifth Veil.
“All of these doors are dangerous, for, once they open, who knows what might come through?”
Quote from; The Hills of Entropy, by M.R. Amorcolt.
"Please take your seats."
Roseate sat at her desk as her students walked into class, preparing to pass out yesterday’s homework once everypony was seated. A few young fillies giggled as they gossiped in the back of the room. The leader of the little clique was June Berry.
The classroom consisted of three rows of five chairs. At the front of the room was a green chalkboard along with the teacher's desk.
Once everypony was seated, Roseate stood up, ready to pass back their graded homework. She had organized the pile so that the first student's work would be on the top and the last student's work would be on the bottom, allowing her to walk from seat to seat and give the correct assignment to the correct student. Starting from the left side of the room, Roseate proceeded.
There were a few relieved breaths as some of the students received their homework back with better grades than they thought they had earned. The assignments were not supposed to be hard; they were merely a tool to guide Roseate’s instruction.
Once she had finished passing out the assignments, Roseate made her way back to her desk.
"Excuse me!" June Berry called out. Roseate stopped in her tracks.
"What is it, Miss Berry?" Roseate inquired as she turned around to address her student.
"You gave me an F!" June Berry yelled.
"Indeed," Roseate nodded, "I graded your work, you didn’t complete the assignment, so I gave you an F."
"An F!" June barked. "Do you know who I am?!"
Roseate's eyes narrowed. "Yes, you are my student. If you feel like you may not have had the necessary instruction to pass, I am more than willing to stay after class to help tutor you."
"I'm May Berry's daughter," June growled, "that means I pass no matter what!"
A few of the other students mumbled, but Roseate ignored them, focusing her attention on June.
"I'm afraid you are mistaken," Roseate said, her tone turning sharp. "I am not under your mother's paycheck; I was hired by the school to be your teacher. It is my duty to share my knowledge with all my students so that they might learn their calling. If you feel like you didn't properly understand the information needed for your assignment, I will gladly talk to you about it after class. I am here to teach you, not hand out A’s -- or F’s."
Roseate was almost about to sit down at her desk when she felt something hit the back of her head. Using her magic, Roseate lifted the object off the ground and examined it. It was June Berry's crumpled up homework assignment.
"June Berry!" Roseate glared at her student. "I do not tolerate this type of behavior in my classroom. Go to the principal's office immediately!"
The young foal gave Roseate a dumbfounded look, before growling and stomping out the door. Before she left, June slammed the door as loudly as she could. The room was quiet for a moment as the other students didn't want to do anything that could potentially evoke their teacher's wrath.
With a deep sign, Roseate sat down in her chair, recomposing herself.
"Does everypony have their notebooks?" Roseate asked calmly.
All the students nodded their heads, still surprised by the events that had unfolded.
"Then let's begin." Roseate stood up and walked over to the chalkboard. "Today we will be studying some of Equestria's history: in particular,the events leading up to the union of the three pony tribes."
“This isn’t fair!” June barked for what felt to be the one-millionth time since Roseate had been called back to the Principal’s office.
As expected, June Berry had gone complaining to the principal about "unjust treatment" and had demanded that Roseate be fired from her job. Fortunately, Roseate had the foresight to bring the crumpled-up homework assignment to the meeting, which provided her with enough evidence for the principal to take her side. Or so she thought.
Now she was being forced to sit here and endure this meeting.
Sitting there, it was obvious that June’s mother, May Berry was very displeased. Even though her daughter was responsible for her own foul behavior, Mayor May Berry continued to defend her daughter, throwing hateful glances at Roseate all the while.
“I’m sure this is all just a big misunderstanding,” the mayor deflected. “Perhaps my little June just forgot to finish her homework. No big deal.”
“Even so, that doesn’t excuse what she did in class,” Roseate replied flatly.
“Is crumpling up her homework really a problem?”
“Her attitude was the problem,” Roseate answered with frustration. “She acted poorly in front of her peers, and then disrespected me, her instructor, by throwing her crumpled up homework at me.”
The word peers seemed to make the mayor wince.
“Now, I’m sure we can resolve this peacefully,” the principal interjected, “we’ll just let June off with a warning this time. How does that sound?”
The principal’s reaction wasn’t too surprising to Roseate. He seemed conciliatory to the higher class, even if that meant being stepped on.
It was tempting for Roseate to curse him with infertility for his lack of self-respect and disregard for discipline, but instead, she remained silent. Myriad words for his coddling sprang to her mind, but hasty insults would only make matters worse.
Once the situation was resolved with June getting off with a mere warning, the mayor and her daughter left, leaving Roseate to grab her school supplies before heading out. A deep groan resonated through Roseate's throat as she left the schoolhouse.
She was trudging her way into town when she heard a familiar voice call out to her.
"Hey, Roseate!"
She turned to the left to see Bell Flower walking up.
"Hello Bell." Roseate pushed past her frustration and smiled, "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing okay. However, I owe you a deep apology."
"Really? For what?"
"Well, I forgot to tell you that the town is having a meeting for this upcoming Nightmare Night," Bell said nervously, "Since you and your husband are new here, we were hoping you would come. Of course, neither of you would if someone forgot to invite you." Bell rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
A meeting, huh? Roseate was curious as to what a town meeting concerning Nightmare Night might be like.
"I would be happy to attend." Roseate smiled.
"Will your husband also be joining us?" Bell inquired.
Roseate knew Arsthotua wasn't too fond of taking on an inferior form; however, it would have to happen sooner or later. Otherwise, the other ponies might get funny notions about their relationship, or its existence. Besides, it could be a very nice treat for the evening.
"I'm sure he would love to come."
"That's great!" Bell Flower trotted away with a brighter, redeemed expression. "See you later!"
Roseate was about to ponder her husband's form when she recalled the missing teacher. Perhaps there were other beings that might have some knowledge on what happened to her.
However, oftentimes such beings would require a special ritual to be summoned into Alicris.
As she walked on the sidewalk, Roseate began to look for any stores that might carry any of the ingredients she would need. It was then that she noticed a rather intriguing shop: Stripe's Herb Shop.
A bell and a few wind chimes jingled as Roseate opened the door and entered. Immediately the scent of cinnamon, paprika and a few other spices, Roseate couldn’t identify entered her nostrils.
Inside, there were various plants, spices, and jars filled with various powders stacked on the shelves. The jars bore labels listing their contents in Ponish and what Roseate guessed might be in Zebhili. Hanging from some wooden poles attached to the ceiling were some dried herbs.
Behind the front counter sat an elderly zebra. His head was shaved bare of the usual mane and a green necklace rested along his neckline. As Roseate drew closer, the zebra looked up from the book he was reading, his green eyes examining her.
"Hello," Roseate said as she stepped up to the counter, "this is a nice shop you have here."
As Roseate drew near, she caught of whiff of an arcane scent. The smell wasn’t too different from the one she had come across when Bell Flower welcomed her to Muleport.
"Are you here for a sale?" the zebra asked gruffly, "I find wandering eyes and bitless hooves very stale."
"I am," Roseate answered. The zebra looked her over suspiciously. It was likely that many of the town's residents came to gawk at the zebra instead of purchasing any supplies.
"What is it you seek to find? I can tell you if it is in this store of mine."
Roseate reached into her bag and pulled out a list, which she levitated onto the counter.
"I need everything mentioned here."
The zebra looked at the list and smiled widely. "All of these I possess. I hope you can forgive me for my rudeness."
Roseate waved a hoof. "It is fine. No harm done, but if you don't mind me asking, what is your name?"
"With many ponies I have my gripes," the zebra answered, "but my friends call me Grandpa Stripes."
With an annoyed sigh, Roseate walked over to the table, set her satchel on the table, and walked over to a cabinet. Picking out a can of liquid cat food, Roseate set it on the table before grabbing a can opener and a bowl.
"Yuck," Gu'olghathmmphriesan moaned. "Why do I have to eat that stuff?"
Roseate rolled her eyes as she took the can opener to the food.
"Because this is what cats eat," Roseate replied, "and if you don't eat it, your body will wilt away and I will have to make another familiar, which I do NOT have the resources for. Besides, your stomach will hurt if you don’t."
Gu'olghathmmphriesan sniffed the air. "Then what is that I smell?"
"Just some supplies for a summoning ritual." Roseate answered, "I am hoping a forest spirit might have some knowledge of the previous teacher’s whereabouts."
The familiar jumped onto the table as Roseate scooped the cat food into the bowl.
"Hmmm... that could be interesting," Gu'olghathmmphriesan said as he examined the food. "Mind if I tag along?"
Reaching into the refrigerator, Roseate pulled out a carton of milk, its contents having gone sour. After making sure that the container was sealed, she placed the sour milk in her satchel.
"I don't mind.Just don't do anything to scare them off."
Gu'olghathmmphriesan began to begrudgingly munch on his food as Roseate left the kitchen and made her way upstairs. Once she was inside her bedroom, Roseate latched the door shut.
"Hey, Arsthotua," Roseate spoke into the darkness.
'Yes,' Arsthotua replied, three eyes materializing with his presence, 'what is it?'
"Tomorrow there is a town meeting in preparation for Nightmare Night, and since we're new here, they expect both of us to be there."
'Very well. I will pull out the old pony form we agreed upon for such occasions. Let me see if I can assemble it like I used to.'
A green light illuminated the room as a glowing green liquid appeared, molding and twisting into the shape of a pony. As the glow died down, the form became visible. It was a unicorn stallion with a pale gray coat and a disheveled charcoal mane. However, like a suit, the body was empty of any living presence until Arsthotua possessed it. The eyes opened as Arsthotua took control, revealing maroon pupils. On his flank was the Cutie Mark of a green tendril encircling an alien eye.
"How does it look?" Arsthotua inquired, looking down at one of his hooves, blinking from the change of having only two eyes.
"Handsome as always." Roseate giggled as she encircled her husband. Already a few plans for the evening began to flood into her head.
"It feels so restrictive." Arsthotua shivered. "I'm not sure how you ponies can feel happy being confined to such weak and helpless forms."
"If you're born into it, you don't really notice it." Roseate rubbed up against his neck.
"I guess I better grow accustomed to it for now," Arsthotua grumbled as he began to totter about the room.
"Please do," Roseate said before whispering in his ear, "I have some plans this evening for the two of us and I would like you to be fully... functional for them."
Arsthotua chuckled at that. "I wouldn't dream of missing them."
When it came to most stallions, Roseate had a strange subconscious response to their hooves touching her, however there was something different about Arsthotua, even while in the form of a pony. Perhaps her mind was fully aware that he wouldn't harm her. At least, not without her desire.
Going back down the stairs, Roseate stopped and looked into the kitchen.
"Ready to go?"
Gu'olghathmmphriesan finished licking the bowl before jumping off the table and taking a position behind Roseate.
Stepping out back behind her house, Roseate began searching for a fallen log, a tree with a hole, or even a stump that had been hollowed out.
While she was certain that it probably wasn't too big of a deal that the original Muleport school teacher had disappeared, the curiosity kept gnawing at her. She suspected the teacher had had enough of May Berry and her daughter's nonsense and had run away to teach in another town, but Roseate needed to know for sure.
A smile crept across her face as she stumbled upon a moss-covered log that had been mostly hollowed out by the roaming insects.
"Perfect!"
Crouching down at one of the ends of the log, Roseate began pulling out the contents of her satchel: a ceramic bowl, a carton of milk that had gone sour, a silver thread, five leaves of mint, and a tablespoon of cinnamon.
Taking the silver thread, Roseate tied it around her end of the log, then she liberally sprinkled the cinnamon around the base of the opening, before arranging the mint leaves into the shape of a star among the line of brown spice. Once that was prepared, she placed the ceramic bowl next to her before pouring the sour milk into it. The scent was foul, but Roseate ignored it; she had smelled worse things over the years.
The familiar watched as he sat lazily on a rock nearby. His black tail flicking back and forth as he observed.
With her preparations made, Roseate lifted her hooves to the opening and began to chant, "Psaah, arr'i yog t'tiph sodi lend'tust. Psaah, briizoi yi t'tadhe dostend kongdam, nag farth ngi enswir yj onquoryesh."
As the chant filled the air, a blue glow began to illuminate the interior of the log. Mushrooms and flowers not native to the forests of Equestria began to grow and blossom around the silver thread that served as an anchor for the gateway.
"What is it?" a high-pitched voice called out from the portal. "What do you want?"
"Oh, spirit of the forest," Roseate spoke reverently, "would you please answer a question for me?"
There was a brief pause as if the owner of the voice was contemplating her request.
"Hmm! What is that I smell?"
"It is sour milk. I believe that your kind viewed it as a delicacy in your lands."
"You are well informed."
Slowly, a small shape emerged from the gateway, revealing a blue breezie with a pink mane and tail. It wore a tight black suit over most of its frame. As the breezie approached, Roseate turned and picked up the ceramic bowl, offering its sour contents for the fae creature.
As the breezie drew near to investigate it stopped once it saw Roseate's familiar.
"What is that thing?" the breezie asked with an odious intonation.
"That is just my familiar." Gu'olghathmmphriesan returned the breezie’s attention with resentment.
"When you told me you were summoning a forest spirit," Gu'olghathmmphriesan growled, "you didn't tell me it would be a disgusting breezie."
"Excuse me!" the breezie squeaked, clearly offended.
"Just ignore him," Roseate said trying to regain control of the conversation. "Don't worry, I won’t let him eat you."
"It wouldn't be worth it," Gu'olghathmmphriesan quipped. "Breezies give me indigestion."
Admittedly, Roseate was kind of curious about when the familiar would have had time to eat a breezie, but that question could wait for later. Right now, it was urgent that Roseate learn what she could from this breezie.
"Please, pardon our rudeness. I am Roseate Grimsbane. What might your name be?"
"Sea Breeze," the breezie answered as it flew down to the bowl and sampled its contents.
"So, what can you tell me about the previous Muleport teacher who disappeared?" Roseate inquired.
Sea Breeze twitched nervously and stopped sipping. "She was taken."
"By whom?"
"By those who follow the Wandering Mother." The breezie shifted from side to side before returning to the milk and resuming its drink with nervous fervor. Roseate held a hoof to her chin, she couldn't recall any entity referred to as the Wandering Mother.
"What do you know about this Wandering Mother?"
As Roseate finished asking the question, Sea Breeze managed to finish all the sour milk, emitting a squeaky belch as he finished.
"Look, lady." Sea Breeze squeaked, his body swaying drunkenly. "I try to avoid anything that comes from beyond the Veil. If you *hic* want more, then you're going to have to offer more than this *hic* milk for me to put my life *hic* on the line. I have a wife, for crying out loud!"
After finishing his outburst, the breezie sped toward the portal, the gate to his realm closing behind him. Roseate frowned as the gateway sealed. For all that work all she had was a name: the Wandering Mother. Information truly has its price.
"Well, that was irritating." Gu'olghathmmphriesan stretched his back.
While Roseate had considered re-summoning the breezie, she was sure that repeated calling might attract unwanted notice from Treya, the queen of the breezies, so she decided against it. She would have to find another way to gather further information on this teacher's disappearance.
As Roseate cleaned up all evidence of the summoning ritual, something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. Turning, Roseate saw something in the forest, a massive shape that vanished as soon as she faced it.
“Did you see that?” Roseate asked, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end.
“No, but I felt it.”
Carefully the two of them made their way back to the house.
"Now, before we proceed with the questions, I would like to say that I will be creating a Sacred Instrument known as an Athame, and I wanted to ask you what form it should take," Roseate said holding up the Isidria, "I was thinking either a knife, a spear, a blade, or even a glove with talons."
"That last one doesn't sound weird." Gu'olghathmmphriesan remarked sardonically.
"Oh hush now," Roseate reprimanded. "Just because you aren't looking forward to having your name changed doesn't mean you have to be a jerk to everypony else. Now, let us begin."
Drake asks: “W-w-w-what’s worse than getting eaten?!”
"Oh, there is having your mind imprisoned for a century or two in a dimensional vault while your body decays in the physical realm," Roseate replied. "Perhaps having to survive inside the bowels of a Shaklash for the rest of your life, or -- the worst fate of all -- you could be followed by Jibblerits for the remainder of your days."
Roseate let out a sly chuckle.
Helping Hoof asks: I've been studying your world’s locales and it got me wondering, where do you hail from?
"Well, I suppose you could say I used to live in Canterlot until I met Arsthotua. After that, I moved around from location to location, living wherever I could practice my magic safely."
Helping Hoof asks: "Why did you choose a job as a teacher? It doesn't seem like you particularly enjoy it, and your special talent doesn't seem to relate to it either."
"It isn't that I hate teaching. Far from it, actually. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. What I don't like is being poked and prodded and having to pull used gum out of my mane."
Roseate sat back a bit.
"Still, it is kind of understandable. It is a transitional period for both my students and I. They have to deal with a new teacher, and I have to adjust to them and their learning styles. Of course, I had considered a few other occupations, as well. Once I had thought that being an author would be fine, however, I feel that if I were to finish a story that it would most likely be completely ignored."
Gniylf Ret'snom Itteh-gaps asks: “Someone asked me the other day to ‘open my third eye’. I only have two, so what does that mean?”
“I’ve have heard of some ponies who believe in unlocking a secret power known as the ‘third eye;’ however it usually involves some bloodthirsty ritual where you have to kill your friends and loved ones. So unless you really want to do that, I would suggest sleeping with a knife under your pillow, for your own personal safety.”
White Cobalt asks: "Is there a reason why you chose to follow this path you're currently on? Was it a lifestyle choice, out of necessity, a little of both, or… something else?"
"It wasn't exactly my choice I adapted to my circumstances a long time ago, and, thanks to Arsthotua, we have been able to make the best of it."
In fact, Roseate was very sure that she would have been worse off without Arsthotua's help.
Ri2 also asks: "What's the Smiling Stallion smiling about? And I'm mildly surprised he avoids picking off innocent victims; most of his like I'm aware of aren't as picky."
"The entity known as the Smiling Stallion is... odd," Roseate said, waving a hoof, "The rules and laws that he uses to discern who is and isn't innocent are foreign to us. Lines have to be crossed in order to draw his attention, and if you do step over that boundary you will either perish or have no knowledge of what occurred. However, something tells me that he isn't interested in the locals. For better or for worse."
Viper Pit asks: "I have dalamadurr venom (not easy to get from a seven mile long snake), rattlesnake venom, copperhead, black widow, brown recluse, that weird spider that give boners before it kills you, etcetera, etcetera."
Roseate blushed a little as she read over Viper Pit's selection.
"Wow that is a lot of options. I wouldn't mind having some of that dalamadurr and that venom from that last spider sounds... interesting. I might be able to find some use for it."
Indeed, there were probably a few ponies who would love a tonic to help any issues their husband might have in the bedroom.
Draugars asks: "But you said you don't have unicorn magic. Are there ways of performing necromancy through rituals?"
"While I can't cast spells using my own magic like a normal unicorn would," Roseate replied, "I am able to use the magic my husband has given me to cast spells, but to answer your question, yes. Some forms of necromancy can be performed with a ritual."
Nic-Love asks: "Do you need a body for the Necromancy?"
"Not always. While the reanimation of a corpse is possible, necromancy can be used for various tasks including speaking to and interacting with ghosts. Spirits can be very insightful from time to time."
Lunar Flarion asks: "Is it easy to control one of insanity? Or harder?" -Cthulhu is an Elder God, simply looking at his face can cause you to lose your sanity.
"I'm not entirely sure what you mean," Roseate answered, "if you are referring to Arsthotua, I am not controlling him. Nor is he controlling me. As for insanity, it is possible for a pony to lose one's mind when dealing with beings from beyond the Fifth Veil. That is more or less a potential side effect from being within their presence."
Death is disturbed asks: "Do either you or Arsthotua know of Khorne, Nurgal, Tzeentch, or *shudders* Slaanesh?"
"Those names don't sound familiar to me. Arsthotua, have you heard of them?"
A glowing green eye appears and observes the message.
"Not exactly," Arsthotua replied, "though Slaanesh does sound like Galgresh, one of the four current Flishachollirust."
Having answered Roseate's question, Arsthotua's eye quickly faded away.
Book_Wyrm asks: "How do you feel about accidental interdimensional travelers wandering around your world in disguise?"
"It truly depends on their intentions I suppose," Roseate said as she examined her book, "there have been numerous travelers to this world, and many have taken a guise to prevent causing any panic. So long as they don't cause any trouble or break the laws of Tistemintodh, all shall be well."
Genesis asks: "Either intentionally or unintentionally, you have given entities such as myself the ability to peer into your life; and not just the waking realm, but the realm of dreams as well. It’s like looking through a window, even away from this magical mirror you use to talk directly to us, does that not worry you? Some such as myself (as far as you know) have taken a warm approach to you. Others may not be so kind. Do you have a way of protecting yourself other than your husband? No need to explain details, it must be protected after all. A simple ‘yes’ would suffice to answer my little bit of worry."
"There are a few protective measures in place. In addition to having a protective husband, the mirror itself merely serves as a window into this world, not a gateway. It would take a lot of energy to bypass the wards in place. And if I had to, I could just simply cover the Scryial if necessary."
Genesis asks: "It's good you have found something you find meaning in. I have found a cozy spot myself where my particular set of skills give me great pleasure. Perhaps you would not mind my help? The mind, heart, soul, and spirit are my particular areas of interests. I would name the body, too, however, I have little to no knowledge of equine physiology, despite there maybe being a few similarities here and there."
"Thank you, though I am pretty sure I have enough help with both my husband and my new familiar around. "Also, I'm pretty low on the resources that would be needed to summon another being like you into this world."
Draugurs asks: "Does blood magic exist?"
"It might. I have heard of a few ponies who attempted to practice such magic."
Roseate could recall reading a few stories where a witch would use her own blood as a weapon. There were even legends that the same mare's spirit would appear if you muttered her name in the mirror three times. Fortunately, nopony could recall her name.
"However, I don't have any tomes on it."
Rhawkas asks: "What is your favorite kind of magic? Do you have a favorite spell?"
"There are a few spells that I enjoy," Roseate said before levitating the Isidria with her magic, "but really nothing beats being able to move and lift items up with ease. Especially when you weren't always capable of doing it. Of course, having a spell that allows you to detect magic can be pretty useful, too."
Nic-Love ask: "What, as a succubi, can Cup Cake do/had to do to live?"
"It is a common misconception that succubi as well as incubi are demons or that they need to feed off of sexual energy to survive. They are generally the result of a genetic mutation, which could be caused by the presence of demonic blood in their ancestry."
After turning a few pages in the Isidria, Roseate continued.
"Aside from the horn growth, the only other characteristic Succubi have is that they can share the dreams of those they touch. Often, the original dreamer's mind will react in response to the intrusion causing the dream to take a romantic, erotic, or even nightmarish turn."
Gu'olghathmmphriesan stretched. "Yes, which is where most of the myths come from."
"They eat just like normal ponies," Roseate continued, "Food for nutrients, drink for hydration, aside from the horns and their effects on dreams, they are no different than the rest of us. Yet centuries of persecution at the hooves of others will make anypony feel anxious. My guess is that once her horns first appeared, Mrs. Cake did whatever she could to hide them. While I feel that she should share this with her husband, I can also understand her apprehension at doing so."
Ri2 asks: "Why did touching that stallion affect you like that?"
"This isn't the first time it has happened," Roseate explained. "I believe it might have something to do with my past."
A cold chill ran down Roseate's spine as old memories tried to surface, but before they could, she pushed them back beneath the numbingly cold waters of her subconscious.
"However, I'm not sure I really want to talk about it."
Nic-Love ask: "You have kids? What are their names?"
"I haven't given them names." Roseate sighed. "Not yet."
Ri2 continues: "Also, I'm very sorry about your children. I hope you can wake them up someday."
Roseate's expression became gloomy.
"Yes, I hope so, too."
The mirror faded as all the inquiries were satisfied for the evening. However, Roseate wasn't at ease, and her body was tense.
"Okay, we're done." Gu'olghathmmphriesan made his way to the door. "Let's go!"
"Not so fast!"
The familiar stopped in his tracks. Even though she had felt depressed by the last few questions, Roseate hadn't forgotten everything she had planned for the day.
"We still need to give you a new name," Roseate reminded him with a sly grin on her face, "and I happen to have a list, thanks to our friends on the other side of the mirror."
Gu'olghathmmphriesan turned to see a list, suspended in Roseate's magic.
"Now, get over here, and take a look at this list."
"B-but..."
Roseate gave the cat an authoritative glance, her slanted eyes making it clear that she wouldn't back down.
"Get. Over. Here!" Roseate growled.
Gu'olghathmmphriesan’s ears drooped, a clear sign that he had accepted his fate.
Roseate let out a deep sigh as she finished studying her book for the evening. The art of controlling Nightmare Magic was a complex but fascinating topic. It revolved around taking the nightmares of others and learning to manipulate them.
There were even a few passages alluding to the ability to bring those nightmares into reality, however she hadn't reached that point yet.
With her magical studies complete for the night, and having given her familiar a new name, Roseate left the mirror room and made her way to the bedroom.
Already, Gu'olghathmmphriesan... Mittenz had wandered off to bed, displeased with his new name. Out of the four names that had been suggested: Artemis, Mittenz, Salem, and Shadow, Roseate had thought that Mittenz was the cutest. Gu'olghathmmphriesan had complained about not having a say on the matter, but by then it was too late.
Once Roseate was inside the bedroom, she prepared for the little roleplay she wanted to act out with Arsthotua and his stallion body.
Stepping into the closet, Roseate began looking through the clothing for anything that would fit the mood she had in mind. She grabbed a white blouse, a plaid red and green skirt, a red tie, and some black stockings with a garter belt.
With her attire picked out, Roseate proceeded to dress herself. Most of the clothing was pretty easy to put on, save for the tie, which seemed to have a mind of its own. Fortunately, after the tenth or so attempt, Roseate managed to have to properly tie her tie. According to a few magazines, Roseate had read many teachers in Canterlot and Manehatten wore similar attire. How true that was, she wasn't sure, but it seemed to fit with the roleplay, so Roseate went along with it.
Roseate cast a holographic illusion spell, turning the bedroom into her classroom. The green chalkboard had the words, "You're a terrible teacher!" written in white all over the board. Papers of failed tests and homework were scattered all around the room. On the desk was a ruler.
The sound of the door opening could be heard as Roseate leaned against the desk seductively. Looking over her shoulder, Roseate saw Arsthotua in his pony form, looking around the room with distaste.
"This room is a mess!"
"I'm sorry, mister," Roseate said mischievously, "there are just so many students to take care of, it's so overwhelming."
"That is no excuse."
Roseate turned around to face the stallion in her classroom before pulling herself onto the desk, "It would seem I've been a bad teacher, huh?"
"It most certainly does."
"Do I need to be punished?"
Arsthotua's horn glowed an eldritch green as he pulled the ruler over with his magic and examined it.
“Once there was a bird that couldn’t fly, its wings shriveled. The bird was captured and put in a cage where it was continually prodded by a hideous stallion, who mocked her inability to fly. Slowly her heart began to crumble beneath the weight of his words.
“One day there was a knock at the window next to the bird’s cage. She turned to see a shape in the fog beyond the glass. With a strange appendage, the shape wrote something on the glass.
“‘How much do you want to soar?’”
Quote from; Cage of Sorrow, by M.R. Amorcolt.
The sound of trickling water tickled Roseate's ear. Moaning, Roseate opened her eyes, finding herself in a dark landscape. The world was completely black, save for the small, glowing pool next to her and the specks of green light floating around the expanse.
As she tried to stand, Roseate was able to make out the texture of the ground using her hooves and the dim light surrounding her. The floor was made of long, slender pipes arranged in a haphazard manner like vines, tendrils, or worms, with black grime covering the organic surface. Occasionally there would be sections of the tubes that would shift upwards towards to dark void above, forming numerous eerie pillars.
In the distance a cloud of stardust and shadow descended to the ground and disappeared with a flash, leaving an obscure shape in the distance. It was the Tantabus and it was ready to hunt her.
Swiftly, Roseate ran behind one of the pillars as the entity drew closer. Its body revealed only by the surrounding specks of iridescent light. While a part of its body resembled a pony, its head and tail were something else entirely, stretching from its shoulders was a long slender form like a maggot with tentacles instead of small insectile legs, all wriggling in an obscene manner. In the center of its head was a single eye, which shifted back and forth as it searched for her. The iris gleamed like a candle's flame, making it stand out in the darkness.
The tail of this beast matched the grub-like body in the front only at the edge of the tail was a long bone resembling an ancient ceremonial dagger, covered in profane runes.
A chuckle resonated through the air as the creature leaned down and sniffed the ground where Roseate had once lay.
'Where are you, little filly?' the monster called out into the darkness, saliva dripping from its maw.
Roseate's heart almost stopped as she heard the horrifying beast seeking her out.
'Yes, yes, little Roseate, I know you're here somewhere,' a cruel chortle echoed through the void.
While the voice was different, there was no doubt in Roseate's mind that it belonged to HIM. But how? HE was dead, she had seen HIM die with her own eyes so many years ago. Yet here HE was, hunting her like HE had so long ago.
Raising its head, the creature looked toward Roseate's hiding spot, 'Is that where you are hiding, you dirty, little foal?'
There was no time to think, Roseate broke into a gallop, fleeing as far away as she could from this monstrous entity. A cruel snicker of glee filled the air as the beast pursued her. Frantically, Roseate moved between the pillars as they grew closer, like trees in a forest. As she passed one, Roseate noticed that some of them had skulls wrapped among the twisting vines, almost resembling those of a pony but with two horns instead of just one.
Roseate dared not look back at her pursuer, knowing that doing so would be a foolish mistake. She needed to stay focused on what was in front of her, to make sure she didn't... trip!
Dodging around one of the pillars, Roseate hadn't noticed that there was a small pit in the floor, and now she was falling straight into it. However, instead of hitting the bottom, Roseate continued to tumble as she fell deeper underground. When she finally came to a halt, Roseate lay as still as she could, both from the pain and fear.
Carefully, Roseate listened for her hunter, waiting to see if HE would follow. She remained completely quiet as HIS giggles resonated from the world above, until they faded into silence. Once she was certain that HE was gone, Roseate picked herself up, her body sore from the tumble.
It took a moment for Roseate's eyes to adjust due to the lack of glowing globules in this space, however, it wasn't long before she noticed a faint white glow coming from deeper down the tunnel.
Moving as quietly as she could, Roseate made her way toward the light. As she drew near the tunnel opened up to a large cavern with a bizarre structure at its center.
In front of her was a house, which almost seemed to be a child's crayon illustration given a three-dimensional form. However, even with this structure, it kind of reminded Roseate of one of her student's drawings. Even the flowers made of scribbled paper seemed very familiar.
Roseate's ears perked up as she thought she heard somepony crying. A chill ran down her spine as she listened to the sorrowful sound. What if somepony else was down here? What if this was a trap?
Still, something about the cries seemed familiar to her and Roseate felt the need to investigate.
Silently, Roseate walked over to the door and pushed it open. The door crinkled under her hoof as it swung open, revealing a paper interior, the doors and walls marked by granular lines and fast squiggles.
The interior of the room felt very cold, much like the inside of a crypt.
Some of the illustrated carpet was smeared as if stained with tears, presenting a trail to the source of the crying. The sound of weeping grew louder as Roseate followed the path.
Roseate entered a paper hallway with crayon drawings of picture frames with stick figures along the walls. Examining one of the illustrations, Roseate noticed in clumsy lettering the creator had signed their artwork, Sour Sapphire. Seeing the name, Roseate could recall that the name belonged to one of her students, a shy young colt who enjoyed secretly annoying his fellow students. As she listened, Roseate thought the crying sounded faintly similar to his natural tone.
Reaching the door, Roseate pushed it open to reveal a large room, the floors and walls consisting of black, swirling circles. In the center of the room sat Sour Sapphire, crying into his hooves.
An atmosphere of fear and dread filled the room.
"Sapphire," Roseate whispered, "are you okay?"
The colt looked up and a squeal of terror left his lips as he tried to scurry backwards in a panic.
"Sapphire it's me. It's..."
A chittering noise echoed from behind Roseate. She attempted to look over her shoulder at the source of the sound, when a large claw slammed into her side, sending Roseate crashing into a paper wall.
Her eyes shot open as Roseate awoke from the nightmare. Sweat dripping down her brow.
For a few moments, Roseate simply laid in bed, catching her breath and getting her thoughts in order. Eventually pulling herself out of bed, Roseate made her way over to the closet and prepared for the day.
After looking through the various garments, Roseate decided upon a pair of red and white striped stockings. While the garments did stand out, she found them to be rather fitting. Pulling her mane back, Roseate tied it into a ponytail using a red bow.
Once she was dressed, Roseate went downstairs to grab some breakfast before leaving for class.
For the most part, today's class had gone rather smoothly. Sure, June was still being obstinate and one of her other students, Wind-Brain, got stuck in a tree during recess, but other than that, everything was fairly close to normal.
However, Roseate still felt uncomfortable in regards to the disappearance of the previous teacher. Which was why she was determined that after class she would try to learn more about her predecessor and hopefully the circumstances of her vanishing.
While she had seen Sour Sapphire in class, Roseate knew there was very little she could do to aid him with his nightmares at the moment. Also, it would seem rather suspicious if the teacher told him she was aware of what he had dreamed. The thought made Roseate giggle.
'Sapphire what did you learn today?'
'I learned that my teacher stalks me in my dreams!'
'Oh, that's lovely dear.'
Said no parent ever. At least, not because of anything she would be doing.
Still, the fact that Sour Sapphire's nightmare had been linked to the same realm that Roseate's dream self had been imprisoned in for the last few years did raise some questions. Could something in this town be responsible and was there a chance that maybe it was somehow connected to the missing teacher?
"Excuse me!"
Roseate was about to leave the classroom when she noticed that one of her students was trying to acquire her attention. Looking the young colt over, Roseate tried to recall the student's name. If her memory served her correctly, he was Quillian Inkheart.
Yeah, that was right. Roseate remembered because he was one of the students that had harassed her about her cutie mark, however, in his case he was more fascinated by the fact that her cutie mark had a book on it and less about where it came from.
That and the fact that the fur around Quillian's hooves looked like the white unicorn colt had run through a pool of black paint was rather amusing to Roseate. A thought that slowly turned into a bitter reminder that none of Roseate's children would ever do such a thing.
"Yes, what can I do for you, Quillian?" Roseate asked, putting on a smile and hoping that his question would be of a completely different subject matter.
"Miss Roseate," Quillian said as he adjusted his glasses, "I was wondering if you could give me more details on what you taught in class today."
"You mean about the Sirens and their banishment?"
"Not exactly," Quillian replied, "I was actually wondering if you could go into more detail about the artifacts the Pillars of Equestria used."
"I'm pretty sure I did talk about them."
"You did, however, you merely talked about what the artifacts were and their functions," Quillian continued, "You didn't talk about how they gained their magical properties in the first place."
Roseate raised an eyebrow at the statement.
"Are you sure you want me to talk about that?" Roseate inquired, "I find that most students your age find stuff like that boring."
Indeed, most preferred to hear the stories about how historical heroes defeated the monsters and saved the day rather than the origins and magical makeup of the artifacts that were used.
A smile stretched across Quillian's face.
"No, I think it would be very interesting."
Roseate pondered the statement. Perhaps her students would find the magical aspects of the artifacts to be rather intriguing.
"Okay, tomorrow I will go into broader details about the artifacts and if you and your fellow students are still interested then we'll keep going."
"Sounds great!" Quillian said before rushing out of the classroom.
Stepping into town, Roseate pondered where she should ask around. It would also be wise if she could somehow make her questioning seem casual, after all, there was a chance that somepony in the town was responsible.
As she looked around, the sign for a library caught Roseate's eye. She did need to find a book that went into detail about Equestrian artifacts, there could also potentially be somepony there with the information she was looking for.
The building was large and made up of white bricks with stone steps leading up to two wooden doors. According to the bronze plaque on the side, the building had been constructed thirty years ago by a mayor with the name Feather Duke.
Pushing open the doors, Roseate's eyes widened at the sight of all the books. For a small town library, the collection of books here was rather enormous. This Feather Duke had apparently done his best to ensure that Muleport would have a functioning library.
Looking around Roseate noticed a librarian behind the front counter.
'She would be a good person to talk to,' Roseate thought to herself, 'however, I should probably try to find a book to check out first... which means I would have to acquire a library card.'
Roseate walked up to the librarian who was apparently doing some reading of her own. The librarian was a unicorn mare with a light purple coat and a green mane. On her nose was a pair of glasses which covered her yellow eyes. Roseate scrunched her nose as she picked up that familiar arcane scent.
"Uh, hello," Roseate said as she tried to introduce herself.
The librarian looked up from her book and smiled, "Oh, hello! How may I assist you?"
"My name is Roseate Grimsbane," Roseate answered, "I'm new here in town and I was wondering if I could acquire a library card."
"Of course," the librarian said, placing the book down on her desk, "let me just grab you a form to fill out."
Looking under the desk, the librarian found the forms and presented them to Roseate with a pen.
"Thank you," Roseate said as she began to fill out the paperwork.
"My name is Scroll Keeper," the librarian smiled, "it is a pleasure to have someone new here in the Muleport library."
"Do ponies come here often?" Roseate asked.
"No usually," Scroll Keeper replied, "occasionally somepony will come here looking for a specific book or to do some research for a project, but a few ponies do show up from time to time. There is even a book club that meets here on Thursdays."
"I see," Roseate said as she finished filling out the paperwork, "well, I'm the new teacher here in Muleport so you might see me here from time to time."
"That's great!" Scroll Keeper cheered, "I am glad they were able to find another teacher after Miss Fizzle disappeared!"
"Fizzle, huh? That was her name?"
"Yep, Miss Ginger Fizzle," the librarian answered, "apparently she just walked into the woods one day and never came back."
Roseate coughed before speaking again in a strange tongue, her horn glowing faintly, "Psajelu eri undir yj spill, jelu gahluyng heug neflthong yog fob’thesh."
"Uh... what?" Scroll Keeper's eyes quivered.
"Psajelu eri undir yj spill, jelu gahluyng heug neflthong yog fob’thesh!"
Scroll Keeper blinked a few times, her eyes possessing a faint green glow. The spell had worked, Roseate's glamour influencing the librarian's will.
"You will remember none of this conversation," Roseate commanded, "tell me what you can about Miss Ginger Fizzle."
"She mostly stuck to herself," the librarian answered in a monotone voice, "even during special town events she would rarely show up. Despite being so shy, she loved teaching and playing with the children."
"Do you know where she lives?"
"She has a house just south of the town. It is a one story house made out of a tree."
"Was that the direction she went when she disappeared?"
"Not that I recall. If I remember correctly, she had gone west, deeper into the Whitetail Woods."
"Thank you," Roseate nodded, that was at least a start, "Tejelu eri heo kul yog feb’th spilliph."
Scroll Keeper blinked in confusion as the glow disappeared from her eyes, "What happened?"
"I'm done!" Roseate smiled, pushing her finished forms toward the librarian, "May I have my library card now?"
The librarian looked around in confusion before recalling what she had been doing, "Yes... of course, just one second."
Taking the information Roseate had provided, Scroll Keeper was able to fashion a new library card.
Mind-altering spells were considered forbidden by the Equestrian Government and Roseate understood why. The magic didn't simply blur the memory away, it completely removed it, leaving a gnawing void in its place.
Furthermore, the use of one's glamour could be very exhausting if used continually over a period of time. Hence Roseate had established a few rules when casting it. Keep the spell brief, use it rarely and never cast it in the presence of others to minimize those influenced by it.
"That will be ten bits!" the librarian smiled, showing no sign of any worries she may have had. Using her magic, Roseate pulled the bits out of her back and placed them down on the desk.
"Thank you."
Taking the card, Roseate began looking around the library for any books that might contain any information on old artifacts that Quillian might find interesting.
Once she had located the History section it wasn’t too hard for Roseate to find a book that fit the topic, Ancient Equestrian Artifacts, by Stranded Leaf. After glancing through the book’s index and a selection of pages, Roseate was pleased to see that the book covered what she was looking for.
As she passed through the new release section, Roseate saw a book that caught her eye. Thirteen Hues of Midnight, a tale of forbidden love between a vampony and her stallion.
As Roseate picked up the book, she noticed somepony watching her out of the corner of her eye. Turning, she saw the pony Bell had referred to as Moonlight Raven, who was carrying at least three other books. Seeing that she had been noticed, Moonlight made her way to the front counter.
Something about the way Moonlight Raven had been watching her was unsettling. It was as if she knew there was something "different" about Roseate. Had she noticed Roseate use her glamour on Scroll Keeper?
With a smile, Roseate took her books and followed Moonlight to the counter.
"Hello," Roseate said, "fancy seeing you here."
As she spoke, Roseate tried to see what types of books the other mare had grabbed. Going off of the cover of the first book, Moonlight might be researching the History of Arcane Magic.
Moonlight raised an eyebrow.
"Really? That shouldn't be too surprising."
"What do you mean?" Roseate asked a bit confused.
"Didn't Bell Flower tell you that I like to hang out here?" Moonlight answered, "You know, when the two of you were watching me in the diner the other day?"
So she had noticed Roseate's intrigue.
"No, she actually didn't," Roseate replied.
"I see," Moonlight's eyes narrowed, "how strange."
Moonlight set the books down on the counter and Scroll Keeper began to apply stamps establishing the return date.
"Bell told me you were an author," Roseate said, "what type of genre do you enjoy using for your stories?"
"I prefer to write about mysteries and the supernatural." Moonlight answered.
As Scroll Keeper stamped the books, Roseate noticed that one of them was titled The History of Cults and Witches in Equestria. A faint shiver crawled up Roseate's spine.
"Sounds interesting," Roseate said, her voice not reflecting her discomfort, "Might you give me your pen name so that I may read one of these books?"
Sometimes authors would unknowingly use their true names as their alias when writing their novels. Moonlight turned to face Roseate as Keeper finished checking out the books.
"No offense ma'am, but I would prefer to keep my privacy."
Well, it was worth a shot.
Roseate watched as Raven took her books and left the library. She couldn’t place a hoof on it, but there was something shifty about her.
"Uh, miss?"
Scroll Keeper's voice brought Roseate back to the present.
"Huh?"
"Would you like to check out those books?" Scroll inquired.
"Uh, yes."
Arriving at home, Roseate set her school supplies aside. She would need to clean up for the town meeting and prepare Arsthotua so that there wouldn't be any issues in regards to their "background." Also, it would give Roseate a chance to read her new books.
After grabbing some Citrus Time soda from the fridge, Roseate walked into the living room. Sitting down with a notepad, her two books, and her drink, Roseate lay on the couch and began to read.
Looking through the book, Ancient Equestrian Artifacts, Roseate was able to find the section pertaining to the Pillars of Equestria and proceeded to read. After a half hour, Roseate had managed to read through most of them and all she had left was the section on Starswirl's journal. Apparently, even the ramblings of an old unicorn could be considered a powerful artifact. Still, Roseate did find Somnambula's blindfold to be rather interesting.
"I wonder if she ever hooked up with that prince?"
Peering up from her reading, Roseate noticed the time on the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. It would probably be wise to be at the town meeting on time rather than be late. Especially if Mayor "I'm a Snob" was there.
Setting her book aside, Roseate let out a deep sigh.
'Hey honey, I need you to come here for a moment.' Roseate spoke mentally to her husband.
'I will be right there.'
Roseate could hear the sound of somepony coming up from the basement. Sitting up on the couch, Roseate watched as her husband emerged.
"What is it, my dear?" Arsthotua inquired.
"We need to prepare for the meeting tonight. I just wanted to make sure we had our bases covered for the evening, since I am sure many of the townsfolk will be asking about our past."
"Well, I thinking reusing one of my previous identities, Strange Sight." Arsthotua answered, "Would that do?"
"It should be fine. Is that the one who works as a researcher on krakens and the migration patterns?"
"Yes."
Roseate sat up from the couch and began to make her way upstairs.
"That should work," Roseate said as she ascended the steps, "We should probably dress up this evening. I will try to prepare some clothes for the meeting."
Once she was inside their bedroom, Roseate went to the closet and began to look for some garments to wear as well as some attire for her husband. Admittedly, Arsthotua wouldn't need anything too fancy in his pony form, a tie would probably suffice.
Going through the clothes they had acquired, Roseate picked out a few ties before setting them on the bed.
Then she just needed to find something to wear herself. After looking and picking through her clothes, Roseate decided upon a dark purple dress with a gray jacket.
Stepping out of the walk-in closet, Roseate saw Arsthotua looking over the ties she had laid out for him. He had a baffled expression as he examined them before picking up a black bow tie with green spots that Roseate had bought for him as a gift for their anniversary.
"How about this one?" Arsthotua asked.
"It looks nice," Roseate answered as she sat her clothes on the bed, "I might have a necklace that will match."
Looking through her jewelry box, Roseate found a silver amulet with a green gemstone in the center. After setting the item with the rest of her clothes, Roseate turned to leave the room.
"I'm going to take a shower," Roseate said, giving her husband a devious grin, "would you care to join me?"
The town meeting took place in the Muleport town hall, which was fairly spacious with tables set up to face the meeting organizers. Among them was none other than May Berry herself. The mayor was a unicorn mare with a tan coat, cyan mane, and yellow eyes, which she used to look down at those who were there to attend the meeting. Roseate had to admit that if it wasn't for that demeaning attitude that May Berry was presenting, she might actually look beautiful.
Next to the mayor were a few other Muleport officers, the sheriff, and a stallion in a black suit with an emblem showing that he was a member of the Solar Guard.
As Roseate looked around the room for a place where she and her husband could sit, she caught sight of Bell Flower waving them over to her table. Tapping Arsthotua on the shoulder, Roseate made her way over to Bell Flower, who smiled as they came over.
"Roseate, it is great to see you!" Bell Flower motioned to a couple empty chairs next to her, "I saved a couple seats for you and your husband."
"Well thank you." Roseate said gratefully.
"Indeed," Arsthotua affirmed with a nod.
"And this must be the lucky stallion himself," Bell smiled, "tell me, what is the name of the one who holds Roseate's heart?"
Roseate blushed slightly at Bell's statement.
"My name is Strange Sight," Arsthotua said, attempting to smile the way Roseate taught him. It wasn't... too bad. However, it was clear that he would need to practice some more.
"I see," Bell said, a little unnerved by Arsthotua's attempt at a grin.
As she looked around, Roseate saw Scroll Keeper sitting not too far away, with Grandpa Stripes beside her. Another look around the room revealed that Moonlight Raven was not only there, but that she was watching Roseate from a distance.
"Dear ponies of Muleport," the mayor stood, her expression now more charming, "there are a few announcements that need to be made. First, allow me to introduce a representative from the Solar Guard, Frost Brook!"
Frost Brook was a tall pegasus stallion, his coat a grayish purple and his mane a dark maroon. His green eyes seemed to look over the crowd with a mixture of curiosity and glee. The Solar Guard stood up, a wide grin on his face, as he took the stand.
"It is an honor for me to be here. Don't worry, I'm only here to aid with an investigation and to ensure that Muleport has a safe Nightmare Night this year."
A few ponies cheered in response to Frost's statement and many applauded. In an effort to not raise any suspicion, Roseate smiled and clapped her hooves together. Her past experiences with the Solar Guard were mixed at best.
As Roseate watched, one of her student's parents stood up. A unicorn mare with a green mane and an orange coat.
"Do you have any leads on what has been haunting the forest?" the parent inquired.
"We have a few leads," Frost said looking around the room, "and we are acting accordingly."
A chill ran down the back of Roseate's neck as the detective's eyes swept over her. It was unlikely that he knew she was a witch, but now that there was a member of the Solar Guard in Muleport, Roseate would have to be cautious.
"Is there any truth to the rumors that the disappearances of Miss Fizzle and Mister Oats might be connected?" An elderly mare asked.
"Who's Mister Oats?" Roseate whispered to Bell Flower.
"He was the town drunk," Bell answered quietly, "he just stopped showing up about two months ago."
Frost raised a hoof, "I can assure you all that we have no reason to believe that either of the disappearances are connected."
The meeting went by at a decent pace, with town citizens asking Detective Brook some questions, which he answered the best he could. After that, there had been a discussion as to what locations would be suitable for the fillies and colts to give up their little candy offerings.
Once the meeting was over, some of the ponies began to return to their homes, while a few stayed behind for some conversation. A few parents came up, thanking Roseate for taking up the teaching position. Roseate tried her best to seem civil and polite, while also trying to make sure Arsthotua didn't say or do anything that could blow his cover. Seeming to sense her intentions, Arsthotua stood quietly, answering questions only when asked.
She was even able to meet Gracius, an elderly mare that had adopted Quillian and his sister.
"I am so glad you have taken up the teaching position here," Gracius said, "Quillian seems to really enjoy your class."
"Well, I'm happy he enjoys it." Roseate smiled.
"Yes, when I adopted him and his sister, little Quill wasn't too talkative. He still isn't, but it seems he has taken a liking to you. Well, whatever it is, I hope your classes will continue to encourage him."
Hearing Gracius's statement made Roseate feel very happy inside. While she had always wanted to help the children, these last few days she felt like she hadn't done much of anything aside from dealing with June's antics.
Roseate had to take a deep breath in order to compose herself.
"I appreciate the kind words, Miss Gracius."
Gracius gave Roseate a nod before walking away.
"Hey, are you Miss Roseate?"
Turning around, Roseate saw a mare with a white coat and a pale blue mane looking back at her.
"I am," Roseate answered, "and you are?"
"Hello, my name is Snow Berry," the mare replied, "I'm May Berry's younger sister."
By Celestia, what now?
"Okay."
"I just wanted to apologize for the actions of both my sister and my niece," Snow Berry said rubbing the back of her neck.
"You're not trying to convince me to change June's grade, are you?" Roseate inquired, "Like I already told her and her mother, I'm not going to change her grade based off her mother's status."
"No, I wasn't going to do that," Snow replied, "I was just wanted to apologize on their behalf. As a single mother, May has a hard time balancing time as the Mayor and June's mother. As you might suspect, this results in a lack of discipline that is often needed to raise a child. I try to help where I can, but I can only do so much to help."
Roseate considered what Snow was telling her. That could potentially explain why June had acted so rudely in class.
"Well, thank you for talking to me," Roseate said, putting on a smile, "Just tell your sister that I am more than willing to help tutor June if she wants."
"I am sure that would be appreciated," Snow said, looking overjoyed, "I will try to appeal to June and her mother on this matter. Thank you for your time."
Roseate bowed her head in affirmation as Snow Berry walked away.
'Do you want to leave?' Arsthotua asked telepathically.
'Yes, please.'
As Roseate and her husband made their way to the doors, Bell Flower walked up to them.
"Hey Roseate," Bell Flower said with a smile, "before you go I just wanted to let you know that I and a few of the other ponies in town are throwing together a Nightmare Night party for the occasion and that both you and your husband are welcome to join us."
"That is very thoughtful of you," Roseate answered, "I might be busy that day but we will consider your offer."
"Please do," Bell Flower said before trotting off happily.
It was nice and quiet as Roseate and Arsthotua walked home, the latter's horn lighting the way.
"So, guess what we're doing this year," Roseate snuggled up against her husband.
Arsthotua gave her a confused look, "What?"
"Why, dressing up for Nightmare Night of course," Roseate giggled.
"Are you sure that is a wise idea?"
"Why not?" Roseate asked, "We have a day dedicated to wearing wild outfits and eating too much candy! What could be wrong with that?"
"This is what ponies do?" Arsthotua's vessel scratched his chin. Roseate nodded in response.
"Ponies love it!"
"Very well," Arsthotua smiled, "this year we celebrate Nightmare Night."
Roseate felt overly giddy. She hadn't participated in the Nightmare Night celebration for a very long time.
"Oh, there is SO much we need to do!" Roseate giggled, "We'll need creepy decorations, pumpkins for carving, candy, oh and costumes! We really should have some special costumes for the holiday!"
"Costumes?"
"Yes, it just isn't truly Nightmare Night without costumes!"
The moon shone brightly as they drew near to the front door.
"I have a feeling you are going to have to fill me in on a few things."
"Don't worry, my dear," Roseate reassured him, "I will share with you everything I know and we will have so much fun!"
Opening the door, Roseate turned the lights on before making her way to the kitchen. Pulling a bronze kettle out of a cupboard, Roseate walked over to the sink.
"I'm going to make some tea," Roseate said as she filled the kettle with water, "would you like me to make you something?"
"No thanks," Arsthotua replied, "I think I'll just head to bed."
"Very well."
Once the kettle was full, Roseate place it on the stove to heat up.
While she waited for the water to boil for the tea, Roseate grabbed her book, Thirteen Hues of Midnight, and began to read. She was able to read about three pages before the kettle began to whistle. Turning off the stove, Roseate took the kettle off the burner, pulled out a cup and tea box, before pouring the water into the glass.
Taking a teabag out of the tea box, Roseate dipped the bag into the cup of hot water a few times, allowing for the contents to seep out into the beverage. Once she was satisfied, Roseate put her book back with her work before picking up the tea with her magic.
As she prepared to head upstairs for her communications with those behind the Scryial, a cold chill ran down her spine.
Looking out the window, Roseate could feel that something was out there, looking in. Was it a beast, an intruder, or a wandering spirit? She couldn't say for sure.
Cautiously, Roseate ascended the steps and made her way to the mirror room, holding her cup of tea close to her chest to ward off the chill of any ghostly apparitions that might be about.
Stepping into the mirror room, Roseate opened a secret panel in the wall where she had stored her cauldron along with the supplies she would need to create the Sacred Instrument.
Pulling out her cauldron, Roseate began putting her ingredients inside. Ten clean bones belonging to a crow, a shard of a ceramic pot that once held the ashes of a Kirin sorceress, a fragmented sliver of obsidian, one piece of amethyst, and three eyes belonging to a basilisk.
The pot boiled and churned as the components dissolved into a glowing violet sludge. Swirling her tongue inside her mouth, Roseate gathered up a large portion of saliva, which she spat into the cauldron.
With everything in place, Roseate closed her eyes, placed her hooves over the broiling concoction and began to chant.
"Vaah griet ethim, taal yog moghteter. Zanag tes mel kav nyurb an’sr glukyjha mey fut moniav."
The sludge boiled and churned in response to Roseate's chant. The pink fluid began to move, spiraling upward congealing into a marrow-like substance before being layered with a dark metal. The mass slowly took on the form of a thin blade.
Calcified marrow turned into a firm handle as a thin tendril of liquid metal reached out from the blade to wrap around the handle. A small slot appeared in the blade to serve for the socket of a strange magenta gem which shifted into the shape of an eyeball.
As the Athame reached completion, Roseate reached out to grab the instrument. Her magic enveloping the knife as its suspension ended. Bring the Sacred Instrument close, Roseate examined the craftsmanship of the item.
"Simple yet effective, I am sure."
Putting the Athame away, Roseate walked over to the Scryial and pulled off the sheet covering it, before sitting down.
"Hello out there!" Roseate spoke to the mirror, "before I answer all your questions, I wanted to mention that we are drawing close to Nightmare Night, a fun spooky little holiday and both Arsthotua and I will be wearing costumes for the event."
Pulling out a sketchbook, Roseate presented the illustrations inside to those behind the mirror.
"I was thinking for the costumes I would either go with: a bunny, a lunar nun, a nurse or perhaps even a witch," Roseate said smiling as she flipped through the pages, "however this year my husband will also be wearing a costume. I'm not sure if he should wear a costume for an octopus, a clown, a big teddy bear or even a hockey mask wearing serial killer."
Roseate set the book with the illustrations down on the floor.
"So, please feel free to talk about the costumes Arsthotua and I will wear. I've also heard that for some of you it will be Hearth's Warming time, so I am curious how many of you might have any holiday-themed questions."
Rhawkas asks: "What do you want most for Hearth’s Warming Day this year? Spending time with friends/family/Arthostua. Is a cop-out."
"Well, I haven't skied in a long time, so that might be kind of fun. Perhaps I'll deliver some... special presents to my students secretly. Nothing harmful, of course, just some gifts specialized to their tastes." A frown crossed Roseate's face. "Though I doubt June Berry deserves anything."
Nic-Love asks: "Hearth’s Warming, what do you do differently than any other pony? What does Arsthotua get for you, and you for him?"
Genesis asks: Hearth's Warming is coming up soon. Does the hubby enjoy the snow and cold or prefer the warmer seasons? What sort of gifts does he enjoy getting, or even better what’s the funniest (or amazing) gift he's given you?
"He doesn't mind the cold too much, though he does prefer warmer environments. He does like the occasional relic from time to time. Of course, he also enjoys items that he can use in his pony form as well."
As she tried to think of the gifts her husband had given her, one story did come to mind.
"Truth be told, Arsthotua and I haven't really been able to celebrate very many holidays until about two years ago and he is still learning. Last year he did try buying me some lingerie from another dimension. It wouldn't have been so bad if it didn't have teeth."
Roseate raised a hoof to her mouth and chuckled.
"But that was okay, we were able to get a refund. As for celebrating Hearth's Warming, it isn't much different from what most of you do for the holidays."
Looking at the next question, Roseate's face grew red with nervousness, until she realized that the one asking the question probably wasn't the student she was teaching in this dimension.
White Cobalt asks: "Hey Roseate, do you do anything special for your Hearth’s Warming? We have dinner together and sit around the Hearth’s Warming Tree to exchange gifts.
If not, look on your porch for a gift! Hopefully, it will help you with your studies. You can thank me later."
"Well, when it comes to family, it's really just me and Arsthotua at the moment, so usually we will exchange gifts and then take a trip to someplace special for the holidays. I heard there is a really nice hot spring in Neighagra Falls, that I would love to take Arsthotua to, this year. As for your gift, if you’re from another dimension it’s likely that the only way I'll get it is if you send it by Interdimensional Mail."
Inkheart Asks: "Who is M.R. Amorcolt?"
"I believe that is the pen name of a famous writer we have in this world," Roseate replied, "their work seems to focus around horror and suspense."
Gniylf Ret'snom Itteh-gaps asks: "Of all the ways to skin a cat, which is the best?"
"Well, I haven't had to skin too many cats myself. Though their fur and claws can serve as components for some rituals."
Roseate places a hoof on her chin as she ponders the question.
"As weird as it might sound, a cut down the spinal column might actually be the most effective as it leaves most of the hide and claws undamaged. However, I can tell you from personal experience that most of the rituals using these components are extremely underwhelming and if you search long enough you can probably find a ritual or spell that will give you a more rewarding result with fewer resources."
Twisted Gears asks: "What is the price of a soul for you?"
"I wouldn't know," Roseate answered, "the retail of souls and other spiritual elements really isn't my forte."
Twisted Gears asks: "Do you think that the pink one (Pinkie) sold hers?"
Roseate tried to recall who Pinkie was and it didn't take long for her to remember that she was the mare who had delivered Mrs. Cake's cupcakes to the house.
"I haven't really known Pinkie enough to say," Roseate answered, "though she doesn't strike me as the kind of pony who would delve into the occult."
Thinking about Pinkie's mannerisms, Roseate scratched her chin in contemplation.
"However, it is possible that she could be hiding something mysterious behind her jovial and friendly attitude. Who can say?"
Viper pit asks: "Okay, you shall get two bottles of each. They will arrive around Hearth’s Warming. I would like a bowl of mac and cheese as payment."
"I am sure I can arrange that."
Of course, a simple bowl of macaroni just wouldn't do as payment for such fine poisons. No, it would have to be something very special.
Book Wyrm asks: "If I offered to sell you magical ingredients from other dimensions, like feathers that, if fetched on an arrow can shatter any magical shield, would you buy them? I’ve got a few."
"It really would depend upon the ingredients as well as how much you are charging. After all, teaching doesn't pay very well."
Azathothfhtagn asks: "I was wondering if Tistemintodh is the same as Daoloth or Azathoth for this iteration of the eldritch realm."
"While I don't know who Daoloth or Azathoth are, I can tell you what the laws of Tistemintodh are. It is a collection of rules that ensure that higher beings like my husband don't accidentally destroy any worlds they visit. Those that break these laws suffer the penalties dished out by the Flishachollirust, who would best be described as both Judges and Executioners. Of course, there are loopholes that are occasionally discovered from time to time, which can have serious consequences."
Nic-Love asks: "Do succubi have anything to do with the Nightmare-Forest (Nightmare Moon) or Princess Luna?"
"Well, in theory, a lot of succubi are ponies with a mutation caused by ancestors interacting with or breeding with Nightmare Demons, most of which began to appear after Nightmare Moon was banished, so it wouldn't surprise me if there is some sort of connection."
Roseate took a sip of her tea.
"However, I couldn't say for sure."
Nic-Love asks: "Are Cup Cake's kids going to become succubi just like their mom?"
"Probably not," Roseate answered, "these mutagenic traits usually seem to skip generations. Of course, that doesn't mean that their children couldn't end up being succubi or incubi. Or maybe the mutation will go unseen for multiple generations. Who knows?"
Inkheart Asks: "What other fey creatures are you able to summon?"
"There aren't very many fey that like to interact with our world anymore. Most generally only come to our world in order to fulfill some sort of bargain or to make a one-sided contract. As a result, very few fey actually can be summoned. Breezies are fairly easy, merely because they are extremely overconfident so long as they feel they have the upper hoof."
Streakthedog asks: "A knife to kill a daemon is weak, and a spear is to easy to lose. The claws would get you killed for getting too close. A sword is best, vorpal preferably. A sword in a sheath of invisibility is what you need. I can get you both for the right price. 5000 bits will do nicely, for a gift to a..."
Roseate had to cut him off there.
"Streakthedog, while your offer is... generous, I have to decline. An Athame is a special instrument that must be crafted by the witch who intends to use it, otherwise it won't work properly."
This wasn't the first time somepony had tried to sell her something over the Scryial and it also wasn't the first time someone had tried to sell something to Roseate that could potentially counteract her efforts.
"I have heard stories where a young witch attempted to take a shortcut and had another witch craft a Sacred Instrument for her. Legends say that she was transformed into a gorgony. Plus, as you can guess, I already made it."
The Athame floated in the air as Roseate held it with her magic to show it off.
Flarion asks: "I... nevermind. Anyways, I went digging around an old Nikora relic site and found some old relics of the ‘Golden Gods’, would you be interested in having some? Also! What was your first Hearth’s Warming like with your husband?"
"While I have never heard of these Nikora, my husband might find one of these artifacts to be interesting. As for my first Hearth’s Warming experience with Arsthotua..."
Roseate was quiet for a moment as she remembered back to that time and considered how to answer.
“It is really, really cold.”
Genesis asks: "Be careful dear, I smell Zealots in the little place you call home. Few things are as obnoxious as cults."
"Indeed, cults can be rather annoying. Especially if their plans conflict with my own. I will be keeping an eye out for sure."
Nic-Love asks: "Why have you not named them? Your kids."
Roseate shrugged, trying to feign a calm demeanor.
"I just haven't. I have thought of names, but I haven't had the nerves to give them."
Nic-Love asks: "If you don't mind me asking, did you go to a hospital when you were... with child?"
"While I would prefer to keep matters pertaining to my children private, I will say that I did not go to the hospital. It wouldn't be safe."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't quite understand all of that." Roseate answered, "Either there is some static or some sort of demonic distortion on your end. I would recommend having that checked."
The mirror flashed a few times in rapid succession.
"Ummm... If you are trying to send me something, you have to do it through Interdimensional Mail. It won't work if you try to send it through the Scryial."
The Scyrial continued to flash for a few seconds, before stopping entirely.
TotallyNotSantaPony asks: "What would you like for Hearth's Warming this year?"
"Well, there are a few things I would really like to have for Hearth's Warming, but they’re a little... Personal. How about a jar of sweet and spicy pickles."
Roseate licked her lips.
Rhawkas asks: "Have you been a good pony this year?"
"It really depends upon who you ask." Roseate stretched. "I'm sure May Berry and her spawn think I've been naughty. There is also the Solar Guard who, if they knew what I was, would consider me naughty. However, it isn't like I've been cursing other ponies or summoning gateways so that alien life forms attempt to consume Equestria. So I would say I've been a good mare."
Inkheart Asks Arsthotua: "Do you dream? If so, can you have nightmares?"
An eye appeared and gazed into the mirror.
"My experiences are that the lines between dreams and nightmares can be... blurry."
As Arsthotua spoke a tentacle wrapped around Roseate's shoulders.
"However, after meeting my wife, they have grown more pleasant."
Finishing his statement, the eye and the tendril faded.
Fermin Tenava asks: "Let's talk about your dear husband. What does he usually eat? Does he need to hunt every time or is there any food from your realm that he can digest?"
"Like a kraken in the sea, Arsthotua needs to feed on smaller creatures in the Eldar Realm. While he is able to eat Equestrian food when he takes on the guise of Strange Sight, that is merely a fragment of the larger body, and so, as a result, the body will still hunt in his realm."
Fermin Tenava asks: I've never been to the Eldar Regions. What do they look like and what do the entities living there do? Do they share plans for the destruction of the universe?
Another eye emerged from the shadows and examined the Scryial.
"The Eldar Realm is simply one of many worlds beyond the Fifth Veil. If I had to use ponish terms, I would say it is like a coral reef with numerous forests growing out of the corpses of previous civilizations and behemoths. Yet it also shifts and sways. There are various creatures there but few are sapient."
Three tentacles came into view and began to roll the eyeball within their grasp.
"Many of my kind of explored other worlds, sometimes causing unintentional harm to the populace. Because of this, the laws of Tistemintodh were set up by the first Yuglomet, along with a few other species who aided in their creation. As my wife has already mentioned, these laws were to ensure that we wouldn't harm these worlds. However, that isn't to say that there aren't a few who intentionally break these laws for their own gain. When this happens, a Flishachollirust is called to investigate."
Arsthotua's appendages disappeared and Roseate took another sip of her tea.
Nic-Love asks: "What do your parents think of Arsthotua?"
There was a pause as Roseate considered how to respond to the question.
"They’re not really... around to complain. My father left my mother when he learned of her pregnancy and my stepfather..."
A few tears welled up in Roseate's eyes as she recalled her past. One of Arsthotua's tendrils emerged and wiped away Roseate's tears as she composed herself.
"Let's talk about something else."
Genesis says: "I'm most proud of how you conducted yourself against those who don't respect themselves. It would have been so easy for you to have cursed him, regardless of the possible outcomes. Quite a few beings wouldn't have had the patience nor the will to do what you did and let things be."
"Well, thank you," Roseate replied, "I have made... a few mistakes in my past and I have had to learn to harness my tongue."
Roseate let out a slight chuckle.
"In more ways than one."
Jon Dillinger asks: "You mentioned some days ago about a 'Princess Luna.' Is this a ruler in your realm? What is she like? How is your realm governed?"
"Well, depending upon who you talk to, most would say that the alicorn princesses are the ones who rule Equestria, though that is merely in regards to this nation. Of course, there are governmental figures that serve under them that usually run most of the country. As for Princess Luna, she is an alicorn with the ability to control the moon and has only recently returned to our world from her banishment."
Roseate winked at the mirror.
"Or at least that is what most ponies will tell you. There are a few who speculate that other beings rule our world from behind the scenes."
TheDizzyDan asks: "What is a familiar in your realm? If you have some choice over what it is, how would it run in your family?"
"To put it in family roles, a familiar can function as the combination of a servant and the distant cousin who needed to move in because of financial reasons. In exchange for the witch's protection, the familiar serves as additional eyes and ears, forming a symbiotic relationship between the two."
Nic-Love asks: "Can you change yourself into something else?"
"I may have a few spells that allow me to change my form from time to time," Roseate answered, "however, they can be a hassle to use. Especially if you turn into something and lack the resources to turn back."
Fermin Tenava asks: "How do you feel about your fellow ponies? Did you ever have somepony else (besides your husband and Mittenz) in your company?"
"My experience with other ponies has been... mixed. There are good ponies and there are bad ponies, but generally I prefer to make friends with those who aren't one hundred percent ponies. Most of you have already seen my friend Mrs. Cake and know her secret."
After pondering for a moment, Roseate gave a sly grin.
"Of course, I don't think it would be too big an issue if I talked about one of my other friends. Though I will keep her name a secret for her own personal safety. There's a unicorn mare in Canterlot who works as a fashion model and is married to a high society stallion, however, few know that she is in fact an octomare. She has been able to maintain her normal guise all thanks to a special soap she purchases from a certain witch."
Roseate gives a wink before placed a hoof over her mouth as she let out a big yawn.
"Well, that is all the time we have for this evening." Roseate smiled at the mirror. "Thank you all so much for your questions. I hope to hear from you all again later."
Replacing the sheet over the Scryial, Roseate left the room and went to bed.
Opening her eyes, Roseate found herself back in front of the drawn house. An ominous mist rolling about her hooves.
"Alenag farth yj haly ethemiav!"
Roseate's horn glowed as her sacred instrument was summoned, the knife appearing in her magical embrace. With the Athame now drawn into the dream, Roseate proceeded toward the door.
Stepping inside the drawn house, Roseate perked her eyes, listening for Sour Sapphire's cries. It wasn't long before she heard the sound of her student weeping. Not wanting to be caught off guard like last time, Roseate moved further into the scribbled building with caution. The hairs on the back of Roseate's neck began to stand on end as Sapphire's crying grew louder.
Turning a corner, Roseate found herself in a room with three doors, each of which was a different color. The one on the left was red, with the center door being green and the last door a bright blue. Not sure which door would lead her to the correct path, Roseate put an ear against each door and listened intently, however despite her efforts she couldn't detect which door Sour Sapphire's cries were coming from.
Taking a deep breath, Roseate walked over to the blue door and opened it. As soon as she opened it, Roseate lunged back as jagged papery teeth and a large drawn tongue lashed out at her. The saliva from the appendage smearing the illustrated world around it.
Swinging her Sacred Instrument, Roseate slashed the drawn tongue, before slamming the blue door shut. Its pained screech was cut off as the door was closed.
"Well, that certainly isn't the way."
Looking back at the severed tongue, Roseate watched as the sketched organ melted into a waxy stain on the floor.
Examining the door, Roseate tried to see if there were clues that it had been booby-trapped. On the floor at the base of the door was a water stain similar to the smear left behind by the fake door's original attack.
Seeing a similar stain at the base of the red door, Roseate was sure that the green door was the way to go. Opening the door to another hallway proved that her theory was correct.
Moving through the hallway, Roseate passed by numerous doors showing signs of being trapped. The deeper she went, the more obscure and disturbing the images along the walls became, changing from drawings of picture frames to massive eyes with lids made of flies. At times when Roseate looked away, she thought she had seen a few of the eyes blink out of the corner of her vision.
After walking through a series of doors, Roseate found the room where Sour Sapphire was located. The walls seemed to be covered in drawn mirrors, with numerous ponies peering in with bright yellow eyes.
The young colt was cowered in the corner as tendrils of shadow linked him to something ominous, which lurked in the center of the room.
Standing before Roseate was some sort of hole with numerous crustacean claws and legs peeking through the portal. It seemed that the crab-like beast was using Sour Sapphire's dream like how a hermit crab uses a stray shell for a home. Its long eye stalks peered forth from the dark void.
Angry chirps resonated from the hole as it lay eyes on Roseate. The claws snapping open and closed as the monster prepared to attack. This time Roseate was able to dodge the blow and riposted with her Athame.
"Sapphire!" Roseate yelled as she dodged the creature's next attack.
Tears still streaming from his eyes, Sour Sapphire looked up to see Roseate fighting the nightmare.
"M-miss Roseate?"
"Sapphire listen to me!" Roseate called out as she deflected another attack, "Don't be intimidated by this creature! It is merely a representation of your fear!"
The Athame slashed through one of the monster's claws, warranting a scream from the creature. However, just a soon as the limb was severed another grew in its place. As long as this nightmare was linked to Sour Sapphire it would continue to grow in strength.
"But I'm scared!"
One of the monster's claws slammed into Roseate's side, throwing her into a paper thin wall. The parchment tearing as Roseate was hurled into another room. A drawn fireplace was on the wall to the right of the hole, Roseate's body had made.
"There is nothing wrong w--"
One of the pincers slammed down into Roseate's foreleg, pinning it to the floor. Roseate screamed before swinging her Athame through the creature's limb. As the nightmare recoiled, Roseate pulled the claw free of her injured leg. She barely had time to stand up before dodging another of the monster's blows.
Ducking under the nightmare's claws, Roseate ran back into the previous room and over to Sour Sapphire, who was still cowering in the corner. Using her hoof, Roseate grabbed the colt and threw him on her back.
"Sapphire, you need to stop feeding your fears!" Roseate grunted, pain shooting up her injured leg.
"But it's..."
The was another loud screech as the nightmare pulled itself back into the room, its mandibles chittering with rage. A new claw clicked open and closed as it regrew.
"There is nothing wrong with being afraid, Sapphire." Roseate focused her attention on the monster. "Fear is a natural emotion, but you must not let it prevent you from acting!"
Slashing upward, Roseate's Athame cut one of the monster's eye stalks. The creature screeched even as the ocular appendage grew back. Roseate could feel Sour Sapphire's tears on the back of her neck.
"Sapphire, you are not alone," Roseate reassured her student, "I am here. We can fight this nightmare."
"T-thank you, miss..."
While the colt was still afraid, Roseate could tell that her student was encouraged by her remark as the tendril of shadow connecting him to the nightmare began to fade.
The monster roared as it became clear that it was no longer connected to its prey.
"Now let's finish this!"
The sound of organic metal striking against carapace could be heard throughout the papery house as Roseate deflected a series of blows. Sidestepping, Roseate delivered a quick slash, severing two of the nightmare's appendages. The monster let out a bloodcurdling roar, only for it to be cut short as Roseate flung her Sacred Instrument in between the behemoth's eyes.
Slowly, the nightmare crumbled to the floor.
"I-is it d-dead?"
Roseate didn't answer as she took Sour Sapphire off her shoulders. She didn't have much time left before this dream space ceased to exist.
Pulling Sapphire into a deep hug and covering his ears, Roseate began to chant.
"Tenoghtmeri thral he't pleguit fob’th chold''t driem'tayin. Nujelu mey fut difietit ‘sub jelu dan't yess tos fut diedeter. Gimejaen mel ngi lovi gos yj sirvint gu’olg t'tav yer nyurb yel niit thiiayin."
Gradually the monster's form began to flicker and shift. As the enchantment was completed, the nightmare was compressed into a less threatening form, that of an orange crab plushie.
Using her magic, Roseate picked up the stuffed crab, which crumbled into ash at her touch.
With the nightmare vanquished, the dream around them began to collapse, like a mirror being shattered against the ground. Roseate closed her eyes as the darkness enveloped her.
Roseate awoke in the middle of the night, her throat feeling scratchy and dry. As she pulled herself out of bed to grab a glass of water, her hoof bumped into something.
Groaning, Roseate picked up the item and brought it with her out into the hallway where she could have a better look at it before going downstairs for a glass of water.
Within her magic grasp was the crab plushie that the nightmare had transformed into during her dream.
"Well, isn't that interesting." Roseate yawned.
Walking over to the toy room, Roseate stepped inside and placed the new stuffed animal next to Mister Smelly Bottoms, all while doing her best not to disturb Mittenz's slumber. The cat familiar snoring softly as he slept.
Stepping outside, Roseate quietly shut the door before heading to the kitchen.
“Hello there, bearded one, we have been longing to see you again. The knowledge that drips from your mind brings us great ecstasy. Please trust your knowledge to us, so that we may consume it. Feed us and we can provide you with the pleasure you seek, just like we did so long ago.”
A vague translation of a passage from; The Book of Salacious Tongues.
Gray Steel woke up to find himself bound to the bed, his legs stretched out and chained to each corner. The earth pony stallion pulled at his bonds but couldn't determine a way to free himself. The bedroom was dark save for a few candles littered around the room.
"My my," a seductive feminine voice said, "what a lovely sight we have here."
Steel looked up to see his new wife, Swan Jingle, sitting in the corner of the room, watching him with her crimson eyes. Odd, he could have sworn they were blue. After further examination Steel realized that Jingle was wearing a black leather corset, leather stockings and holding a whip in her right hoof, all of which contrasted with her pale blue coat.
"Hey honey," Steel giggled nervously, "what is going on?"
Slowly and seductively, Swan approached her new husband flashing him a smile, revealing two glistening fangs. As she crawled onto the bed she brandished a black blindfold.
"Oh, I'm just playing with my food," Swan answered.
After tying the blindfold, Swan gave her husband a gentle kiss on the lips, before moving her attention to Steel's juicy-looking neck. Her lips curled as she prepared to...
'Hey honey, what are you reading?'
Roseate let out a squeak as she felt one of Arsthotua's tendrils rest upon her shoulder. She had nearly thrown the book, but fortunately managed to catch herself and instead clutched the novel tightly to her chest.
"Um... it's nothing. Just a book." Roseate giggled, sweat dripping down her brow.
Three of Arsthotua's eyes materialized, giving her a questioning look. After letting out a deep sign, Roseate fessed up.
"It's, Thirteen Hues of Moonlight," Roseate explained, "It's a book about a stallion who ends up marrying a vampony who also happens to be a dominatrix."
'Doesn't sound too bad,' the three eyes blinked.
"Well, it just... it's a little... smutty."
Roseate found it a bit embarrassing, it wasn't like Arsthotua couldn't satisfy her, far from it. It was just that...
'So, is there anything in there that you and I can do together?'
This question caught Roseate by surprise.
'Is something wrong?'
"No, I just didn't think you would be into that," Roseate replied.
Arsthotua's eyes blinked again, 'Roseate you're my wife and I want what's best for you. Would having you play the Master make you happy?'
"Well," Roseate shrugged, "I wouldn't mind giving it a try."
A tendril curled under Roseate chin and Arsthotua's eyes drew closer, 'Then perhaps we should arrange a day to give it a try.'
The pony vessel that had been constructed the day prior appeared in the center of the room. Arsthotua placed a hoof on Roseate's cheek.
"I'll take on my pony form and you can have your way with me if that's what you desire."
"Maybe," Roseate smiled, "but first I really want to figure out what happened to this teacher. Also, I need to acquaint you with the traditions common around Nightmare Night."
Arsthotua's vessel nodded, "Of course."
"Now, I have a class to teach," Roseate said as she sat up, "would you like to meet me for a date afterwards?"
Roseate also figured it might give her a chance to figure out where she could get a riding crop or some cuffs, for that matter.
"I'll be looking forward to it."
A shiver rippled through Roseate in response to the cold as she watched her students play on the playground during recess. A sign that the fall was growing more frigid.
Roseate's scarf and sweater served as a barrier against the cold wind. The sweater she had picked out was purple with the icon of a unicorn skull in the center.
Most of the children seemed to be having a wonderful time, that was until Roseate saw Quillian Inkheart sitting alone by himself on a bench.
"Quillian, is everything alright?" Roseate said as she sat down next to her student. "Did you not enjoy the lecture?"
"No, I enjoyed the lecture... it's just..."
"Just what?" Roseate asked patiently.
"Well, things seem to be... changing."
The statement made Roseate feel very uncomfortable. There could be multiple meanings to that statement and a few made her feel very uneasy.
"How so?"
"I-I've been having these dreams lately."
Quillian became quiet as if contemplating what to say next.
"If you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to," Roseate said trying to set her student at ease, giving Quillian a reassuring smile.
"I-It's nothing special," Quillian muttered, "just some disturbing imagery is all. Nothing to worry about."
"Oh, okay then."
The two of them sat in silence while the other students continued to play.
"Hey Miss Roseate?" Quillian broke the silence.
"Yes, Quillian?"
"What is your opinion on magic?"
"Magic is a broad topic," Roseate chuckled, "you should be a little more specific."
Quillian was quiet for a moment as he considered his question.
"Like... If a unicorn was... Weak, when it came to their magic, would that mean that there was something wrong with them?"
It was a question that Roseate was somewhat familiar with. Growing up with Dead Horn, Roseate had received her fair share of abuse due to being a unicorn without magic. Of course things had changed a lot since her time. Most unicorn parents were more accepting of their children, despite what magical talents they might or might not possess.
Then there were children like Quillian and his sister, who were abandoned at a young age. Often times such children would blame themselves for their parent's foolishness. As a result, the child would see any weakness they possessed as the reason for their abandonment.
Quillian himself didn't seem as magically attuned as the other unicorn children his age and perhaps this was the source of the young colt's worry.
"It truly depends," Roseate answered, "does this unicorn want to grow stronger with their magic? Or do they feel that their efforts are best suited elsewhere?"
Quillian's eyes scrunched together as he considered what Roseate had told him.
"I'm not too sure."
It was then that the bell rang, signaling that recess had come to an end.
"Okay, it's time to go inside!" Roseate called to her students, many of which groaned in response.
Standing up from the bench, Roseate stretched before turning toward Quillian.
"Don't worry," Roseate smiled, "I'm sure this unicorn is very strong despite his magical ability. He just needs to find out where that strength is."
"So you take the pumpkin and you carve a face on it?" Arsthotua asked as he tried to understand the Nightmare Night tradition that Roseate was explaining.
Both Roseate and Arsthotua were on a date at the Maple Family Diner, drinking their coffee and waiting for their meal. This gave Roseate the perfect opportunity to explain how important the holiday was. It also gave Roseate the chance to keep a small eye on detective Frost Brook, who apparently was infatuated with the diner's coffee and cherry pie.
"Yes," Roseate answered, "a long time ago it was traditionally done to ward off the spirits of the dead."
"Do they still do it for that reason?"
"Not always," Roseate took a sip of her coffee, "most do it just for fun nowadays. Though supposedly it has some magical significance in the same way Hearth's Warming does."
Arsthotua took a sip of his coffee, seemingly having grown used to the bitter taste, "So what is the importance behind having a Nightmare Night costume?"
"Well, it depends upon the region," Roseate explained, "some used to wear the costumes so that when Nightmare Moon descended on Nightmare Night she wouldn't be able to identify them, while others believed that it prevented unseen spirits from following you, but mostly it's just for fun these days."
"So that's why you inquired about the costumes last night."
"That is correct, and before we left I saw the results of the inquiry." Roseate waved a piece of paper in the air. "So let's go to the costume shop and see what they have."
"Very well, what will we be wearing?"
Roseate unfolded the note and examined its contents.
"Apparently they thought you would look cute as a teddy bear."
"A teddy bear?"
"It is a toy that foals use as a source of comfort when frightened," Roseate explained.
"I see." Arsthotua tried to smile, "Do I by any chance function like a teddy bear for you?"
Roseate placed her hoof over Arsthotua's and gave him a seductive smile.
"Oh, you do much more than that."
The two leaned in and shared a gentle kiss. Well, his kissing skills were definitely improving.
"Here are your meals," Maple Syrup said as she placed two plates with hayburgers and fries in front of their respective customers.
"Thank you."
Once they had finished their meal, Roseate and her husband stepped out of the diner to begin their search for a shop where they could buy their costumes.
Walking down the street, the two of them came across the shop they were looking for. It was a red brick building with large glass windows revealing various Nightmare Night props.
Over the entrance was a sign, which read, Flashtruth's Photography and Nightmare Night Store. On the door was a small sign stating that the Nightmare Night selection was available only during the month of October, a small period of time during the summer and every other January.
An automated pony skeleton started cackling maniacally as Roseate opened the door. The small red light bulbs inside the plastic eye sockets blinking rapidly as the prop's lower jaw clacked up and down.
Numerous costumes decorated the store's interior. There was even a costume of a demon king and a mummy. While both of these had been costumes Roseate had considered having the watchers vote on, she had thought the other four options would be better suited for the occasion.
Behind the counter sat a happy earth pony stallion with a fishing hat on his head and a camera hanging from his neck. Looking closely at his name tag, Roseate discovered that the store clerk was none other than Flashtruth himself.
"Alright, you should go look for your suit," Roseate instructed, "While you are doing that, I will look for mine."
"What costume are you getting?" Arsthotua inquired.
"Oh, I'll be going as a witch." Roseate winked.
As her husband wandered off, Roseate searched the mare clothing racks until she found a section dedicated to witch costumes.
Glancing across the room, Roseate saw Moonlight Raven standing there, watching Roseate before turning back to her shopping.
The costume shop had a wide selection of witch outfits, which made the decision a daunting one. Of course, Roseate would probably still end up altering the costume when she returned home to give it her own spin, but even then the base design was important.
She had managed to narrow her selection down to two costumes. One which was black and with purple trim, while the other was black with some green embroidery. Both of which, she thought looked pretty cute.
"Hey Roseate!"
Looking up from her shopping, Roseate saw Bell Flower walking down the aisle.
"Hello Bell," Roseate replied, "how are you doing today?"
"I'm doing fine," Bell said as she examined the surrounding attire, "Just trying to find a costume."
"Yeah, I was thinking of wearing a witch outfit. However, I'm not too sure which one I should pick."
Roseate pulled out the two outfits that had caught her eye and showed them to Bell.
"Well, if you want my suggestion," Bell answered, "I would say go for the one that contrasts well with your coat, that way it will stand out more."
So the one with purple then.
"Thank you very much," Roseate said as she put the other outfit back on the rack.
"So, I saw you talking with May's sister-in-law last night," Bell Flower said, "is everything alright?"
"Sister-in-law?"
"Yeah, Snow Berry."
Suspicion rolled through Roseate's thoughts.
"She told me that she was May Berry's younger sister," Roseate grumbled.
"Well, technically that is true," Bell replied, "when May Day married Huckle Berry, she took her husband's name and family. Even after he passed, May kept her partner's last name."
Roseate's wariness faded away at the revelation. It would make sense for Snow Berry to consider herself May's sister even if it wasn't through blood. The concept wasn't too different from when half brothers considered themselves brothers after all.
"I see."
"So is everything alright?" Bell entreated, her question having gone unanswered.
"Y-yes, everything is fine." Roseate answered, "We were just discussing June and her potential tutelage."
"Oh, well that's good. Between her and May Berry, Snow seems to be the nice one."
"Yes, and June Berry doesn't seem to fall too far from the tree."
Bell Flower's nose scrunched as she pondered Roseate's statement.
"That might be true." Bell smiled. "Well, I have to go. I hope to see you at the party."
Roseate watched as Bell Flower took her costume and headed to the front counter, with a Somnambulan Princess costume.
Looking around the store, Roseate spotted some orange jack-o'-lantern themed stockings. As soon as she laid eyes on them, Roseate knew she had to work it somehow into her costume design. Plus they would make a fine addition to her collection.
As she examined the stockings, Roseate couldn't help but eavesdrop on a couple other ponies in the store, May Berry and her little brat.
"But I want to wear the detective costume!" June Berry protested.
"Now June, you know full well that you must wear an outfit of a more dignified position," May retorted, "How about this princess costume instead?"
"No, no, no," June argued, "why can't I dress up how I want?"
Roseate ground her teeth as the argument continued on.
Grabbing the stockings, Roseate turned around and almost jumped as she found herself face to face with Moonlight Raven.
"W-what do you want?!" Roseate huffed in frustration.
"Some things are subconscious."
Roseate tilted her head, "What?"
The corner's of Moonlight's lips pulled up into a smile.
"Sometimes ponies act out because of something they have hidden in their self-conscience," Moonlight answered, "They may not know themselves why they are acting in such a way. It's just habit."
Having made her puzzling statement, Moonlight Raven walked toward the counter, leaving Roseate contemplating what she had said. Passing by Moonlight Raven, Arsthotua walked over to Roseate, with a rather large and fuzzy-looking outfit on his back.
"Is everything alright?" Arsthotua asked, noticing her unease.
Roseate shook herself, "Yeah, that mare just creeps me out is all. Did you find what you were looking for?"
"I believe so. This is a teddy bear right?"
The costume on Arsthotua's back was that of a large, brown bear with a red bow tie. A stout and fluffy outfit, just like what they were looking for it.
"It certainly is." Roseate smiled.
Having found their costumes, Roseate and her husband made their way to the front counter. Looking up from his newspaper, Flashtruth gave the couple a warm smile.
"Hello there. Did you find what you were looking for?" Flashtruth asked.
"Yes, we would like to purchase these two costumes and these stockings." Again Arsthotua tried to imitate a smile as Strange Sight. Roseate had to admit, it was getting better.
However, the stallion was completely unfazed by the disturbing display.
"That's great!" Flashtruth answered, "You are sure to scare a lot of foals with that face you’re making!"
"Uh... thank you?"
"Hey, I heard there is going to be a party at Bell Flowers this Nightmare Night," Flashtruth said as he scanned the costumes and rung them up, "If you two go, I would love to take a picture with the both of you."
"Oh... I don't know..." Roseate scratched the back of her head nervously.
"Why not?" Arsthotua inquired, "It might be kind of fun."
Roseate replied with an annoyed snort.
Once they had finished their purchase, Roseate and Arsthotua stepped outside, the former looking to see if anypony was watching. With nopony else in sight, Roseate knew it was time for her to head off to continue her investigation.
"Sweetheart, will you be a dear and buy us some pumpkins?" Roseate asked while giving him some bits, "There is something important I need to attend to."
Arsthotua bowed his head, "Sure, is there anything particular I should be looking for when selecting them?"
"Just make sure they're round and orange," Roseate winked as she ran off, making her way toward Miss Ginger Fizzle's house.
Miss Fizzle's house hadn't been too hard to find, thanks to Scroll Keeper's description. The house had been carved out of a large weeping willow tree. A pale green door was built into the trunk, leading inside.
Stepping forward, Roseate tested the door knob. It was locked.
"Well, let's see," Roseate took a deep breath, "I could magically unlock the door, I could try to force it open, or..."
Lifting the welcome mat in front of the door, she was pleased to find a silver key lying underneath.
"...I could just find the key."
Picking up the key with her magic, Roseate inserted it into the lock and turned it to the right. After a satisfying click signaled that the door was now unlocked, Roseate opened the door and stepped inside.
The walls of the interior were painted a pale green. There were no photographs on the walls, though there was the occasional painting depicting a sunset.
The entryway opened up to a room that was split into a kitchen/dining area and a living space. In the center of the living area was a wooden coffee table with a model of a yellow school bus in the center. There was also a picture frame showing a photograph of Miss Fizzle with her students. Roseate pulled the picture closer to have a better look at the mare she was investigating.
She was a unicorn mare with a purple coat and orange mane, which she had pulled back into a bun. Roseate found this to be a little uncanny, considering some of the similarities the two of them shared.
"Now, let's see if we can find out anything about your disappearance." Roseate muttered as she put the picture frame back in its place.
Roseate hypothesized that if Ginger had a diary it might still be in the mare's bedroom. Of course, there were also a few spells that might help Roseate uncovering further information if necessary. Walking to the door just opposite of the entryway, Roseate opened it to discover Ginger's bedroom on the other side.
The bedroom shared a similar aesthetic with the rest of the house with a bed, desk, nightstand, and closet serving as furnishing for the room. Examining the contents of the closet, Roseate noticed a wide collection of dresses, each possessing symbols of scientific or mathematical subjects.
"A teacher through and through."
On the desk was a circular globe, which Roseate was very tempted to give a spin.
Looking around the bedroom, Roseate saw a book resting on the nightstand by the bed. The notebook's cover was purple with a bronze key etched into the smooth surface.
Picking up the book with her magic, Roseate opened it and after examining a few of the pages determined that it was Ginger's diary. Flipping through the pages, Roseate began to read some of the entries.
September 15th,
I had to deal with more of June Berry's crap again. Apparently today she thought it would be funny to make fun of Maple Sugar's weight.
Due to Maple's being slightly chubby, June thought it would be fun to convince the other students to laugh at her. Like usual I sent June to the principal's office and of course her mother tried to justify her daughter's actions. Survival of the fittest and all that garbage.
Roseate nodded, "Glad I'm not the only one who thinks June's a spoiled brat."
Snow Berry did apologize to me for her sister, which is kind of nice.
September 16th,
I had a strange dream last night. I was walking in the forest and something was following me. I never got a good view of it. However, as the dream went on it drew closer.
During the chase I could hear the voice calling out to me. All I can describe it as is female, yet it didn't sound like a pony or any creature I've ever encountered.
It just kept calling me, telling me to come to it!
That caused Roseate to squint her eyes.
"That is an odd dream to have."
Looking through the journal, Roseate noticed various entries involving the same dream, however nothing seem to be too serious until the 23rd.
September 23rd,
The dreams have become worse and what I experienced last night nearly pushed me over the edge. I dare not describe it. I would rather just forget about it if that is at all possible!
Roseate let out an annoyed sigh, "Well, that's helpful."
I tried talking to the herbalist we have in town, Mr. Stripes, to see if there were any herbs I could take that would allow me to function with as little sleep as possible. He provided me with a few remedies that hopefully will help.
September 29th,
I fell asleep and now the voice calls to me even when I'm awake. It tells me things. Says the dreams will stop if I just go out into the woods.
Occasionally when I walk past a window or mirror, I will see something like tree branches or vines, which seem to crawl out of view as soon as I focus on them. It is as if they are trying to urge me to follow.
What should I do?
October 1st,
I can't take it anymore! I'm going to the woods. After school when class is over I will leave and rid this voice from my head once and for all!
To the Swanling House I will go.
That was the last entry and while it was vague, it did provide some clues. Whatever this entity was, it was in the forest and it had the ability to influence the dreams of its victims, much like a Tantabus. Also, Roseate now knew that Ginger hadn't just run away, however most likely whatever was responsible for this had her in its clutches.
As for the Swanling House, the name sounded familiar but Roseate couldn't recall where she had heard it before. Perhaps one of her old tomes would have the answer.
After putting the diary in her satchel, Roseate walked over to the bed and placed her hoof on one of the pillows. Although Ginger had been reluctant to discuss the horrifying dream she had mentioned in her journal, Roseate was sure that one of her new spells would enlighten her.
Closing her eyes, Roseate began to chant, "Beopin t'todh bilek gu’olg mel nyurb yel mey f’rho fob’th voctom''t fonel lw’nefhulem."
As the last word was said, Roseate could feel her mind being pulled into the dream.
Peering through Ginger's eyes, Roseate found herself trapped inside a bus. The sounds of children giggling menacingly all around her.
Looking out one of the windows to see a giant yellow eye staring back at her.
'Come to me.' An ethereal voice resonated through the air. While alien it sounded both feminine and alluring.
Suddenly the bus came to a crashing halt as it smashed into a tree. Ginger coughed as she slammed into the seat in front of her. A sharp pain ran up her right leg as one of the bones snapped.
'Join me.'
As Ginger tried to escape the bus, she could see a large, horned shape through the back window. Pushing through the door, Ginger ran into the forest.
There was the sound of metal being torn as whatever creature Ginger had seen ripped open the bus as it searched for its prey. Its blood curdling roar echoed through the trees.
Limping through the woods, Ginger moved as fast as she could, tears of pain and terror streaming down her cheeks.
Ginger screamed as she tripped over an upturned root. She tried to stand only to be pulled down again.
Looking at her hind leg, Ginger saw some sort of root latched onto her hoof.
Suddenly the tendril lurched, pulling Ginger deeper into the forest. As the vine tugged, Ginger found herself being dragged into a gaping hole in the ground.
Reaching out with her forelegs, Ginger grabbed hold of the edges of the hole. For a moment it seemed like she might be able to resist the root’s pull. Such hopes began to fade as the dirt began to give way beneath her hooves.
'Join me!'
A scream escaped Ginger's throat as her hooves slipped and she was pulled deeper into the darkness.
Tendrils covered in fur wrapped around her body; investigating, exploring, strangling its captive. The teacher was able to give one final cry before the nightmare came to a bitter end.
Opening her eyes, Roseate found herself back in Ginger's bedroom, cold sweat dripping down her brow.
While the spell had given her some insight on the situation and Ginger's likely demise, it had also left Roseate with more questions. Who was this Wandering Mother and did it have a connection to the Swanling House?
Stepping out of the bedroom, Roseate made her way to the front door. As she drew close, Roseate saw the knob turning. Somepony was trying to open the door from the other side.
'Oh no!'
Quickly, Roseate looked around the room to see if there was any place to hide. However, there wasn't anything that wasn't too obvious. Everypony who has seen a horror movie knows that hiding in the closet is a horrible idea.
Well, there was one card she had up her sleeve.
Her horn began to glow as she wove a spell in order to hide, a turquoise aura enveloping her body.
As Roseate finished whispering the chant, her body flew upwards, her hooves resting upon the ceiling. Standing as stiff as a statue, Roseate watched as the door opened and Detective Frost Brook stepped inside. She held her breath not wanting to alert the Solar Guard to her presence.
The detective looked around the entryway, trying to discern any details he could about Ginger Fizzle's life from the way she hung her coats on the hanger or even the bizarre painting on the wall. Once he had processed enough information, Frost moved into the rest of the house.
Roseate waited until she heard the tinging sound of a hoof tapping a pan in the kitchen before counteracting her spell, landing on the floor hooves first. Very carefully, Roseate opened the front door and snuck outside. It wasn’t until she was a ways down the dirt road that Roseate stopped to catch her breath.
It had been a close call, who knows what would have happened if the detective had discovered her trespassing in Ginger Fizzle's home. Carefully, Roseate made her way back to Muleport.
As she made her way through the forest, Roseate noticed something peculiar about the trees. While most seemed to have merely shed their leaves, some appeared to be shriveling away. Curious, Roseate walked over to one of the decaying husks.
Upon closer inspection, Roseate noticed cracks in the bark like ruptured flesh. A thick yellow ooze leaking through the damaged foliage.
Not wanting to touch the disgusting fluid, Roseate used her magic to pull back the bark, revealing a strange plant beneath. It was a flower with fleshy petals and a yellow yolk-like center which seemed to possess qualities of the equine facial structure, its mouth open in an infernal scream. Fur covered vines reached out from alien bulb, held firm to the tree's interior. It was truly an odd specimen that she would need to investigate further.
Digging through her satchel, Roseate looked for anything that could be used to hold the unfamiliar plant. Pulling out the small tin lunch box she used for class, Roseate discarded any unnecessary contents save for a small plastic knife. Grasping the utensil with her magic, Roseate carefully cut some of the vines, just enough to make it easier to separate the otherworldly blossom from the tree.
Once she had cut enough of the vines, Roseate enveloped the flower with her magic and pulled. Reluctantly some of the vines snapped as Roseate pulled the bulb free. The furry ramblers almost seemed to hiss as they gave.
Putting the blossom carefully inside the tin, Roseate closed the lunch box, before casting a sealing spell to keep any of the contents from escaping. It would probably be wise to find a new container to hold her lunches from now on.
After placing the box back in her bag, Roseate turned to look at the tree only to discover that the vines from before had disappeared entirely.
A sigh of relief escaped Roseate's lips as she stepped into her home, a few bags held aloft by her magic as she walked over to the kitchen.
Arsthotua was sitting at the table, which had two large pumpkins twice the size of a pony's head resting on a plastic table cover. There was also a strange plastic bag next to the ponified eldritch being's chair. He turned and smiled to her as she set both of the bags on the counter.
"How did your investigation go?" Arsthotua inquired, "You look worn out."
"I'm fine," Roseate answered, "just narrowly escaped being caught by that Solar Guard that came to town."
On top of that, there was the strange plant that she had found. The presence of the bizarre flora was very disconcerting.
"I see," Arsthotua nodded before lifting up the bag next to his seat, "I found what seemed to be a couple sizable pumpkins and with enough time and a some spare change, I managed to find these."
Roseate took the bag and examined its contents. Once she realized what they were a blush crept over her face.
"T-thank you," Roseate smiled, "but how did you know?"
"Oh, I have my ways," Arsthotua replied, "Now, how about you instruct me on this... pumpkin carving business."
Sitting down at the table, Roseate pulled out a black marker.
"Well first you start by drawing the face you wish to carve onto the pumpkin. That way you will kind of have an idea how the final product will look. Like this."
Pulling the cap off of the marker, Roseate outlined a smiley face on one of the pumpkins.
Arsthotua nodded his head, "I see."
Roseate was about to draw a few more lines on her pumpkin when she remembered something.
"Oh shoot!" Roseate facepalmed. "I need to make something for one of the watchers. No doubt their gift is already on the way!"
"Go ahead and do what you need to do." Arsthotua smiled. "I'm pretty sure I know how to do this."
"Are you sure?"
The vessel containing Arsthotua's consciousness nodded and smiled.
"Okay then," Roseate said as she pulled a pot out of the cabinet. Filling the pot halfway with water, Roseate set the container on the stove to boil.
While the pot rested on the stove, Roseate pulled a box of whole wheat macaroni from the cupboard and set it aside. Then, grabbing a block of cheese from the fridge, she proceeded to grate some cheddar cheese into a bowl.
Once the water was at a rolling boil, Roseate added the pasta to the pot and set the timer for eight minutes. With the macaroni in place, Roseate fetched a few spices from another cupboard and some mustard from the refrigerator.
Occasionally, Roseate would look over at her husband, just to make sure he didn't accidentally cut himself.
"Are you doing okay?" Roseate asked.
"I think so."
After eight minutes had passed, Roseate strained the noodles while leaving just a small amount of water in the bottom of the pot. Lowering the temperature on the stove, Roseate began to stir and mix her ingredients, starting with the cheese.
As the cheese melted into a golden, creamy liquid, Roseate sprinkled in some garlic salt, cilantro and pepper, before adding some mustard to the dish. A thin slice of butter was also mixed into the meal.
Finally, Roseate fetched one of the rarer ingredients to add, some chimera cheese, something Roseate had acquired with some difficulty in the Flame Geyser Swamp a few years back. Roseate carefully shaved off a small amount of cheese into the pot, enough to add a tasty flavor but not so much as to overpower all the other ingredients.
Once Roseate was satisfied with her concoction, she pulled out a Tupperware container to hold the pasta. After pouring a decent amount of the mac and cheese into the container, Roseate sealed it with a lid as well as a protection spell to ensure that the contents would make it safely to its destination.
"Okay, what do you think of this?" Arsthotua inquired before turning his pumpkin so his wife could see it.
The best way to describe the expression of Arsthotua's jack-o-lantern would be that of pure horror. It's mouth and eyes opened wide in shock, with carved lines stretching outward from the holes like writhing tendrils.
"That's... actually pretty good."
Now that she was done making Viper Pit's macaroni, Roseate went about carving her own pumpkin. Gradually she cut away at the pumpkin's face, until its form gave way to a toothy grin.
Roseate's ears perked up as she felt a dimensional disturbance close by. Feeling the familiar vibrations, Roseate walked into the living room.
A portal opened up on the ceiling as another being came through, drifting down toward the floor. It was a gray blob with numerous tendrils and yellow eyes shifting in and out of its amorphous body.
"Are you Roseate Grimsbane?" the creature asked, its voice oddly understandable considering that it was coming from an amorphous being.
"I am," Roseate replied, "and you must be from Interdimensional Mail delivery."
"Yep," the floating blob said, "I am Yprid and I have some packages for you."
Three boxes emerged from Yprid's body into its waiting tendrils, any and all residue from its body evaporating as it set the packages on the floor.
"Thank you," Roseate said, before levitating another box to Yprid, "Do you think you can deliver this to Viper Pit for me?"
"No problem."
Yprid took the box and another portal opened up, which the creature floated up to before leaving.
Carefully Roseate picked up the gifts with her magic.
"Would you like me to help you with those?" Arsthotua inquired.
"Thanks, but I can take care of it," Roseate answered, "I have something special in mind for these."
"Hello everyone." Roseate motioned to some packages next to her. "So, I received some gifts from a few of you and I thought it might be kind of fun if I unwrapped them for you all to see. So here is our first little unboxing."
After picking up a package and setting it in her lap, Roseate leaned down to examine her delivery. The box was covered in purple wrapping paper and tied with a pink ribbon.
"I wonder who this is from?" she wondered aloud after finding no sign of who it was from.
With a little giggle, Roseate opened the box to reveal that its contents consisted of four glass bottles. Each bottle contained a greenish yellow liquid. A label rested on each flask, naming the fluid inside.
Lifting a bottle from the case, Roseate examined one of the labels. Dalamadurr Venom was printed on the white label in black ink.
"This must be the venom that Viper Pit promised me. I hope they will enjoy the macaroni I made when it is delivered."
Setting Viper Pit's box aside, Roseate moved onto the next present. A blue package with a golden ribbon binding the gift shut. There was a card attached to the ribbon. Opening the card, Roseate examined its words closely.
To: Roseate Grimsbane.
From: RCharge.
Untying the ribbon, Roseate opened the gift, carefully pulling away the blue paper to reveal a small cardboard box within. Pulling the top off the box, Roseate saw that the contents of the container were three formations of flowers, each spiraling into a cone from the base to the tip. They were blue with white edges. Roseate recognized them.
"Oh, some Foal's Breath," Roseate giggled, "these flowers are an exceedingly rare and valuable reagent for some powerful potions. I hope you didn't have any trouble finding them. I've heard rumors of some monstrous creatures being highly protective of these flowers, especially Basilisks."
Roseate took great care in placing the Foal's Breath back into the box and placing it next to Viper Pit's gift.
The last present consisted of a green package with a red ribbon. Opening the gift like she had the others, one of Roseate's eyebrows raised as she saw its contents.
Inside the present was an envelope, held tightly shut by a black ribbon and a wax seal. Untying the ribbon, Roseate examined the seal, noting the iconography within the red wax. It was of a ink-pot wreathed in a heart of ink, drawn out by a single quill.
Breaking the seal, Roseate opened the envelope to reveal a piece of paper, on which was a single message.
On the surface unseen, my harmony unbound. Consumed by darkness, I'm blinded to sound. Trapped in nightmares, I trusts no word. Magic faded -- jaded -- I follows the herd.
Who am I?
The letter possessed no signature.
Underneath the letter in the box, was a black piece of metal. Adjusting her glasses, Roseate took a closer look at the ingot.
"This appears to be... Insomnium," Roseate muttered, a perplexed expression stretching across her face, "I wonder how they came across it."
While a few thoughts of who or what might have sent her the message, Roseate felt she would have to do further research to know for sure.
"Well, I guess that is all for now with the unboxing."
Roseate set the unboxed presents aside and adjusted her position in front of the Scryial.
“Now, tomorrow is Nightmare Night and there are more than a few activities on the table for my husband and I to partake in.”
Pulling out a piece of paper and adjusting her glasses, Roseate began to name off a few options.
“First, Bell Flower has offered us invitations to a costume party she is putting on, so we could go to that. There is also the option for us to go ‘Trick or Treating’, which could be kind of fun. Or Arsthotua and I could stay home, give out some candy, watch some television and… relax.”
A grin stretched across Roseate’s face as she set down the paper.
“As much as I would love to participate in all of these wonderful activities, we can only do one this year,” Roseate said, “So please let me know what you think. Now then, onto the questions.”
BestinDworld asks: "Is there a way to shrink a pony, and have you ever shrunk one?"
"There are a few rumored spells and potions but most tales are filled with various warnings, both to being shrunk and of those with the ability to shrink others," Roseate replied, "One such tale tells of a pony who gained a sick... satisfaction from drugging her victims with a potion and then consuming her victims once they reached the appropriate size. The Solar Guard deemed her a witch and she was burned for her crimes."
Roseate shook her head.
"And no, I don't possess any such magic. Next question."
BestinDworld asks: "Who or what is a slenderpony?"
"Wouldn't that just be a pony that is really thin?" Roseate replied, "Word from the wise, some skinny mares out there became that way from some really unhealthy eating habits. I would strongly suggest against following in their hoofsteps."
Book_Wyrm asks: "Do you know any good travel spells? You know, ones that aren’t uncontrollable and don’t suck you through them at random moments? If you do, please tell me. I need some help."
"Teleportation spells can indeed be unpredictable," Roseate answered, "personally, I prefer doorway spells. Sure, you have to be extremely precise and specific with the location you are teleporting to and they generally require a lengthy ritual to perform, but at least you won't have to worry about being transported into a Hydra's belly or inside a wall. At least not unless you really want to."
Roseate shook her head warily.
NicLove asks: "What's the difference between a lunar nun and a solar nun?"
"Well, for one thing solar nuns don't exist," Roseate chuckled, "The lunar nuns were a group of mares that originated sometime after the banishment of Nightmare Moon. They had hoped that by heeding chastity and keeping their bodies sacred that perhaps Princess Luna would be cleansed of the darkness that plagued her soul. While the princess's return has made this practice obsolete there are still some mares that uphold these values. And, of course, there are some ponies that just find the outfit to be rather hot, if you catch my meaning."
Roseate gave a little wink.
NicLove asks: "You know I'm starting to feel bad!"
"I did not know that. I am sorry to hear it." Roseate answered, "I hope you get better soon."
Quillian Inkheart asks: "In the curious case of Mittenz, is his body tied to his soul, or is it merely a physical manifestation of his being on another plane? In simpler terms, does Mittenz wholly exist in this plane now, or does his soul reside in his home plane, linking to yours through the tether of his body?"
"Mittenz, would you like to answer this question?"
The familiar let out an annoyed sigh.
"The best way to describe it is that my consciousness is merely attached to this... body by a spiritual tether. My actual body is still back on my homeworld, resting in a comatose state."
Mittens glared over at Roseate.
"Is that enough info?"
"I suppose," Roseate answered, "let's move onto the next question."
Rhawkas asks: "What kinds of leisure activities do you enjoy? Do you have any hobbies? What does Arsthotua spend his time doing?"
"I enjoy reading books, with fiction being my favorite. I also like delving into the study of other forms of magic, including what is considered... forbidden by most ponies, as you are probably already aware of. As for what my husband does, well I'm sure he can tell you."
Three glowing eyes shifted into reality around the mirror and began to move in a counterclockwise pattern.
"My profession, if you would like to call it that, would best be described as the combination of an archivist and musician. My title is, Gimevaeci yog maan'tadhe, or a Voice of the Moons. In ponish terms, I take what I observe and convey it into a musical language, which can be stored for future study."
The eyes stopped before changing course and rotating in a clockwise formation.
"As for my hobbies, I suppose you could say spending time with my wife and learning about her world is my hobby."
Roseate blushed a little at Arsthotua's declaration. A giggle escaped her lips as one of her husband's tendrils began to caress the side of her cheek.
Viper Pit asks: "What if in order to wake your children, you have to name them?"
Roseate's expression became gloomy in response to the question.
"While I wish that was the case," Arsthotua spoke, "it doesn't work in that manner. While most other beings are named by their parents, creatures from the Eldar Realm awaken and announce their name to those around them. It is believed that these children derive their names from thoughts and memories that their mother has while they are within her womb."
Trying to hold back tears, Roseate looked away from the mirror and sniffled. As if sensing his wife's distress, one of Arsthotua's tentacles reach up and caressed her cheek.
"However, that doesn't mean it's her fault. Even if we can't have children like ponies or even my own kind, I love her and that's really all that matters."
Roseate wiped away a tear with a hoof. Arsthotua's eyes and appendages faded into the shadows. Taking a deep breath, Roseate resumed looking at the questions.
Fermin Tenava asks: "In our last session, you mentioned other species from other worlds behind the Fifth Veil. I've also heard of Discord and other creatures of Chaos that currently inhabit our realm. Do they have a part in all of this? Do they follow the laws of Tistemintodh?"
"The laws of the Tistemintodh only apply to beings from beyond the Fifth Veil and only those who are strong enough to bring significant harm to the worlds they are visiting," Roseate explained, "This means that if you are of a native species to that dimension or your threat level doesn't exceed a certain number you aren't obligated to follow the laws of Tistemintodh. While they can travel to other worlds, Draconequi like Discord are native to Alicris therefore allowing them to bypass these laws."
Quillian Inkheart asks: "I have heard that the oldest and strongest emotion in the race known as 'humans' is fear. Within that, the oldest and strongest fear is fear of the unknown. In a world so content with blinding itself from dark truths, what do you think the oldest and strongest emotion of ponykind is?"
"While I'm not sure what 'humans' are, I am sure that the strongest emotion being fear is something both they and ponykind have in common," Roseate answered, "There are more than a hooffull of things out there that ponies avoid thinking about in order to live their happy lives. More than a few of these aren't even from beyond the Fifth Veil."
Death is Disturbed asks: "Hmm it appears I have turned into a corgi, I am okay with this. Anyway, I would love to send you something but for now a question must do. I ask if you would like a plague doctor’s mask? That is, if you do not have one."
"I don't have one," Roseate answered, "Of course, if you had one to spare, I wouldn't refuse. Just send it like I have instructed and I should be able to receive it."
NicLove asks: "What can an octomare do and what do they need that other ponies don't need?"
"Well there is the water breathing ability, skin deep camouflage and eight tentacles instead of legs." Roseate replied, "Of course it isn't all fun and games. They need to keep their skin hydrated and most ponies generally look down upon octoponies due to their resemblance to the villain in the story, The Little Mermare."
Sadistic Joy asks: "From what I know, Azothoth is an outer god and immensely powerful. He is asleep in the middle of existence and it is said that when he wakes up existence will simply cease to be. Some have even theorized that existence is simply its dream."
"That may be so, however we have no records of such a being in our world and my husband has never spoken of it."
One of Arsthotua's eyes appeared.
'It is possible that this could be one of the Osikionn,' Arsthotua answered, 'beings that are more like a storm than a living entity. Many have given their existence to suppress the power of such mindless beasts.'
Arsthotua's eye faded.
Lunar Flarion asks: "I shall send the relics through interdimensional mail, if they scream don’t worry, it’s normal. As for a question, may I ask, have you ever been in contact with a murderer?"
Roseate's sacred instrument appeared in her hooves.
"None that I am aware of. That isn't to say that nopony I've interacted with hasn't taken a life. Even I have my fair share of blood staining my hooves."
Examining the blade, the corners of Roseate's lips turned upwards forming a sad smile.
"The difference being merely that said blood was shed in order to survive."
NicLove ask: "Is Grimsbane your maiden name? or Arsthotua's last name?"
"It is actually a name I came up with on my own. I changed it for a few good reasons... Sometimes one must shed their past if they wish to move forward."
White Cobalt asks: "Have you ever run into a witch hunter before? If not, do you think that you've run into one now?"
"Only once and it was a conflict I would rather not repeat."
Steakthedog asks: "So the gem I sent is a artifact that allows you to contact me and me to send you gifts and to do currency exchanges. it is a minor artifact and if broken... well the last one who did that is... in a very bad state. I don't talk about the noodle incident (shutters) never again."
"While that is a generous offer, I assure you that my Scryial is a suitable communication device and will work just fine. And as I've already stated I will only accept any interdimensional exchanges through the Interdimensional Mailing Service."
Ri2 asks: "Your dream self is trapped in another realm, being chased by that Tantabus? That sounds bad. And 'him' being dead... am I right in guessing you're referring to your stepdad?"
The question made Roseate's blood run cold.
"If you please, let’s not talk about HIM." Roseate squirmed nervously. "There is no reason to taint the air by mentioning HIM. I-I think that will be all for now. Thank you all for the questions!"
No longer wishing to answer any further questions for the evening, Roseate replaced the blanket covering the Scryial. Looking over at her gifts and the satchel, Roseate remembered something very important.
Reaching carefully into her bag, Roseate pulled out the lunch box that contained the bizarre plant inside. It was getting late, so it wouldn't be wise to examine the box's contents at the moment. Walking over to one of the walls, Roseate pulled out a side panel before placing the lunch box along with the other gifts she had received inside.
Closing the panel, Roseate arched her back before heading to bed.
As she left the mirror room, Roseate noticed something on the bedroom door.
A note was placed on the door, with some text and an arrow pointing to a bag on the ground. Pulling the note off the door, Roseate examined it closely.
'I have taken the liberty of setting the room up according to our discussion. Going off of what I read, these garments should be fitting for the task at hoof. I love you and I hope you find this pleasing.
'With love, your husband,
'-Arsthotua Strange Sight'
Roseate chuckled at seeing the small mistake Arsthotua had made on the note. Still, as long as nopony else saw it, there shouldn't be too much of an issue. Even then, what could they deduce? That he had a previous name that was apparently in a foreign language. Nevertheless, it would be wise to destroy the note now that it had served its purpose.
Looking down at the base of the door, Roseate recognized the strange bag Arsthotua had found for her. Smiling, Roseate took the bag and went into the bathroom to change.
Inside the bag was a black corset, some stockings with a garter belt, a pair of gloves, a black spiked collar and a kit, which contained various items as well as a whip.
After cleaning up and applying some makeup, Roseate took the attire and put it on. The garments felt nice and snug against her form.
A shiver of anticipation and excitement shot up her spine as she took the whip out of the dominatrix kit. Examining the scourge, Roseate wondered just how high Arsthotua's pain threshold was. Fears that either she might severely hurt her husband or that she might not be able to deliver enough in order for it to be pleasurable for him rattled her thoughts.
Stepping back out into the hallway, Roseate took a deep breath as she stood in front of the bedroom door. Gathering her nerves and remembering what she had read in her book, Roseate smiled slyly and opened the door.
"Well, well," Roseate said as she saw her husband stretched out on the bed, "it looks like someone's tangled up. I wonder what I should do with you?"
Roseate licked her whip before snapping it, the scourge making a sharp sound.
"I guess I should teach you a lesson."
Roseate's eyes opened as she felt the cold air brush against what parts of her were not covered by her profane bindings. It would seem that she was back in this nightmarish realm. More of the tendriled pillars reaching up into the sky.
'Where are you?'
HIS familiar call echoed through the dark, causing Roseate to shoot upwards immediately. Seeing the shape of her pursuer in the distance, Roseate began to move from pillar to pillar, trying to find a means of escape.
'Come here, Roseate! You know I don't like to play games!'
The last time it was a hole in the ground that had served as a means of escape. Perhaps this time she could do the same.
Carefully, Roseate scanned the vine ridden floor for any tunnels similar to the one that had linked to Sour Sapphire's nightmare. All the while keeping an eye on HIS position. Wandering through the incongruous woodlands, Roseate spotted a glowing green light in the distance.
'Roseate, where are you?'
Roseate moved stealthily toward the light, hoping that perhaps it would lead the way to another dream and away from HIM. She could hear her own heartbeat as she shifted to a new hiding spot. Even as HIS calls grew distant, the throbbing of Roseate's heart was ever present in her mind.
As she crept toward the light, she discovered that her intuition was indeed correct, as the light illuminated the tunnel below.
Moving carefully, Roseate descended into the tunnel. Eventually it opened up into a large chamber, with tendrils hanging like roots from the ceiling. In the center of the cavern was a surreal object.
Before her was a large white cube, the shape standing on the tip of one of its corners. On one of the box's faces was a single blue door, its corners stained black, and on another surface was a window, the interior completely obscured by darkness.
The door opened and the sides of the edifice stretched toward Roseate, like an amoeba swallowing its prey.
Unsure of the structures intentions, Roseate tried to slash one of the milky white appendages with her Athame, the blade passing through it like a knife through water. Unhindered, the slimy surface engulfed Roseate and pulled her through the door.
Passing through the portal, Roseate found herself in a black inky void. The door slammed shut behind her, trapping Roseate inside.
With its prey now within its clutches, the box's interior became illuminated as a few lights flickered on. Looking around, Roseate found herself on the ceiling of a decrepit mansion, the light source being from the chandler's that hung upwards from the "floor."
Splotches of black ink were splattered haphazardly around the room. Looking up at the "ceiling," Roseate was able to determine that she was in the entryway of the abandoned building.
Roseate's ear twitched as she heard the sound of somepony giggling nearby. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a door to the right creak shut. Closing her eyes, Roseate cast the spell she had used just earlier today, her body moving as she flew upwards to the "ceiling."
Safely landing on the upper surface, Roseate made her way to the door and pushed it open.
This room was covered in the same ink that she had seen in the other room. Paintings of unfamiliar ponies floated near the ceiling, their eyes, noses, and muzzles consisting of black smudges.
A creaking sound, alerted Roseate to some pony leaving through the door across the room. As she walked toward the door, that same creepy giggling echoed through the room.
The portraits of the surrounding painting melted into a black sludge, before slimy hooves emerged from within. Small, foal-shaped creatures pulled themselves free of the paintings and began to float through the expanse, like windigos made of putrid ink.
Five of these beings landed on the "ceiling" and stood in Roseate's path, their giggling giving way to a tune Roseate had heard long ago.
"Dead horn, dead horn, poke her with a thorn! Dead horn, dead horn, better never born!"
It sounded as if the very walls were singing the cruel chant as the small monsters moved toward her. The tune repeated as the inky apparitions advanced toward their prey.
"No," Roseate muttered, "no, you are all just... just this... thing's aberrations."
The Athame sliced through one of the inky monsters. Even as the creature's form slumped into a puddle of sludge, the others continued to move toward her, the laughter growing louder.
Their chant reminded Roseate of the cruel things her fellow children would say to her so long ago. Perhaps somehow this nightmare was taking those old memories as some sort of defense mechanism and, unfortunately for her, it was effective.
It took much of Roseate's willpower to push out the familiar taunting and focus on what she needed to do.
"Dospilodh!"
In a flash, the magic holding her to the "ceiling," deactivated, sending her downward, the inky monstrosities following after her. The one she had cleaved slowly rebuilt itself.
There was a jolt of pain as Roseate hit the "floor," however, she knew she had to keep moving. Pulling herself up, Roseate ran toward the wall where the door was.
"Clomb Onsictem!" Roseate shouted, the spell activating just as her hooves made contact with the wall. Once more her gravity shifted as she ran up the wall toward the door.
Roseate dared not look back, her ears informing her that those monsters were close behind her.
Reaching the doorway, Roseate called out once more, "Dospilodh!"
As the spell allowing her to run along the wall dissipated, Roseate used her strength to pull herself through into the next room. Doing so, Roseate found herself plummeting to the "floor." Only now it wasn't the ceiling of an old manor but an ink-stained wasteland.
There was a splash as Roseate fell into a sea of black liquid. Her lungs burned as the harsh fluid dripped in through her nostrils and mouth. The substance robbing her of necessary oxygen. Painfully, she began to swim toward the surface, her body yearning for air.
Breaking the surface, Roseate coughed, ink sputtering forth from her muzzle.
Looking up into the gray sky, Roseate could see those five foals circling overhead. Their giggling barely audible over the inky waves. Glancing around, she saw a black island not too far away. Roseate coughed once more before she began to swim to the island.
As she moved through the oily liquid, Roseate did her best to keep an eye on the blackened shore, though occasionally a drop of ink would splash into her eyes, making it difficult to see.
She was about half way there when Roseate felt something touch one of her hind legs. Like the rubbery tendril of some horrific monstrosity.
'No. No. No! NO!'
Panicking Roseate moved as her legs as fast as she could, paddling painfully to the distant shoreline. Out of the corner of her eye, Roseate could see something looking above, however it dipped below the waves before she could fully see it.
Soon Roseate could feel sand under her hooves as she began to crawl out onto the beach. It was then that she felt a tentacles wrap around her hind legs. The tendril tugged hard, trying to pull Roseate back beneath the waves.
Roseate coughed as more black water entered her muzzle. Summoning her sacred instrument, Roseate reached back with the dagger and sliced through the aggressive appendage. As the blade cut through the tentacles, Roseate could feel it dissipating in the water.
Once she was free, Roseate rushed onto the shore as fast as she could. As she ran, Roseate thought she heard a bestial roar among the crashing waves.
Glancing back out to the black sea, Roseate thought she saw something large move beneath the waves like a whale or a massive worm.
Turning away from the sea, Roseate examined the island.
The island was covered in black trees, their branches reaching up into the sky past the clouds. Dark sap dripping from cracks in the ashened bark. Their roots stretched deep into the ground with ink pumping through them.
As she examined the island, Roseate thought she saw another pony wandering in the forest.
"Hello!"
There was no response and instead the pony wandered deeper into the forest.
"Hey wait!'
The pony continued on, ignoring Roseate's call. With no other choice left, she proceeded to follow the pony into the dark woods.
Despite her efforts, Roseate was unable to catch up with the other pony.
After stopping to catch her breath, Roseate found herself standing next to the Muleport school, dark vines clinging to the sides of the building.
The door was left open a crack with inky hoof prints leading inside. Following the black markings, Roseate stepped inside the school.
Black sludge dripped from cracks in the ceiling and openings in the lockers lining the walls. As she wandered the halls, the sound of somepony crying caught Roseate's attention.
"Hello?"
Following the inky hoofprints, Roseate found herself standing at the entryway to her classroom. Peering inside, Roseate saw a small pony sitting in the center of the room, the form barely visible in the darkness.
“It would be funny if you knew what lay just beyond the edges of your sight. On the other hoof if you were capable of doing so, madness would undoubtedly be the final result. There are many who have come before you, who willingly gave themselves over to their insanity and all the pleasures that come with it. Will you do the same?”
A vague translation of a passage from; The Book of Salacious Tongues.
"Quillian? Is that you?"
The colt continued to cry despite Roseate's call, creating an eerie atmosphere. Still, if this was her student, Roseate needed to help however she could.
"Quillian, it's okay. It's me."
Walking over, Roseate placed a hoof on the colt's shoulder. As she did she felt something like slime against it, black ink stretching forth from the point of contact.
As black sludge crawled up her foreleg, Quillian slowly turned around to reveal his face. The creature lacks eyes and a mouth, instead a large hole dripping with black ink looked back up at her. This Quillian wasn’t her student but a hideous monstrosity.
With some difficulty, Roseate pulled herself free from the hideous mimic. A gurgling moan escaping the monster’s gaping maw.
"Roseate?"
There standing in the doorway was Quillian, her real student, an expression of fear and confusion on his face. However, as it became clear that the mare before him was in fact his teacher, a twinkle of hope appeared.
"Come on, this way!" Quillian shouted before running down the hall.
Following her student, Roseate saw the fake Quillian out of the corner of her eye as she left the room. The creature's head expanding like a large balloon. Roseate was barely out into the hall when the sound of an explosion erupted and black ink sprayed across the wall.
Roseate continued to follow her student as the ran through the halls, the sound of menacing laughter echoed off the walls.
Ink dripped from the ceiling, splattering to the floor before taking on shapes that were mere mockeries of the pony form. Their bodies stretching in crude ways as they advanced on their prey.
Passing through one of the doors, Roseate was surprised to see that they were back in the upside down mansion. Running into the room, Roseate watched as Quillian jumped through one of the paintings, the canvas tearing before closing shut.
Looking behind her, Roseate saw a puddle of ink form into a new shape, similar to the adult version of Quillian that she had seen in the Scryial, but clearly more sinister. It's coat was dripping, sloughing off it's body like slime, only to be replaced by more oozing flesh. The whites of it's eyes were black as pitch, with small pinprick irises staring Roseate down. Lines of ink, like black tears, streamed from the black pits it used to see, streaking lines over it's melting face. It's smile, however, was the most unnerving part. Carved straight from it's muzzle, this apparition had no lips or teeth, but simply a gaping grin, seeping with black ichor.
"Your intrusion here will not be tolerated," The shape said in a deep, otherworldly voice that bubbled grotesquely, as if it were speaking though a layer of clotted blood. The mouth barely moved, but black ink spilled fourth over it's chin, making it clear that somewhere in that horror of a face, something had opened and closed.
His horn glowed with dark magic as spheres of black ink, pulsing with nightmarish static began to spiral toward Roseate's position.
Seeing the incoming attack, Roseate threw herself through the painting. Passing through the canvas, Roseate could hear the sound of corroding wood and metal as magically-charged ink splattered across the area she had been standing seconds ago.
Propelled forward, Roseate found herself sliding into an inky blackness, the only sounds were the sound her hooves made on the floor along with Inkheart's breathing. However, the longer she listened the more audible were the sounds of somepony whispering became.
Roseate's horn lit up, illuminating the room in a soft green light.
They were in a small chamber lined with inky flesh, pulsing and twitching. Looking up at the source of the whispering, Roseate saw various pony shaped faces looking down at them. The congealed ink snarling and glaring with pale white eyes at the guests below.
"What is this place?" Roseate asked.
"This is the safe space," Quillian answered, "none of the others come here."
Listening intently to the whispers, Roseate could barely make out what they were saying. Words like ‘worthless’ and ‘weak’ seemed to repeated in the depraved chorus of shame.
"Do you hear what they say?" Roseate inquired.
"Yes."
"Why do you listen to them?"
"Because as painful as it is... at least they don't lie to me."
"What do you mean?"
Quillian looked down at his hooves. "All the other ponies act nice around me, but I know they all think I'm a freak. That I can't do anything. That I'm worthless. They won't tell it to my face, but I know that they talk about me behind my back about my difficulties in using magic. At least here the voices affirm how worthless I am."
"You're not worthless."
"Yes, I am!" Quillian yelled, tears streaming down his face, "You're only saying that because you're my teacher! You're paid to be nice to me!"
Roseate took a deep breath and pondered what to say next. She could see where her student was coming from, after all, she had once shared similar feelings in her youth. Feelings that HE had taken advantage of. After giving a brief sigh, Roseate took Quillian's head in her hooves and lifted it so he would look at her.
"Quillian, can ask you to keep a little secret for me."
A confused look appeared on the colt's face, but he nodded.
"Like you I am not so magically gifted." Roseate gave a faint smile. "In fact, my magic isn't even my own."
"B-but, how can that be?" Quillian asked, "I've seen you hold books and assignments with your magic."
"It is a difficult matter to discuss," Roseate replied, "I have well... Dead Horn. Needless to say, I understand how you feel. When I was younger unicorn children were judged by how good they were at magic, and if they failed to meet expectations they were confined to a life of poverty at best."
A confused look swept over Quillian's face as he recognized one of the terms.
"Dead Horn inhibits all the signals from the brain to magicron glands in the horn. Preventing any magic use at all... So how are you..."
"That doesn't matter!" Roseate interrupted, "All I am trying to say is that you magic doesn't define you. You are not your magic. You are Quillian Inkheart, one of my best students and you have a lot of potential. Don't let those voices tell you otherwise."
Quillian gave Roseate an unsure look before glancing back up at the faces overhead. The whispers were growing louder, and it was then that Roseate knew that she couldn't defeat this nightmare. Try as she might, Roseate knew that she couldn't truly defeat this darkness, only Quillian could do that.
However, perhaps Roseate might be able to delay the nightmare, suppress it for a time so that when Quillian was older, he would be able to take it on himself.
"Quillian, I need you to trust me, okay."
There was a moment of silence, as Quillian considered what Roseate had said, before nodding in affirmation.
Roseate closed her eyes, as she tried to remember an old sealing ritual.
"By the will of Nad, the last to fall, I seal away this darkness," Roseate called out, "to give this child solstice until his true strength awakens."
As Roseate chanted a glow of purple magic illuminated the center of the room, the image of a canine skull with seventy seven eyes appearing as the source. Once more, Roseate repeated the incantation, speaking in the tongue of her husband.
As if feeling the effects of the sealing spell, the faces on the ceiling began to wail bitterly. The safe zone giving way to reveal an abandoned room. Even as more ink constructs began to swarm the room, Roseate continued the chant. The chorus of the black sludge's cries joining in with Roseate's mantra, the dark energies of the nightmare being absorbed by the skull. As more of the energy was pulled into the seal, it began to shift, transforming into a small black slug, about the size of a pea pod.
Even as all of the nightmare had congealed into the tiny form, Roseate knew that the ritual was far from over.
"Now, here comes the hard part." Roseate held the slug in her left hoof. The inky creature's body pulsing with nightmarish energy.
"What will happen next?" Quillian asked.
Roseate took a deep sigh, and held the hoof containing the nightmare out to Quillian.
"Now, you need to swallow it."
"What?"
"In order for the nightmare to be sealed away it needs a vessel," Roseate replied, "more specifically, it needs to be contained inside its original host."
"I-I don't understand."
"Think of it this way," Roseate explained, "We are taking the nightmare out of your mind and sealing it away in your body. When you consume the nightmare, it will become a part of you, but your mind will adapt to it. Then one day it will have no power over you."
"A-and all I have to do is eat it?"
"Sort of. You can't bite into it as doing so will release the nightmare. So you will have to swallow it whole."
Quillian took the slug from Roseate a disgusted look covering his face.
"It doesn't look very good."
Roseate shook her head.
"I'm not going to lie," Roseate replied, "it isn't going to taste good."
Quillian peered down at the nightmare in his hooves, a fearful and worried expression on his face. Then closing his eyes, Quillian opened his mouth wide and threw the slug to the back of his throat. He coughed a couple of times before he managed to swallow it.
"Is that it?" Quillian coughed.
Roseate watched as a small black spot grew on Quillian's right hoof, growing to the size of a small coin. A mark that would only be visible in the dreaming world. Even as the nightmare's sign formed, the world around them began to crumble.
"Yes," Roseate answered, "I do believe so."
Nightmare Night, a holiday stretching back to before the unification of the pony tribes. It was a day where ponies wore costumes, children ate candy and nopony had to go to school. A day when Roseate should be able to sleep in, resting in her husband's embrace.
So why in the nine rings of Tartarus was somepony knocking on her door?
Tired and grumpy, Roseate made her way to the front door with the ringing doorbell. Looking through the peephole, Roseate couldn't see anything despite the door bell still ringing.
"If this is somepony's idea of a prank, so help me!" Roseate growled as she opened the door.
Looking down, Roseate saw one of her students, Maple Sugar standing on the porch, wearing a Filly Guide uniform with a red wagon filled with cookies behind her. Her parents owned the Maple Family Diner.
"Good morning, Roseate!" Sugar said shyly.
"Oh, hello," Roseate uttered as she adjusted her mood to be friendlier, "isn't it a bit early to be trick or treating?"
"I'm not trick or treating yet. I'm selling cookies for the Filly Guides."
Roseate raised an eyebrow.
"I thought the Filly Guides sold their cookies during the summer?"
"Well, normally yes, however... I was kind of sick this year, so they let me hold onto the boxes to sell."
Maple Sugar looked down at her hooves.
"As long as I meet my quota before the end of the year, I'll be able to go to camp next year."
"I see," Roseate replied, "and you thought that since Nightmare Night was today you might be able to sell some boxes to those who hadn't bought any candy for the evening."
"Y-yes." Sugar stuttered.
Looking down the hill, Roseate could see Maple Sugar's dad watching from a distance.
"I actually already have some candy for tonight." Roseate said, her tone coming off more grim then intended.
"Oh, okay." Sugar's posture drooped. "Sorry for wasting your time."
Maple Sugar turned to leave, looking sad and gloomy as she went. If this was an effort to make Roseate sad, it was working.
Roseate let a deep sigh, "Fine. I will buy a box."
A large smile grew across the child's face in response to Roseate's declaration of purchase. As Roseate fished out a few bits, she heard Maple Sugar gasp.
"Who is that!"
Roseate's heart skipped a beat until she realized that the filly was pointing at her familiar.
"Oh, that's just my cat." Roseate answered, relieved that Sugar hadn't seen one of Arsthotua's tentacles or any of his other non pony organs.
"What's his name?"
"Mittenz." Roseate replied as she finished paying for the cookies. All the while, Maple Sugar's eyes were transfixed on Mittenz.
"You love cats, don't you?"
"I do!" Sugar reached out to pet Mittenz, who purred in response to the attention.
Once Maple Sugar had given Roseate a box of cookies she pulled on the handle of her cart and began to walk away.
"Goodbye Miss Roseate! Goodbye Mittenz!"
Roseate waved to her student before shutting the door, thankful that Mittenz had kept his mouth shut during the transaction.
"I want one!" Mittenz said as Roseate made her way to the kitchen.
"Want what?" Roseate inquired.
"A cookie!"
Roseate set the box down on the counter.
"You know I can't give you any cookies."
"Why not?" Mittenz whined.
"Because cats don't eat cookies," Roseate replied as she pulled a cookie from the box and sniffed it, "You know that."
"Oh come on!" Mittenz groaned, "One cookie won't hurt!"
Roseate took a bite of the crispy mint. It wasn't half bad. Looking back down to her familiar, Roseate found herself looking into Mittenz's sad, wide eyes.
"Oh alright! You can have one!"
"YES!" Mittenz cheered as Roseate tossed him a cookie.
Closing the box, Roseate put the cookies up into the cabinet.
"Once you are done eating that cookie, you need to go work it off."
"What! Why?"
"Because I need you to spy on somepony for me," Roseate replied, "and you won't do me any good if you’re fat and get caught."
Mittenz growled and mumbled something before leaving the room.
"Well, since I'm up I guess I should do some research."
Stepping back into her bedroom, Roseate picked up Ginger Fizzle's journal and the Isidria. On the floor sat a doll, a sign of Roseate's dealings in the dream realm. Something she would deal with later.
A large tentacle descended from the ceiling, forming a hammock, which she could sit in. Laying down on the tendril, Roseate read through the pages of Fizzle's journal once more. Paying close attention to the last entry the teacher had made.
I can't take it anymore! I'm going to the woods. After school when class is over I will leave and rid this voice from my head once and for all!
To the Swanling House I will go.
It was that last segment that puzzled Roseate.
"Where have I heard of that before?"
Turning through the pages of the Isidria, Roseate tried to see if there was anything in the tome about this Swanling House.
'What is it you are looking for exactly?' Arsthotua inquired.
"I am seeking some information on a location mentioned in Ginger's journal," Roseate replied, "the Swanling House. I swear I have heard of it before!"
'It is possible that what you are looking for didn't even exist prior to the creation of the Isidria,' Arsthotua suggested, 'since you are the most recent owner of the the grimoire, chances are that knowledge of the location you seek hasn't been added... yet.'
"Then where can find it?"
Roseate felt a little frustrated, like she was standing on a sandy island where a treasure was buried, all while missing the map designed to show the designated area. She was positive that the Swanling House had something to do with her nightmares and Ginger's disappearance, however with so little information what could she do?
'You obtained a book from the Muleport Library. Perhaps that book will have what you seek.'
"I suppose you could be right."
Sliding off of the tentacle, Roseate stepped out of the bedroom and made her way downstairs to the living room. Next to the couch was her school bag containing the books she had for her class. Picking up the bag and sitting on the couch, Roseate began to search for the book she sought.
A smile crept across Roseate's face as she found the book she was looking for, Ancient Equestrian Artifacts. Opening the book, Roseate examined the index before turning to the desired section.
Once there was a beautiful unicorn mare named Mistmane who showed kindness to everypony around her. She was so lovely that many suitors sought to gain her hoof in marriage.
Among them was a stallion named Fog Tail, who swore that it was he that would be the one to claim her as his bride. Because of this he delved heavily into sorcery.
One day in an attempt to save her friend, Mistmane gave up her beauty, her image becoming like that of an elderly version of herself.
Seeing his love transformed this way, Fog Tail became determined to find a magical means of restoring her beauty. While Mistmane explored the rest of Equestria and became one of the Pillars of Equestria, Fog Tail sought out ancients forms of magic, including the forbidden arts, all so he could fulfill his promise.
It is said that he created a house somewhere in one of the Equestrian forests on top of the corpse of an ancient beast where eventually he went mad.
Roseate nodded as she read the book, indeed she remembered hearing about Fog Tail, the Mad. Occasionally a journal of his would be uncovered and while most of them were considered to be mad gibberings, that didn't stop rich unicorns from bartering for them at a high price.
So the creature haunting Ginger Fizzle's dreams had been luring her to the Swanling House. Did that mean it was located somewhere in the Whitetail Woods? Furthermore, was this entity at the Swanling House and if so, what was its purpose for luring the former teacher there?
"Well, at this point in time, there isn't enough information to go on."
Roseate set the book aside.
'So what are you going to do now?'
After some pondering, Roseate answered, "There is one thing I need to address. Once that is complete, how about we go ahead and put on our costumes. After all, we are going to have to wear them later."
'Very well, I will see what I can do. However, I might need help with my costume.'
"Don't worry, I will help you when you are ready."
Heading upstairs, Roseate went back to her bedroom and inspected the doll that lay on the floor. Picking up the doll, Roseate noticed that it was that of a pony made of black fabric with two black button eyes stitched into the face. A sign that Quillian's nightmare had been sealed... for now.
Taking the doll, Roseate went to the toy room and set it down next to the crab plushie and Mister Smelly Bottoms.
Leaving the toy room, Roseate went back to the bedroom to put on her outfit.
The witch outfit was black with some purple trim. The skirt of the dress had a frayed edge, cut into a triangular pattern. While it was a lengthy dress, Roseate trimmed the edge of the skirt so it was just short enough that occasionally her cutie mark could be seen.
Next, Roseate grabbed the jack-o'-lantern stockings she had purchased, removing them from the package before putting them on.
The stockings were orange and fuzzy with black shapes resembling the eyes and mouth of a leering jack-o'-lantern just along the thigh.
Of course, no witch costume was complete without a wide brimmed hat with conical crown. Roseate had such a hat with an orange ribbon tied on with a pumpkin pin attached.
With each article of clothing in place, Roseate analyzed her costume in the mirror. A smile stretching across her face as she admired herself.
There was a knock at the front door, it was too early for any of the fillies and colts to be about in search of Nightmare Night candy. Walking over to the door, Roseate peered through the peephole to see a pale white unicorn with dark purple mane. Much of her face was obscured by a fashionably gray shawl, but Roseate was able to see the single azure blue eye, in the center of the unicorn's forehead.
Opening the door, Roseate gave her quest a smile.
"Rarity, it is so nice to see you," Roseate said motioning for the cyclops pony to enter, "is something the matter with the amulet I gave you?"
"I'm afraid it is broken," Rarity entered the house, her face melancholy due to the situation she was in, "I took it off when I was working on my costume for Nightmare Night, when Sweetie Belle tried to examine it out of curiosity and dropped it."
Roseate guided Rarity toward the kitchen table, "Did you bring the pieces with you?"
Sitting down, Rarity reached into her saddlebags and pulled out a small sack made of purple fabric, resting the pouch on the table.
"Here are all the pieces I could find," Rarity answered.
Looking at the contents of the bag, Roseate could see that the amulet had been severely damaged and most likely she would need to make a new one.
"I am probably going to make a new amulet sadly," Roseate said, "even with all these pieces, if one is missing then I won't be able to make it work properly."
"Will it be long?" Rarity asked.
"I can't say for sure," Roseate made her way to stairs, "it depends on if I have the materials I need. Let me check."
Going upstairs, Roseate made her way to the alchemy room she had set up and began looking for the materials she would need. A locket with a silver chain and a gem, some Foal's Breath and a drop of Roc oil.
Having recently been given some Foal's Breath as a gift by one of the viewers from beyond the Fifth Veil, it was easy for Roseate to locate.
Lifting the false bottom out of one of the alchemy table's drawers, Roseate brandished a small purple bottle containing the Roc oil.
Picking up one of the cardboard boxes in the room, Roseate examined its contents for the amulet.
"Oh, for crying out loud!" Roseate growled as she found a locket, which had a silver chain but the gem had fallen out.
Looking through the box, Roseate's hoof came across a small, wooden statuette of an owl. Seeing the object filled Roseate with a slight sense of loss.
Setting the figurine aside, Roseate resumed her search for the gem.
"Yes, there it is!"
Underneath the cracked skull of a deformed hydra was the small blue crystal that Roseate was looking for. Picking up the gem, Roseate was pleased to see that it hadn't been damaged when it had been dislodged from the original amulet.
"Oh, thank goodness!"
She would just need an adhesive that wouldn't contradict the magical effects she wished to apply. Fortunately magic negating adhesives were extremely rare, so any common glue could be used. Going through her alchemy table, Roseate was pleased to find a vial of Shalkris Mucilage that should do a trick. Placing a large amount of the adhesive plant liquid in the amulet's socket, before placing the gem inside.
As the glue went to work, Roseate pulled out a mortar and pestle and added three drops of Roc oil and ten petals of the Foal's Breath. With the ingredients in place, Roseate began to crush the contents until they formed a blue paste.
Once it was the appropriate consistency, Roseate poured three drops of the blue paste on the amulet and began to whisper her incantation.
"Kaah futerir yog shepi ngi farm, ellaw fob’th meri tos eppier istire esh t'tiph athir'teter."
As the words were spoken, the gem began to glow as it absorbed the paste into it's crystalline structure. Looking closely, Roseate could see the liquid inside the gem, twisting and writhing like numerous snakes.
Now that a new amulet had been fashioned, Roseate took the trinket downstairs to the kitchen where Rarity had been patiently waiting. Her single eye lighting up when she saw the amulet.
"Oh, thank you so much, dear!" Rarity said as she took the amulet and put it on.
"It will work," Roseate replied, "however it's going to need time to attune to you in order for it to work properly."
"How long?"
"About a day."
A gloomy expression swept over Rarity's face.
"Oh, that's disappointing," Rarity groaned, "I was looking forward to wearing my Vampony Empress costume this evening."
"Well, unless you have a way of explaining how you costume has a single, large, very realistic eye in it, I suggest you just stay home. Maybe watch a few spooky movies."
"Are you sure there isn't a way you could, you know... Speed up the attunement process?"
"Not without jeopardizing the integrity of the medallion," Roseate answered, "or creating other worse magic side effects."
Worse might be an understatement. The chance of being teleported to an alien dimension, dying or being mutated into a giant monstrosity from beyond the stars, were the lucky options on the list of horrible things that could occur if Roseate attempted to use magic to speed up the process.
Rarity let out a deep sigh.
"Well, thank you dear for helping me. Here are the twenty bits, as a part of our agreement." Rarity said, placing a bag of coins on the table.
Roseate didn't bother looking at the bag.
"So tell me." Roseate focused her full attention in Rarity. "How is your sister doing?"
Rarity swallowed. "Well her eyes are normal. Though she still hasn't found her cutie mark yet."
"Well, keep a watchful eye on her," Roseate said, "while I’m sure she doesn't share your Monoculosis, it would be wise to watch and make sure."
Monoculosis was the term given to the mutation where a pony possessed a singular large eye. Often referred to as cyclops ponies, these ponies usually suffered from a lack of depth perception and were usually shunned by most ponies. Though with the right spell, both problems could be resolved easily.
"I will continue to keep an eye on her. By the way." Rarity pointed at Roseate's stockings. "Those are very creative looking, where did you find those stockings?"
"Oh, these?" Roseate posed to show off the jack-o'-lantern stockings in greater detail. "I found them in the costume shop when my husband and I went shopping the other day."
"Hmmm... I might have to borrow that design for a future outfit."
Roseate smiled as she showed Rarity to the door. "I will have to keep an eye out for it."
"Take care and have a happy Nightmare Night, my dear!" Rarity said as she left.
Now that her task repairing Rarity's amulet was complete, Roseate began working on putting up the Nightmare Night decor. Taking the two jack-o-lanterns Roseate and her husband had carved yesterday outside, she placed them just opposite each other next to the door. Serving as two pumpkin sentries against the horrors of the night.
After hanging a few paper skeletons from the windows, Roseate felt that the house was decorated a decent amount, though if she had her way there would have been more spooky props nearby. Roseate even placed a little scarecrow on the porch holding a bucket of candy for the trick-or-treaters, with a sign saying, "Please take just one."
While Roseate considered the idea of placing a curse on the bucket, so that anypony that took more than one piece would grow a blue tongue covered with eyeballs, she decided against it, seeing as doing so could cause some trouble with the annoying detective walking around.
"Miss Roseate."
A shiver ran down Roseate's spine as she was almost startled by the colt standing in front of her house. Turning, Roseate saw that it was Quillian standing there, wearing a red scarf.
"Oh, hey Quillian. What are you doing here? You aren't wearing a costume."
"I'll put it on later," Quillian replied, "I just wanted to talk to you about something."
A feeling of unease radiated in Roseate's stomach.
'What if he remembered what happened last night.'
"What is it?" Roseate asked.
"So I had a strange dream last night and I was wondering." Quillian paused as he contemplated how to continue. "Do you... have Dead Horn?"
Roseate wasn’t sure how to proceed. It was instinctive for her to lie in moments like these, to do anything necessary to protect her secret. Yet, Roseate could remember Quillian expression is distaste for being lied to. If Roseate deceived Quillian now and he found out the truth, the seal on his nightmare could break prematurely.
Furthermore, this was her student and one that she respected greatly. She had seen his fears and weaknesses through the lens his dreamscape, forming a very personal bond.
"Are you sure you want to know?" Roseate asked.
Without hesitation and a determined look on his face, Quillian nodded.
Roseate let out a dead sigh, "Yes, I have Dead Horn."
"So then how are you able to use magic?" Quillian inquired.
"It is... complicated. All I can say is that it was given to me as a gift."
"I see. Is there a chance I could receive the same gift?"
Roseate walked over to her student and patted him on the head.
"Quillian, l... You don't need it," Roseate continued, "you are still young and you are special in your own way. Please remember that."
"Okay. I still would like to know what kind of gift gave you your magic."
"Trust me, Quillian, you don't need it." Roseate just gave Quillian a light hug. "I would never want you to go through what I did before I received my gift."
Roseate's ear twitched as she heard the door open.
"Hey honey, could you help me with my suit?"
Looking over her shoulder, Roseate saw her husband standing in the doorway, his costume making him look twice his size, except for his head. Seeing Roseate with one of her students, Arsthotua once more attempted to give a smile. Well, the shape was right, however the amount of teeth that he was showing was quite unsettling.
A very concerned expression appeared on Quillian's face as he took note of the fake pony's grin.
"Now, how about you head home, Quillian." Roseate gave a reassuring smile while also positioning herself between the young colt and her husband. "You don't want to miss out on trick-or-treating."
"Uh... Yeah."
After backing off a few steps, Quillian cautiously made his way out of Roseate's front yard.
Turning around, Roseate saw her husband still wearing that same creepy smile, before letting out a small sigh.
'It's a good thing, he'll be wearing a mask most of the night.'
Taking a quick survey of the decorations, Roseate smiled before walking back into the house and taking Arsthotua's pony vessel into the living room.
"Alright, let's take a look."
After checking the zipper and making sure that everything was okay, Roseate helped Strange Sight put on the teddy bear costume's head.
"How do I look?" Arsthotua asked, a green eyeball materializing so that he could examine himself.
Looking at her husband's costume, Roseate had to admit there was something about the giant teddy bear that she found kind of arousing. It was shame that they had a party to go to.
Roseate walked up and nestled her neck on her fluffy shoulder.
"I think it looks great."
*Ding! Dong!*
The doorbell rang as both Roseate and Arsthotua stood at the front door to Bell Flower's house. The sound of Nightmare Night-themed music could be heard in the other side. A smiling Bell Flower answered the door, wearing the Somnambulan Princess costume, Roseate had seen her purchase at the Costume Shop.
"Hello Roseate," Bell Flower greeted, "it is great to see that you could make it."
Stepping inside, Roseate examined her surroundings and took a quick look at the other guests.
While the walls were probably white or a pale tan naturally, the paper mache ghoul heads that hung over the lanterns and lamps illuminated the room in numerous shades of green, purple and orange. There was a table with various little treats along with a punch bowl resembling a cauldron.
Fortunately, there was no sign of Frost Brook. Unfortunately, it would seem that May Berry had received an invitation to the party, her costume being that of a Saddle Arabian queen with some mummy wrappings. It was rather odd considering the outfit the mother was making her daughter wear. Though for once, Roseate had to admit that the mayor didn't look uptight for once.
There were the Stone Brothers who served as merchants in Muleport, each wearing a knight outfit. Jade Stone was wearing white armor, Copper Stone in black armor, and Sand Stone who was wearing some red armor. The three stood around a bucket as Copper Stone had his head below the green fluorescent water, bobbing for apples.
Roseate could also see Moonlight Raven there at the party, sitting in the back wearing a maid costume. Well, Roseate was fine with the creepy-looking mare, so long as she kept her distance.
During her surveillance, Roseate noticed Flashtruth walking over wearing a suit and tie. A camera in his hooves and a smile on his face.
"You made it!" Flashtruth exclaimed.
"Yes, we did," Roseate answered nervously, knowing full well what the stallion wanted.
"Are you ready to take a picture?"
"I guess so."
Flashtruth motioned to one of the walls for Roseate and Arsthotua to stand by. The couple followed Flashtruth's directions, despite Roseate's lack of enthusiasm.
"Come on, Roseate, put a smile on your face," Flashtruth chuckled as he motioned from behind the camera, "and Strange, I know you are wearing a mask but try to make it look like you are smiling. Okay."
Biting her tongue, Roseate did her best to smile for the photographer. The camera flashed and made a clicking sound as it adjusted the film. Even as the flash faded away, it lingered in the back of Roseate's eyes.
"That's great!" Flashtruth beamed brightly. "Thank you both very much. I will make a copy for you guys when the film is done developing."
As Flashtruth walked away, a concerned Bell Flower came over to see Roseate.
"Is everything all right?" Bell Flower asked.
"Yes, why?" Roseate replied.
"You just didn't look so happy about having your picture taken."
"It's fine. I'm just... a little camera shy is all."
Truth be told, Roseate wasn't very fond of having her picture taken. There was always the fear that somepony might see it and recognize her from somewhere else.
"I'll talk to him about it." Bell sighed. "Flashtruth is a nice guy but he can go a little overboard with his photography."
"You don't have to make a big deal about it."
"Don't worry, I won't be harsh to him," Bell reassured, "I'll just fill him in on the situation. How about you and your husband go play a few games. We have bobbing for apples and a spider toss."
"A spider toss?" Strange Sight seemed rather curious about the game, though his ignorance made Roseate feel some concern.
"Uh... come with me, dear!" Roseate stuttered, "Let's go play it together."
As they walked over, Roseate saw both Sugar Zap and Signal Flare competing at the Spider Toss. Sugar Zap, Maple Syrup's husband was wearing an angel costume while the watch pony, Signal Flare was wearing a vampony count outfit. Judging by their reactions it would appear that it was a very close game.
"Oh for crying out loud!" Sugar Zap growled as his spider bounced off the target, which was designed to resemble a spider's web.
"Yes!" Signal Flare cheered, raising a hoof to signal his victory.
"Well, it was worth a shot," Zap groaned, "it has been a long time since I played."
"Hey, why don't you grab a can of hard cider and have another game?" Flare suggested. Zap shook his head.
"No, can do. I promised my wife and my daughter, I wouldn't touch a drop of the stuff after I got out, and I have no intention of breaking it."
Hearing Sugar Zap's response, Signal Flare scratched the back of his head nervously, "Oops, I forgot about that. Sorry."
"Hello," Roseate said, alerting the two stallions to her presence.
"Oh, hello." Sugar Zap was the first to speak. "It's Roseate, right? You’re the teacher at my daughter's school?"
"That is correct," Roseate answered, "and this here is my husband, Strange Sight."
The vessel inside of the teddy bear costume waved, "Hello."
Both stallions raised an eyebrow as they examined the costume before nodding.
"So, my husband really hasn't played much spider toss," Roseate said, "and he is very curious about it. Would either of you two be willing to show us how it is done?"
Signal Flare smiled, "I would be more than happy to, how about you Zap?"
Sugar Zap nodded. "I wouldn't mind."
Taking one of the spiders out of the basket, Signal Flare stood ten feet away from the spider web target. Taking up a position, held the spider with a hoof as he planned the angle of his throw.
"You see, your objective is to toss the spider onto the web." Signal Flare explained, "The closer to the center your spider lands, the more points you get. If the spider bounces off the web, you lose points. Now normally once you are done with your throw, it goes onto the next participant in line, however if your spider lands directly in the center you receive ten points and you get to go again."
"I see."
"Well, now that the rules have been explained, how about we play a game," Sugar Zap inquired, "just the four of us."
It was then that Roseate felt somepony tap her on the shoulder. Turning around, Roseate saw Scroll Keeper standing next to her. Scroll Keeper was wearing a rather cute-looking cat outfit. The worried expression on Scroll Keeper's face, told her that something was wrong.
"Ummm... Roseate can I have a word with you?"
"Yeah, sure, what is it?" Roseate asked.
Scroll Keeper looked around nervously, "Could we speak... privately?"
A chill ran down Roseate's spine as she began to wonder if Scroll Keeper had learned that Roseate had used her glamour on her. Indeed, it would be wise to speak privately to this mare. Roseate gave a nod.
"My apologizes." Roseate returned her attention to the three stallions that were present. "Scroll Keeper and I need to use the little mare's room, to powder our faces. We'll be right back. Go ahead and play without me."
"Thank you," Scroll Keeper said, her mood seeming to calm.
Roseate raised her hoof. "Lead the way."
Scroll Keeper and Roseate walked into another room, which appeared to be Bell Flower's personal study. Even this room was decorated with a few items that made it look like an archaeologist's office. There was a window just above the desk, providing a view of the world outside.
"So, what is it you would like to talk about?" Roseate asked as she closed the door, just in case more grim measures were needed for Scroll to keep her silence.
The young mare took a deep breath, "I was wondering if you might be able to help me find somepony?"
"What?"
Scroll Keeper blushed a little, "You see there was this stallion, by the name of Star Watcher. He's really nice and used to come in every day to see the star charts in our library. However, the last two days he hasn't shown up and I fear that he may have gone missing."
"Really? That is what you wished to talk to me about?" Roseate asked, both relieved and confused by Scroll Keeper's inquiry.
"Yeah." Scroll Keeper squirmed under Roseate's gaze. "However, I also understand if you’re busy with teaching duties."
"No, I'm sure I can help," Roseate answered.
The librarian's mood greatly improved as she heard Roseate's answer, "Oh, thank you so much!"
"However, I would like to know why you came to me with this request?"
Scroll Keeper blinked a few times in response.
"Uh, Moonlight Raven suggested I come to you," Scroll Keeper answered, "she said that you had a secret knack for finding things."
A twinge of irritation rose in the pit of her stomach at the revelation of Moonlight's involvement.
'Of course, she did.'
"Is everything okay?"
It was then that Roseate realized that her mood was showing through. Quickly, Roseate replaced her frown with a smile.
"Yes, everything is fine."
Having answered Scroll Keeper's inquiry, Roseate opened the door and made her way back to the main room. As she entered Roseate thought she caught a glimpse of Moonlight Raven smiling in the corner. Quickly, Roseate decided to ignore the annoying mare and made her way back to the Spider Toss, where a bewildered Signal Flare and Sugar Zap stood watching Arsthotua play.
"What is going on?" Roseate asked.
"I have not seen anything like it," Sugar Zap said in disbelief.
"Like what?"
"He lost two games."
"Okay... so?" Roseate couldn't understand why the stallion was so bewildered.
"That was ten games ago," Signal Flare answered, "and he hasn't missed a bull's eye since."
"I've heard of beginner's luck, but..." Sugar Zap muttered, "this is pretty ridiculous."
Well, this could be a problem. If her husband was using magic somehow to win this game and somepony found out, they might be able to deduce Roseate and Arsthotua's true natures. That was something that needed to be avoided.
"Honey, can I have a word with you?" Roseate asked as she tapped her husband on his fluffy shoulder. Wow, the fabric was surprisingly soft.
"Of course, my dear."
Setting down the spider he was holding, Arsthotua followed his wife off to the side.
"Is something wrong?"
Roseate looked around to make sure nopony could eavesdrop on their conversation, "You’re not cheating are you?"
The large teddy bear tilted its head to the side, "What do you mean?"
"You’re not using magic to hit the bull's eye are you?"
"No," Arsthotua replied, "After a few attempts I was able to determine a precise trajectory to hit the center of the target. Once the process was complete I simply had to repeat it."
Well, at least he wasn't using magic, though some might still consider what he was doing as cheating.
"Honey, ponies... normally aren't able to do that," Roseate explained, "nor do they normally win games like this every single time."
"I see. Then should I stop playing?"
"No," Roseate answered, with a wink, "just let them win a few games. Just a few."
"Very well, I will do my best."
As Arsthotua returned to his game, Roseate made her way to the punch bowl and poured some of its sweet contents into a red, plastic cup. After filling her cup, Roseate turned to leave and nearly stumbled into May Berry.
"Oh, sorry," Roseate apologized, trying her best to hide any animosity she might feel for the mayor.
May blinked almost as if she hadn't been paying attention to where she was going herself. The mayor shook her head.
"I-it's fine." May Berry answered.
After closer inspection, Roseate noticed a few rings under May's eyes along with some smudged makeup. Had she been crying?
"Are you sure you're okay?" Roseate asked, partially concerned as well as curious as to what could make the annoying mare so distraught.
May Berry looked Roseate over, an expression of defiance in her eyes, which faded as she let out a deep sigh. After filling her own cup with punch, May made her way over to the sofa and Roseate followed. In front of the couch was a small wooden coffee table with a small plastic skull resting on top.
Sitting down, May took a sip of her beverage.
"It's been difficult lately," May groaned, "It is hard enough being the mayor of this town, but then on top of that I have to be a single mother and my daughter has been acting weird."
Hearing May's testimony, Roseate couldn't help but feel some empathy for her. Roseate had recalled Bell Flower telling her about how May Berry's husband had passed.
"It must be difficult."
"Yeah, tell me about it," May spoke up, "the mayor before me ran off with over half of the money reserved to take care of this town. Leaving me to clean up her mess. Then my husband had to die, leaving me to take care of June all by myself."
May gulped down some more of her punch.
"Without my sister, Snow, I would have gone insane a long time ago. She is currently watching June while she fetches candy."
Roseate felt a twinge of envy at May's statement. Pushing the feeling back into the recesses of her mind, Roseate took a sip of her drink.
'At least you can spend time with your child.'
"I'm either stuck being the mayor or a mother," May continued, "and while I don't mind being a mom, it has been just so hard since Huckle passed."
A tear dripped down May's cheek, staining it with more makeup as she took another big gulp of her punch.
"How has June been taking it?" Roseate asked.
"We haven't really talked about it," May said holding back a sob, "I just haven't been able to find the time."
Perhaps this is what Moonlight Raven was talking about when she startled Roseate in the costume shop. The fact that Moonlight may have been onto something made Roseate feel very uncomfortable.
"Then maybe you should make time."
May Berry glared back at Roseate.
"Don't talk to me like you know what's best for me and my child," May growled, "I don't see any little foals holding onto your leg!"
There was an urge for Roseate to reach out and smack the dumb mayor right in her dumb little mouth. To yell eldritch curses that would make May Berry eat her own words as her thoughts were consumed by insanity. However, self-control won in the end.
In a way, May was right. Roseate really had no place telling this mother what she should do with her child.
"You're right," Roseate replied, "I'm sorry."
All Roseate could do was look down at her own hooves, doing her best to hold back her own tears. However, this time her emotions won and tears began to drip down her own cheeks as she remembered how unlikely it was that she would ever be in May Berry's hoofsteps.
Even as the tear drops began to fall, Roseate could feel herself being pulled into a comforting embrace.
"Thank you anyway for trying," May whispered softly as she hugged Roseate.
Roseate wasn't sure if May Berry truly knew what was bothering her in that moment or if she was just trying to comfort her, but in that instance, Roseate didn't care. Roseate returned the embrace and for a moment the two of them just sat there, their bodies shaking with their own emotional baggage.
May was the first to pull away her tears, a soft smile on her face.
"I don't know about you," May sniffled, "but I think I could use another drink."
Roseate was pleased to finally be back home. While she did end up having fun at the party, there was a part of her that was yearning to "help" her husband out of his outfit. Well, maybe help wasn't the right word.
On their way in, Roseate was pleased to see just a few pieces of candy still sitting in the bottom of the scarecrow's bucket. Using her magic, Roseate brought the container with the remaining sweets inside the house.
"That was a very interesting experience," Arsthotua said, "Perhaps we should try something like that. With a few select friends, of course."
"That might be fun," Roseate replied, "Now, how about we go upstairs and... relax."
"But don't you need to check in on your viewers?"
An annoyed sigh escaped Roseate's lips as she was reminded of those beyond the Scryial. Flustered both by her forgetfulness and the fact that she was really wanting to spend some time with her husband. However, there was something else she needed to do with the mirror, so she couldn't just blow it off.
"Yeah, I guess you’re right," Roseate grumbled.
As Arsthotua took his pony vessel into the bedroom, Roseate went downstairs and grabbed a big bag of candy. Well, if she was going to be sitting in front of a mirror, talking instead of spending time with her husband she might as well enjoy some tasty treats.
With the bag of sweets in her possession, Roseate went upstairs and made her way into the toy room. A sleepy Mittenz sat in his bed.
"Looks like you’re home." Mittenz yawned.
"Come with me," Roseate growled, "there is something I need you to help me with."
"Really? I was just in the middle of a good dream... or at least I think it was a dream."
"Yeah, well it’s important," Roseate answered, "and if I'm going to be miserable then you're going to be miserable too."
"Oh, fine." The familiar crawled out of bed, seeming to not to want to get into a fight with his master.
Admittedly, Roseate felt a bit bad for making Mittenz do this.
"Fine!" Roseate declared in exasperation. "You can bring your bed along as well!"
"Yay!" Mittenz shoot her an annoyingly wide grin. All Roseate could do was roll her eyes and leave the room.
The two of them walked into the Mirror room. After calming herself down and putting on a smile, Roseate pulled off the blanket covering the mirror.
"Thank you all for your feedback," Roseate said, "Arsthotua and I had a lot of fun at the costume party tonight. Now, tonight we have an important decision to make. As many of you know, a few nights back I created a familiar, which after reading your suggestions, I gave the wonderful name of Mittenz."
"Please stop bringing that up."
Mittenz lounged in his small cat bed, clearly irritated at his lot in life. Roseate ignored him and continued.
"Well, today we are going to get him to do some work for us."
"I didn't volunteer to do this!"
"You don't really have a choice," Roseate growled, before returning to her cheerful disposition, "There have been a few ponies around town that are proving to potentially be an issue. So I am going to send Mittenz here to go spy on one of them. Here are the options."
Roseate pulled out a piece of paper and after adjusting her glasses began to read off names.
"There is Detective Frost Brook, a Solar Guard who is here investigating the disappearances in town. It is possible that he might learn some information that could jeopardize my safety. Then there's May Berry, the annoying mayor and her spoiled spawn who both love making my job miserable."
Roseate contemplated this statement, after remembering her encounter with the mare at the party. Perhaps she wasn't all bad, but that didn't mean that Roseate didn't want to keep a close eye on her.
"And then last but certainly not, there is Miss Moonlight Raven. There is just something off about her and I feel she knows more than she is letting on."
Setting the page aside, Roseate smiled.
"So, please feel free to vote on who we should send Mittenz to spy on, and now onto the questions."
NicLove asks: "No, I mean I feel bad for asking about your kids."
"It is okay," Roseate sighed, "you are not the first to ask and you probably won't be the last. However, if we could avoid talking further on the subject, I would greatly appreciate it."
Rhawkas asks: "What is your favorite kind of candy? What is Arsthotua's favorite kind of food that ponies eat?"
"I like dark chocolate drops, though pretty much anything with dark chocolate tastes good if you ask me. As for Arsthotua, he is still learning how pony taste buds work. If you give him free range of a refrigerator, the food he would make, would resemble something a pregnant mare might make. However, I can say that his sense of taste is improving."
Quillian Inkheart Asks: "What are your favorite kind of chocolates for Hearts and Hooves Day?"
"Well..." Roseate held a hoof to her chin as she contemplated the question. "Dark chocolate is by itself pretty good. Of course, I also like chocolates that caramel or some sort of fruit flavored gelatin inside them too. Raspberry is my favorite out of those flavors."
Rhawkas asks: "What's your favorite flavor of ice cream and do you like anything on it?"
"I LOVE chocolate chip ice cream." Roseate blushed a bit. "Would it be bad if I wanted chocolate sprinkles on top? Maybe with a cherry."
NicLove asks: "What did your husband give you last Hearts & Hooves day?"
"His attempts at gifts are a little different compared to ponies," Roseate answered, "while most stallions would buy some chocolates or a bouquet of roses, my husband found me a few pages from the book of Ivalcona. It doesn't have any magical use but they are an interesting read."
Picking up the bag of candy, Roseate tore it open to grab a treat. Mittenz's ears twitched at the sound.
"Can I have a piece?" Mittenz begged.
Roseate rolled her eyes and tossed him a piece of butterscotch. The familiar caught it and proceeded to chew on the yummy sweet.
After putting a chocolate marble in her mouth, Roseate resumed answering the questions.
NicLove asks: "Have you ever tried to cut your horn off, thinking that there was no point to have one if you couldn't use magic? Did you wish you were born an Earth-pony?"
"I never considered cutting my horn. However, when I was younger the thought had occurred to me that I might have been better off as an Earth pony. That perhaps if I had been an Earth pony, I would have been..."
Roseate paused, a grim look stretching across her face. After shaking her head, Roseate putting on a slight smile.
"But that's over now."
NicLove asks: "This one is for your husband. Do you have something like Hearts & Hooves Day where you live?"
A single eye materialized in front of the Scryial.
"We don't have much in the way of holidays or celebration in the Elder Realm. We do have events to help us remember historical events in our history. One such event is Nevir, which serves as a memorial to the death of a thousand worlds. However those events are drastically different from your pony customs, so learning about your holidays has been... interesting."
Sentinel053 asks: "Hi, I’m from the Multiverse delivery company do you know somepony by the name of Al’ergath’nic’therag the deranged? If so, where is his address? My address locator keeps bringing me to a Brewery?"
"Sadly, I haven't," Roseate answered, "sorry."
Lunar Flarion asks: "Hm, interesting, that is quite a fair point to be made... Next question for Arsthotua, if I may, have you ever had a bad experience with a Dimension Hopper? Or have you met a very powerful entity?"
"Well, if by Dimension Hopper, you mean someone who travels through the Fifth Veil to another dimensions, I have met a few, however most are relatively harmless. Most are just beings seeking to explore other worlds and to expand their knowledge of the universe. Occasionally one will appear that will cause trouble, but most of these individuals tend to be defeated on the world they are causing problems for. That is, if they're lucky."
NicLove asks: "Have you ever kiss 'somepony' other than your husband?"
If an eyeball could look irritated without eyelids, then Arsthotua's eye somehow managed to convey that.
"Do you mean in a romantic sense? Not really," Roseate answered, while scratching her chin, "There was one time a mare in Las Pegasus tried to kiss me on the lips, it is one of the few reasons I have no intentions of going back. That, and apparently Arsthotua and I are banned from more than half of the hotels there. Something to do with them having issues cleaning the rooms afterwards."
The eyeball faded away.
Quillian Inkheart asks: "What is the most powerful grimoire you've ever found? What magics did it contain?"
"The only grimoire I have had the pleasure of coming in contact with is my Isidria."
Roseate lifted the time to show the mirror.
"I have heard of a few others. Such as the Oscuralis and the Dizghul. However, it is said that the most powerful tome is none other than the Vowlem Thum, known by most unicorn scholars as the Book of Salacious Tongues. While I nearly had the opportunity to obtain this volume, a meddling stallion prevented me from doing so."
Roseate furrowed her brow.
"A shame really."
Salreix Von Otsuu asks: "Perhaps the creature has chloromantic (plant-manipulating) powers? Might be worth looking into."
"That is possible," Roseate answered, "however, something tells me that this being's influence might affect more than just plants."
NicLove ask: "You said that you have 'Blood on your Hooves'?"
"Sometimes a pony with a loose tongue or ill intent might find out your secret," Roseate replied, "in that situation there are two ways to appease them and keep them silent. Either you bribe them and have to deal with them blackmailing you for every bit you’re worth. Or they suffer an unfortunate accident. It is much safer to perform the latter."
Roseate furrowed her brows as she recalled her meeting with Quillian earlier.
"There are of course, exceptions."
Dr film asks: "I’m curious how you ponies reproduce?"
"Well, when a mare and a stallion... bond, the male's seed will fertilize the female's egg," Roseate answered, a slight blush to her cheeks, "Once conception has occurred, the baby will grow inside the mother's womb until the time of birth."
CrimsonRose97 asks: "How did you and your hubby met?"
"It was a long time ago," Roseate answered nervously, "I would prefer not to discuss the circumstances of our meeting. Needless to say it worked out for both our benefits."
Quillian Inkheart asks: "How long could one live in the realm of dreams, if their body was placed in perpetual slumber?"
"Living wouldn't be the proper word for it. Experiences in the dream realm, while seemingly real are a mere mockery of reality. Furthermore, staying inside the dream realm doesn't prevent your body from decaying over time, due to age and a lack of nutrition. Even if you were able to remove these factors from the equation, after roughly ten years the mind would begin to falter as the subconscious tried to convey the false reality. Eventually the dreamer would go mad."
Dr. Film asks: "I know what it’s like to lose children. But enough about my existence I want to ask if you remember when those nightmares started and I’d like for you to have a gift this was one of my children. It doesn’t have any power but I know that it can be used in rituals and spells."
"That is very... kind of you." Roseate answered, "I am honored you feel comfortable giving me such a gift. Please don't be offended if I don't return the favor. I just don't feel comfortable doing... that."
Death is disturbed asks: "I think I can scrounge up a package to send the plague doctor’s mask in... Ah, there's a box! Also I may be able to ask more questions since there is a lull in combat, so I'll ask, do either you or your husband know of the N'taca? They are also known as the star gods as well as the Inugyr."
"While I am not familiar with them," Roseate replied, "all that means is that they either haven't come in contact with this dimension or interacted with a world that my viewers originate from. So you would be the first to mention them."
Viper Pit asks: "Rose have you thought about asking Hades to look for the teacher in Tartarus?"
Roseate let out a deep sigh.
"To avoid some confusion, allow me to clarify some things on my knowledge of Tartarus." Roseate adjusted her glasses. "Tartarus is merely one of many layers belonging to the realm of Infernios. The layer known as Tartarus is merely one of the layers that can be reached from her in Equestria and even that is an arduous task. As for Hades, he was overthrown a century ago. It's a complicated tale that I don't really have the time to tell."
Rhawkas asks: "What's your favorite animal?"
"Well, cats can be cute. So are parasprites if you can get past them eating everything. However, if you want my opinion on lesser known creatures, I would have to go with krakens. While they can be extremely violate when agitated, krakens can be very loveable when swimming the seas. They also have the most adorable courting habits when searching for a mate."
Once more the voices beyond the mirror grew silent.
"Well, I guess it is time for bed."
Roseate looked over to see Mittenz sleeping comfortably in his little bed. Not wishing to disturb her familiar, Roseate stood up and put the blanket back over the Scryial.
Picking up the bag of candy, Roseate stepped out of the mirror room and made her way to the bedroom, where Arsthotua was having some difficulty removing his teddy bear costume. A few tendrils hung from shadowy "holes" on the ceiling, trying to pull the bear head off the suit.
"Do you think you could help me with this?"
Roseate was about to go assist her husband when a little dirty thought came to mind. With a sly grin on her face, Roseate closed the door and levitated the sack of sweets over to the bed.
"Hey honey, are you able to... summon any of your tentacles inside there?"
In response, a few green tentacles emerged from between a couple seams in the suit. Roseate's smile grew wider. Taking a hold of the giant teddy bear, Roseate placed it right on the bed in a sitting position. With her husband in place, Roseate crawled onto the bed.
"I'll help you out of the suit, but first..."
Making her way up the bed, Roseate took the teddy bear's head in her hooves, holding it gently before giving it a kiss on the snout.
“Even now as you read these wet, dripping pages your body is being consumed. That which you call time isn’t merely an event caused by the rotation of the sun and the moon, objects controlled by your beloved princesses. No, it is a beast that even the immortals fear.
“If you could feel its teeth, the pain would be so excruciating that your blood would seek to pull itself free from your body, leaving you a dry husk. Then the crimson fluid would be consumed by the great wurm.”
A vague translation of a passage from; The Book of Salacious Tongues.
Roseate opened her eyes to find herself back in the dream realm. Picking herself off the slithering floor, Roseate looked around to see a giant stone face sticking out of the ground, it's face pointing skyward. The face was that of a Bicorn with two horns, positioned vertically on its forehead.
As Roseate examined the sculpture a long shape emerged from one of its eye sockets.
'There you are.'
Roseate had barely enough time to dodge out of the way as HE charged toward her.
Jumping to the side, Roseate narrowly dodged HIS attack, dust and slime splattering from HIS impact with the viney floor.
'Where do you think you’re going?'
Roseate barely heard HIS protest, her heart beating loudly in her ears as she ran. The sound of viney pillars shattering resonated as HE pursued her.
As Roseate ran, the world around her began to change. Now large tentacles sprouted out of the ground, their suction cups forming into doorways and windows; the vacant, fleshy homes of an unseen race. Here the tendriled homes spiraled upwards around the pillars.
Reaching one of these homes, Roseate plunged through one of the doorways, the entryway coated in slime. She barely managed to move out of the way as HIS body slammed into the entrance. Roseate took in a deep breath as it seemed HE was unable to enter.
'Oh, you think you're so smart, don't you?' HE growled, 'Think again!'
HIS pincers began to gnaw away at the entrance of the tentacle building, thick slime leaking through the cuts in the flesh.
Looking around, Roseate began looking for any sign of escape. If it weren't for HIM chasing her, she might have been able to enjoy the craftsmanship of the furniture or even how aside from its living, spongy nature it was almost like what you would see in a regular pony's house.
Across the room there was a stairway that led upwards. With no other option, Roseate made her way to the stairs. The texture of the steps was like that of a pony's tongue.
Running up the stairs, Roseate found herself in another room. Here three mummified slugs rested around a spongy table, their bloated bodies somehow preserved by the slime their home produced.
'Knock! Knock!'
The sound of ripping flesh could be heard as HE forced HIMSELF through the makeshift entrance he had made.
Panicking, Roseate looked around the room for any means of escape. It was then that she noticed a tear in the tendriled home’s flesh, revealing a hole in the pillar it had latched onto so long ago. Running over to the hole, Roseate began to push her way inside. It was a tight squeeze, but she didn't have a choice. It was either go through this way or be at HIS mercy.
Roseate grunted as she forced her way inside, only to discover herself falling downwards. Even as she slowly fell into a deep chasm, Roseate could see a small light below. It was dim but growing with every second.
Hopefully it would be a soft landing.
With a splash, Roseate found herself in a sticky lake, the scent of sugar filling her nostrils and the taste of maple syrup filling her mouth.
It was difficult, but Roseate managed to peel open her eyelids to see that she was in a cavern on the edge of a beach made up of pancakes. Mountains of decaying sweets stood in the distance like ancient obelisks.
After pulling herself from the sticky lake, Roseate rubbed herself against an upturned pancake in attempt to clean herself of the sticky substance.
"This is just disgusting!" Roseate growled as she dried her coat against the dough only to pull away and find green mold added to the disgusting mess.
'Who could dream of something like this?'
As she pondered the matter, Roseate noticed a set of small syrup puddles, the indents of a foal's hooves moving further inland from the molding pancake beach. The hoofsteps lead toward a spore-covered forest. With a deep sigh, Roseate followed the tracks.
"It smells like if a candy shop and a compost heap had a foal!" Roseate coughed as she entered the disgusting forest. The vegetation of the landscape appeared to be a combination of pastries and sweets that had grown old and moldy. The fungi became more and more intrusive the further she went and it was now at the point that whatever tasty treats the environment had once been made of was now unrecognizable.
Covering her mouth with a sticky hoof, Roseate followed the trail left behind by whatever foal had been here.
Occasionally on the trail, there would be a strange vine covered with red and white stripes like a candy cane.
Following the trail, Roseate found herself in a glade with a large statue in the center. A monolith of candy, shaped into the form of a thin mare with two curved horns. In front of the statue was a large pit with a small foal standing in front of it.
"Hello?" Roseate called out to the foal. As she entered the clearing a buzzing sound became more apparent.
The foal turned around to face Roseate, revealing the little foal to be her student, Maple Sugar. There was a surprised look on her face as she spotted her teacher.
Drawing closer to her student, Roseate became aware of the buzzing sound growing louder. Looking up, Roseate saw a massive shape descending from the moldy cotton candy clouds floating above.
The creature slammed into the ground between Roseate and Maple Sugar. Roseate coughed from the powdery dust that flew up from the impact. When the dust settled, Roseate was able to make out the creature's form.
At first, Roseate thought it was a Bugbear, however after a closer look, Roseate recognized some pony anatomy as well.
'A Equ-bugbear.'
Equwolf ponies were rare, with Equbears being much rarer. So a Equ-bugbear was a rather magnificent find. However it would seem that he wasn't alone.
Attached over the Equ-bugbear's mouth was a black leather muzzle, a blindfold of a similar material rested over his eyes and leather cuffs were latched onto its wrists.
Sitting on the beast's shoulder was a succubus pony wearing a white, latex bodysuit that clung tightly to her yellow form, with fishnet stockings covering her hind legs. Her horns were large with tiny holes along the ridges.
With a sultry chuckle the succubus jumped from her companion's shoulder and landed on the moldy floor. Flipping her pink mane, she gave Roseate a seductive smile.
"I thought I felt somepony else enter this dream," the succubus spoke, "however, I am surprised that it would be a witch."
"Who are you?" Roseate growled, “And what do you want with my student?"
"Your student you say..." The succubus's expression became very playful as she turned her attention to Maple. "I don't sense any magical potential in this one, though I am very sure her emotions will taste delicious."
Reaching out with a hoof, the succubus lifted the foal's head upward, before she gave Maple a hard shove. Maple Sugar let out a frightened scream as she fell backwards into the pit.
"No!" Roseate yelled, running past the succubus and her pet to the pit. Looking down, Roseate could see white and red striped tendrils pulling the screaming foal deeper into the decaying ground.
Suddenly, a massive claw grabbed a hold of the back of Roseate's head and pushed her to the ground.
"Allow me to introduce myself," the succubus said, looking down at Roseate, "I'm Sultry Fritter and I intend to feed on the dream energy that little foal possesses. Who knows, she might even be corruptible."
"Not,” Roseate coughed, “if I have anything to say about it!"
Sultry Fritter leaned down to better examine Roseate. Looking up, Roseate could see a few bees moving in and out of the holes in the succubus's horns. Sultry sniffed the air and a cruel grin stretched across her muzzle.
"Oh, I can smell a Tantabus's taint on you," Sultry chuckled, "I'm sure you know that one simply doesn't become cursed with a Tantabus. Knowingly or not, it is always self inflicted."
Roseate tried to struggle against her captor, but the Equ-bugbear merely put more of its weight on her skull. The succubus giggled at Roseate's fruitless attempts at escape.
"At this rate your mind will crumble under the strain of the Tantabus's will. You are such a pathetic little witch."
Angry, Roseate muttered a few words.
"Alenag farth yj haly ethemiav!"
Materializing, Roseate's sacred instrument slashed forward near the succubus's throat. Sultry pulled back, barely dodging the attack while laughing.
"You have spirit," Sultry giggled, "but, while I would love to continue playing this game, I have a meal to tend to. Brutus, finish her off quickly please."
Stepping backwards, Sultry Fritter fell into the pit she had pushed Maple into, the red and white tendrils gently lowering her into the deep.
With his mistress gone, Brutus began to lift Roseate off the ground, the back of her head still within the Equ-bugbear's clutches. Not able to see the beast that was holding her, Roseate began to swing her Athame frantically, trying cut him by any means possible.
While a few of her blows did seem to make contact, all they did was anger the monster. In a flash, Brutus brought Roseate's head down to the ground, once, twice, three times. Roseate's vision became blurry from the impact and before she knew it she found herself hurtling toward the statue.
Roseate awoke with a sharp pain ringing through her skull. Annoyance pumping through her brain due to being evicted from the dream.
Having woken up, Roseate examined the room around her. In the corner was the teddy bear outfit and parts of Roseate's witch costume stained with fluids both pony and alien in origin. Nothing a good cleaning spell couldn't remove, but enough to make a Lunar Nun faint.
Laying next to her in bed was the pony vessel her husband used, with a much improved smile on his face.
"Good morning."
"Good morning, dear," Roseate said as she pulled herself out of bed. Even if there was no class today, it would be nice to clean herself of last night's activities.
Pulling the damp stockings off her legs and throwing them into a hamper, Roseate left the bedroom and made her was to the shower.
After turning on the faucet and waiting for the water to reach a decent temperature, Roseate stepped inside and pulled the sheets closed. The feeling of warm droplets on her body was revitalizing, as the heated water cascaded over her.
Using her magic, Roseate went to work using soap and shampoo to help rid her body of sweat and grime. Once she had finished cleaning and rinsed the suds off, Roseate was about to turn off the shower, when Arsthotua's voice entered her mind.
'I should probably clean my vessel as well.'
Leaving the shower on, Roseate stepped out and began to dry herself as her husband came in.
"I have a present for you."
It was then that Roseate noticed the vessel holding a small box with one of its hooves. After setting down the box on the bathroom counter, Arsthotua went into the shower.
Even while Roseate was tending to her mane, she examined the box. It was more like a small, wooden chest with a metal latch on the front. Undoing the latch, Roseate opened the box to reveal its contents. The gift inside was something that resembled the combination of a sunflower and a sea anemone. Its yellow petals surrounding the pink luminescent interior. The tendrils inside moving like grass swaying in the breeze, their tips glowing a fluorescent blue.
"Oh, it's very lovely." Roseate said breathing in the fragrant scent that the flower gave off. "Why did you get it?"
"I saw that you were upset at the party the other night," Arsthotua answered, "I thought it might cheer you up."
Roseate smiled. It had taken Arsthotua a long time to learn how to fully process pony emotions and while he still had a difficult time showing them when placed inside a pony vessel, he had learned how to empathize with her. It was possible that even with this small thing could understand the pain she felt and had attempted with this kind gesture to aid her.
"Thank you."
Closing the box, Roseate finished drying and styling her mane. Now feeling nice and clean, Roseate took the gift with her into the mirror room.
Opening the hidden panel, Roseate placed the flower next to her things. It was then that she noticed that something was missing.
"Where is my Scryiasphere?"
The Scryiasphere was an item linked to Roseate's Scryial, that would allow her to communicate with those beyond, even if she didn't have access to the enchanted mirror.
"Where did I put it?"
Roseate was about to search for the magical item, when she heard a knock at the front door. Returning the panel to its original position, Roseate left the mirror room and descended the steps.
There was another knock at the door.
Roseate walked over and looked through the peephole to see a Detective Frost Brook standing outside. The detective raised a hoof and knocked once more at the door.
'Oh, crap!'
As tempting as it was to just pretend to not be home, Roseate knew that wasn't a good option. Not only would it look suspicious but the detective might attempt to contact her later or more inconvenient time. It would be better to just let him in, answer his questions and politely show him out.
Taking a deep breath, Roseate opened the door. As Roseate opened the door, a wide smile stretched across Brook's face.
"Good morning Miss Roseate," Frost Brook greeted her.
"Yes, it certainly is." Roseate smiled, concealing any deceit or disdain she had for the Solar Guard.
"I hope you don't mind if I come in. There are a few questions I need to ask you for my investigation."
"Please come in."
Roseate held the door open and escorted Frost Brook toward the living room. The detective took a seat on the couch while Roseate sat in her chair. Watching the detective, Roseate noticed him looking around the room.
"You have a lovely home," Frost said, a smile plastered on his face.
"Thank you," Roseate replied, "however I'm sure this meeting wasn't so you could examine my home."
"No, it wasn't."
The detective pulled a tape recorder from his suit along with a notepad. After examining his notes, Frost Brook began his line of questioning.
"So you're fairly new here to Muleport, correct?" Frost asked.
"Yes," Roseate answered, "my husband and I moved here fairly recently.”
Frost jotted down some notes.
"Before you moved here, were you friends of a Miss Ginger Frizzle?"
"No, I actually didn't know about her until after I moved here."
Another note.
"What was your place of residence and occupation before you moved here?"
"I was living in Canterlot," Roseate answered, "I was working in one of the archives for a time."
"Isn't that a bit of a leap?" Frost Brook asked, "Changing from an archivist to a teacher?"
"Not really. I moved from a place where I helped store knowledge to an occupation where I helped share knowledge."
The detective gave a nod. "Why did you leave?"
"My husband just felt like we needed a change of scenery."
"Was there a conflict at work?"
"More or less. Personally, I would rather not talk about."
As the detective continued to jot down notes, Roseate tried to examine his person for further details. He seemed to be a young stallion, both eager and yet very patient.
"Thank you," the detective spoke up, "this information you have provided me with has been very helpful."
"I am glad I can be of service."
"One final question." Detective Frost Brook looked up from his notes, his expression changing into one of determination. "What did you do with Miss Fizzle's diary?"
Roseate's heart nearly froze in response to the detective's inquiry. Giving the Solar Guard another look, Roseate could see that Frost Brook was certain that she had the book. Unfortunately, for her, he was right. While she could try to lie about it and say that she had no idea what he was talking about, Roseate suspected that he had some piece of evidence that proved that she had it, otherwise he wouldn't have come here to ask her specifically.
Once more, it would be best to tell him the truth or at least part of it.
Roseate let out a deep sigh. "How did you know I had it?"
The detective let out a cheerful chuckle, "As I was searching the house, I found the hoofprints matching an adult leading to the house. After following the path I was able to trace it back to the vicinity of the school. That meant it had to be either a parent, the principal or the teacher."
"That doesn't explain how you knew it was me."
"It was kind of a hunch," Frost Brook answered, "The principal is too cowardly to do it and Miss Ginger Fizzle wasn't very social when it came to her student's parents, so it was unlikely that it was one of them. Therefore, that left her replacement."
Well, that was annoying. If she had known that was all the detective had to work with, Roseate probably could have lied to him after all.
"So, may I have the journal?" Frost asked, "I believe it might be important in discerning the former teacher's location or her potential killer."
"Yes, I can do that."
Sitting up from her chair, Roseate made her way up the stairs to her room, where she had left the book.
'Keep an eye on him.' Roseate told her husband.
'Indeed.' Roseate could feel Arsthotua's agitation at the detective's intrusion.
After picking the book off of her nightstand, Roseate made her way back down the stairs and gave the detective the teacher's diary.
"Here you go."
Frost Brook scrunched his eyes as he pondered something.
"Personally, I think it would be wise if I take you down to the station," Frost said, "for further questioning. After all, there has to be a reason for you breaking into your predecessor's house and I really need to know."
The detective reached out and grabbed Roseate's hoof as he reached into his jacket to grab some handcuffs. A feeling of revulsion rose in the pit of Roseate's stomach, however she couldn't focus on that now. If she didn't act fast she could be in grave trouble.
Tapping into her glamour, Roseate began to chant.
"Psajelu eri undir yj spill, jelu gahluyng heug neflthong yog fob’thesh!"
Frost Brook's grasp loosened as the stallion began to blink in confusion, a green glow pulsating from his eyes. The detective gave Roseate a confused look.
"You won't be taking me in for questioning," Roseate instructed, "after our discussion, you were convinced that I had taken the journal merely due to my fear of suffering a fate similar to the previous teacher and trying to learn more about what happened to her."
"Of course." Frost nodded in agreement.
Roseate could feel bile in her throat but she had to keep going.
"You will take your things and you will leave," Roseate continued, "however, along the way you will drop Miss Ginger's diary in the river. You will not remember that you did so, nor will you remember that I gave you these instructions. You will believe that you have lost the journal."
"I understand."
"Good!"
With the glamour used, Roseate began the chant to resolve the orders she had given. As the incantation came to an end, Frost Brook blinked a few times as his eyes returned to normal. Looking down the detective noticed the diary in his hooves.
"Well, thank you for your time, Miss Roseate," Frost said as he began to pick his items up off the table, "I hope you have a pleasant day."
Roseate's head pounded and her stomach ached, yet she didn't budge until the detective had left the house. Once the door closed, Roseate made a beeline to the bathroom. Reaching the toilet, Roseate bent over as she regurgitated the contents of her stomach into the ivory bowl. The stallion's touch and the repeated use of her glamour so shortly after using it on Scroll Keeper was doing a number on Roseate.
Even with her stomach completely empty, Roseate felt nauseous and her head continued to pound. Picking herself up off the floor, Roseate left the bathroom and made her way to the kitchen. Opening the freezer portion of the refrigerator, Roseate grabbed a cold pack and placed it against the side of her head.
With a groan, Roseate dragged herself back to the coach to lay down.
"Are you okay?"
Roseate was able to peel her eyes open to see Mittenz sitting in front of her. The feline familiar actually looked kind of cute when he was concerned for her.
"No," Roseate answered, "but I will be."
"Is there anything you need me to do?"
"Yes... I need you to go spy on detective Frost Brook and his residence. I need to know what he is up to."
"As you wish."
Having accepted his orders, Mittenz left the room. Looking up at the ceiling, Roseate saw one of Arsthotua's eyes looking down at her.
'I know what happened.' Arsthotua growled, his voice dark and menacing inside of Roseate's head.
'It's fine, dear.' Roseate insisted.
'I will make sure he pays for this,' Arsthotua continued, 'I shall deliver upon him a fate so terrible not even the Gruglix will have enough ink to record it. Just say the word and I will send my tendrils forth to flay the skin from his bones!'
Roseate could feel her husband's anger building and while she was pleased by how protective he was of her, she knew she couldn't allow it. Any brash action could jeopardize them both.
'No, it isn't safe for that,' Roseate answered, 'at least not for the time being.'
Gradually, Arsthotua's mood softened from anger to concern.
'I don't like seeing you like this.'
'Well, I don't enjoy feeling like this either.'
A delightful little chuckle echoed through Roseate's mind and she could help but join in a little.
'I will be fine,' Roseate insisted, 'I just need to rest a little to recover my strength.'
A tendril materialized and gently caressed Roseate's cheek, 'If he lays a hoof on you again, I will kill him.'
Roseate reached out and held the tentacle in her arms, like a squishy, slender pillow. The heat from the appendage seeped into Roseate’s body as it pressed into her coat.
‘Only if I can’t endure it.’
There was something reminiscent of a sigh that echoed softly through Roseate’s mind. Arsthotua had been with her for a long time, like any true husband he knew her limits and wished to solve her problems for her. However, in the land of Equestria such solutions usually had terrifying consequences.
‘Very well.’ Arsthotua relented.
Slowly, both the eye and tendril faded away. Aching and tired from her ailment, Roseate closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
*Ding ding!*
The sound of the doorbell ringing awoke Roseate from her slumber. Opening her eyes, Roseate tried to consider who it might be. It was unlikely that Frost Brook would have returned so quickly, so it must have been somepony else.
Pulling herself up from the couch, Roseate walked over to the door, her body still sore from earlier. Looking through the peephole, Roseate saw Scroll Keeper standing on the other side.
'Yeah, she did say she wanted to talk to me about her missing friend.'
Pooling together her strength, Roseate answered the door.
"Scroll Keeper, please do come in."
"Thank you," Scroll Keeper said as she walked inside. Slowly, Roseate lead her guest to the kitchen.
"Please sit down," Roseate motioned to a chair. "Thank you," Scroll said as she sat down.
Looking the librarian over, Roseate could tell that she was nervous. It would be wise to try to calm those nerves before starting.
"Would you like some tea?" Roseate asked.
"Yes, please."
Roseate poured some water into a kettle before placing it on to the stove. As the heat for the kettle's contents grew, Roseate walked over to the cabinet and examined her selections of tea. Perhaps some green tea would be good.
"Would you like some honey with your tea?" Roseate asked.
"Yes, please."
Pulling the tea bags from their container, Roseate fetched two teacups and a jar of honey. Roseate placed the two bags inside the teacups in preparation for the hot water.
Soon the kettle was whistling as steam shot forth from its nozzle. Taking the kettle off the stove, Roseate poured the hot water into the teacups. After stirring in some honey, Roseate brought the tea over to the table and sat down.
Scroll Keeper tried to sip the tea only to hiss as it burnt her tongue.
"Careful, it's still hot."
Scroll Keeper nodded.
'Her friends disappearance must be really affecting her.' Roseate thought.
Roseate waited a moment for her tea to cool, blowing on the vapors that arose from the warm brew.
"So, tell me about your missing friend," Roseate said, taking a sip of her tea.
"His name is Star Watcher," Scroll Keeper said, "on occasion he and I would go out stargazing with his telescope. Recently he started obsessing over star patterns."
"How so?'
"Well, he said that they were moving out of alignment. That a few stars were forming into new constellations."
A celestial migration. Strange.
"The last night I saw him," Scroll continued, "he was going out with his telescope to document more of the changes."
"Did he have a favorite spot for his star gazing?" Roseate asked.
"There is a hill in the middle of the forest he always like going to," Scroll answered, "Treasurer's Peak I believe it's called."
"I see. Well, I will see what I can do," Roseate said, "for now you should drink your tea. It's going to be cold soon."
Following Roseate's advice, Scroll Keeper sipped the tea. A pleased smile appeared on her face.
"It's really good."
"Thank you."
Even as she contently drank her tea, Roseate could feel that there was something else on Scroll Keeper's mind.
"Well, I guess I should take my leave."
Scroll Keeper began to stand up from her seat.
"Before you go," Roseate replied, "is there something else you would like to talk to me about?"
A bead of sweat ran down the side of Scroll's face. After a brief moment she let out a brief sigh and sat back down.
"Actually there is," Scroll said nervously, "while my supervisors don't want me mentioning this, there are some books that have gone missing from our library."
"There not ordinary books are they?"
"Not exactly," Scroll answered, "apparently some of them date back to before this town was founded. To make matters worse, these books weren't exactly available to the public."
"So who has access to these books?"
"Practically anypony whose family has lived in the town for three or more generations has access to them."
"Meaning that if they were stolen," Roseate concluded, "that it would have to be somepony in town."
"I am afraid that's true."
What sort of knowledge would be so important that it would require you to be a member of this small community from your ancestry in order to gain access to it?
"I suppose I can keep an eye out if that will help," Roseate said.
"Okay. If you do find the books, do you think you could keep it on the down low?" Scroll Keeper asked.
"Sure, why not."
After Scroll Keeper left the house, Roseate finished her tea and went back to the couch to rest.
As she lay there, a portal opened as another being entered the room. It was a blue amorphous blob with violet eyes and rainbow-colored tendrils shifting in and out of its body.
"Hey, is this Roseate's residence?" the being asked.
"Who’s asking?" Roseate inquired in an annoyed tone as she lifted herself into a sitting position with one hoof still holding the cold pack.
"My name is Hsed Wabnoer," the creature answered, "I am from the Interdimensional Mail Service."
"What happened to Yprid?"
The Hsed let out something resembling an annoyed humph, "Yprid is so clumsy! She made such a big mess that I had to deliver her packages for today! So tell me, are you Roseate Grimsbane?!"
"Yes, I am."
"Then sign this!" Hsed said as a jelly-like, rainbow-colored tendril passed over a clipboard with a form and a pen. The board itself appeared to be made of obsidian despite feeling nearly weightless and the pen's ink resembled something like strawberry jam. With some difficulty, Roseate managed to sign the papers.
Once the paperwork was signed, numerous packages began to emerge from Hsed's body and landed on the floor.
"There you go. Have a nice day," Hsed said as another portal opened and the creature floated up into the swirling vortex.
"Thank you all for coming," Roseate said as she sat in front of the mirror, her body still sore from earlier.
The yellow eyes on the other side of the glass appeared to be watching with anticipation.
"Now, I must apologize," Roseate spoke to those beyond the Scryial, "I don't really have any decisions that I need your input on at the moment. However, if I think of anything I will let you know. For now, let's answer some questions and open some packages."
Viper Pit asks: "That's awfully sweet of you to banish the colt's nightmares. Maybe he will start doing better. Or he makes a deal he doesn't understand and ends up trying to bring about the end of the world. In which case I'm sure you would stop that. Right?"
"Usually beings of that nature don't bring the world to an end overnight," Roseate answered, "but yes, I would do my best to halt its progress."
Lunar Flarion asks: "Hm... It was very kind of you to banish the colt’s nightmares, they say good things return in kind. As for the question, are there monsters in your world, or your husband’s, that are known to affect and manipulate dreams?"
"Well, there are succubus ponies, which I think I've mentioned before who can influence the dreams of others. There are also other beings in the dreamscape that will affect the dreams of others for their nefarious plans."
NicLove asks: "What does Spike think of Rarity's eye?"
"Well, I haven't met this Spike before, though I have heard a few things from Rarity," Roseate answered, "however, I think Rarity's Monoculosis is something she prefers to keep secret. So I doubt he knows of it."
Salreix Von Otsuu asks: "Can Mittenz defy you? How much power does he really have?"
"He certainly could defy me if he chose to," Roseate answered, "however, in doing so—as a part of the summoning conditions—I could... Dispel his presence here on this plane. We all have cages we choose to run from. I am sure he doesn't want to return to his."
Quillian Inkheart asks: "Do you use any artifacts, aside from your Athame, to augment your magical powers? If so, what is it?"
"There are items called sigils that I have crafted from time to time. They have multiple uses depending upon the sigil that is made but one of their main features is that, if designed properly, they can cause harm to any being of eldritch origin."
Roseate pulled out her Isidria and turned a few pages to reveal a series of etchings. One depicted a blue claw, another a great shadow with a green eye, a blue horn among a storming vortex of various body parts and another consisting of three red snakes. Even as Roseate closed the book, other sigils could be seen on the pages before being concealed.
Genesis asks: "My, my, my.
It has been far too long on my end since I have last contacted you. Quillian if anyone is deserving to eventually know who you may be, its him. Of course it's all by your own discretion. It would be disastrous for him to fall into contact and influenced in a way that's detrimental to him and you.
Omission of the truth may be construed as lying to him in his eyes keep that in mind Roseate dear.
Who knows you both may be more alike than either of you realize.
That's my simple opinion...."
"I worry for Quillian just as any teacher should for her students."
Roseate seemed to pause as she considered what she would say next.
"To an extent, I feel that in some small way they are the closest thing I will ever have to children. Needless to say, I will protect them to the best of my ability. Whether I reveal to them who I truly am or not doesn't matter."
dr film asks: "Thank you for the information, but i was wondering what is the most powerful spell you can do and are there any other non-ponies in Ponyville pretending to be ponies? We’ve seen Missus cake and now Rarity."
"Whether there are or are not, I can't say," Roseate answered, "my ventures to Ponyville have been scarce. It would also be unwise for my to give up another's secrets when I like to keep my own."
NicLove asks: "What does Rarity know about you?"
"She knows what she needs to know," Roseate answered, "she knows that I'm a witch, she knows that I have the means of keeping her secret safe and that it would endanger her career to reveal my occupation to others."
Borimor Wathal asks: "Hey Roseate, when did you learn of Rarity's Monoculosis? Also, I'll be sending my lucky coin to you, I have a strange feeling you may need it."
"Her father found me actually," Roseate explained, "like any good parent he did what he could to protect her and it broke his heart that her Monoculosis, would undoubtedly ruin any attempts she had as a clothing designer. Apparently he heard a rumor of a witch and diligently sought me out. We made a deal and I have been helping Rarity ever since."
Quillian Inkheart asks: "How do monster-ponies know to find you for remedies if your position as a witch is kept secret? Are you able to sense them and offer assistance, or is there another way for these meetings to take place?"
"Well, my services are generally discovered by ponies who have heard rumors of me and have been desperate enough to seek me out. Or somepony who is already a customer shares word of me with a trusted friend. There are also the rare occasions where I find one of these ponies and offer to aid them."
NicLove ask: "Do you mind telling us who gave you the gift?"
"It was my husband, though at the time we were merely... Acquaintances."
NicLove ask: "Did he know any other mare before you?"
"I don't know," Roseate answered, "I don't know too much about what my husband did prior to our meeting."
Thinking back on it, Arsthotua did seem to dodge the question whenever Roseate had inquired about it. It wasn't like she was even mad about it, her husband and shown himself to be quite loyal to her on more than one occasion, so if there was someone prior in his life, why would he be so determined to avoid discussing it?
Viper Pit asks: "Waffles, pancakes, or flapjacks? Which do you prefer?"
"Pancakes... No, waffles... Actually I can't say for sure. Both taste great when covered with butter and maple syrup."
Roseate's mouth began to drool at the thought.
"Well, now that we are done with the questions, I have some boxes to open."
The first package was a box wrapped in red paper. On the gift was a label marking it as from Azathothfhtagn. Opening the gift, Roseate revealed a book, The King of Scarlet and Ash.
"Looks like this could be an intriguing novel," Roseate said, "thank you, Azathothfhtagn for sending it to me."
Setting the gift aside, Roseate turned her focus on another package. A box wrapped in black paper and gray ribbon. Removing the outer covering, Roseate opened the box to discover inside a box of chocolates and a book. Tied to the book was a note.
Twice blinded, he can now fully see; Heinous nightmares, condemned to the sea. A child gifted with trust so true, Now looks up and sees the world anew. Keeping his heart in harrowed box. You shattered all the gilded locks. Out of hope, he may find in time, Under every untruth, is a time to shine.
Thank you.
I hope this serves you well.
Having finished the note, Roseate examined the book. It possessed a midnight blue, leather cover with the word, Sylathus, engraved with silver letters. Opening the book, Roseate observed the light blue pages as fluorescent yellow ink moved along the first page to form words.
'The Dark Codex of Nightmares and Entities of Dreams.'
"Thank you for the Sylathus," Roseate said, "I'm sure I will be able to make some use of it."
Setting the book aside, Roseate examined the box of chocolates. It was a brown box with the image of a golden crown, encompassing a piece of chocolate, the words, Canterlot's Best Chocolates, inscribed on the front in gold lettering. Roseate's eyes became saucers when she realized that it was a variety pack.
"Oh, you need to careful, Quillian," Roseate giggled, "you may be a child in this world, but if you continue to spoil me, Arsthotua might become jealous."
Smiling, Roseate took out a piece of chocolate and stuffed it in her mouth. It had a wonderful caramel center. Roseate set the box of chocolates aside, but not so far that it was out of reach.
Pulling out another box, Roseate opened it to reveal dr film's gift. It resembled the skull of a deer only with carnivorous teeth. Even in death, Roseate could feel a small portion of the child's essence flowing through the clean marrow.
"Thank you for this precious gift. I will take good care of it."
With some difficulty, Roseate managed to pull forth a heavy wooden crate from the pile.
"I think these are the Nikora artifacts that Lunar Flarion promised." Roseate grunted, "now if only I had a crowbar."
"Perhaps I can help."
A few of Arsthotua's tentacles appeared from the shadows, wrapping around the box and very carefully pulling the wooden panels apart, so that the lid was able to come off. With the top of the crate removed, Roseate was able to see the items inside. Surrounded by straw stuffing was a sculpture made of gold and bleached bone, emitting a hum like an eternal scream.
"I am sure my husband and I will enjoy studying these relics, some time in the future."
Pushing the crate to the side, Roseate picked up a small present wrapped with purple paper and pink ribbon. Opening the package, Roseate pulled forth a delicate item from inside.
To anypony else, it would seem to just be the damaged wing of a butterfly, however, Roseate recognized what the item really was. It was a Lunar Wing, a crescent moon shaped wing with shapes like that of falling stars against the dark blue background. A rare magical component that could be very useful in potions that work at night.
"Thank you so much Viper Pit. I'm impressed you were able to find one of these."
A wing from a Lunar Butterfly was a coveted reagent by most spell casters, especially considering how endangered the species was in the world. Roseate knew it would probably be wise not to have the wing lying out in the open.
After putting the wing among her secret components, Roseate sat down and grabbed another piece of chocolate. This one had a cherry center with an actual cherry inside.
"So... good." Roseate moaned as she savored the piece of sugary bliss.
Next there was a cardboard box held together by some string. Untying it and opening the gift, Roseate presented a gas mask.
"Well, this could be useful," Roseate said, "if ever I create a brew with some noxious fumes or the Solar Guard decide to raid my house with tear gas, this could be beneficial to have."
Then again, it could also be great for a future Nightmare Night costume.
"Perhaps a post-apocalyptic priestess," Roseate pondered, "that might be an interesting outfit."
Another piece of chocolate and another box.
Opening the box, Roseate found a bottle inside filled with a swirling liquid. There was a note, hanging from a string tied around the neck of the bottle.
‘This is inter-dimensional material mix. It’s a free gift and a sample of my stock. Please follow the instructions! This can be used to quickly open a limited time portal to another world, but only once, so use it carefully. Also, it does not provide a way back, so I’ll give you a fair warning. I wanted to send this using plain Equestrian mail from the Manehattan suburbs since I can, but I decided it might not be safe.
P.S.: I’ll restock next time I get yanked. Please, will everyone stop doing so much inter-dimensional travelling? One time in ten I get pulled along. It’s annoying.’
"While I don't think I'll need it," Roseate said, "I will hang onto this."
Setting the vial of inter-dimensional material aside, Roseate pulled forth a blue package from BestinDworld. Opening the container, Roseate produced three books called, Fifty Shades of Neigh. After taking a quick look at the summary, Roseate gave a slight blush.
"I must say my recreational reading is currently full with Thirteen Hues of Midnight. However, when I'm done, I'll give this series a look."
So many books to read and so little time.
"It looks like we have one more box to open. I wonder who it's from?"
The package was itself a red box tied closed with a black string. A white label hung from the string. Roseate examined the tag, reading the name, Rehtaf. Strange, Roseate couldn't recall seeing that name before.
Untying the string, Roseate opened the container to reveal within another smaller red with a note resting on top.
Curious, Roseate lifted up the piece of paper to examine what it said. A chill running down her spine as she read the words.
He is going to die because of your instructions.
Tossing the note aside, Roseate took out the smaller box and opened it. The scent of iron and rust wafted from the inside as the top came off. The inside was covered in a red substance that Roseate was pretty sure she could identify.
At the bottom of the box was a single green eyeball, looking back up at her. From what Roseate could see of the discarded organ it once had belonged to a pony.
As she touched the eye with her magic, Roseate's vision shifted. The world around her turned black before returning to the view of a forest.
It was night and yet Roseate could see perfectly. The sound of heavy breathing could be heard as if belonging to the lungs of a large beast.
The creature looked through the branches of a tree to see a stallion standing on a bridge. A stallion Roseate recognized as detective Frost Brook. He stood on the bridge, his eyes glowing green as he took Ginger Fizzle's diary and dropped it into the water below.
As the book hit the surface of the river, the creature whose eyes Roseate was looking through charged through the forest toward the detective. A terrifying roar erupting from its throat.
Roseate saw the look in Frost's eyes changing from a distant pondering to sudden terror, before Roseate found herself back in the mirror room.
"Crap!"
Roseate didn't even bother to throw a blanket onto the Scryial, before rushing out of the room and down the steps. Using her magic, Roseate fetched a jacket from the coat hanger and put it on as she rushed out the door.
Running through the forest, Roseate made her way to the bridge, her mind stretching outward to feel for Frost's essence. After a few steps, Roseate could feel it, the detective's life force was weak, barely throbbing but still present, nearly overshadowed by the alien energy nearby.
Reaching the bridge, Roseate saw a massive red stain in the wood.
"Where is he?"
Looking around, Roseate spotted the detective on the side of the river a ways from the bridge. From what she could see Frost Brook was unconscious.
Jumping from the bridge into the rocky sand on the side of the river, Roseate could still feel the presence of the detective's attacker. It was close and it was eager to end her.
The sound of bushes to Roseate's right rustled as a shape stepped forward, a massive roar filling the air as it charged.
As the creature lunged at her, Roseate sent out a bolt of green eldritch energy toward it. The glowing magical projectile illuminating the monsters form. It was almost like a giant bunny, twice the size of a pony with gorilla like arms, large buck teeth and a pair of massive horns.
The scent of burnt flesh and fur filled the air as Roseate's attack hit the creature's shoulder. A whimper escaped the beast's maw as it ran back into the forest. Roseate sent another blast after the creature for good measure.
Once she was certain that she was safe, at least for the moment, Roseate walked over to the detective. His front, left leg was missing from the knee joint down. There was a massive opening in the detective's side, presumably caused by one of the monster's horns.
Even as Frost Brook was laying there, Roseate wasn't sure whether she should save him or leave him to die.
On one hoof, if she helped him survive, Frost might continue to cause trouble for her. However, if Roseate let him die, another Solar Guard might take his place.
Pondering what to do, Roseate felt something in her coat pocket. Pulling the item forth, Roseate saw that it was the item she had been searching for this whole time. The Scryiasphere.
The Scryiasphere was a sphere the size of a ball bearing, it's surface covered in a silvery mirror like substance.
As Roseate focused on the orb, it shifted becoming completely black as Roseate relayed her question to the entities beyond.
“Long ago in the crypt of a long dead bicorn queen a hefty tome was discovered. The book’s pages were made completely of tongues, all sewn together. Some were from ponies, some from griffins, and some from creatures that haven’t been seen in this world.
“Yet despite being severed from their original hosts, the tongues still speak, each to fulfill the reader’s desires. Though speaking of wicked passions and untamed lust, in the end all they can truly promise is an orgy of suffering. Whether these tongues speak truth or not, none can say for sure.”
Quote from; the Tomb of Aphrolith, by M.R. Amorcolt.
A yawn escaped Roseate's lips as she sat on the floor next to her cauldron, her books set out before her. As Roseate made her brew, she contemplated on what had occurred earlier that day.
She had returned home early in the morning, after finding and rescuing detective Frost Brook. With some difficulty she managed to take the unconscious solar guard to the Muleport hospital so he could be tended to by medical professionals.
After gathering her school supplies, Roseate had left to teach her class. While most of her students were happy and sharing stories of their Nightmare Night adventures, a few of her students remained quiet. These students consisted of June Berry, Maple Sugar and Quillian Inkheart.
June seemed grumpy while Maple was distant and sullen. During lunch she didn't touch a single portion of her food. Roseate was pretty sure why and she was planning to address the matter shortly.
As for Quillian, he appeared rather uneasy as of late, however Roseate wasn't too sure why. Perhaps she could learn of the matter once she had dealt with Maple's trial. In order to do that she would have to deal with the one meddling with Maple's dreams.
"Dumb pain in a donkey's behind!" Roseate growled as she came back to the present.
If Roseate was going to defeat this succubus pony, she would need to deal with her pet. Fortunately, Roseate had a little trick up her sleeve.
Roseate pulled out a bag and began putting ingredients into the cauldron, naming them off as she did.
"The powder of a newt's crushed skull, three pearls, the severed toe of a dead dragon, along with a shard of Insomnium. There is only one more ingredient I require."
One of Arsthotua's tentacles descended from the ceiling. Using her sacred instrument, Roseate cut the tendrils, green ichor dripping from the wound into the cauldron.
"The blood of an eldritch entity."
The concoction began to sizzle and boil.
Hearing the door creak open, Roseate turned to see a small shape enter the room.
"You're back," Roseate said, as Mittenz stepped inside.
"I have completed my task," the familiar answered.
"What did you find?"
"The detective had a few notes as well as a tape recorder inside his hotel room," Mittenz replied, "on the recording he kept talking to somepony named Azure Velvet. I'm not sure who that is, however he would talk to them about the case as well as some trivial matters."
"What did he say about the case?"
"Apparently he had reason to believe that the disappearances were the result of kidnappings caused by a cult or witch."
"Did he have anything about me?"
Mittenz shook his head, "while he speculated that you were the one responsible for stealing the journal, he didn't suspect that you were the one behind the disappearances. At least not according to his last recording."
That made this a little complicated. While Frost had been able to discern the involvement of a witch or cult, he hadn't thought it was her. Perhaps she could have avoided using her glamour. Now he was in the hospital because of her commands.
"That is a shame."
"However, it would seem that he might have also speculated the location of the teacher's body."
Roseate's ears twitched at that statement.
"He did?"
"It would seem he had an idea," Mittenz stated, "however, he needed Fizzle's journal to be sure."
Well, Roseate had read the journal and knew it had some connection to the Swanling House, so maybe Frost Brook's information could help in locating it.
"Did the detective document any of his findings?"
"He did..."
Mittenz looked a little nervous for a moment.
"And?"
"It would seem that I may have damaged the tape the information was recorded on."
"What!" Roseate turned her gaze on the familiar, more than a little infuriated at his foolishness.
"Well, what do you expect?" Mittenz growled, waving his paws in the air. "It's not like I can hold items with magic or anything!"
That... was a fair point.
Roseate let out a deep sigh, "Well, thank you for your efforts."
As the concoction came to an end, Roseate added a few final ingredients, a cherry, some vanilla and a couple of mint leaves. While the cherry had some significance, the other two ingredients were merely for flavor to help the potion go down smoother.
Taking a flask, Roseate used her magic to levitate the noxious broth into the glass container. After putting a cork inside, Roseate shook the bottle, its contents beginning to bubble and fizz.
"This should work just fine."
Taking the potion, Roseate made her way to the bedroom. As tempting as it was to spend some special time with her husband, Roseate had something important to do.
"Maybe tomorrow."
Stepping into her bedroom, Roseate walked over to the bed and laid down. Even as she lay there, Roseate could sense that Arsthotua was absent. A twinge of loneliness filled Roseate's heart.
Roseate drank the potion, the vanilla and mint doing very little to address the revolting flavor. Carefully, she made sure to catch the cherry pit with her tongue and placed it underneath before swallowing the rest of the vile concoction. Roseate could feel her insides swell as the magical liquid flowed through her system.
As her mind slowly began to drift off to sleep, Roseate pulled the cherry pit forward and swallowed.
Roseate found herself on the molding beach of Maple Sugar's nightmare. The waves of syrup lapping on the beach, sticking to Roseate's lower body.
"Yuck!" Roseate growled as she pulled herself up and out of the sticky tide. After cleaning herself off, Roseate left the beach and moved into the decaying, sugary forest.
Carefully, Roseate walked to the location where the previous nightmare had ended. Soon she found herself nearing the clearing with the pit. Standing guard next to it was the succubus's pet, Equ-bugbear. Its nose twitched from underneath its leather muzzle as it caught Roseate's scent.
The creature was already facing her direction when Roseate entered the clearing. Once its enemy came within range, the Equ-bugbear let out a mighty roar and ran toward her.
Roseate smiled as the Equ-Bugbear charged toward her.
"How predictable."
Pulling on the magic of the Insomnium in her concoction, Roseate summoned the potion into her dream and tossed it at the rampaging monster. As the glass shattered against the tough hide, green and purple tendrils erupted from the impact, surrounding and binding the beast.
Restrained, the creature toppled to the ground. Each time the Equ-Bugbear tried to break free of the incantation, the tentacles pulled tighter around its muscular frame.
"How typical of a succubus to require the services of a mindless beast!" Roseate taunted.
Even as the monster continued to struggle against its bonds, Roseate couldn't help but admire its form. How much fun would it be if her husband's pony vessel was an Equ-Bugbear or even an Equ-wolf? Roseate could already imagine a fun little scenario with her running through the forest as Arsthotua in his beast form stalked her, hunted her, ready to ravage her at any moment.
Roseate shook her head. Now wasn't the time for fantasies.
"Now if you will excuse me, I have some business to take care of with your master!"
Turning her attention to the pit, Roseate walked over and let herself fall in. Like the lining of a hydra's digestive tract, the candy cane tentacles guided her deep into the belly of this decaying, sugary dreamscape. Occasionally a gumdrop infested with small glowing mushrooms would illuminate her descent.
Eventually the tunnel opened up to a chamber filled with luminescent, fungal candy. The scent of spoiled sour treats permeated the air. As Roseate's eyes adjusted to the darkness, she noticed a tunnel off to the left. Moving into a cautionary stance, Roseate stealthily maneuvered her way down the tunnel.
"Come on now! Eat up!" Came an annoyed feminine voice from further down the tunnel.
As Roseate advanced forward a soft orange glow became more visible up ahead.
Peering around the corner, Roseate observed another chamber where the orange light was coming from a large gelatin structure, which was suspended from the ceiling by numerous candy cane tentacles. In the center of the room was Maple Sugar and Sultry Fritter. While the young filly was bound to a chair by more of those red and white tendrils, the succubus was busy force feeding her some cake. The cake was covered with pink and white frosting, resting upon a table made of gingerbread.
"Isn't this what you wanted?" Sultry asked forcing a piece of cake in Sugar's mouth. "To eat and eat and eat!"
The foal coughed, frosting and crumbs leaking from her stuffed mouth.
"Rrhy ar ra *cough* dring dis?" Maple Sugar tried to speak through a mouth full of cake.
"Why am I doing this?" Sultry taunted, "Isn't it obvious? I'm fattening the pig for dinner."
Using a dessert fork, Sultry extracted another bite from the cake. As she did her horns began to glow as smoky figures began to dance around the room. Taking on the forms of young fillies and colts, the shadows seemed to be whispering cruel, mean words.
"Since you enjoy eating sweets so much," Sultry continued, "I thought I would fill you up until you’re nice and fat, just like you've always wanted."
As the succubus forced another bite of cake into Sugar's mouth, the shadows surrounding them filled the air with a chorus of their hideous laughter.
"I drn't rnt dis." Maple Sugar coughed once more.
"At this rate, I will fill you up with enough sweets that you'll either explode or you'll never eat another bite ever again," Sultry chuckled, "Well, either way I will be sated. Whether by pleasure or dread, I always get fed and in your case, it's two for the price of one."
Letting out another snicker, Sultry reached for another bite with her fork. No longer willing to stand idly by, Roseate began to make her move.
"Pelw’nefh mettir, dossalvi fu heuuh pricoau't gropesh."
As Roseate whispered the incantation, the fork Sultry was holding began to melt and the sweet morsel it held toppled to the floor. At first Sultry Fritter looked a little perplexed by the sight of her fork bending and dripping into a silver puddle on the ground. However, upon realizing that somepony was meddling with the dream, the succubus pony began to snarl.
"You..."
Stepping from the darkness, Roseate donned a smug grin. "Miss me?"
A look of disgust marred Sultry's face.
"So it would seem my pet wasn't enough for you!" Sultry growled.
The two mares began to circle the room, like two chimera fighting over a piece of meat.
"You should have just faced me yourself," Roseate taunted, "would have saved me some time."
"Nopony comes between me and my meal!"
Now the shadows were circling them both. One stepped close to Roseate only to be vaporized by a magical blast from her horn. The phantom shrieked as its form was disintegrated.
"Unfortunately you decided to feed on one of my students," Roseate said, "clearly I can't allow that."
"You think you have the right to say what I can and can't do?"
"Oh, I didn't say that," Roseate answered, "I'm merely saying you picked the wrong prey."
Sultry scoffed, "Oh, it doesn't matter! After all, there’s more than one way to skin a witch!"
The shadows giggled with terrible glee as they lunged toward Roseate. However, Roseate wasn't frightened by these apparitions, after all she knew their source.
Summoning her sacred instrument, Roseate propelled herself toward the succubus. As she swung her blade, the cake flung itself in the way of Roseate's attack, splattering frosting everywhere. Sultry laughed.
"Did you really think it would be that easy?"
Crumbs fell from the ceiling as candy cane tentacles erupted forth and lashed at toward Roseate. She managed to cleave five of them, before a few of them wrapped around her, binding her body and legs. The athame toppled to the ground as a tentacle wrapped around her horn.
Sultry laughed. "This dream belongs to me just as much as it does to that pathic foal!"
One of the shadows walked toward Maple Sugar, its body materializing into the form of June Berry made of dripping dark chocolate.
"You're so fat," Chocolate June taunted, "I bet your parents have to keep an eye on you so that you don't eat their whole diner."
Tears trickled down Maple's face as the candy bully giggled. Now it was perfectly clear what had been the root of this nightmare. The true nature of the nefarious vine Sultry had attached herself to had finally come to light.
A smile stretched across Roseate's face at the revelation.
"She's wrong you know," Roseate grunted as the tentacles squeezed tighter.
Maple Sugar looked over to Roseate, a confused expression on her face.
"As much as she has influenced this nightmare, she has no true power here," Roseate explained, "the only power she has is what you give h-!"
A tendrils wrapped around Roseate's neck.
"Shut up you dumb witch!" Sultry growled.
"Maple, listen to me!" Roseate struggled past the pressure around her throat. "Just because somepony tells you are something doesn't necessarily mean you are or will be."
"Quiet!"
Roseate could feel the tentacle tightening around her windpipe, her vision gradually fading as the pressure on her throat increased. Her lungs burning as she was strangled by the candy cane vine.
Her vision was almost black when suddenly the pressure disappeared and fresh air filled her lungs. Coughing, Roseate looked around the chamber to see that the candy that had been hindering her breathing was now turning into a sticky, red and white puddle on the floor.
"What?!" Sultry looked around in bewilderment as the candy tentacles began to melt.
Looking over at her student, Roseate saw Maple Sugar now free from the chair she had been bound to. A blue glow radiating from her body.
The succubus glared at Roseate, "What did you do?"
Roseate shot Sultry Fritter a clever grin. "Oh, I simply helped my student pull out a weed."
As the glow around Maple grew brighter, the dancing shadows faded away and the sugary representation of June Berry dissolved. Sultry let out an angry growl.
"You may have thwarted my feast," Sultry yelled, "but that won't stop the darkness in the recesses of your dreams! You will fail!"
A portal opened as the succubus's horns glowed. The gateway vanished after Sultry Fritter stepped through. As her presence faded, the world around them slowly began to crumble.
"Miss Roseate?" Maple asked in confusion.
"Yes," Roseate replied, "what is it?"
"I was just wondering, what does this all mean?"
The dream world continued to deteriorate around them.
"Maple, you're growing up," Roseate answered, "and it is perfectly normal to feel insecure about your weight. Just know that while others may try to target that insecurity, that doesn't mean what they tell you is true."
"Were you worried about your weight when you were younger?"
Roseate was quiet for a moment. When she was Maple's age, she had… other things to worry about. Roseate smiled.
"Yes," Roseate lied as the dream around them collapsed.
Roseate sat in the hospital lounge waiting to hear her name being called, a facade of worry upon her form. While she didn't care for the detective, Roseate was, to some extent, responsible for his injuries, due to him being under the influence of her glamour. However, in truth, there were other reasons for her being here.
One being that by expressing concern for the detective, it gave her the appearance of a concerned citizen, who was checking up on the pony she rescued. It would also allow her the opportunity to gain more information about the detective and his findings here in Muleport.
The flowers Roseate had purchased after class served to aid in the facade.
"Miss Grimsbane!"
Hearing her name, Roseate made her way to the front counter. Standing behind it was a pegasus mare with an amber coat and a sky blue mane. Her nurse outfit hugging her form closely.
The outfit reminded Roseate of a time when she had roleplayed as a nurse with her husband. For a brief moment, Roseate pondered where she had stored the garment.
"Yes, I am Miss Grimsbane," Roseate said, wearing a worried smile.
"You are here to visit Mister Brook," the nurse said, "I must inform you that he is still unconscious."
Roseate shed a few fake tears, "Is he going to be alright?"
"The doctor says he may improve in time."
"Can I see him?" Roseate asked.
The nurse seemed to ponder the statement. "Well, normally we reserve visitations for the patient's relatives."
A few more tears were shed.
"However, you are the one who brought Mister Frost Brook to the hospital. So I think a short visit would be fine."
"Thank you." Roseate sniffled.
"Please, right this way."
Roseate followed the nurse, inwardly gloating at how easily this mare had been fooled. Truly one of a mare's greatest weapons were her tears. As she followed, Roseate caught that same magical scent coming from her escort.
'Perhaps there is a cult in Muleport after all.
The nurse stopped in front of a room and opened the door.
"Here is his room," the nurse, said motioning inside, "you have fifteen minutes."
"Thank you." Roseate sniffled, continuing her act.
Stepping inside the room, Roseate saw the state that the detective was in. Frost Brook lay on a bed, an oxygen mask over his muzzle, various wires and tubes attached to some nearby machines. A heart monitor beeped off to the side of the bed.
"I will leave you for now."
Once the nurse was gone, Roseate dropped her facade and stepped closer to the stallion. Her stomach churned know what she was about to do.
After swallowing a piece of ginger, Roseate licked her hoof, coating it with her saliva. Roseate's stomach made a few more twists and turns as she placed her moist hoof on Frost's forehead.
Closing her eyes, Roseate delved into Frost Brook's unconscious dreams.
A bell jingled as Roseate entered the dream.
Detective Frost Brook's dreamscape was rather amusing. While it resembled the interior of the Maple Family diner, all sights of the world outside were obscured by red cloth.
"Welcome, miss," the waitress said as Roseate entered. Her head consisted entirely of a white, ceramic cup. Even as the waitress greeted her, Roseate could hear some of the fluid inside slosh about.
Looking around the diner, Roseate noticed that all the ponies in the establishment had heads consisting of different cups. All except for two.
At the farthest booth sat the detective with a mysterious mare. As Roseate drew near, she saw that it was a unicorn with a purple coat and an orange mane pulled back into a bun.
Seeing Roseate, the detective waved her over, a gesture that Roseate thought was a little odd. Nevertheless, Roseate moved closer to the solar guard.
"Azure Velvet! It’s great to see you here!" Frost Brook greeted, "Miss Fizzle and I were just discussing her case. Please have a seat."
So the detective thought Roseate was this Azure Velvet whom Mittenz had heard him talk to on the tape recorder. Well, there was no reason for her to break the illusion. Roseate sat down in the chair.
"You should really try out the pie here," Frost Brook insisted, "I swear it's the best slice of pie I've had in all Equestria."
That was a bold claim, granted, since Frost Brook was a member of the Solar Guard it was possible that he may have been to enough locations to warrant such a declaration.
"So, what have you learned so far?" Roseate inquired.
"Well, from my inquiries I have reason to believe that there might be a cult present here in Muleport," Frost Brook's replied, "possibly dedicated to the Smiling Prince, the Mad Lord, or some creature imprisoned in the depths of Tartarus."
"Do you believe they're responsible for the disappearances?"
"Possibly, however I am more inclined to believe that there might be a witch involved. That maybe she has bound herself to some entity within the forest."
Roseate stroked her chin. Could he be talking about Arsthotua? Or perhaps there was another witch who was connected to a separate entity. Maybe this being resided in the Swanling House.
"Were you able to find out where this entity resides?" Roseate asked.
"Not the exact location," Frost answered, "however, I do believe that a magic detector could be used to find it."
"Magic detector?"
"Yeah, it’s some experimental hardware," the detective explained, "much like how some unicorns can detect and feel the magic around them..."
Detective Frost froze and gave Roseate a concerned look.
"Azure, are you all right?"
"I'm fine. Why?"
"Well, you're the one who came up with the original design for the device. So why are you asking so many questions about it?"
Oh dear. Roseate might have overstepped her bounds, however, maybe some quick deception could solve the problem.
Roseate scoffed and waved a hoof, "Oh, I knew about it. I was merely testing you is all."
Frost Brook's was still for a moment and then smiled, "Now that‘s the Azure Velvet I know."
As the detective let out a chuckle, Roseate joined in for a moment. A soft, sad smile marked Frost's face.
"It’s good to see you again, Velvet."
Well, the mood had changed and not in the way Roseate had inspected. Time to redirect the subject.
"So I assume you sent in a request for the magic detector."
"Yes, it should be arriving at the post office in the next few days," Frost answered, "the postmaster has been instructed to only give the package to the pony with the correct password."
How convenient. The package might already be at the post office.
"And what's the password?" Roseate inquired.
"Feline Jelly."
"Feline Jelly?"
The detective smiled cleverly, "What is the likelihood that anypony would guess it?"
That was true, it truly was a rather odd and out of the ordinary password.
Looking over at Ginger Fizzle, Roseate couldn't help but notice how similar they were in appearance. It was uncanny. Of course, that could have been because Frost thought Roseate resembled the missing teacher and combined them into a singular representation.
"So, what have you been talking to Ginger about?" Roseate asked.
"Not much really," Frost replied, "usually about the weather, whether she thinks she was murdered or not. Sometimes she mentions slugs."
"Slugs?"
It was then that the world went grayscale and became completely still. Looking around everypony in the room was frozen, except for Ginger Fizzle who looked at Roseate with glowing yellow eyes and drool dripping from her mouth.
"Roseate," something spoke through the dream apparition of Ginger, "I have a message for you from the Late Mother."
The way Fizzle talked it was as if she was being controlled by a creature that didn't know how a pony's mouth functioned. Saliva dripping forth onto the table.
"I'm listening."
"The entity you seek is not one but two," the creature said, "both feeding and living off the other. However, it is more nefarious than that. One has its claws in the recesses of your mind. Claws in the recesses of its birth place."
"What do you know of these entities?" Roseate called out.
Ginger Fizzle coughed as a large gray slug slithered forth from her mouth. Its antenna wiggling in the air as it plopped down onto the plate in front of the teacher.
"Tell me!"
As the slug died, its body decayed into a sickening black sludge. Slowly the apparition of Ginger Fizzle did the same a black puddle forming on the seat cushion as color returned to the world.
Frost Brook's blinked a few times, "I guess she must have left."
Roseate began to stand, preparing to leave this patch of dreamscape. That was when a hoof reached out and grabbed a hold of her shoulder. Turning around, Roseate saw the detective, a look of desperation upon his face.
"Please stay," Frost pleaded, "at least share a cup of coffee with me."
Even though the detective was touching her, Roseate insides weren't bothering her in response. Maybe it was because subconsciously she knew it was just a dream or perhaps there was some other reason. Either way, the sad expression on Frost Brook's face tugged at her heart strings.
"Very well," Roseate answered, "one cup of coffee."
A waitress with a mug for a head came over and placed two cups of coffee down on the table in front of Roseate and detective Frost. After putting in some sugar, Roseate took a sip.
"Thank you," Frost Brook's said with a small smile.
Upon leaving Frost Brook's dream, Roseate knew what she would have to do. Acquire the magic detector and use it to find the Swanling House. Then...
"What are you doing?"
Looking up, Roseate saw the nurse standing in the doorway, a worried look on her face. Had she seen anything? Did she have an idea what magic Roseate had been using on the detective?
Once more Roseate put on her sorrowful facade, hoping to deceive the nurse again. She brushed the detective's brow, her stomach churning at the gesture. "I... I was just trying to see if he was okay."
The nurse's wing twitched. It didn't look like she wasn't buying it anymore.
"You need to leave!"
Roseate stepped toward the nurse. What should she do? She was still tired from using her glamour on the detective. How was she going to deal with this mess?
Again the nurse's wing twitched as Roseate drew near and that magical scent wafted over to her. It was then that an idea popped into Roseate's head. It was merely a hunch, but it might just work.
Roseate ceased her sad act and stepped uncomfortably close to the nurse. The mare bit her lip nervously.
"I guess since the jig is up," Roseate said menacingly, "Tell your order that I have no intention of bothering them unless they get in my way!"
Roseate proceeded to step past the nurse only to stop next to the mare and whisper in her ear.
"Oh, and tell them that the Bride of Arsthotua sends her regards."
Before the nurse could respond, Roseate was on her way to the next vital destination.
It hadn't been too difficult for Roseate to obtain the magic detector. After donning a disguise and using a voice alteration spell, Roseate went to the post office and gave the password she had learned from the detective's dream.
The magic detector was a metal disk with a crystal panel and a few knobs, which could be adjusted to any magical frequency.
With the device in hoof, Roseate made her way into the forest, the device pulsing a blue light as she walked.
"I see you have some tricks up your sleeve." A familiar voice came from above. Looking up, Roseate saw Mittenz sitting on a tree branch.
"Indeed I do."
The cat dropped down from the tree, landing on all fours.
"Do you mind if I accompany you on your little exploration?" Mittenz inquired.
"You may."
The two of them walked through the forest, the magic detector beeping as they went.
"What do you plan on doing with that device when you find the Swanling House?". Mittenz asked.
"I will destroy it."
"That's a shame."
"True, but if I don't, there is no guarantee that this magic detector can't be traced back to me when I am done," Roseate replied, "that and there is no guarantee that they can't use it to find Arsthotua either."
The device beeped louder.
"It's a shame, but I understand."
As the magic detector grew more active, a shape appeared among the trees. The closer they came, the more the device protested as the shape more and more resembled a building.
"Do you believe you could find your way back here?" Roseate asked.
"I do and I can."
Stepping past some trees, Roseate and Mittenz found themselves in front of a large mansion. The house was huge with extensions made from wood that seemed contradictory to that of the main structure's design.
"So this is the house." Mittenz said, his fur standing on end.
"Indeed. Please stick close to me."
Mittenz moved closer to Roseate and followed her to the house. At the front of the house was a door, framed by the statues of two faceless mares. The door opened with ease.
Stepping inside the house, Roseate could make out the scent of mold, mildew, rotting wood, and decay. Yet despite the scent and the dust covering every surface, the room seemed organized.
In the wooden entryway there stood an ivory statue of a beautiful unicorn mare with a flowing mane and an elegant kimono. No doubt this sculpted image was Fog Tail's interpretation of Mistmane's beauty. Lining the walls were portraits of the same mare.
The wooden floor creaked and groaned as Roseate moved deeper into the house. Stepping into the main room she saw a few more statues and a mural that spanned the circular room. In the center of the far wall was a fireplace. It was Roseate's observation of this painting as well as the carved images that alerted her to Fog Tail's obsessive insanity.
Along the wall was the mare standing and sitting in various provocative poses. As the mural shifted to the left, Mistmane's form began to shift as well. Her legs became more elongated and increased in number, multiple alluring eyes grew forth from her skull, fangs stretched forth from her muzzle and both her mane and tail became a net of writhing tendrils. The statues also began to express such fearsome changes.
It was then that Roseate was able to feel the presence of the corpse under the house. It was an eldritch being the size of a mountain, its rotting flesh serving as the foundation of the manor. Closer observation revealed that the fireplace was in fact made of the upper jaw bone of a massive beast.
"Why would Miss Fizzle be lured out here?" Roseate pondered as she began to investigate the house, its contents showing the original owner's madness. Closing her eyes, Roseate tried to sense if there was any way the bones of the previous creature could be responsible.
There was something else, some other magical force present, but Roseate couldn't place a hoof on it. All she could tell was that it was further down.
Looking around, Roseate discovered a door. While it was barred and locked, the disturbed dust indicated that the locks had been recently disturbed. Walking over, Roseate closed her eyes and placed a hoof on the lock.
Instantly, the lock clicked and fell away. The magic detector began to click more rapidly as the door opened.
Stepping through the doorway, Roseate found herself in a room with faceless statues and in the chamber’s center was a gaping, bloodstained hole. The magic detector screeched loudly even as the eldritch miasma hit Roseate's mind. Whatever it was that rested below, it didn't belong to this world.
It was both dangerous and powerful and would require some great magic to conquer.
"I think it is time we returned home," Roseate said worriedly.
"Good evening, my watchers!" Roseate said as she unveiled the mirror. The lights beyond the glass flickered.
Upon discovering the Swanling House, Roseate had destroyed the magic detector and had a bite to eat before going upstairs to inspect the mirror.
"Now, before I start answering questions," Roseate interjected, "it would seem that I might need to make a sigil to deal with whatever is underneath the Swanling House and is probably responsible for the disappearances around town."
Pulling out the Isidria, Roseate turned to a bookmarked page with numerous icons.
"However, they can't just be normal sigils, they have to be specifically created for countering beings from beyond the fifth veil," Roseate explained, "so I have gone ahead and selected a few for you to pick from. The options for sigils are; the Clawed Tail, the Chaotic Lord, the Mare in the Moon and the Prince of Shadows."
Some of the lights beyond the mirror blinked in a puzzled manner. Perhaps it would be wise to explain in greater detail.
"The Tailed Claw, an empire of Ahuizotl, who send their infant young to conquer worlds. The Chaotic Lord, a mad prince locked away in stone. The Mare in the Moon, a princess who was and continues to be bound to the moon by unseen chains. Lastly, the Prince of Shadows, an entity of fear who stalks the frozen north as a husk of his former self. The sigil will draw its magic from one of these beings to power the athame, however we must be wary, sometimes the essence of these beings will leak out and affect our world also."
Once the sigil was picked and designed, her athame would be powerful enough to harm the eldritch threat that posed a great danger to the citizens of Muleport.
"Now, onto the questions!"
NicLove asks: "Can you go where your husband was born and live?"
"Sort of," Roseate answered, "while I could travel there, I would only be able to survive for so long. Even if the native wildlife didn't try to make me into a snack, the atmosphere would gradually wear away at my lungs and nervous system until I lost the ability to breath and think properly."
NicLove ask: "Have you went there before?"
"Once for our wedding ceremony," Roseate answered, "however I was only there for roughly ten minutes. Fortunately the ceremony came to an end before matters became too drastic."
NicLove ask: "How was it?"
"It was an... Interesting location. It felt like when you are swimming in a murky lake and after fully submerging yourself you open your eyes and see the shadows of other creatures moving around in the water. However, like I said before, it is very difficult for ponies to survive there for long."
Sentinel053 asks: "Do you ever have to fight eldritch horrors who possibly try to invade Equestria from another dimension?"
"Sometimes, however, it isn't as common as one might think."
Lunar asks: "Hm... something’s going wrong, another one gone? Hm... who do you think is doing this?"
"I have the feeling that whatever I sensed was under that house might be responsible."
Rhawkas asks: "What wild creature native to Equestria are you most afraid of? Why?"
"Timberwolves can be quite fearsome," Roseate answered, "and the fact that they have a habit of taking forever to die doesn't help much either. I'm sure the first one must have been made by a witch, that's really the only thing that makes much sense."
Roseate scratched her chin and pondered.
"However, rabbits can also be rather frightening. Behind that fluffy exterior is a being of cunning and deadly intent."
Viper Pit asks: "A celestial migration and another missing pony. It can't be a coincidence. I wonder if they are connected to Miss Fizzle."
"It is possible," Roseate answered, "chances are that whatever took Ginger Fizzle is also the one who took Star Watcher."
Quillian Inkheart asks: "Which is harder for you: keeping your secrets as a witch, masking Arsthotua's true nature from nosy neighbors, or balancing everything in your secret life, while trying to maintain a normal, casual life?"
"It's really having to juggle all of it that I find difficult. Being a witch isn't too hard so long as nothing goes wrong and teaching isn't so bad if the students do what they're supposed to do. It's when things get out of hoof that there are problems."
Rhawkas asks: "What's your favorite animal? Why?"
"Haven't I already answered this question. Oh well, I like cats but I also think octopi look cute too. The latter kind of reminds me of my husband."
Roseate scratched her chin with a hoof.
"I wonder what would happen if I managed to combine those two creatures?"
Viper Pit asks: "A lot of this is above my pay grade, can't you just get a changeling to replace her?"
"The thing about changelings is that they can be very untrustworthy. If they accept a bargain from you, more likely than not they have more to benefit from it than you do," Roseate answered, "that and Queen Chrysalis and I... aren't really on speaking terms at the moment."
NicLove ask: "If you weren't married, who in this town would you go out on a date with?"
"Honestly, if it weren't for my marriage, I'm not sure I would even be here to answer your questions." Roseate gave a nervous grin.
The lights behind the mirror stirred.
"I think we have time for one more question," Roseate smiled, "let's see who we have next."
Rehtaf asks:"Hello Roseate, it's been a long time...
Suddenly Roseate's blood went cold.
"You were such a foolish little filly thinking you would be free of me...
The surface of the mirror began to shimmer and change as twelve long hoof like appendages reached out from the looking glass, each limb as reflective as crystal.
She couldn't move. Fear had engulfed Roseate at the presence of this thing. Of HIM. How could it be HIM? All she could do was watch as the hooves of glass reached out to her.
They grabbed a hold of her and began to pull her toward the mirror.
"I will make you pay for everything you put me through you dirty, little, b..."
Before the assailant could continue, a large green tentacle came down and smashed through the reflective limbs. There was a high pitch scream as the glassy hooves fell to the floor, shattering against the wood.
The sound of glass tinkling on the floor resonated through Roseate's mind even as she drifted into unconsciousness.
Alefutgonnong yog mimary trensmossoaniph.
(Beginning of Memory Transmission)
Roseate walked down the hallway, trying to find some place to hide. Her mother was tending to Roseate's baby brother, meaning that her stepfather would have free rein to do as he pleased.
While Roseate had considered telling her mother about the foul things her stepfather did to her, the stallion had continually warned her what would happen if any pony found out. Nothing. Why would any pony care what happened to a dead horned unicorn? This was her punishment for being a bastard child, for not being a true unicorn.
Just hearing her stepfather's words brought tears to the young filly's eyes.
Even her stuffed toy bunny, Mister Smelly Bottoms provided her with very little comfort.
Eventually her stepfather would find her and have his way with her, but even then Roseate would enjoy a moment of freedom.
As Roseate sneaked through the hallway, she stumbled upon the door to her stepfather's library, open just a creak. Perhaps this would be a good hiding place, after all why would he suspect that she would be hiding in his library? Roseate cautiously moved through the entryway and closed it quietly behind her.
When her stepfather had moved in, he had been sure to set up a room to contain many of his books. How he came upon them, Roseate could only guess.
Mother had been having difficulties feeding the baby colt, so after talking with a physician she had started taking a potion to help her lactate. While mother had told Roseate that the colt was her brother, something about it just felt off and every time she tried to think about it, a gnawing pain would radiate through Roseate's skull.
As Roseate walked through the library, she felt something pulling on her mind, drawing her deeper and as she explored the books seemed to become more... foreign, with titles written with bizarre sigils. However, none of them seemed to be the one calling to her.
It wasn't until she reached the corner of the room that Roseate discovered the source of what was calling out to her. It was a large tome covered in dark purple scales, perhaps belonging to a dragon or sea serpent. Numerous pieces of bronze metal held the book's edges with a strange green gem in the center of the cover. The volume rested upon a steel book stand.
Roseate reached up and carefully pulled the book down to examine it. Somehow just touching the tome felt... right, like it had been intended for her. As if it were a severed limb that had been restored.
Opening the book, Roseate was surprised to find that the pages were completely blank. Then words began to echo inside of her mind.
'Kathral ses'h nyurbodh?
"Ouch," a hiss of pain escaped Roseate's lips, gripping her temples as a dull ache radiated through her skull.
'Nupliesi ried feb'th ngi 'eo tos melesh.'
As she opened her eyes, Roseate could see ink appearing on the blank pages forming words in an alien language. As the words formed Roseate found herself reading them aloud.
As she finished, Roseate listened but heard nothing more. Had she imagined the voice, had those words always been on the page? As Roseate rubbed her temples, she felt something touch her shoulder.
"So, this is where you've been hiding," a familiar masculine voice said, "you know I don't like it when you play games like th..."
Roseate turned to face her stepfather. The unicorn stallion had a gray coat with a blue mane, the tips a bright crimson. His red eyes looked down at her with pure hatred.
"What have you done?" He growled motioning to the tome.
Looking back, Roseate saw that the words were still there on the otherwise blank page, the letters glowing with a green energy.
"It would seem you left me no choice."
Roseate didn't have a chance to reply as she suddenly felt her strength being drained from her.
"You couldn't have just played along, could you?" Were the last words Roseate heard as the world around her went black.
'W-wake. Wake. Wake up. Wake up!'
Roseate's eyes shot open as she came back to consciousness, she tried to move but the rattling of chains revealed that she was in fact bound.
As her eyes adjusted, Roseate soon realized that she was in some sort of underground chamber, the only light being from the cloaked ponies surrounding her. At the head of the group, was her stepfather, who looked upon her with a mixture of fear, hatred, and disgust.
Once more Roseate tried to escape, only to discover that she had been chained to a stone altar. She tried to cry but her mouth was sealed shut. Straps of orange fabric were pulled tightly around her body.
"Brothers and sisters," He spoke to the crowd, "forgive me for calling you this late, but it would seem that the silent tome, the Isidria has spoken, all thanks to... this child!"
He motioned with a hoof toward her.
Now he would finally be rid of her. Finally be free of her illegitimate blood residing in his house. Free of her pathetic deformity, her dead horn. Free of the little toy he loved to torment.
"Now that it has spoken we must make an offering," He raised his voice, "an offering to please the god of the tome! To please the Word Eater! So that it may share its knowledge with us and give us the pleasure WE desire!"
All of the cultists nodded in agreement. Their voices rising as they spoke an ancient chant.
'H-help... do... do you wish... for me... to h-help?' There was that voice again. How come nopony else could hear it? Or were they just ignoring it?
As the cult chanted, he brandished a knife. A bronze dagger with alien runes etched into the blade. His grin growing wider as it drew closer to her flesh.
"With this ceremonial blade, I bring forth a new era!"
Despite the gag holding her mouth shut, Roseate tried to scream, 'Somepony help me!'
As the words echoed through her brain, the world around her seemed to slow to a standstill. The world turned gray around her. Out of nowhere, a large green eye appeared in front of Roseate, somehow giving her a questioning expression.
'W-want... h-help? Yes?'
Roseate nodded her head up and down in affirmation. The eye blinked in response.
'Very... well!' The eye closed, completely disappearing as the world slowly regained color. Panic filled Roseate as her stepfather's ritual resumed without hesitation.
Then suddenly a green light began to fill the room and a confused expression covered his face, "What is happening?"
Green circles with black interiors lined the walls of the underground chamber and looking down from the ceiling were three glowing green eyes. Seeing their "god" present before them, the cultist knelt to the ground, while Roseate's stepfather looked on in bewilderment.
"H-how can this be?"
Long, green tendrils emerged from the holes lining the walls, one of which drew close to him. The tentacle swayed, almost as if pondering what to do with the stallion, before its tip split open, revealing a large maw filled with teeth as sharp as needles and a moist tongue. He was barely able to utter a scream before he was completely engulfed.
Then the room was filled with screams as the other tentacles turned their attention to the remaining cultists. Roseate's heart beat out of her chest as she witnessed the three eyes descend from the ceiling toward her. As she looked into them, the massacre around her faded away.
'Help. I help! Yes.'
Fear filled Roseate as a tentacle reached out and rubbed her cheek, drawing her attention away from the chaos around her.
'Yes. I help. I save. I saved you. Yes.'
Then Roseate saw no more.
Befers yog mimary trensmossoaniph.
(End of Memory Transmission)
Roseate awoke with a start, her body drenched in sweat. It was as if her entire body was trying to cry in response to the painful memories.
As her eyes adjusted to the darkness , Roseate saw that she was being gently cradled in her husband's tentacles. Three eyes slowly appeared in front of her, their soft glow illuminating her surroundings.
'Dear, are you... okay?'
Tears ran down Roseate's face.
"No," Roseate answered, "I'm not."
Chapter 9 - When Eldritch Crap Hits an Inter-dimensional Fan
“It is our duty to be a beacon to those outside. To draw them to our world where they may reside. We must illuminate the way for them so that they may fulfill our every desire. Our pleasure an incense to their presence and we must let none stand in our way, even those who share our blood.”
An intercepted message from, the Cult of the Candle.
Roseate scurried from building to building, her ears perked for any sound that might indicate the presence of her pursuer; the tentacle-shaped buildings reaching upwards all around her.
Hearing the sound of something scraping against metal from a structure across the way, Roseate cautiously moved into an alleyway between two of the tendriled structures.
Roseate stopped when she noticed a familiar light coming from a puddle in one of the alleys. As she approached it, Roseate realized it was a medium-sized hole filled with water, the glow coming from below.
'Where are you, my dear,' HE called out, 'We need to finish what we started last night.'
Taking a deep breath, Roseate dove into the hole, water splashing about as she swam forth. Looking forward, she could see a faint white sphere at the end of a long tunnel, the circle growing brighter as Roseate drew near.
Pulling herself out of the puddle, Roseate found herself on the side of a concrete road. On both sides were trees, their bark as white as bone and their leaves reaching up toward the night sky like blackened veins. Looking up at the moon, Roseate saw the shape of the princess of the night. There was a small yellow light where her eye should be, watching from above.
Glancing back at the hole she had emerged from, Roseate spotted the skeleton of a canine. The bones were small and fragile.
"A puppy," Roseate said, "maybe a few weeks old."
Aside from the concrete path she was standing on, Roseate had no clue how to proceed with the dream, so she started to walk.
As she moved along the road, Roseate could feel something watching her from the trees. Furthermore, it seemed that while she was walking forward, the scenery around her was moving away, as if the path itself was moving backwards. Every step forward was two steps back. Just another bizarre aspect of the dream.
Walking forward, Roseate saw a shape in the mist, the shape of a young filly sitting on the path.
"Hello!" Roseate called out.
Immediately, the filly picked herself up and ran further down the road, deeper into the fog.
"Wait!"
A breeze swept up from behind Roseate and with it came a foul smell. Shortly after came the sound of something wet, slapping against the ground.
Turning around, Roseate saw a massive shape shambling through the mist. It was a giant dog, its flesh rotting, white milky eyes peering through the darkness. The monstrosity carried itself forward on its two front legs, its lower half completely gone, except for the lengths of intestine that it pulled behind like heavy chains.
Opening its maw, a feminine voice emerged from the undead hound, "Stop crying! You need to grow up!"
Roseate moaned as she awoke from her slumber. Her body felt tired and sore, just like it had so long ago.
Glancing around, Roseate saw that she was in her bedroom, the ceiling of which was squirming with Arsthotua's tentacles. Three of her husband's eyes looked down at her.
'How are you feeling?'
"Sore and tired," Roseate replied, "do you know what happened?"
'It would appear that you were hexed.'
"Hexed..."
So it would seem that detective's speculations that there was a witch in Muleport was true all along.
'I did place a ward on the mirror. So it shouldn't happen again.'
With the hex gone, the scryial should be safe... for now.
"Thank you, darling."
Roseate felt warm inside the protective aura of her husband. Even in the darkest hour, he was always striving to keep her safe. That comfort made Roseate's insides tingle with excitement.
"Honey, would you like to stir my cauldron before I head off to work?"
A slight chuckle reverberated through Roseate's mind. 'Unfortunately, I don't believe we have time for that. You slept in later than usual and if you don't hurry you will be late for class.'
Roseate jumped out of bed, "What? Why didn't you wake me up earlier?"
'After the events of last night, I didn't want to disturb you.'
While Roseate appreciate her husband's thoughtfulness, she couldn't help but feel a little frustrated as she swiftly prepared for the day.
Roseate's breathing was heavy as she entered the school building. With luck she had barely managed to make it to the campus. Before Roseate had a chance to head to her classroom, a message came over the intercom.
"Roseate Grimsbane, please come to the Principal's office!"
A sinking feeling wormed through Roseate's stomach.
"What now?"
Heeding the message, Roseate redirected herself to the principal's office. Stepping into the room, Roseate saw the principal sitting in his chair, a nervous expression on his face.
"Uh... Hello, miss Roseate," the principal said, "please have a seat."
In front of the desk was a chair. Naturally Roseate sat down. The tension was thick in the air.
"Is something wrong, sir?" Roseate asked.
"I am afraid so," the principal answered, "there have been some concerns given to us about your teaching."
"With all due respect, sir," Roseate replied, "I teach my students to the best of my abilities."
The principal raised his hooves.
"I know. However my hooves are tied. In regards to the information I have been given I am forced to suspend you from teaching for the time being."
Roseate was taken aback by this. For what reason was she being suspended?
"For what reason?" Roseate asked.
"I am not at liberty to say."
So the reason for the suspension didn't matter. Whoever was pulling the strings just wanted Roseate out of the way and the principal was the middle stallion.
"How long will I be suspended?" Roseate asked.
The principal shrugged, "I can't say."
Silence filled the room as Roseate pondered what the principal had said. Who would be willing to compromise her teaching position? Did the cult or even the witch have some involvement in this?
"Well, thank you for your time sir." Roseate said as she stood up from her chair.
"I will make sure that the students are alerted of your absence."
Without another word, Roseate left the room. As she walked toward the exit, Roseate saw May Berry making her way to the principal's office.
Now Roseate had a pretty good idea who was responsible.
On her way home, Roseate mumbled about what had occurred at the school. Anger bowled within her veins like a boiling star.
"Stupid, dumb principal! May cysts break out over your body and your food taste of worms!"
While it was tempting to act on such a curse, Roseate knew it would do no good. At least not at the moment.
It was the sound of a twig snapping in the forest that alerted, Roseate that she wasn't alone. Peering through the leaves, Roseate saw the source of the noise.
Among the trees was a mare matching Ginger Fizzle's description. Yellow sludge like the slime she had seen secreted from the sickly tree, leaked from the Mare's eyes and mouth. Her mane reached up into the trees like great branches. Hanging from those otherworldly stalks were round pieces of fruit, each with a unique appearance. Upon closer inspection, Roseate realized that the fruit possessed the faces of her students.
As she stepped toward the apparition, it let out an otherworldly cry before disappearing into a puff of ash, before blowing away in the wind.
Whatever was responsible for the horrors going on in the forest it was growing stronger. Roseate needed to finish the sigil as soon as possible.
Picking up the pace, Roseate returned home and made her way to the mirror room. Pulling a panel aside, she revealed a compartment with some hidden boxes. Removing one of the boxes, Roseate began to examine its contents. As she removed them, she read the necessary components from the Isidria.
"A ruby root, three summer moth wings, black sulfur, a shard of moonstone, balor... Where's my balorite?"
Peering through the box, Roseate came to the conclusion that she must have run out of balorite.
And she knew that there was only one way to obtain balorite in a timely manner.
"The Hellion Society."
If she was going to meet with the Hellion Society, there was one item she would need.
Looking through the box, Roseate cringed when she finally found the mask.
"Oh crap!"
The original color the mask had possessed was faded and much of the ceramic surface was cracked. Taking a deep breath, Roseate turned the mask over and examined the inside.
"Oh please still be alive."
Roseate clicked her tongue and watched as a small pink tendril stretched out from one of the small holes on the inside of the mask.
"Well at least the Ksemmon is still alive."
If the creature within the mask had died, then it would be impossible for her to enter the Hellion Society. However, since the Ksemmon was fine, all Roseate needed to do was repair the mask and make it look presentable. As Roseate considered what design to give her mask, the sound of the doorbell ringing drew her attention.
"I wonder who that might be?"
Putting her mask away, Roseate left the room and made her way to the front door.
Stepping past the doorway to the toy room, Roseate noticed that there was a new addition she had neglected to see earlier. Unfortunately, she would have to check on it later; however Roseate felt that it might have been connected to Maple Sugar's dream. Reaching the front door, Roseate glanced through the peephole but saw no one on the other side.
Roseate growled, ready to assume that it was some filthy prank when the doorbell rang again. Cautious and annoyed, Roseate took hold of the doorknob with her magic.
Opening the door, Roseate saw Sour Sapphire and Maple Sugar standing on the front step. No wonder she hadn't seen them through the peephole, they were too short to be seen.
"Hello children," Roseate greeted, "do both of you wish to speak to me?"
"Ummm, yes, actually," Sour Sapphire answered.
"You know Quillian right?" Maple Sugar asked.
Well, that should be obvious considering that she was their teacher after all. Before Roseate could let out the mean retort she restrained her tongue. After all, it wasn't their fault that she was having a bad day. Pulling the corners of her mouth back, Roseate gave them the best smile she could.
"Yes, I know him," Roseate answered.
"Well, he didn't come to class today," Maple Sugar exploded, "so we went to his house to see him, but when we got there his caretaker said he wasn't feeling well."
"If he is sick, then why do you need me?"
"Thing is," Sour Sapphire spoke up, "when we passed by the window it was dark, yet I know I saw something in there, looking back at us."
This statement grabbed Roseate's attention. Had the sealing ritual failed somehow? Was Quillian's nightmare growing within his room that very moment?
"I see," Roseate replied, "thank you for bringing this to my attention."
Yes, it would seem that it was time for Roseate to pay her student a visit.
"Thank you for coming," Gracius said, "I've been worried about him."
Glancing around the house, Roseate could see that the elderly mare had worked hard trying to take care of her adopted children and maintaining home. It was probably a very difficult task at her age but her love was apparent all the same.
"The pleasure is all mine," Roseate replied, "how long has he been like this?"
"Since yesterday evening," Gracius answered, "he won't leave his room and he insists I leave his food at the door. I tried to go in his room but that made him very upset."
"I see."
Gracius directed Roseate toward the staircase.
"His room is upstairs," Gracius explained, "would you like for me to accompany you?"
As noble an act as that was, Roseate knew that the elderly mare would only get in the way. Roseate gave Gracius a calm smile.
"There is no need. I am sure I can find my way."
Ascending the steps, Roseate walked to the upstairs hallway. Reaching the top, Roseate spotted the silhouette of another pony in a doorway out of the corner of her eye. Turning her attention to the shape, Roseate saw a young pegasus filly with a coat like the color of dried papyrus and a yellow mane. Roseate recognized her as Quillian's sister, Wordy Whisper, another one of Roseate's students. Wordy was sort of the school gossiper, spreading any secrets she could learn from others on the playground.
At first, Roseate had been surprised that they were in fact siblings considering how one was a pegasus and the other a unicorn. Then again it wasn't too odd considering how Roseate was herself, the bastard child of an affair between a unicorn and an earth pony.
Wordy’s expression changed upon noticing Roseate, becoming a mixture of concern and hope.
"Is he going to be okay?" Wordy Whisper asked. Her yellow eyes expressing her concern for her brother's well-being.
"Don't worry," Roseate answered, "I'm sure he'll be fine."
It wasn't a complete lie, Roseate intended to help Whisper's brother, just like she had before. However, without knowing Quillian's condition, there was no guarantee that Roseate could fulfill such a promise.
Roseate's statement made Wordy Whisper smile. "Good."
"Would you mind pointing me toward your brother's room?" Roseate asked.
Wordy pointed to a green door on the other side of the hall. "It's that door right there."
"Thank you, dear."
"Would you like for me to show you inside?" Wordy asked.
Roseate was sure that if there was something supernatural going on with Quillian, it would be very unwise to have Wordy follow along. The last thing either Roseate or Quillian needed was for rumors going around Muleport about it.
"I think I will be fine on my own," Roseate replied, "but thank you so much for your generosity."
A wide, happy smile stretched across Whisper's face in response to the compliment.
"You're welcome Miss Roseate," Wordy said before stepping back into her room.
Stepping up to Quillian's door, Roseate noticed a couple empty plates sitting nearby, a suspicious black ink stain on the edges. Opening the door, Roseate stepped inside her student's room.
There was a prominent scent similar to that of greasy chemicals or mildew in the air as Roseate entered the room. The room was dark, save for a single lamp in the corner of the room.
"Quillian are you in here?" Roseate called out as she stepped inside.
"Miss Roseate? Is that you?"
Something moved in the corner of the room, behind a small table that had been pushed over onto its side. The sound of some liquid sloshing accompanied the movement. Hearing Quillian's voice, Roseate couldn't help but notice that it sounded off, as if it was being spoken from underwater.
"Yes, it is me dear child," Roseate answered, "your friends told me to come see you."
There was some more sloshing.
"I really wish they hadn't," Inkheart replied.
"They were very concerned about you. You have some really good friends."
Stepping further into the room, Roseate tried to sense for any magical or supernatural energy.
"They can't help me." Inkheart sniffled.
"You're right, they can't," Roseate replied, "not unless you let them. Now I'm sure that it would be difficult for them at such a young age to help you with what you are going through. Fortunately, I am available at the moment, so if you would so kindly show yourself I would greatly appreciate it."
Roseate went silent, waiting for her student's response.
Out from behind the table crept a small creature, like a deformed slug. As it came into the light, Roseate realized that the creature was in fact Quillian, or at least what Quillian would look like if he had melted into a puddle of slime. Admittedly, Roseate was impressed that her student had learned to move while in such a form. It took most ponies who were transformed into slime, months to learn to navigate their surroundings without the usual muscles.
Quillian looked up at her, his face dripping like a goth mare's makeup in a rainstorm.
"I look disgusting, don't I?"
To some, such a transformation might appear distasteful, however, for Roseate the current appearance of her student was not too far out of the ordinary.
Most likely this was a side effect of the ritual Roseate had performed in Quillian's dream in order to seal away the nightmare. As a result his body had adapted to a form to better contain the entity within.
Roseate shook her head.
"No," Roseate answered, "not to me."
Two slimy pseudopods emerged from Quillian's slime pony body before splattering against the floor.
"What do I do now?" Quillian asked, "I can't leave my home like this."
"Well, to put it simply," Roseate answered, "you'll need to learn to control it."
After about an hour Roseate was able to help Quillian gain some semblance of control over his inky body. Given a day or two the young colt would be able to retain his physical form once more.
Tired from both the ordeal as well as the other nonsense she had to deal with that day, Roseate stopped by the Maple Family Diner. The bell jingles as she stepped inside.
"Welcome," Maple Syrup greeted, "please have a seat."
Most of the other customers were already seated.
Slowly Roseate made her way to the front counter and sat on a stool, tired and feeling a little discouraged. Once she was done with the other customers, Maple Syrup came over to Roseate.
"What can I get for you dear?" She asked.
"A strawberry milkshake, please." Roseate answered.
"Coming right up."
While the waitress prepared the milkshake, Roseate contemplated what she was going to do. Without her job, it would be difficult for her to blend into society. As a new family in a new home, money was something essential. Even though they weren't so desperate for money as others, without work the town folk might question how she was able to support herself and her husband. Some gossiping housewives or promiscuous stallions might have the wrong idea.
However it wasn't just a matter of blending in that bothered her. The fact was, Roseate had developed a slight attachment to her students. A sense of loneliness swept over Roseate, knowing she wouldn't be able to teach them.
"Is something wrong?" Maple Syrup asked as she placed a tall glass of strawberry milkshake down in front of Roseate.
Roseate let out a sigh, "I suppose you could say that. It would seem that the school I work at no longer desires my services."
Maple Syrup gasped, "That's terrible! My daughter Sugar has told me how much she loves your class!"
"Well, I am glad somepony enjoyed them."
"So what are you going to do now?" Maple asked.
"Well, now I have to find someplace to work," Roseate answered, taking a sip of her milkshake.
Maple Syrup stroked her chin as if contemplating something, before walking back into the kitchen. As Roseate sipped more of her beverage, she overheard two of the other customers talking.
"Hey, did you hear about the creature in the woods?" One asked.
"Yeah," the other replied, "apparently it attacked a Solar Guard the other night."
Both of them stood up from their table.
"Do you think it's responsible for Old Bark's disappearance?"
"Possibly."
The bell jiggled as the two customers left the diner. It was about that time that Maple Syrup returned.
"So, Miss Grimsbane, how would you like to work here in the diner?" Maple asked. This inquiry caught Roseate by surprise.
"What? Work here?"
Maple Syrup nodded. "I just got off the phone with my husband and he was fine with it. And having another waitress around here would be kind of nice. So, if you want to, you could work here. What do you say?"
Roseate considered Maple Syrup's offer. Working here could serve her need to blend in while providing her with a few bits.
Also, there was a chance that maybe her students would pay her a visit while she was working. And all she had to do was take the customer's orders and deliver food to them. It really wasn’t that bad of a gig.
A smile crept across Roseate's lips. "Why not? Let's give it a try."
As she approached her abode, Roseate was shocked to see detective Frost Brook standing out front. He was wearing his suit despite much of his left foreleg being missing, the fabric tied back to cover up the damaged limb. A warm smile stretched across his face when he noticed Roseate.
"Good morning." Frost greeted, his cheerful mood a strong contrast to Roseate's.
"What do you want?" Roseate asked, suspicious of the detective's intentions.
Frost Brook's face took on a puzzled expression.
"I just wanted to thank you for saving me the other night," the detective answered, "the hospital staff told me how you brought me to safety after I was attacked by some wild beast in the forest. So naturally since I was in the area, I thought I would express my gratitude in person."
Looking over the detective and examining both his attitude and movements, Roseate felt that Frost Brook's statement might actually be genuine. However, that didn't mean that Roseate had to be.
"Well, you're welcome." Roseate said, putting on her best fake smile.
"Yes," the detective continued, "I remember very little of that night. I was hoping that since you had saved me, that you might be able to shed some light on what happened."
That would be difficult to do. After all, it was to some extent Roseate's fault that Frost had been injured. However, perhaps if guided properly, she could give the detective what he wanted to hear.
"What would you like to know?"
"Well, for starters, I don't really know how I came by that bridge," Frost Brook said, "I remember walking to my hotel and then the very next moment I am in a hospital bed. Do you have any idea what had occurred during that time?"
No doubt that was probably when Roseate's glamour kicked in and forced Frost Brook to go to the bridge so he could destroy Ginger Fizzle's diary. The blank space was probably caused as a result. Such mind altering effects weren't foreign to Roseate, she could recall how her step-father would use HIS magic on the servants and her mother to cover up the sickening acts HE would perform on Roseate. Often they too would be confused by the empty holes in their memory. Always manipulating, always changing, just like the cruel puppeteer HE was.
As close as her glamour was to his magic, Roseate might feel repulsed by its nature if it hadn't been a necessity for her survival as well as a boon from her husband.
Roseate shook her head. "Unfortunately the only time I saw you after you left my house was at the bridge."
"Well, that is a shame," Frost said, "I guess I'll have to snoop around town to see if anypony else knows."
"I suppose so."
The detective started to walk away, heading back into town. His movement slow and jagged due to the missing limb. Once Frost Brook had passed by, Roseate began to step toward her house.
"One more thing..."
Roseate stopped moving, the fur on the back of her neck slowly rising.
"What were you doing out there that night?" Frost Brook continued his inquiry.
Turning around, Roseate faced the detective, "I was out for an evening stroll."
While the detective nodded it was clear that he wasn't buying it.
"Very well."
Roseate felt almost apprehensive pulling the blanket off of the mirror. The memories of what had happened the night before were still very clear in her mind. Even with the knowledge that the hex was gone, Roseate felt uneasy.
Sweat dripped from her brow as she pulled the blanket away from the Scryial. Mustering up her strength, Roseate put on a brave smile.
"Hello, my watchers," Roseate said, "we've had some technical difficulties but everything seems to be back to normal... Sort of. Anyway, before we start, I have an inquiry for all of you."
Reaching down, Roseate lifted the mask up to the Scryial to present it to those beyond the glass.
"This is a special mask, belonging to a special group of individuals. Now while I could go with just a plain mask, that simply won't do. So I thought I might ask you all for some ideas for what design I should give it."
The lights on the other side of the mirror moved forward, intrigued by Roseate's proposition.
"Now let us proceed with the questions." Roseate said, setting the mask down next to her.
Ri2 asks: "So that's how you met your husband? I suspected something like this and am sad to see it confirmed. No wonder you can't stand the touch of stallions."
"It is definitely a challenge, but I do make do. Thank you for your concern."
Roseate gave a small smile.
NicLove ask: "Why are you afraid of bunnies if you had a toy bunny when you were little?"
"Oh, but Smelly Bottoms isn't a real bunny," Roseate answered, "he's just a doll."
Quillian Inkheart asks: "Does Arsthotua know the name of the beast whose corpse resided under your ancestral home?"
"You mean the body under the Sapling House?" Roseate inquired, "While it isn't my house, I certainly could ask Arsthotua if he knows anything about this matter. Dear, do you know what the beast is underneath that house is?"
Three glowing eyes appeared.
"It would seem to be the corpse of an Ancient One." Arsthotua replied, "An eldritch being that wanders between worlds. In pony terms it resembles a combination of one of your whales and the creature you call a flea. They are generally harmless, however their bones can provide nutrients for more foul things."
Arsthotua's eyes faded from reality.
"Well, I guess that answers that inquiry," Roseate said, "Let's move onto the next."
Lunar Flarion asks: "The corpse of a being, decaying under a manor of which it supports... interesting... what might you do?"
"I'm not so worried about a rickety old manor as I am the entity that is feeding off the corpse that serves as its foundation. Not only that, but the fact that it has developed a symbiotic relationship with my Tantabus is also very unsettling."
Avendrial asks: "That those damn cultists had better not have been simply consumed. Those who would kill a child do not deserve such a quick death. Is there anything I can do to help you cheer up? If not, I'll send you a selection of the best brownies I have ever tasted."
"Yes, it was... difficult to recover from that, however... I should be fine. Of course, I will gladly take you up on your offer for those brownies. Just make sure you go through the proper channels through the Inter-dimensional Mailing Service, before you send them."
Golden_Map asks: "Have you ever heard of the Idol of Boreas?"
"I did hear something about it," Roseate answered, "Supposedly, it is the remains of a stillborn infant belonging to an Ancient One, encased in gold and precious stones. Last I heard there was an Ahuizotl trying to lay claim to it."
Avendrial asks: "Umu... if you could change into any cat animal whenever you wanted, which animal would it be?"
"Well, cats are nice, they're agile and sleek. Aside from their size there isn't much of a disadvantage and even their small size can be advantageous in the right situation. An owl might be nice as well. The night vision could be very handy and who would complain about being able to fly? Then again I'm not sure I would enjoy eating field mice all that often. Maybe it's an acquired taste. Oh well, next question!"
Avendrial asks: "Why doesn't Princess Celestia like witches and pony-like monsters?"
"Well, it is a combination of the potential destructive power a witch can possess as well as the entities the witches make contracts with," Roseate answered, "I suppose our reputation doesn't help much either. There are more than a few stories of witches and warlocks trying to enslave entire towns or that have summoned eldritch beings into this world without considering the consequences. So it is understandable that Celestia would want to crack down on witchcraft."
Roseate adjusted her glasses.
"As for monster ponies, it is more or less a combination of misunderstandings on both sides. A monster pony does something stupid to a pony, the ponies overreact. A pony does something stupid to a monster pony, the monster ponies overreact. It just happens that regular ponies make up the majority and therefore the history books say they're correct... Next question."
Viper asks: "Why not use the paralysis venom you bought to get information? If prepared right it can keep the target still for a long time?"
"I suppose I could have used that on the Equ-Bugbear," Roseate replied, "I guess I just didn't think of it. However, I am sure I can find a good use for it."
Bad Dragon asks: "You will die and your immortal husband will live on. How are you dealing with this?"
"Mortality is an interesting subject," Roseate chuckled, "it all depends on how you look at it. Though a word of advice: never make assumptions when it comes to the lifespan of others."
A sly grin stretched across Roseate's face as her laughter came to an end, before her expression went sore.
"I am fine with it."
Avendrial asks: "Have you ever been to Bedlam?"
Roseate couldn't recall being in any location named Bedlam before.
"No, I don't believe I have."
Behind the glass the lights went quiet.
"I guess that is all the questions we have for this evening. Thank you all for coming."
As the reflective surface went dark, Roseate couldn't help but feel worried at how few voices there had been. Was it an ill omen that perhaps something terrible was on the horizon?
Covering the mirror, Roseate left the room. Upon entering the hallway, she remembered the new addition to the toy room she had spotted earlier.
Stepping inside the toy room, Roseate examined the new stuffed animal that had appeared. It was a bugbear plushie.
"Curious."
Roseate adjusted her glasses to examine the doll. It looked not too different from the creature that had been in Maple's dream.
All of these stuffed animals were unique, a hint of their dreamer's magic in each thread.
"I wonder what will become of all of you?"
There was an ache in Roseate's chest as tears began to stream down her cheeks. While none of them possessed either her or her husband's blood, in a special way these students were her children. Roseate sobbed as she clenched the doll to her chest, the realization making her heart tremble.
If she didn't stop whatever lurked beneath the Swanling House, what would happen to her children?
Once more Roseate pulled herself from the puddle into the nightmare. The water dripping from her coat as she crawled on the ground. Standing up, Roseate observed her surroundings.
She found herself on that same street next to that same dog skeleton. Glancing into the forest, Roseate thought she saw that same undead hound she had seen the last time she was here. Sniffing the air for prey.
Cautiously, Roseate began to make her way along the road, searching for the one who possessed this dream. As she walked it began to rain. Marching through the downpour, Roseate looked and listened for anything out of the ordinary.
As she walked along the road, Roseate's ears picked up a faint noise, just barely audible over the pattering of rain on the concrete. Stopping in her tracks, Roseate focused her attention on the sound. Listening intently, Roseate thought it sounded like somepony was whimpering.
It could be a trap, or it could be the dreamer. Either way, Roseate needed to proceed with caution.
Stealthily, Roseate made her way toward the crying, crouched low, moving from tree to tree. Seeking protective cover whenever she could to avoid the attention of that dreaded beast.
As she crept through the forest, Roseate was certain that the trees would shift and move when she wasn't looking. Even as she moved sneakily through the underbrush, Roseate could feel the undead dog nearby.
Looking through the trees, Roseate caught a glimpse of a large black hole. Drawing near, Roseate realized that it wasn't a hole, but the opening of a cave. From within she could hear the whimpering she had noticed.
"So this is where you're hiding."
Lighting her horn, Roseate stepped inside the cave and it was then that the weeping stopped. The interior of the cave was shallow with only a few rocks to hide behind.
"Hello?" Roseate called into the cave.
In response to her call some moved behind a nearby rock. Carefully, Roseate stepped toward the stone and peeked at the pony behind it. Seeing who it was, Roseate let out a surprised gasp.
“I looked and beheld a great beast which exuded an aura of death and destruction. Surrounding this beast were six tendriled lords, their tentacles binding the beast to a massive obsidian pillar, until the day of its reckoning.
The day those lords lose their grip and the beast is freed will mark the beginning of the end of the multiverse.”
Quote from; The Hills of Entropy, by M.R. Amorcolt.
Both of the ponies stared at each other in shocked silence. Roseate gazed upon the most troublesome student she had ever had in her class: June Berry.
However, the silence was broken when they heard something grumbling outside the cave entrance. Now was not the time to be dealing with teacher/student rivalry. Immediately, Roseate reached behind the rock and pulled June close. June almost let out a surprised scream, but Roseate managed to clamp a hoof over her student's mouth.
Peeking around the rock, Roseate could see the undead beast outside looking into the cave, sniffing the air with its wet nose. After what felt like a minute, the creature wandered off. Once Roseate was certain that the coast was clear, she let go of her student's muzzle.
"What are you doing here?" June Berry asked.
"I could ask the same of you," Roseate said, bypassing her student's question. "What is that thing?"
A frightened expression stretched across June's face before being replaced with a grumpy one. "It's nothing."
Examining her student, Roseate guessed that whatever that creature represented, it scared June and, in her stubbornness, she was denying it. If Roseate were to deal with the creature out there, she would need June Berry to face that fear.
"Well, let's go."
"Go!? With that monster out there!?"
"Yes, dear."
"But, but..."
There was a part of Roseate that savored the panic in June Berry's tone, however Roseate knew that such behavior was unbecoming of her and so she choose to repress it. At least for the time being. Taking a deep breath, Roseate placed a hoof on June's shoulder.
"It will be okay."
Nervously, June followed Roseate out of the cave and onto the road. As they trotted along the path there was no sign of the monster that had pursued them. Ultimately, it would be Roseate that would break the silence between the two sojourners.
"What do you suppose that creature is?" Roseate asked.
"It's just a dog," June said, her eyes focused on the ground.
"Is it?" There was something important about this hound to June Berry and Roseate was going to find out what.
"Yes, it's just a dog," June answered.
"I see," Roseate said. "Do you like dogs?"
"Mom doesn't like dogs. They make her sneeze and her face swell."
"Yes, but I didn't ask if your mother likes dogs. I asked if you do."
June fell silent. As they approached a familiar patch of road, Roseate knew what she had to do and for a moment her heart ached.
"Hmmm... would you look at that." Roseate motioned toward the side of the path, before walking over. June Berry followed and gasped at the sight of the dog skeleton.
"Such a poor creature," Roseate said matter of factly, feeling it had a connection to the nightmare. "I wonder what happened to it."
June Berry was deathly silent. Looking at her student, Roseate noticed tears dripping down her face, June's quivering frame indicating that she was trying to fight it.
"Do you know what happened June?"
Despite her teacher's prodding questions, June continued to remain silent. Seeing this, Roseate was both surprised and almost pleased with her student's resilience.
The sound of a monstrous roar broke the silence. Both ponies turned to see the undead dog lumbering toward them. Even as Roseate and June Berry ran, Roseate noticed that this time the roar wasn't that of rage but of pain and anguish.
As they ran down the infinite street Roseate saw an abandoned store on the side of the road.
"Over there!" June called out having also seen the vacant building.
The shop door bell jingled as the two of them rushed inside. The lights flickered on in response to their presence, revealing disheveled aisles with moldy food and sludge lying on the chipped ceramic tile floor. Perhaps coming here hadn't been the wisest idea.
Ducking into one of the aisles, they heard the beast let out another mighty, pain-filled roar, causing the lights to flicker and die out. Pushing themselves up against one of the shelves, Roseate and June rested to catch their breath. Still, it was very clear that the creature lurked outside.
Looking over at her student, Roseate could see tears welling up in June's eyes. This was such a rare phenomenon compared to how she acted in class.
"June what did you do?"
While June didn't respond it was very apparent that she was losing her battle over her emotions.
"June, what did you do to that dog?"
"I-I didn't mean to." June sniffled, the floodgates breaking loose.
"Tell me what happened."
"One day, I found this cute puppy while going home from school,” June Berry sobbed, “and I decided to bring it home with me. But it made mom sick... so I had to let it go. The next day... I... I..."
Another howl echoed outside. Could it be a roar of vengeance or perhaps of encouragement? Needless to say, more tears fell from June's eyes.
"Go on now," Roseate spoke. "It's okay. Tell me what happened."
"I... I saw it. It was lying on the side of the road. I... I thought it was asleep, until I saw its eyes. They were open, never blinking... It d-died because of me."
As June Berry wept, Roseate considered what she had learned. Was it possible that June's acting out was an effort to repress her guilt?
The sound of shattering glass and a low growl echoed through the store. It would seem that the beast was on the hunt again. Peeking around the aisle, Roseate could see June's nightmare beast stalking through the building. On closer inspection, the creature really was just an oversized dog, its body in the throes of decay, its lower half missing and its eyes dry, unblinking.
"June, it wasn't your fault," Roseate said, trying to be reassuring.
"Yes, it is! Maybe if I had tried finding a place for it or had tried hiding it that puppy would still be alive! I... I killed it!"
The clicking of claws on the ceramic tiling indicated that June Berry's outburst hadn't gone unnoticed. The sound of the beast's ragged breath drew nearer and nearer.
"There is no way you could have known the dog would die," Roseate replied. "You were just obeying your mother's instructions. Neither of you knew."
As much as May Berry was a big pain in the plot, Roseate doubted that the mayor had intended any harm to come to the poor animal.
The beast turned the corner, its nostrils flared as it caught scent of the two ponies it was stalking. Instinctively, Roseate put herself between her student and the approaching threat.
Catching Roseate's scent, the creature's damaged lips curled back to reveal savage fangs dripping with saliva as it let out a rumbling growl. Roseate hypothesized that perhaps this was a self-defense mechanism of June Berry's dream.
Looking back over her shoulder, Roseate could see tears welling in her student's eyes.
"I'm sorry," June murmured.
Hearing June's voice, the beast's growl came to an abrupt stop, what remained of its left ear twitching in response. Seeing the creature's reaction, Roseate decided to act off of her hypothesis and stepped away from her student.
"Miss Roseate, what are you doing?" June panicked, however Roseate remained silent.
Once more the hound's ear twitched and the creature let out a soft whimper at the sound of June's voice. Slowly the creature began to move toward June.
"N-no!" June covered her face with her hooves.
The hound loomed forward before setting itself down in front of June Berry, its tongue lolled out. If it wasn't for its decrepit state, it almost certainly would have resembled a happy little dog sitting before its master. A few moments later, June uncovered her face, surprised by the beast's mannerisms.
"I don't think he blames you," Roseate said. "In fact, the only one who appears to be holding you accountable, is you."
June sniffled as she looked at the undead dog. "I'm sorry that I wasn't able to take care of you."
The hound made a little ruff sound. Then in a gesture that probably felt weird and gross, June stretched out her hooves and hugged the decaying beast. As she embraced the creature whose death she had blamed herself for, the hound's form began to change. Even while flesh was reknitting itself back together, the dog's body appeared to shrink until all that remained in June Berry's grasp was a little puppy.
Watching the scene unfold before her, Roseate wasn't too sure how these events had transpired. While she could understand June's inner guilt affecting her dream, Roseate was puzzled by how effective her counseling had been with her student. Perhaps it was her planting the idea inside of June's head that had affected the dream’s outcome. Roseate continued to consider this even as the nightmare around them began to crumble away.
"Is it over?" June Berry asked.
"Yes, it's over."
"This outfit is awfully tight," Roseate groaned as Maple Syrup helped her put on the waitress uniform.
The outfit that was customary for this establishment gripped uncomfortably around Roseate's barrel.
"I'm very sorry," Maple apologized. "I just didn't realize that I didn't have a uniform your size. Though I will say that it does bring out some of your... marely features."
Roseate glanced back at Maple Syrup, who gave a small smile and a slight blush in response.
"I'm sorry. I'll stop by the store later today and see if I can buy one that's more your size."
"Thank you."
"Well, there you go," Syrup said as she finished fastening the uniform.
With some difficulty, Roseate proceeded with her new job. For most of Roseate's morning shift everything was fairly calm and relaxed. Of course, that didn't mean that there weren't customers who believed that their order was top priority and assumed that Roseate mystically knew their "usual."
Fortunately, there was a slight spark of happiness when Roseate noticed a table with four of her students. There was Sour Sapphire, Maple Sugar, Quillian Inkheart and, surprisingly, June Berry. The four of them were talking among themselves until they noticed Roseate approach.
"Hello children," Roseate said. "What would you like to order today?"
"Hello Miss Roseate!" Three of the four students greeted. Judging from June's irritated expression she still felt uneasy about her ex-teacher.
"Personally, I would recommend the pancakes," Maple Sugar suggested to her classmates.
"I guess that would be fine," Sour Sapphire said. "Would you like some, June?"
June Berry shrugged. "Sure."
"Could I have some chocolate chips on mine?" Quillian asked.
"I don't see why not," Roseate answered, writing down Quillian's request.
"I would also like some chocolate chips," Sour Sapphire said, "but could I also have some rose wheat cream?"
"I'm sure it will be fine."
"On my pancakes, I would like some extra syrup and a square of butter," Maple Sugar said.
The other three students raised an eyebrow at Maple Sugar's request.
"What?" Maple Sugar asked.
As the students made their orders, Roseate jotted down them down onto a notepad.
"Thank you," Roseate said. "I’ll be out with those shortly."
Walking away, Roseate could hear her students discussion resume. Were they trying to keep something a secret from her?
After giving the children's orders to Sugar Zap, Roseate walked over to the next customer. Arriving at the table, Roseate recognized the stallion as Lucky Lemon, Muleport's local marekiller. Apparently he would flirt with any mare he came in contact with and claimed to have slept with more than a few of them. While she had seen Lucky Lemon from a distance, Roseate had fortunately never had the questionable pleasure of meeting with the salacious stallion. That was, until today.
"Hello sir," Roseate greeted him. "What would you like to order today?"
The yellow pegasus shot Roseate a dashing smile. Like many of the others around town, he seemed to possess a slight magical aura.
"Oh, hello miss," Lemon answered. "I couldn't help but notice that you're new here."
Roseate rolled her eyes. "Yes, I am. So I'm afraid if you want your usual, you're going to have to explain it to me."
"Don't worry, I'm not alien to the concept of trying... new things."
Lucky Lemon's leer made Roseate's skin crawl. Despite this, Roseate continued to maintain her composure.
"Very well, so what would you like to order?"
"Something... hot, would be nice."
"I could recommend our spicy omelet," Roseate suggested. "A few other customers seem to enjoy it."
That last statement was a lie. From what Roseate had seen out of the three ponies who had eaten the omelet only one of them actually managed to finish it.
"Yes, some spicy eggs would really hit the spot, and a cup of coffee too."
Good luck drinking that with a scalded tongue. Roseate thought to herself as she down the order.
"We’ll have that out for you shortly."
"Oh, take your time, miss."
Roseate raised an eyebrow to Lucky’s suggestive tone. “Excuse me, but I’m a happily married mare.”
Lucky Lemon shrugged, “Never stopped me before...”
As Roseate took the order to her boss, she was certain that she could feel Lucky Lemon's eyes on her.
"What a creep," Roseate mumbled to herself.
Walking to the next customer, Roseate saw that it was Snow Berry. Even as the mare smiled back, Roseate wasn't sure how to feel about May Berry's sister in law.
"Hello Roseate," Snow Berry greeted with a smile that felt overly sweet.
"Hello,." Roseate said shortly, a twinge of irritation in her voice.
"Oh, dear, please don't be upset," Snow Berry pleaded, "I was strongly opposed to my sister's idea of having you removed from the school. That's one of the reasons why I'm here."
"Go on."
"I wanted to apologize for my sister's actions. She is under a lot of stress right now with the recent disappearances, a solar guard being attacked in town, all while drowning herself in her work to distract herself from the pain of losing my brother. So she just kind of snapped. Surely you can understand that."
After hearing what Snow Berry had to say, Roseate nodded. "Yes, I suppose I do."
"Thank you for understanding."
While preventing somepony from working seemed more than a bit rash, Roseate couldn't help but feel that Snow Berry was being sincere.
"So, what would you like to eat?" Roseate asked, her mood lightening.
"I will have a cup of coffee and some waffles, please."
After jotting down the order, Roseate proceeded to the last customer, Moonlight Raven. Various notes were laid out in front of the mare in a messy fashion. Raven's eyes were fixated on them.
"Hello, what would you..."
"A cup of black coffee, please," Raven interrupted, her eyes not looking away from whatever she was working on. "No sugar."
"Okay... Is there..."
"No, nothing else."
Judging from Raven's notes and the scribblings on her notepad, it was clear that she was working on something important.
"Very well, one cup of black coffee coming right up."
It was about that time that Roseate returned with the new orders and the children's food was ready.
"Thank you, Miss Roseate," Maple Sugar said as Roseate deposited the plates to her students.
"You're welcome," Roseate returned their gratitude. As she walked away, Roseate noticed the students swap their plates around. Had she accidentally mixed up their orders?
With the ding of a bell, Roseate knew that Lucky Lemon's spicy omelet was ready. Picking up the meal with her magic, Roseate brought the food over to her customer.
"Here you are, one spicy omelet and a cup of coffee."
"Thank you very much," Lucky said with a smirk that he surely thought was sly. "Why don't you sit with me and help me with my meal."
The way Lucky Lemon said that made Roseate's skin crawl.
"Thank you, but I have other customers that I must attend to."
As Roseate proceeded to walk away, she was caught by surprise as a large wing pulled her into Lucky Lemon's booth. Looking at the stallion responsible, Roseate could see Lucky leering down at her.
"Please, I insist."
Instinctively, Roseate attempted to escape but Lucky's wing stretched out, continuing to block her way. Feeling the stallion touching her body, Roseate's intestines turned and twisted.
"I-I really need to tend to the other customers!"
"Oh, they won't mind. Come on, let's have a good time."
Even as Roseate's stomach churned, she could feel that something was off about the situation. Somehow in this brief span of time, something about Lucky's magical aura had shifted into something far more menacing.
"P-please let me go."
A part of Roseate's mind wanted to scream. Another wanted to run and yet another sought to cast the most blasphemous curses upon Lucky Lemon's body, despite the fact that doing so would reveal her dangerous little secret. Worst of all was that the last part of her mind was growing more prevalent in response to the stallion's touch.
"Oh, you look so cute when you’re scared," Lucky said, his face drawing slowly closer to hers.
Already words and phrases of foul magic were flowing through Roseate's brain. Spells that could invoke squirming tumors, infertility, the summoning of sanity eating slugs, and other obscene things began to shift to the forefront of Roseate's mind. She could feel the thoughts worming and twisting as eldritch magic began to pulse through her nerves toward her dead horn.
"Sir, unhoof that mare this instant!"
The outburst brought Roseate back to reality. Looking around Roseate saw Detective Frost Brook standing next to the booth a dark glare posed toward Lucky. Next to the Solar Guard was Sugar Zap, a frying pan brandished by one of his wings. Something that was slightly less frightening due to the scrambled egg dripping out of it.
"What?" Lucky scoffed, his tone fanning innocence.
"You heard me!" Frost growled. "Let her go!"
Reluctantly, Lucky Lemon pulled back his wing, unbarring the way for Roseate to flee. No sooner than the path had been revealed, Roseate made a beeline to the mares' restroom. Her stomach felt like a storm churning inside her.
Roseate had barely made it to the toilet when the contents of her stomach erupted forth, into the porcelain bowl. Even as Roseate vomited she couldn't help but feel revulsion at what had happened. She had felt so helpless in Lucky's arms and she hated it. It reminded her so much of HIM.
As she drew near to the end of her current intestinal revulsion, Roseate could hear the door to the restroom open. It wasn't long before she could see the shape of her boss and fellow waitress, Maple Syrup out of the corner of her eye. Roseate could feel a gentle hoof on her shoulder as Maple tried to help, carefully pulling Roseate's mane back as her stomach continued to empty itself.
Roseate wasn't sure how long she had held that position but it felt like an eternity. However, at least there was somepony there to comfort her through it.
Eventually the endless waves of bile stopped and Roseate sat there spitting out whatever had remained inside her mouth, even as tears dripped down her cheek.
"How are you feeling?" Maple Syrup asked as she gently stroked the back of Roseate's head.
"Not great!" Roseate retorted, in a tone that was sharper than she had intended. However, if it affected Maple Syrup, Roseate wasn't able to notice.
"Well, you won't have to worry about him anymore," Maple said. "Lucky Lemon is no longer welcome here at the Maple Family Diner. Both Detective Frost Brook and my husband have made sure of that."
Roseate just sat there silently crying to herself. Smooth hooves pulling Roseate into a warm embrace.
"Shhh... It's okay. It's okay. You're safe now."
While a small part of Roseate felt patronized by Maple's actions, most of her just wanted to curl up into a small, protective ball.
"I think it would be best if you go home for the day," Maple insisted. "You've been through enough. You can come back tomorrow when you're feeling better."
Roseate sniffled a little while longer in Maple Syrup's grasp before she packed her saddlebags and went home.
As she wandered home, Roseate spotted the aberration of the teacher again, its liquid-filled eyes watching her every move. The glowing symbol of a crescent moon rested on its brow.
Its position reminded Roseate less of a creature and instead the presence of a storm on the horizon, fortelling bad weather. Unnaturally foul weather.
Arriving at home, Roseate made her way up to her bedroom, stripping out of the tight waitress outfit as she closed the door. As if sensing his wife's pain, three eyes emerged from the darkness.
'Are you alright? What happened?'
Even as Roseate pulled herself onto the bed she could feel Arsthotua's tentacles massaging her form.
'Someone touched you.'
"Yes..." Roseate groaned.
'Would you like to talk about it?'
Roseate snuggled into her husband's tendrils, their heat soothing her sore body.
"Later," Roseate answered. "For now I just want to..."
The rest was left unsaid as Roseate drifted off to sleep.
Roseate marched her way down the streets of Muleport, her determination evident on her face. She was going to make that stallion pay, one way or another.
"A curse... No, that would be too kind. Maybe I should turn him into a rat and feed him to Mittenz?"
While she contemplated Lucky Lemon's fate, Roseate searched for the vile stallion but to no avail. It wasn't until she had walked for what must have been ten minutes that Roseate realized that nopony else was walking on the streets.
"Hello?"
There was no response.
"Where is everypony?!" Roseate barked.
As if in response to her outburst, a mind-numbing headache wracked Roseate's brain. It felt as if thousands of ravenous worms were squirming inside her skull begging to be released. Immediately, Roseate clutched at her head with both her hooves and let out a bloodcurdling scream.
But nopony was there to listen.
When Roseate opened her eyes, everything had changed. While she was still in Muleport, the sky had gone black and the buildings were ablaze. Spires of flesh reached upward into the inky darkness above.
Looking around, Roseate saw corpses littering the streets, creatures like the one that had attacked the detective eating the remains. What they didn't consume they dragged into the depths below. They were like overgrown rabbits with sharp claws and massive horns.
Among the bodies were the townsfolk, some that she had seen in passing and others that she had become friends with. Maple Syrup, her body divided into pieces by the hungering beasts. May Berry, the only recognizable part of her remains being her cutie mark. A few paces away was the torn body of one of her students, Quillian.
"What is this?"
Like an answer to Roseate's question, a massive entity turned the corner. It was the mare from the woods, the creature that had taken on the twisted form of Miss Ginger Fizzle, only now it was three times its usual size.
The unholy being looked down at Roseate, its empty eyes burning into her soul. For that brief moment, Roseate understood the monster's intentions. It would consume this world and then move onto the next, where it would kill, consume, reproduce, and repeat. Looking into those eyes, Roseate felt as if not only her body, but her mind was being digested.
Roseate jolted forth from her bed, the sheets soaked in her sweat. Her breathing was rapid and there was a loud noise in her ears, a sound that Roseate soon recognized as her own heartbeat.
Even as Roseate calmed down, she now knew how desperate matters were. If the creature beneath the Swanling House wasn't dealt with, it wouldn't just be Muleport that would suffer.
Roseate sat on her bed wearing her bathrobe with a cup of ginger tea resting in her hooves, the soreness of her insides having finally receded.
On the bed in front of her was her tome, the Isidria, her mask, a piece of amber containing containing the fossilized larva of a changeling, a glass sphere containing a black rose suspended in salted water, and her sacred instrument, the dagger's blade glistening after having been cleaned.
Even as Roseate read her tome for the necessary ritual, she could feel one of her husband's tendrils rest on her shoulder.
"How are you feeling?"
"Still sore."
There was a grumble inside Roseate's mind as Arsthotua fumed.
"That stallion must suffer."
"Not at the moment," Roseate answered, "If that stallion goes missing, I will very likely be the first suspect. For now we must wait and bide our time."
"Very well."
Arsthotua's eyes were about to fade away when Roseate spoke up. "Honey, do you think you could bring my Scryial here?"
The eyes disappeared but shortly after a portal appeared on the ceiling with Arsthotua's tentacles lowering the mirror into the room. With the mirror set in place, her husband's tendrils withdrew into the shadows.
"Thank you, dear."
After adjusting her robe and pulling her mane back into a ponytail, Roseate smiled at the the Scryial.
"Hello, my compatriots," Roseate spoke to those beyond the mirror. "Forgive my appearance, the day has been... eventful. Nonetheless, I will be answering your questions and see what ideas you have for my mask this evening. Well, let's proceed."
Quillian Inkheart Asks: "What is the most powerful and/or complex spell you can perform? What is the weakest and/or simplest?"
"Hmmm... the most complex spell, I know..." Roseate pondered the inquiry. "I suppose teleportation circles can be fairly complex. A lot of mathematics, chalk, and magical components spent between two or more locations. As for the weakest spell, I'm not sure if you mean by effectiveness or difficulty to cast. For example a light spell isn't hard to cast, a foal could do it if they were able to access their magical abilities, yet the spell itself can be extremely effective depending upon the circumstances. So, I would have to say there are no weak spells but spells limited by the situation and the one casting them. I hope that answers your question."
BestinDworld Asks: "Erm... Question, I'm not sure if you’ve met her, but have you met Pinkie Pie? Is she secretly the good kind of eldritch horror?"
"I actually have met Pinkie. Missus Cake had her bring me a cupcake, however I don't believe she has any eldritch blood. Aside from her excitable nature she appeared to be a perfectly normal pony."
Emerald Asks: “How exactly do you intend to spend Hearth’s Warming? Also, are Ice Irises good for anything other than Pegasitus?”
“Depending on how successful I am in creating this Sigil, I am thinking of taking my husband to a hot spring for the holiday,” Roseate answered, “as for Ice Irises, I am not too familiar with those. I would need to perform further studies before I could give my opinion on the matter.”
Discworld-mlp Asks: "Has your husband ever met something he feared?"
Three eyes materialized and gazed into the Scryial.
"Well, as stated, there are the Osikionn, beings of immense power. While most of them have been contained, there are some that have yet to be accounted for."
As her husband's eyes disappeared into the void, Roseate looked back at the Scryial and saw that there were no other inquiries left.
Roseate felt very concerned at the low number of questions. Were her viewers losing interest or perhaps there was something affecting the Scryial's properties.
Either way, at this time it didn't matter.
It was time to go to see the Hellion Society. Walking over to her closet, Roseate began looking through her wardrobe for something to wear. After throwing some clothes about, Roseate decided upon a shiny red dress.
"So, you're going to Tartarus," Mittenz said with concern.
"Not exactly. Tartarus is merely one of Infernio’s many layers." Roseate explained, "The person I seek is a member of the Hellion Society, which is located on the second floor."
"Is this safe?"
"No, but I don't have much of a choice."
While there were other ways for Roseate to acquire Balorite, they would take too long. Striking a bargain with a member of the Hellion Society with access to the resource was the best option. After putting on her dress and placing the Scryiasphere in her pocket, Roseate walked back over to the bed and picked up the mask.
With the mask in her hooves, Roseate proceeded to perform the ritual, chanting her incantation. Using the image that one of her viewers had suggested, Roseate molded the mask within her mind.
"Alemidour futtwiin mel ngi t'tix haly ani't atat g’hraar t'tix farm wothon yj llaog''t iyi ngi sirvi gos yj guosi l’ae t'tix onfirnel hill futlawav."
Opening her eyes, Roseate looked down at the sacred mask in her hooves. It was a small circular mask made of rose gold metal, with pink tendrils branching out from the metallic disk. In the center of the piece of metal were two roses, one red and one white, each serving as a hole to peer through. While the positions of the eye holes were abnormal for most ponies, Roseate knew that a mask possessing a Ksemmon didn't provide sight in the same manner that most masks did.
With both her hooves holding the mask, Roseate pushed it against her face. As she put on the mask, Roseate could feel the Ksemmon's tendrils as they pushed their way into her nostrils, the corners of her mouth and past the tear ducts of her eyes.
The sensation was painful at first but it wasn't long before the Ksemmon began to secrete some chemicals into Roseate's blood stream, heightening her senses. However, she knew not to take this lightly, the substance that the creature was injecting into her could become addictive if enough of it filled her system.
"Alright, now for the next step," Roseate said as she pulled herself off the bed. Her voice echoing in her ears as if she were in an underwater cave.
Using a paintbrush, Roseate began to apply the glowing paste to the archway of the door, inscribing the ancient runes onto the door frame. They all seemed to glow and throb simultaneously with magic. Once the last rune was applied, Roseate stepped back and began to chant.
"Psaapin futfari melulem. Gimennyuld t'tav bilek apin tos melulem."
With the last word spoken, the wooden door disappeared, replaced with a swirling vortex consisting of green and purple lights. The gateway was open.
Having donned her mask, Roseate stepped through the portal.
Stepping out of the Infernian gateway, Roseate found herself in a red room. The scent of brimstone and spices filled the air. Two metal statues guarded the door, their eyes glowing a deep crimson. Roseate could feel their unholy eyes watching her.
"Hello," a monotone voice spoke as a female figure stepped into view. She was a mare with a pink coat and two long horns on the side of her head, one of which had a price tag for ninety-nine bits. A black suit with a white undershirt and black tie covered the demon mare's frame.
"Hello," Roseate returned, bowing her head. "I am here to meet with the Hellion Society."
The demon examined Roseate's mask and raised her left hoof, brandishing a small spherical crystal infused into the flesh just above the ankle. As she held it there, the demon observed the gem as it began to glow with yellow light. Seeing the stone's reaction to Roseate's mask, the demon nodded.
"Of course."
With a clap of her hooves, the two guards stepped aside and the door opened wide, like a hungering maw. As the door opened, the demon gestured with a hoof for Roseate to enter.
"Welcome to Infernio's second sanctum," the demon waved on. "Enjoy your stay."
Roseate stepped through the doorway into what felt like a palace ballroom, with numerous beings wearing masks. Those who didn't possess a mask wore a metal collar signifying that they were one of the many captives of Infernio. Chains of ethereal energy were connected to the neck pieces to ensure proper obedience.
Among the masked company were ponies (or at least creatures taking on a pony form), diamond dogs, minotaurs, and demons, all wearing fine attire. There was even a gorgony present, with her purple and aquamarine mane also wearing little masks on their serpentine heads.
The slaves were performing various tasks around the room, some served as waiters, some as living statues on pedestals of sharp obsidian, and others as furniture. A select few served as entertainment for the members of the society in whatever form the members desired.
One slave was having her blood drained by a vampony, his mask as crimson as the fluid dripping from his meal's neck. The mare panted with pleasure causing the vampony to chuckle.
Out of the nine layers belonging to Infernio, the second layer belonged to the Hellion Society and its leader. Here they could do as they pleased.
A unicorn with a mask seemingly made of scorpions bowed his head to Roseate's approach and Roseate returned the gesture.
In the center of the room was a cage containing a rather grumpy looking centaur. The cage was held aloft by golden chains. Roseate stepped closer to examine the creature.
"What do you think of it?" A mare with a pink mask with two smiley faces on the cheeks asked as she turned to face Roseate, "Isn't he magnificent?"
"Depends," Roseate answered. "Who is he?"
"You don't know?" The mare turned her head in a questioning manner, "That's Tirek; apparently he tried to steal magic from Equestria a long time ago. While he usually resides on the first floor, the Lavender Princess thought it would be nice to show him off for the occasion!"
"What is the occasion?" Roseate inquired.
The mare stepped back, her surprised expression hidden by her mask.
"This week we are celebrating the anniversary of the Lavender Princess's rise to power."
Roseate was aware of who the Lavender Princess was, but had never met her in person. Apparently, she was a pony from another dimension who had somehow outwitted the demons of Infernio and ultimately became one herself before becoming one of the many lords of Infernio.
She had founded the Hellion Society to attract like-minded individuals to her inner circle, while also seeking a new source of entertainment. Apparently, even a lord of Infernio could grow bored. It was also very possible that the Lavender Princess may have loaned her power out for personal favors, something that Roseate was here to inquire about.
"I see," Roseate said, "and is there a chance that I might be able to speak with her?"
The mare pointed to the other side of the room, where there was a stairway leading up to a balcony. In front of the stairs were two guards and another demon pony, who was standing behind a podium.
"Talk to them," the mare replied, "and if you're lucky they will let you through."
"Thank you."
As Roseate made her way toward the guards at the bottom of the steps, she noticed a cloaked figure looking down from the balcony above.
"Hello," the demon mare behind the podium said as Roseate drew near, "how may I assist you?"
"I would like to see the mistress if that is possible," Roseate answered.
The mare opened the book that was on the podium, "I see and who is it that wishes to speak with her?"
"Roseate Grimsbane."
The demon scrolled through the book for Roseate's entry. Her eyes growing wide when she saw what her document stated.
"Yes," the demon mare coughed, "well, the Lavender Princess is busy at the moment, however, she will be accepting your presence as soon as possible. Might I suggest that you partake in the entertainment while you wait."
Roseate gave a nod before walking away. Looking back up at the balcony she saw that the hooded pony she saw before was gone.
Looking around the room, Roseate saw a few exhibits that grabbed her interest.
There was an alcove with a large magical sphere in the center. The orb was large enough to hold three ponies inside of it. On the spheres surface was the projection of a collared stallion running through a forest of fleshy trees while being hunted by three mares wearing masks.
Sitting down on the couch surrounding the visual orb, Roseate noticed that she wasn't the only one watching. Just a few feet away from her was another masked unicorn mare, who was wearing a white dress that hung close to her pink body. A slit ran up the hide leg of the apparel revealing the cutie mark of yellow star with pale green, blue and yellow sparks to the right side. Over her face was a white mask with golden embroidery depicting the sun and other celestial bodies on its surface, the covering matching her yellow mane.
"Hello," the mare said in a cheery voice, "is this your first time here?"
"No, it's just been a while." Roseate replied.
"Interesting," the mare mused. "I wonder what could cause a member of the society to be gone for so long?"
Roseate chose to ignore the inquiry and returned her focus back to the sphere. The stallion appeared to have been cornered by two of the mares in a cave. While facing the hunters that had corned him, the stallion didn't notice that slowly lowering itself from the shadows above was the third mare from before. Her body possessing some spider like characteristics as she moved toward her prey, preparing to strike.
"Just think, there are ponies that would just love to see stuff like this." The mare said.
On the other side of the sphere, the masked spider mare dropped on the stallion eliciting a terrified scream as she sank her fangs into his neck.
"Yeah, I suppose."
While Roseate could understand the desire for vengeance against others, the Hellion Society took such cravings to a sadistic level. It was because of this that Roseate had left the society oh-so long ago.
"I tried to invite my sister here once," the mare continued, "however she refused, can you believe that?"
"Some just don't have the stomach for it." Roseate answered.
"I know, right?!"
On the other side of the sphere, the stallion lay on the ground as the huntresses around him inserted their fangs into his body. Roseate knew full well that this wasn't the end of the stallion's suffering, only the continuation of an endless cycle of pain for him and pleasure for the society. Punishment for all eternity.
"So what do you enjoy about the society?" The mare asked.
Roseate turned to the mare, remaining silent for a brief moment. It was about that time that a demon mare approached.
"Miss Grimsbane, the Lavender Princess will be seeing you now."
"Thank you," Roseate replied, standing up before giving one final look to the mare that had been keeping her company. "I enjoy the benefits I have earned from the society."
Following the demon mare, Roseate was led up the stairs to the balcony, to a series of massive doors, the image of a mare with bat like wings sitting upon a throne of contorted stallions were carved into the black stone.
The doors opened revealing the throne within and the being that sat upon it. The oversized chair was made of marble, with numerous screaming faces having been carved into the stone surface. In the center was a red, silken cushion on which the Lavender Princess sat.
She was a mare with a lavender coat along with a purple mane and tail, which weren't only straight but also had pink highlights. Two long horns curved up from the mare's head toward the ceiling, while an obsidian mask concealed the rest of her face, save for the eyes which glowed red. On her flank was the Cutie Mark of a six-pointed star trapped in an iron cage.
Arranged around the throne were various cushions and blankets made of red and purple silks. Sitting among the bedding were numerous stallions, their manes and tails cut short and the necks brandishing rusty steel collars. Two of these slaves were sitting in front of the throne, while one stood at attention the other was licking and caressing the Lavender Princess's right hoof. The one at attention was an earth pony stallion with a pale pink coat and a light cerulean mane, while the other whom Roseate guessed was his twin, was completely the opposite with a light blue coat and a pale rose mane. Both their collars were connected by chains to a steel ring in the Lavender Princess's left forehoof.
"Hello, my guest," the Lavender Princess called out, "I had heard you wished to speak with me personally."
Roseate bowed her head low to the creature on the throne, "Your majesty, I have come with a request."
"Enough of the formalities," the princess said, before tugging the chain slightly, signaling for the one stallion to join his twin in licking her hooves. "The fact that you were brave enough to venture into my throne room without ill intent pleases me. Plus it isn't like I'm blind to that eldritch aura you possess. Therefore I will award you the privilege of knowing my name, Glooming Exile."
Carefully, Roseate raised her head, not wishing to look too anxious.
"Miss Exile," Roseate continued, "I have come because I am in need of some Balorite."
"Balorite, you say?" Glooming Exile stroked the head of one of the twins servicing her, "You wouldn't happen to be trying to create a god killer would you?"
"Not specifically," Roseate answered. "I merely seek to uproot a being from beyond the veil. A being that will bring great calamity if not dealt with."
"Yes, and that means nothing to me," Exile answered. "Our society is unaffected by what happens outside of Infernio. If anything we have more to gain from such a disaster."
The princess examined her polished hooves. As annoying as this was, Roseate knew that this was the way members in the society bargained with others. If she wanted Glooming Exile to give her the Balorite she needed, Roseate would have to make a deal.
"What would you like in exchange for some Balorite?" Roseate asked.
"An excellent question. Well, you could always provide me with one of your offspring," Glooming Exile said while examining her right hoof. "That would be quite a favor: the child of an alien god and a unicorn witch."
If the Lavender Princess could see past Roseate's mask, she would be able to see the disapproving look on her face.
"No."
"Then I guess you will have to take up one of my other favors," Exile clapped her hoofs, signaling for her slaves to return to their cushions. "Perhaps they would be more to your liking."
Roseate took a deep breath before answering, "What are these options?"
The Lavender Princess's horns glowed with dark magic, the black, purple and green flames picking up two golden goblets and a bottle of wine from behind her throne. After setting it down in front of the twin slaves, she motioned for them to fill the two vessels. Immediately the slaves went to work uncorking the bottle.
"There are three favors I could use your help with," Exile continued, "first I could use a strand of hair from one of your students?"
"Why?" Roseate inquired, curious as to why Exile would want the hair of one of her students. A few dark thoughts came to mind.
With both of the goblets filled, Glooming Exile brought the beverage up to her face with her magic, moving her mask just so she could drink the wine.
"A child whose mind has entered the dreamscape is a valuable commodity," the Lavender Princess explained, "I have a few associates who would love some leverage on such individuals."
So the Lavender Princess wanted to use the hair to manipulate one of her students.
"And suppose I am not keen on this offer?"
"Well, there is more than one way to skin a thrashing chimera," Exile gulped down her drink, "but that is just one such favor you can do for me."
“Like what?”
"A life," Exile answered, "specifically the life of somepony in Muleport."
"Well, that's... Vague."
"Is it?" Exile shrugged. "I suppose I forgot to mention that it has to be somepony with a strange... Aura about them. Of course, the death of anypony with this aura would be acceptable, though I have a pretty good idea who you would choose."
"And your last offer?"
“Why, the piece of the eldritch monstrosity you plan to slay, of course.”
The suggestions made Roseate feel a little uneasy. The severed body parts of a powerful being like that could have catastrophic effects in the wrong hooves. Roseate squinted her eyes, behind her mask.
“What are your intentions with that type of organ?”
“Does it matter?” Exile answered, “I could use it to possess the body of an alternate version of myself. Maybe I wish up to unbind a powerful being in Tartarus and unleash them upon Equestria. Or perhaps I want to set myself free and claim my proper place on the Celestial Throne.”
The Lavender Princess’s horns lit up, forcing one of the prisoners tending to her hooves to fall to the floor, his breathing panicked even as Exile placed her left hind hoof on the side of his head. A little chuckle seeped from behind her mask as Exile forced the slave into submission.
“Even so, compared to the impending doom that will come if you fail to acquire the Balorite from me, these would be miniscule by comparison. So! What is it going to be? Make your decision, my time isn’t cheap.”
Roseate pondered the options that Exile had laid out for her. None of them were good, however if Roseate didn't obtain that Balorite she wouldn't be able to complete the Sigil and many lives would be at stake.
Reaching into her pocket, Roseate pulled out the Scryiasphere and held it in front of her.
"Alright, if any of you are still listening," Roseate spoke to those linked to the Scryial, "tell me, what should I choose?"
“Bearded one; allow me to tell you of a tale, if your mind can comprehend it. Once there was an ancient mind that sought companionship in your world. After looking long and hard, Jengreth found a stallion that she loved very dearly. Even when she revealed her true form to him, his love for her never wavered.
After being united by eldritch rite and sacred ring, the two attempted to copulate. However, despite their best efforts, Jengreth was unable to bear a waking child. Filled with the desire to be a mother, Jengreth attempted to create an artifact that would ensure that her children would awake, but before she could use it her husband perished in an accident.
Heart broken, Jengreth left this world never to return, however it is believed that her legacy remains.”
A vague translation of a passage from; The Book of Salacious Tongues.
Roseate stood in front of the mirror, psyching herself up for what was about to happen. A night black dress adorned her form, with two round sapphire earrings adorning her ears.
"I just need to lure him back to the house. No big deal."
She had eaten plenty of ginger and a few potions, hoping it would allow her insides to settle, long enough to achieve what she needed to do.
'I'm not very happy about this.' Arsthotua said inside Roseate's head.
"I know, but it needs to be done," Roseate replied out loud. She’d normally use her telepathy, but hearing herself talk about necessity made everything just a little easier.
Using her magic, Roseate applied some red lipstick to her lips. Arsthotua growled in the back of her brain.
"Don't worry, I will make up for this later. I promise."
Arsthotua's rumbling grew silent. As Roseate finished applying her makeup, she saw Mittenz enter the bathroom.
"Have you learned of Lucky Lemon's whereabouts?"
"Yes, he has been hanging out a lot in a tavern at the edge of town called the Blue Dolphin.
"Thank you."
Once she was all set, Roseate left the house and wandered into town as the sun began to set and the moon rose into the darkened sky. The mare in the moon watching Roseate's movements from afar.
Entering the Blue Dolphin, Roseate's nostrils were assailed by smoke, booze and the scent of decaying fish. Inside the tavern were some rough looking stallions, a few voluptuous mares and even a couple diamond dogs. A couple stallions whistled lewdly upon noticing Roseate's arrival.
Looking around the bar, Roseate spied Lucky Lemon sitting in the corner talking to a grumpy looking mare. Taking a deep breath, Roseate walked over to him.
"Come on baby, just hear me out," Lucky groaned.
"No, I'm done! I'm not doing this anymore!" The mare barked, as soon as Roseate heard her voice, she recognized the mare as her boss, Maple Syrup.
Not wanting to be caught by her employer in this place, Roseate ducked into a shadowy area and hid.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Lucky asked, "If your husband were to find out that those extra bits you have acquired recently, he might lose it. How long has he been abstaining from drinking?"
Maple Syrup stood up from the table, a glass toppling over in the process. "Piss off!"
Roseate watched as an angry Maple Syrup stormed off.
Annoyed by Maple's departure, Lucky Lemon looked down to his class. Seeing her opportunity, Roseate approached the table and sat down across from the stallion.
Looking up from his drink, Lucky Lemon gave Roseate a sour look. "Oh, it's you. What do you want? Trying to get me kicked out of here too?"
"I wanted to apologize."
"Apologize?" Lucky echoed, looking skeptical.
"For spurning you," Roseate answered. "I wasn't feeling well and your advances caught me by surprise. So I might have overreacted. As much as I wanted to give into your approach, I wasn't ready. But I am now."
Her words made Roseate sick, but she stood firm. To build upon the act, Roseate placed her hoof on Lucky's. The stallion gave her a suspicious look.
"What about your husband?" Lucky asked. "You seemed awfully concerned about him in the diner."
"My husband is off on a business trip and won't be back for a week," Roseate answered, "and it would be such a shame if his side of the bed were to go cold."
Lucky Lemon seemed to ponder Roseate's proposition, before a lewd smile graced his lips. "Oh, who would I be to pass down on a good time?"
As Lucky prepared to stand up, Roseate placed a hoof seductively on his snout, her stomach contorted from the contact.
"Patience," Roseate instructed. "We wouldn't want some witnesses seeing us leave at the same time."
Roseate picked up a napkin and with a spark of magic, wrote on it her address.
"Wait ten to fifteen minutes before following these instructions. Once you reach my house, knock three times."
Lucky Lemon gave Roseate a wink. "I think I can do that."
Wearing a smile as a mask, Roseate left the bar, a few whistles following her.
Once she arrived at home, Roseate proceeded to the kitchen. She took a moment to spit some of her disgust into the sink, then got on with the preparations. Hidden behind the breadbox was a vial of poisonous venom that Viper Pit had gifted her.
"Pesusteon ngi caursi jha mur stamech tos mur vion'tiph."
Normally, when taken orally, venom would be broken down by a pony's digestive system before it could even be absorbed by the body. However, with a quick little spell, that could be remedied, making the concoction more potent.
Opening a cabinet, Roseate picked out two glasses as well as a bottle of wine.
'Are you sure, you want to do this?' Arsthotua asked.
'Yes,' Roseate answered, 'I need that Balorite if I am to create the sigil.'
'That isn't what I meant. Are you sure you want to go about it this way? Harming yourself just to lure this insect into your trap.'
Roseate nodded. 'As much as this will hurt me, this route will be the most poetic.'
Arsthotua grumbled in the recesses of Roseate's mind, clearly displeased.
It was then that the sound of somepony knocking could be heard. One, two, three knocks.
'And so the ignorant fly lands. Little does it know that it will soon be trapped – stuck and imobile, it would soon perish.'
The thought didn’t make her any less ill.
Placing the bottle of venom out of sight, Roseate walked to the front door. After taking a deep breath, she masked her discomfort and opened the door. Standing on the doorstep was Lucky Lemon.
"Hello," Roseate said softly, "please come in."
"Thank you," Lucky responded with a leer.
As the door closed, Roseate reached out and kissed Lucky on the lips, both shocking Lucky and selling the act. Even as she did, Roseate could feel her intestines quiver within her.
'I think I'm going to be sick.'
'You are the one that wanted to do this.'
Pulling away, Roseate put on a fake smile and chuckled. "Let's have a drink in the kitchen, then we’ll see where it goes from there."
"I suppose a drink wouldn't be so bad," Lucky Lemon said, "after all they say that the kitchen is one of the most romantic rooms in the house."
Entering the kitchen, Lucky sat down at the table, while Roseate prepared the wine.
'I'll have to remember to burn that chair, but at least the fly is now on the web.'
"This is a nice place you have here," Lucky said, eyes roaming around the room.
"Thank you."
Roseate finished pouring wine into both glasses.
"What motivated you and your husband to move out here?"
"Impulse."
Silently, Roseate added the magically altered venom to Lucky's drink. Not enough to kill him. Just enough to fulfill her task.
"It must be lonely here, when your husband's away."
"Oh, not always." With a little giggle, Roseate brought over the glasses of wine, magically levitating Lucky's cup to him. "So, to what shall we toast?"
"I don't know." Lucky chuckled as he took the glass. "Maybe that we both can endure through the night."
'Such an ignorant fool.'
Roseate smiled. "To a long evening."
The glasses clinked as both Roseate and Lucky Lemon toasted and drank from their cups.
"So you have business with Maple?" Roseate asked.
"Yeah," Lucky grumbled in reply, "or I did, I suppose. I might have to deal with that later."
"I hope you don't mind if I ask what kind of relationship you and Maple have?" Roseate said, giving him a seductive look. As much as she hated it, Roseate wanted to know what Lucky Lemon's connection with Maple Syrup was. While she could speculate, Roseate wanted to hear the words from his own muzzle.
After taking another swig of his wine, Lucky seemed to consider what Roseate was asking, before shooting her another smile.
"Well, her husband's diner hasn't been doing so well as of late," Lucky answered. "When I heard of it, I told her that I could acquire some funds for her, in exchange for some favors."
"Favors you say?" Roseate reached out with her right hind hoof and stroked the side of Lucky's leg, her insides squirming. "Were they special favors?"
Lucky gave a slight blush. "Oh, indeed they were. Although it would seem that such favors are coming to an end. I’m more and more certain I’m going to have to do something about it."
"I wouldn't worry about her." Roseate poured more wine into Lucky's glass. "You have me now, and as long as you keep our time together a secret, you can have all the... special favors you want."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right."
Roseate's prey gulped down some more of his drink.
"This is pretty good," Lucky said, staring at the glass. "What kind of wine is this?"
"Oh, this wine has a rather poetic name," Roseate answered, "It's called the Councilor's Blade. Have you heard of it?"
"No, can't say I have." Lucky drank some more of the wine. No doubt, trying to finish so that they could proceed to the "main event."
"It is named after a story where a councilor betrayed the princess he served. First he poisoned her drink..."
Lucky Lemon's complexion became pale as he started to lose his balance. As his glass fell, Lucky toppled out of his seat onto the floor.
"Then he plunged a dagger between her ribs."
Roseate let out a slight chuckle as her victim slipped into unconsciousness.
Roseate stood in the room examining her prey. Lucky Lemon was unconscious, seemingly bound with chains to the concrete wall, suspended by the shackles binding his forelegs.
The sound of something dripping could be heard in the distance.
Standing there, Roseate wore a black corset and black stockings. The garb exaggerating her feminine features.
'Might as well give the perv something nice to look at before his demise.' Roseate thought to herself with a grimace.
It was a bit of a cruel idea Roseate had conceived, after her body purged itself hours ago, from contact with the stallion's flesh. However it wasn't like he hadn't been asking for something like this.
Eventually Lucky's form stirred and his droopy eyes opened.
"Wh-where am I?" Lucky asked upon noticing his chains. Panic shot through his eyes as he tugged on them.
"Really? That's a rather cliche thing for you to say." Roseate said, stepping into view.
Seeing Roseate and the seductive garb she was wearing, Lucky Lemon's fearful expression changed from fear to a calm leer. "Oh, it's you. I didn't expect you to be that kind of mare. Not that I'm complaining."
“I do have a knack for punishment,” Roseate answered, “probably something rooted in my past.”
Lucky Lemon licked his lips. “Oh, I’m fine with that. In fact, I look forward to learning more.”
Looking down, Roseate saw that something within the depraved stallion was stirring. As difficult as this whole matter was, this made it easier for Roseate to step into the mindset that she was going to need to fulfill her task.
"I have a confession to make." Roseate said with a small, practiced sigh.
"What is it?"
"I have a terrible habit..." Roseate answered, almost sorrowfully. Looking down at the concrete floor.
"Oh, I don't mind. Bad habits can be quite... enticing."
Roseate looked back up, a sultry smile on her face. "I have a bad habit... of lying."
“That’s fine dear,” Lucky snickered, “I’ll keep your little secret, your husband doesn’t need to find out.”
“It wasn’t my husband, I was talking about.” Roseate continued to look at the floor.
“Then who?”
Roseate glanced up, her eyes peering into Lucky’s.
“You.”
A flash of energy erupted from Roseate's horn, dropping the illusion. When Lucky Lemon opened his eyes, he realized that he wasn't in some dank basement. His limbs were bound by tendrils against a wall of slimy flesh. The light bulb that had been hanging from the ceiling was gone, replaced by a floating green eye.
Glancing around the room, Lucky saw that there were only two light sources in the fleshy room was the single eye and the glow of Roseate's lime green irises.
"What is this place?" Lemon's panic had returned.
A tentacle emerged from the floor, forming a seat for Roseate to rest on.
"It's a special organ," Roseate answered, "one of many spaces within my husband's body. Some designed to bring pleasure to his lover, others pain to those who would harm her. This one... is both."
There was no reason for Roseate to share Arsthotua's name with Lucky Lemon, after all he wasn't going to live long enough to remember it.
More tentacles appeared, some reaching out to caress Roseate's body, but there were two large ones that loomed from the slimy roof above, both ominously pointing toward Lucky.
"What are you going to do with me?"
"It's actually quite simple," Roseate answered, "my husband is going to take pleasure in taking you apart, piece by piece."
The tendrils continued to crawl over Roseate's skin, a blush and a moan escaping her lips as one found its way to a sensitive place.
"Then he'll punish me for... the bad lit... tle filly that I am." Roseate huffed.
Like two budding flowers, the tentacles angled toward Lemon, unfolded with more glowing tentacles emerging. From one grew forth tendrils resembling thorny vines or barbed wire. The other tentacles, their ends resembling the mouths of a venus flytrap. Slowly the cruel appendages drew closer toward Lucky Lemon.
"P-please! Stop this! I'll do anything!"
A few more tentacles massaged Roseate's body.
"I'm sorry my poor little... Lemon," Roseate answered, "but somepony has to die and... you've angered my husband. So there will be no salvation for you."
Even as Roseate gasped at her husband's touch, the appendages meant to bring about Lucky Lemon's bitter end, grasped for his flesh. Needles piercing his flesh.
"No! Please!"
Roseate knew that his death would be a long and painful one and while she wasn't too fond of what was happening, she knew it had to be done. Somepony had to die in order for Roseate to gain that Balorite from the society, at least this way, somepony who had been causing her problems would be the one to pay. Even as the moment of vengeance drew near, the thought of it made her feel so empty.
Fortunately, Roseate would have her husband to distract her, as another tentacle embraced her.
'I wonder which will break first,' Roseate pondered with a hint of sorrow, 'his mind or his body.'
That was the last coherent thought, Roseate had as all Arsthotua's tentacles went about doing their tasks.
Roseate lay on a bed of tentacles, her body covered in a slick coat of green slime. Her chest rose and fell with her panting.
Three green eyes appeared above looking down at her. "How do you feel?"
"Soooo much better," Roseate moaned in response.
A tentacle moved toward Roseate's chest, which she hugged gently.
"So what happens now?"
"Now I prepare to journey into the depths."
"You don't have to do this," Arsthotua said, "maybe there is another way."
"If there is, I can't find it," Roseate replied, "and we're running out of time."
Aside from the sound of dripping slime and squirming tendrils, the room was quiet. Arsthotua's eyes gazed into hers and Roseate gazed back.
"You know I would do everything in my power to protect you."
Roseate beamed weakly. "I know."
Another moment of silence filled the chamber as the two lovers watched one another.
"Well, there is no guarantee we will be doing this again, so..." Roseate licked the side of the tentacle she was embracing. "Ready for another round?"
The next day in the diner, while Roseate was tending to the customers in a waitress outfit more her size, she heard the recent rumors circling the town.
"Did you hear what happened to Lucky Lemon?" One would ask. "Apparently, he died last night."
"How did it happen?"
"Nopony is sure. I heard that when they found him, his body was a husk, his insides completely liquefied."
"I heard that every orifice on his body was sealed shut, even his... well... you know."
"Somepony told me that he had been skinned alive."
"Another pony said that his eyes and tongue were missing and it was like some creature ate him from the inside out."
Numerous hushed whispers echoed around the diner, their stories never fully aligning but some drawing slightly close to the truth. A truth that only Roseate, Arsthotua and Lucky Lemon's grotesque remains knew.
As Roseate went about her work she thought she could feel the eyes of others on her. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she could see the customers silently stare at her, yet when she turned to face them, they would appear to be minding their own business.
Maybe it was just paranoia brought about by the guilt for taking the life of another. Maybe it was the cult. Perhaps they were concerned about what she might do next, and had decided to keep an eye on the witch in her territory.
If that was the case, then hopefully they were considering Lucky an example of what could happen to those who messed with Arsthotua's beloved.
While Roseate considered this, she noticed one of her students sitting at a table: Quillian Inkheart.
"Hello Quillian," Roseate greeted, "what would you like to eat today?"
"I'll just have some orange juice," Quillian answered.
"Alright, one glass of orange juice, coming right up!"
Going to the kitchen, Roseate went to fetch a glass from one of the cabinets. As she picked up the glass, her magic momentarily faltered, causing the cup to fumble before shattering on the floor.
For a brief moment the room was silent.
"Roseate are you okay?" Sugar Zap asked, looking over from the meal he was cooking on the fryer.
"Yes, I'm fine."
As Roseate found a broom and dustpan, she couldn't help but feel upset with herself. While she hurriedly swept up the shards of broken glass, Maple Syrup hurried to Roseate's side.
"Are you alright?" Maple asked with a worried expression. "You aren't hurt are you?"
"No, I'm fine, I just dropped a cup is all." Roseate mumbled, as she swept up the mess.
"Maybe you should take a break." Maple Syrup suggested.
"Why?"
Maple Syrup gave Roseate a slight smile. "I know you're trying to be mature about this. A couple days ago a stallion tried to force himself upon you, only to show up dead this morning."
'Oh, dear. Does she know? How?' Roseate panicked internally. 'Had she spotted me in the tavern after all?'
"I'm sure you're feeling a little confused. A part of you is probably happy that he's dead. At the same time, another part of you is probably upset for thinking of such thoughts, and it's totally reasonable to feel that way. Lucky Lemon was a bad stallion, a manipulator that took what he wanted without a second thought. There are many mares in Muleport that are glad to know that he is no longer going to be an issue they have to deal with on a daily basis."
Hearing Maple Syrup say this, Roseate remembered seeing her in the Blue Dolphin with Lucky. No doubt she was speaking from experience with the vile stallion. The sad guilty look Maple gave her husband who was cooking, completely oblivious to the matter, confirmed Roseate's theory.
Maple took a deep breath. "I'm just trying to say that you shouldn't push yourself is all."
"Okay, I’ll keep that in mind, Maple."
Roseate gave a hard, inward sigh. There was no indication that Maple Syrup had suspected Roseate's involvement in Lucky's death.
"Why don't you finish your current order and take a break, okay?" The older mare said with a kind look.
"Yeah, I can do that." Roseate nodded, returning the look in kind.
Once the shattered remains of the cup were cleaned up, Roseate was able to secure a new glass and brought Quillian his orange juice.
"Here you go."
Roseate set down the beverage, however Quillian still had a worried expression.
"Miss Roseate, can I ask you something?" Quillian asked, staring at his glass instead of her.
Hearing Quillian's request, Roseate sat down across from him. Remembering that Quillian's body had some shape shifting properties, Roseate felt some concern for her former student.
"Is everything alright?" Roseate asked, "You're not having problems maintaining your... shape, right?"
"No, I can still control it."
"Good," Roseate said, "then what is the matter?"
Quillian breathed deeply. "Miss Roseate, are you okay?"
Well, this was a strange case of deja vu. First, Maple Syrup and now Quillian.
"Why do you ask?"
"I've just noticed recently, after you stopped teaching us that you've been more distant."
Roseate pondered what Quillian was saying and realized that to an extent he was right. After losing her job, Roseate had to be more aloft out of professionalism. Furthermore the threat of that which lurked beneath the Swanling House, her focus had been elsewhere.
"I suppose that is true," Roseate answered with a small chuckle. "I've had a lot to think about lately."
"Can I help?"
Roseate examined her concerned student, a small smile gracing her face. Quillian's selfless concern for her felt genuine and sweet. A part of her wished she could just take Quillian to be her own child. To watch the colt grow up and harness the full potential of his abilities. Yet Roseate knew that it couldn't be.
Even if Roseate could adopt Quillian, she didn't have her husband's permission and it would be cruel to separate Quillian from his sister. On top of all of that, there were other matters that would make such an adoption difficult. Like a potentially hostile cult or an eldritch being threatening the planet's existence.
"Thank you,' Roseate replied with a shake of her head, "but you've already done more than enough for me simply by showing your concern."
Quillian smiled, seemingly uplifted by Roseate's appreciation.
"A few of the other students and I have started a club."
"Really? What kind of club?"
For a brief moment, it looked as if Quillian was actually going to tell her, before pausing.
"I actually can't say," Quillian answered, looking back down. "It's sort of a secret club."
"Oh, well in that case I understand completely," Roseate said in a hushed tone, leaning in and narrowing her eyes secretively. "A secret club that ponies talk about isn’t much of a secret club, now would it."
Both Roseate and Quillian giggled at the statement.
Unfortunately, the heartwarming moment had to come to an end as a certain solar guard walked up.
"Hello," Frost Brook said, "kiddo, do you mind if I talk with Mrs Grimsbane for a moment?"
Quillian looked at Roseate worriedly, and she gave him a brief nod.
"It's fine, take your drink with you."
After Quillian left the booth, Frost Brook sat down in front of Roseate in Quillian’s seat. An angry knot formed in Roseate’s stomach at him, not only for obvious reasons, but also for interrupting such a wonderful moment.
"So Mrs. Grimsbane, I'm sure you've heard of Mr. Lemon's death."
"I have, so what?"
The detective pulled out a folder and examined its contents.
"It's an odd case," Frost said, "the coroner described it as if every cell in his body was unzipped. Personally I would say it looked like each organ was popped like an overly inflated balloon, and apparently there are others who would describe it differently. Don't you find that a bit strange how numerous ponies can see a corpse and describe it so differently?"
"I don't know. You could speculate it being the result of trauma or alternate perspectives. Personally, I haven't seen the body, so there is no way for me to describe it." Roseate lied glibly.
"I suppose so," Frost replied, "but the one thing that doesn't change is the fact that he assaulted you, two days ago, and then last night somepony spotted you both at the Blue Dolphin."
"Sir, are you trying to indicate that I had something to do with his death?"
"No," Frost answered, "as suspicious as your presence at that seedy bar is, there is currently no evidence incriminating you in Lucky Lemon's death."
"Then why do you wish to speak with me?"
"Because I want to know why you were there that night. Why were you at the Blue Dolphin with the deceased, the evening he died?"
Roseate thought about what to say, a little white lie forming in her mind. Just a little taste to hopefully push the inspector off her back.
"I must confess that I was there to... talk with Lucky Lemon."
"Really?" Frost Brook pulled out a notepad and began to jot down notes. "What about?"
"I am not at liberty to say. I was there to intercede on the behalf of a friend."
Roseate looked down at the table sorrowfully. It wasn't quite crocodile tears, but it would work.
"And who is this friend?" Frost asked.
"I can't say. I will not betray her trust. Now if you will excuse me, I best be returning to my work."
Standing up from the booth, Roseate was making her way back to the kitchen when the detective spoke up.
"Just one more thing, Mrs. Grimsbane," Frost said, "please don't leave Muleport. Understood?"
In the end it wouldn't matter. If Roseate didn't fulfill her task, there would be no Muleport to stay in.
"Understood."
Returning home from work, Roseate walked up the stairs to the mirror room. The deed was done, now it was time for the Lavender Princess to pay up.
After some quick preparations, Roseate setup the ritual to create another door to the Hellion Society.
With a violet flash, a metal door with the contorted forms of mares and stallions writhing in anguish and pleasure, appeared in the center of the room. As the door opened a gray haze drifted out along with the shape of a pony.
The demon mare entered the room carrying a black suitcase on her back.
"The deed is done." Roseate said aloud to the demon and whoever else might be listening.
The demoness nodded and set the suitcase on the floor. Long black legs appeared from the sides of the container and walked over to Roseate. Once it was in front of Roseate, the case opened revealing a small green sphere inside. Pulling the stone from the case, Roseate examined it.
It contained facets like thousands of green eyes, all staring back at her with immense power. This was indeed, Balorite.
"Is this satisfactory, ma'am?" The demoness asked.
Roseate nodded, "Yes, this will suffice."
The demoness bowed and the suitcase crawled back to her. Walking backwards the demon mare returned from where she came and in a flash the door was gone. Only a few wisps of fumes floating in the air.
Now that she had the Balorite, it was time for Roseate to make the sigil. Pulling out her cauldron and the other components needed, Roseate began to ritual.
Sitting in front of the cauldron, the ingredients in hoof. As the cauldron boiled, Roseate dropped in the ruby root, three summer moth wings, black sulfur, the moonstone shard and the Balorite. The boiling mass within wriggled and writhed, changing into a glowing blue sludge. Slowly the sludge began to congeal into a dark metallic sphere, the symbol of the mare in the moon forming in the metal.
At least the Sigil of the Mare in the Moon had been formed.
Now fully constructed, the sigil hovered in the air over the cauldron, a deep hum resonating from the sphere. Reaching out a hoof, Roseate picked up the sigil and attached it to her athame. The edge of the dagger's blade glowing with a faint blue tint.
"The sigil is complete," Roseate said, "now I just need to finish up my preparations."
There was a knock at the front door, causing Roseate to pause. Who could it be? What did they want?
Carefully Roseate walked to the front door and looked through the peephole. Standing on the other side was Moonlight Raven, a black satchel resting over her shoulder.
"I wonder what she wants?" Roseate grumbled.
Suspiciously Raven cocked her head almost as if she had heard what Roseate had said. As Roseate opened the door, the faint hint of a smile graced Moonlight Raven's lips.
"Hello, miss Grimsbane."
"Yes?"
"I would like to speak with you," Raven said, "Can I come in?"
Roseate was unsure how to answer. While she didn't trust Moonlight Raven, Roseate also knew that in-hospitality would seem very suspicious.
Putting on a smile, Roseate stepped to the side. "Come in."
Moonlight Raven walked in and Roseate closed the door. Roseate escorted her most recent visitor to the living room.
"Please take a seat," Roseate said, "would you like something to drink?"
"No, I'm fine, thank you." Raven said as she sat down on the coach.
Roseate sat down in her chair. "So, what is it you would like to talk to me about?"
Raven looked Roseate in the eye, "I know that you're a witch."
For a moment, Roseate's heart stopped. Regaining her mental composure she let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, Raven you are so funny!"
Raven didn't laugh. She merely let out a sigh. "Look I just need your help with something."
This wasn't good. If Moonlight Raven knew that Roseate Grimsbane was a witch there was so much at stake. One way or another, Raven might need to be silenced.
Roseate's smile faded. "If you genuinely believe that I am a witch, then you should know that I can't have you going around talking about it. That if you were to betray me, that there would be disastrous consequences."
"I know," Raven answered, "I am also taking a risk, if word went out that I had communed with a witch, my career could potentially come to an end as well."
Roseate could recall hearing somepony mention that Moonlight Raven was an author of sorts.
"Still, if we are going to be discussing anything further, then I will need something to serve as collateral."
"Collateral?"
"Yes, something of yours that I can hold onto to insure your loyalty."
"I don't think I have anything a witch would want, however..." Moonlight Raven blushed. "I suppose I could give you my body."
"What?" Roseate raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I just thought that you might be able to cast a spell on me that would insure my cooperation, like a curse or mutation."
Roseate pondered the idea. While she didn't necessarily need to curse Moonlight Raven, she might be able to make use of her.
"I will consider your offer, depending upon what it is you desire."
"Technically it's a who?"
"Who?"
Was this another mare trying to make some rich, handsome stallion fall in love with her? Roseate really didn't have time for this.
Raven nodded. "Several years ago, my half sister ran away from home and I have been looking for her since."
From her satchel, Moonlight Raven brandished a photograph and showed it to Roseate. In the image there were three fillies. One a younger Moonlight Raven, the second a unicorn filly with a pink coat and golden mane. Then last was a smaller filly with a pale blue coat, black mane and a pair of glasses, however what really grabbed Roseate's attention was that unlike the other two fillies, she was a pegasus.
"Mixed race marriage?" Roseate asked.
"Yes," Raven answered, "after our mother passed away, our father married a pegasus and our sister, Sky Blazer was born."
Looking at the picture, Roseate could see that while all three were smiling, that there was an air of animosity around them.
"And I'm guessing the three of you didn't get along."
"Sunny Smiles and I were often teased for our father marrying a pegasus. When Sky Blazer was born, it added fuel to the fire. Even though it wasn't her fault, we resented her for that. The night before her disappearance, I had said some things to her that I wish I hadn't. The next day, she was gone."
"Did she run away?" Roseate asked.
"It is possible," Raven answered. "According to the teachers she had done to class that day, but after that there was no sign of her."
"And you've been searching for her all this time."
"Not entirely. Numerous times the trail went cold and I had to move on with my life. So I became a writer."
"So what brought you here to Muleport?"
"Well, on a few occasions I would hear a rumor of somepony matching my sister's description living here in Muleport. So I would visit occasionally, however I could never find her. The townsfolk wouldn't talk to me about it at all. Then recently I had heard that one of Sky Blazer's classmates was now working as a teacher here, however when I came to meet her, I learned that she had disappeared as well."
So Ginger Fizzle had been one of Sky Blazer's fellow students.
"At first I thought that the trail had gone cold once more," Raven continued, "but once I knew you were a witch, I knew I had to try speaking with you."
"I see; and what made you think I was a witch?"
"Oh, it's my special talent," Moonlight Raven explained. "I possess the ability to sort of feel any residual supernatural energy around others. It has been very useful in my writing."
Roseate crossed her legs, trying to create the appearance that in spite of Raven's abilities, it was Roseate who was in charge here. She was the one in control and if Raven really wanted her help, she would realize that.
"So you're wanting me to use my abilities and resources to find your half sister. Is that it?"
"I would truly appreciate it, if you could."
Sitting back in her chair, Roseate thought about Moonlight Raven's offer. On one hoof she didn't have time; on the other Raven could be a valuable ally. A smile grew upon her face as an idea popped into her head.
"Very well," Roseate said, "I will accept your offer and take your body as collateral."
"Thank you." Raven closed her eyes.
"What are you doing?"
"Just patiently waiting for you to do whatever it is you desire to do to me."
Roseate stood up with a chuckle. She probably should have phrased that better. Not wasting any time, she walked over to Raven and lifted the mare's chin with her right hoof.
"I'm not going to do anything to your body," Roseate said, "but I do have a task for you to perform. If you fail to commit, then I won't grant you your wish."
Leaning forward, Roseate put her mouth next to Moonlight Raven's ear and whispered her instructions.
Roseate sat down in front of the mirror, the lights slowly beginning to fill in the black void beyond. Depending on what happened later, this might be the last time, Roseate would be able to talk with those on the other side of the Scryial.
"Hello, everypony." Roseate smiled, covering up a deeper grief. "Let's answer some questions, shall we?"
Sentinel053 asked: "Dear roseate have you ever met the DoomSlayer?"
As the absurd questions was being asked, images of a rotund, blue unicorn with a purple magician's outfit appeared on the glass. Judging from the way the images were drawn, Roseate would have said that they were created by somepony with the art skill of a two year old.
"What?"
Avendrial asks: "How does the Scryial work? Of course we're listening! As always, thank you."
"The Scryial is a magical communication device that allows for inter-dimensional communication. While I don't know fully how it works, it’s been explained to me as functioning similar to a magnet and a telephone. I didn't design the Scryial, I merely uncovered it during my adventures."
Bad Dragon asks: "Can you use magic to masturbate?"
"While I certainly can use my magic to... please myself, the real question you really should be asking is..." A green tentacle emerged from the darkness and rubbed Roseate's cheek. "Do I need to?"
"Could you please stop," Rosate asked, "this is really annoying."
Quillian Inkheart asks: "Is this Hellion Society a trans-dimensional society, or one within your plane of existence exclusively? If it's the former, would it be possible to encounter alternate versions of yourself? Of others you know?"
"The simple answer to your question would be, yes. From what I've gathered almost every version of Equestria has a Tartarus and every single Tartarus is in some way linked to the realm of Infernis. It is in that place that the society meets."
Roseate scratched her chin.
"As for meeting an alternate version of yourself it is possible, but unlikely. In order to become a member of the society you have to be invited and the demon ponies go through a lot of paperwork to ensure that the pony being invited is truly qualified to join."
Ri2 asks: "Also, this Hellion Society is pretty creepy. How does one become a member? And how does one become a slave?"
"Since I partially answered this question through Quillian's inquiry, I will address the areas that I didn't," Roseate replied, "Infernis is a realm of pain and torment, a world where the souls of evil ponies reside for all eternity. Well, sort of. It is said that from the flames, the society will pluck those they find interesting."
Roseate gave a slight smile.
"Think of it like one of those games with the metal claw that you use to fish for plushies. You simply find the pony you want, spend as much time and resources as you can to pull them in. Then they become a slave for the society to torment for as long as they please. Of course, I have also heard of ponies willingly becoming slaves, but I'm not sure I understand why."
Viper Pit asks: "MOO! (HELP I BEEN TURNED INTO A COW)."
"While I can certainly make a potion to remedy that ailment..." Roseate answered, "I'm not sure when I'll be able to get around to making it, under the current circumstances."
As the glass flickered, the images that had been bombarding the Scryial slowly began to change. The drawn unicorn's eyes became black and began to drip inky fluid.
The glass changed to pure black, before returning to normal.
"Oops." Roseate gave a mischievous chuckle. "My bad."
Airy Words asks: "How is it that the Lavender Princess knew so much about you, your students, the cult in Muleport, your encounter with Lucky Lemon, etc.? The breadth and extent of her knowledge are beyond suspicious, though perhaps my perceptions are clouded by analogs among mortal beings."
"It is concerning, though since my status is still that of a member of the Hellion Society, it wouldn't be shocking for her to have the means to research my background when learning of my desire to speak with her. After all, one only seeks out the Lavender Princess if they want a favor... or to be a living pillow."
Olden Bronie asks: "Are your powers more on a unicorn level or an alicorn level? Or are they more of a combination of unicorn and earth pony?"
"Without my husband's magic, I wouldn't even be on par with an earth pony. The magic that Arsthotua has given me, while alien, would be equivalent to that of a unicorn. Now while I am not sure if they hold up to alicorn standards, I do know some powerful rituals."
As the questions died down, Roseate knew that it was time to prepare for the ominous task ahead. From her closet, Roseate pulled forth a bottomless saddlebag, a magical trinket that she had uncovered along her journeys. It was made with black leather and purple velvet. On each side was a golden clasp with a white gem in the center.
It was a special carrying case that could store up to twenty times a saddlebag's normal carrying capacity, preserving its contents in a small pocket dimension.
However using such an item had a cost.
Setting the saddlebag down, Roseate sat down and held out her left forehoof to it.
"Well, come on now," Roseate said, "we don't have all night."
From out of the saddlebag came forth a creature resembling a black slug with a long, slender neck, with no eyes and ears like that of a bat. Drawing close to Roseate's outstretched hoof, the creature seemed to sniff her flesh, before a thin mouth opened revealing two white fangs.
Roseate winced as the teeth pierced her flesh. Then slowly the saddlebag began to suck, drawing forth Roseate's blood into itself. Looking at the clasp, Roseate watched as the pale white crystal slowly turned red.
Once the gem pulsed a deep crimson, the fangs withdrew from her flesh, a pair of circular marks remaining where the creature had bitten her. Now having it's fill, the satchel's slimy head returned to the interior of the container.
With her bottomless saddlebag's hunger satisfied, Roseate placed within a large glass jar filled with a clear, bluish liquid.
Now that she finished that, Roseate could prepare the rest of her supplies. In addition to her newly crafted sigil, Roseate placed next to her bag, a cloak for protection along with the gas mask she had been given as a gift.
As Roseate gathered these objects, Mittenz walked in.
"You're going to fight that thing, aren't you?" Mittenz asked.
"Yes, I am."
"Let me come with you." Mittenz urged.
"No," Roseate answered, "No, I need you here."
Roseate considered bringing her Isidria with her, however it then occurred to her that if the witch was there, that they might try claiming the tomb for themselves. No, the world would be much safer with the Isidria here.
With the last of her supplies in her satchel, Roseate proceeded to the door.
"Goodbye, my master." Mittenz said as Roseate began to leave.
Hearing her familiar's farewell, Roseate turned and looked at the cat, a tear running down her cheek.
"Look after the children while I am gone, alright."
And with that said, Roseate departed.
Standing outside the Swanling House, Roseate examined the building's decaying architecture. The structure looked like a sickly maw, drawing her into its gullet. After putting on the gas mask and donning her hood, Roseate stepped inside and made her way back to the hole she had seen in her previous exploration.
Those ancient marble statues seemed to be watching Roseate as she wandered through the halls.
Reaching the hole, Roseate peered inside. It was like looking down the throat of a giant beast, eager to swallow her whole.
"Well, that could be helpful." Roseate said, her voice muffled slightly by the gas mask.
Along the side of the hole was a small path that spiraled downwards the grooves created by a large screw in a piece of wood. Cautiously, Roseate stepped onto the path and began her descent into the darkness below. On the sides of the wall were more of Fog Tail's suggestive artwork of Mistmane, carved into stonework.
As Roseate descended deeper into the depths, the carved form of Mistmane's salacious body continued downward, their shape gradually shifting into that of worms. Their sides indented with numerous mouths and thousands upon thousands of stone eggs, bearing the carved young of something resembling infant ponies and flies. Eventually the pit bottomed out into a tunnel.
Roseate continued to follow the tunnel with only the light of her horn illuminating the path. Soon she found herself in another wide chamber with another large pit in the center. Walking over to the side, Roseate gazed down into the gaping hole. Down below was a faint orange glow and up from the depths came the sound of a heartbeat.
"So you're finally here." Came a feminine voice from behind her.
Turning around, Roseate found herself facing a mare wearing black robes, however upon further examination, Roseate knew who hid beneath the hood.
"Snow Berry."
The mare chuckled as her hood came off, a slight smile on her face. "Yes, here I am."
"So you're the witch responsible for summoning this beast."
Snow Berry's horn glowed orange as she pulled forth a thick tome, with thousands of spider-like legs covering its gray cover.
"You'd be correct," Snow Berry answered, "I have taken what I needed from the cult and with my Drihpihs, I have summoned a great Piihs to grant my wish."
Roseate knew that no good could come of this. While the Piihs might grant Snow Berry her wish, it would be at the cost of all life on this planet as the Piihs fed and nourished its offspring with Equestria's inhabitants.
"You're a fool," Roseate growled. "It will grant your wish and leave you in a dying world."
"Maybe so, but I'll have my brother again."
The way, Snow Berry talked about this matter, disgusted Roseate.
"What makes you think you are worthy to contest me, you incestuous brat?" Roseate challenged, "I have been a witch since before your mother conceived thee!"
Snow Berry smiled. "Because I know your weakness."
There was a static charge in the air as something shimmered into existence around them. A massive monstrous shape materialized, filling the room. Seeing those dreaded coils, fear gripped Roseate's heart.
"How?"
Snow Berry chuckled gleefully at Roseate's response. "The Piihs wasn't the only being that answered my call. Your Tantabus heeded it also, and with it the perfect sacrifice."
Finally Roseate understood why she had felt an urge to come to Muleport, why her dreams had compelled her here. The Tantabus, that astral parasite bound to her soul had lured her here under the influence of this witch. Somehow she had brought HIM here.
"Sacrifice?" Roseate whispered.
"Yes, you see the Tantabus and I have a deal," Snow Berry explained, "He will nourish the Piihs and in exchange he will have your mind all for himself."
"Do you have any idea what that entails?" Roseate growled.
"I don't know and I don't care. Because in the end, he gets what he wants and I get what I want."
"I'll make you pay for this!"
Roseate shot forth a beam of magic toward Snow Berry, only for HIS body to move in the way. Snow Berry let out a hideous laugh.
"Now if you will excuse me," Snow Berry said, "I have a reunion to prepare for. As for you, your time is up!"
A part of the massive worm-like body reached out and slammed into Roseate, pushing her over the edge into the pit. Snow Berry's laugh echoed throughout the chasm as Roseate fell.
As Roseate plummeted into the depths, she couldn't help but curse herself for her foolishness. Surely she should have seen this coming.
"So stupid!"
Soon Roseate felt herself impacting a wall of flesh. She slid down the slimy surface before tumbling and landing on a squishy mound, covered with what felt like sharp rocks. A sharp pain radiated through her left hind leg.
"Aaaahhhh!!!"
Reaching down Roseate felt something jagged piercing her flesh, like a broken bone.
After taking a series of deep breaths, Roseate fueled her horn with magic, illuminating her surroundings. As her horn glowed, she realized that the left lens of her gas mask was cracked, potentially damaged by the fall. Looking down at her wound, Roseate realized that the bone sticking out of her leg wasn't hers.
Glancing around, Roseate discovered that she was at the edge of a chamber filled with bones; some belonging to the local wildlife, while others clearly belonging to ponies, and all covered in a thick green slime.
With her magic, Roseate pulled out the bone shard lodged in her leg. Pain radiated from the wound as the bone fragment was pulled free.
"Gah!" Roseate gritted her teeth.
As Roseate tried to lift herself up, she noticed that her horn wasn't the only source of light in this chamber. Hanging from the ceiling was a fleshy cocoon, the shape of something massive within, pulsing with an orangish light. At the base of the cocoon was a mouth filled with razor sharp teeth. Reaching from the bottom of the pulsating sack were numerous tendrils, their undersides covered with teeth, each searching the bone pile for sustenance. One loomed closer to Roseate.
"Alenag farth yj haly ethemiav!"
Summoning forth her athame, Roseate slashing at the tentacle, the cut glowing blue from the effects of the sigil.
A violent screech echoed through the chamber, shaking everything inside as well as the confines of her mind. Despite this she held fast.
The Piihs's tendrils recoiled, encircling the cocoon, protecting its fragile interior. Roseate smiled at the weak gesture. With her attack, she had marked the beast with her sigil. With her magic, Roseate brandished the sigil.
"Be gone, by the sigil of the mare in the moon, I uproot thee from this world. Zabrieth an’sr lest yog fob’th warld''t eiresh!"
Yet as she spoke those words, nothing happened. Confused Roseate looked at her sigil, its blue light fading to black. Even as she examined the Piihs's injury, she could see the blue glow fading away.
The sigil had failed and now she was trapped in the depths. As Roseate pondered what to do next, a sound caught her attention.
There was a cacophony of roars and screams coming from all around her. Examining her surroundings and observing the numerous holes honeycombed through the chamber, Roseate realized there was more than one way in.
Then like a swarm the beasts began to pour forth, oversized rabbits with jagged claws, horns and teeth. She had harmed their queen, their mother and now they were going to rip her to shreds and add her to the bone pile.
Seeing the encroaching horde, Roseate fired off a few beams of energy into the swarm, hitting some of the beasts. Despite her attacks they continued to charge toward her.
Pumping as much magic as she could into her horn, Roseate began to create a sphere of black and purple energy above her. The orb swelling until it was the size of a full grown manticore. Even then, Roseate tried to fuel the spell with as much magic as she could.
As one of the creature's claws gashed her shoulder, Roseate let out a pained cry before releasing the spell.
The sphere dropped and once it made contact with Roseate, a tidal wave of purple energy rippled out from her, throwing the horde back with deadly force. Even as the shock wave ended, many of the beasts screeched as their bodies were singed by otherworldly fire.
Roseate breathed heavily as she surveyed the massacre. As another roar echoed through the chamber, it became very clear that despite the amount of damage her spell had wrought, it wasn't enough.
One of the beasts lumbered toward her and even as she slashed at it with her sacred instrument, Roseate felt the claws of another as it pushed her to the ground. In a matter of seconds, the creatures surrounded Roseate, the Piihs's children swarming her. Enraged the beasts used their claws and fangs to tear into her flesh. Peering through the spaces between them, she could see the shape of a worm-like creature filling the room, the sound of something chittering filled her ears. As Roseate lay there bleeding on the floor a realization came over her.
She was dying and soon so would the world around her.
'I'm sorry, my children...' Roseate breathed her last. 'I failed.'
'No. No. I won't let this happen. Not again. Never again.'
Chapter 12 - The Celestial Bodies are in Proper Alignment
"Shiagontua, the late mother of slugs also called the sleepless corpse is an eldritch entity that once brought life to the far realms. From her bosom came the colorful race of slug folk who once lived in the fabric between dimensions. Now like they're mother they are nothing more than sludge. In an effort to push back the Ceaseless Darkness, Shiagontua and her offspring sacrificed their bodies to fuel the great barrier, yet even though she is dead it is said that Shiagontua's mind still lingers in the fabric of reality, serving as a councilor in the most dire of moments."
Quote from, The Estranged Biker's Manual to the Multiverse, by S.S. Lovely.
Roseate found herself in a dark chamber with only a few torches mounted on the obsidian walls to illuminate the room, their flames glowing a sickly green. While she tried to move, the clattering of chains alerted her to the cold metal collar that was chained to a nearby pillar. Orange ribbons tangled around her form, restricting her movement further. Currently bound and confined, Roseate examined the room she was in.
It was some sort of bed chamber possessing a large circular bed, which she was laying on. In the center of the chamber there was a hole in the floor with long pale vines reaching down from the ceiling, down into the pit.
Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, Roseate soon realized that not all the walls were made of obsidian. In fact, it would seem that this had been a visual illusion caused by the low lighting as the walls shifted, revealing that they were in fact the chitinous underside of a massive, coiled centipede like creature.
Then the vines began to move, pulling something up from the abyss, until finally it revealed a sickly pale cocoon. As the hole sealed shut, the cocoon wriggled and writhed as something within attempted to break forth. Slowly the membrane began to tear until finally to Roseate's horror a stallion emerged. A stallion she was certain she would never see again. Red robes adorned his form.
"Hello, it has been a long time hasn't it, my dear little plaything."
Roseate felt weak as the creature that leered back at her was none other than her step father, her ancient tormentor. The walls of the chamber felt as if they were drawing inward.
"No, no, no, no, no," Roseate protested, "you're dead! I saw you die!"
The aberration chuckled, a glint of malice in his eyes.
"Silly little filly," HE mocked, "haven't you heard the old adage, 'As long as you remember somepony they're not really dead?' When you confined your memories of me to that vessel, to that Tantabus, you created the seed through which I could be reborn. Such a... fine mother."
"Why? Why work with the Piihs?"
As cruel and as dumb as HE was, there was no way HE would side with an eldritch horror without some sort of benefit.
"To put it simply, we made a deal," HE answered, "the Piihs and her offspring are able to ravage this planet and I get to have you to myself for all eternity."
Hearing the revelation, Roseate's eyes widened. Suddenly it became very clear that this wasn't a mere bed chamber. It was a cage where HE could punish her and force his way upon her until the very cosmos burnt to ash.
Roseate tried to cast a spell, to wipe away the blemish on her life in front of her. However nothing happened and no magic flowed through her horn.
HE laughed at her sorrowful attempt.
"Your husband's magic can't help you here, plaything. Nopony can! So I suggest you give into your fate."
Slowly HE began to advance toward her, peeling off HIS robes as HE went. A cruel smile stretching across HIS lips.
"No, no, th-this isn't fair!"
"Fair? Was it fair that my wife cheated on me with an earth pony slave? Was it fair that she claimed to possess my child only to give birth to a defective one? Or was it fair that the paradise I worked so hard for was taken from me by a brat like you?"
HE crawled on the bed like a timberwolf preparing to strike.
"No, it isn't fair," HE said, "and while this isn't the paradise I had imagined. Being able to torment you for all of eternity..."
HE reached out and stroked Roseate's chin, revulsion filling her stomach.
"Well, that will do!"
One week prior... to the end.
It was a beautiful day as Sour Sapphire made his way home. As he was walking along, he saw his teacher leaving the post office.
"Hey, miss Roseate!" he greeted, waving his hoof.
Roseate looked up seeming almost startled, the package that rested on her back almost toppling off.
"Oh, hello Sapphire." Roseate returned the greeting. As Sour Sapphire watched his teacher, he couldn't help but feel that something was bothering her.
"Are you okay?" Sour Sapphire asked.
"Yes," Roseate answered nervously, "you just startled me is all."
"I'm sorry."
Roseate chuckled. "It's okay. Did you need anything?"
Sour Sapphire could still remember the dream, of the nightmare that had haunted him and how Roseate had saved him somehow. While a part of him wanted to thank her, another part of him felt silly just thinking about it. It was a dream after all. Surely, she would have no knowledge of what had happened.
"'No, I just wanted to say hello."
"Well, thank you," Roseate said, "though I really must be going. Have a good day."
"Okay, bye bye!"
Waving farewell, Sour Sapphire watched as Roseate began to walk away.
Something felt off about this, but Sapphire couldn't place a hoof on it. As he watched Roseate leave, he noticed three things: firstly,she was being very careful with her package, secondly, she was trying to leave the area as quickly as possible, and lastly, that she was making her way into the woods alone.
'What's going on?'
Perhaps it was nothing, yet Sour Sapphire couldn't help but feel that something was wrong.
'What should I do?'
After pondering the thought, Sour Sapphire took a deep breath and cautiously followed Roseate into the forest.
Six days prior...
Maple Sugar sat in a booth, making a few sketches as she waited for Roseate and her mom to finish closing up the diner. Humming a little tune to herself as she scribbled on the white sheet of paper.
"What are you working on?" Roseate asked as she sat down across from Maple Sugar.
The drawing consisted of three stick figures, one was large with horns on her head, the second was a small filly with Maple's colors and the last was of a pony who looked very similar to Roseate, who stood between the filly and the monster.
"Oh, just something I dreamt about."
"That's nice," Roseate said, "who's that?"
Roseate pointed to the small filly.
"That's me."
"What about that?" Roseate pointed to the larger scribble.
"That's the monster," Maple Sugar answered, "she was really mean."
"I see, and who's that?" Roseate pointed to the next shape.
"That's you."
"Hmmm… I guess I wasn't wearing my make-up." Roseate giggled.
"I think you are very pretty, miss Roseate."
"Oh, you're just saying that because I was your teacher." Roseate adjusted her glasses, a slight blush to her cheeks. The corners of her lips stretched upward slightly in the ghost of a smile.
"No, I really do think you're pretty." Maple Sugar said with a smile.
Roseate chuckled. "Well, thank you."
"Someday, Roseate, I hope to be just like you." Maple resumed her drawing, trying to add some shading like she had seen one of the colts at school do with his drawings. She stopped however, when she heard somepony sniffling.
Looking up she saw Roseate looking down at the table, tears welling in her eyes.
"Miss Roseate, are you okay?"
Roseate shook her head and wiped away her tears.
"I have endured many things my child," Roseate replied, "things that I do not wish for you to witness. Don't strive to be like me, Maple. Just strive to be yourself."
"Um, okay," Maple said, "please don't cry miss Roseate."
This warranted a chuckle from Roseate as she managed to wipe away the last of her tears.
"It's okay dear." Roseate said as she stood up from the booth. "Why don't I grab you a glass of orange juice okay."
Quillian Inkheart's legs wobbled, threatening to give out from beneath him. As he gritted his teeth, Quillian could see Roseate watching him.
Suddenly his legs collapsed, melting into inky slime on the floorboards.
"That was better," Roseate said, "now try again."
"I... I can't..." Quillian breathed heavily.
Roseate looked over to the clock.
"I suppose we can take a break."
As Quillian caught his breath, Roseate pulled forth a small reflective sphere from her mane and examined it. Her eyes peering suspiciously into the metallic orb.
"Teacher?"
Roseate pulled her gaze from the sphere. "What is it?"
"Why is this happening to me?"
"I can't say for sure," Roseate replied, "this could have been caused by your heritage, perhaps you've come across something that warranted this transformation in your physical structure, or maybe it is something completely unknown to this world."
That wasn't the answer Quillian wanted to hear. He would have preferred a more concrete answer that would somehow miraculously solved this problem. As he glanced down at the floor he felt a couple hooves cupping his chin as Roseate pulled his gaze up to her.
"You're doing great," Roseate encouraged, "you've already managed to condense your upper body into its natural form, now you just need to focus on your legs."
"B-but what if I can't?"
"Then you will be stuck here until you can. Until you've conquered your doubt."
Roseate walked back over to the chair and sat back down. Looking back at Quillian she gave him a smile.
"However, I know that you can do it."
"Roseate?"
"Yes, Quillian."
"How do you know all this stuff?" Quillian watched Roseate as she pondered his question. A sad look on her face as she rubbed her chin with a hoof.
"I supposed you could say... that I've had... students, well sort of, of a similar nature."
"You have?"
"Yes," Roseate sighed, "a long time ago."
The room went silent for a moment. Quillian saw his teacher seemingly recalling an old memory, her eyes swelling with moisture. Had she lost somepony dear to her who was like him? He wanted to reach out to her, to reassure her, but he couldn't, not like this.
Roseate shook her head before donning a smile, focusing her attention back to her student.
"Now, let's try again, shall we?"
Seeing his teacher like this, Quillian knew that he had to keep going. If she had the strength to believe in him then he had to try to put his best... hoof forward. And thus he tried to stand once more.
Carefully Sour Sapphire followed Roseate through the forest, hiding behind trees and keeping his distance. While Roseate had peered behind her a few times, it seemed this was more something out of habit and not that she had detected his presence.
Roseate had opened the package, the cardboard box going up in turquoise flame. With her magic, Roseate held onto some sort of device. Moving through the forest, the teacher's attention focused mostly on the item in her possession.
As she wandered through the woods a black cat joined her. Its fur was bizarre, black with a pink strip flowing down its spine.
While he followed from a distance, Sour Sapphire could hear Roseate talking though he couldn't make out what she was saying, and... was the cat talking as well? Sapphire had heard of some animals being able to talk, however it was extremely rare.
It was then that Sapphire saw what Roseate was looking for. It was a massive ramshackled house, its wood decaying and old, covered in moss of various shades of green, brown and black. As Sour Sapphire looked the decrepit structure over, he almost missed seeing Roseate and her feline escort enter the abandoned house.
'What should I do?'
A part of Sapphire wanted to follow his teacher inside, however there was no guarantee that he could follow her secretly and it might be difficult to explain why he had followed her if he was caught. He could just run away, but if he did, it was unlikely that Sour Sapphire could retrace his steps back here.
So instead Sour Sapphire waited behind a tree, watching the broken domicile. Even as he did, Sapphire felt uneasy.
The branches of the trees seemed to reach out toward the house, like outstretched hooves casting accusations against a foul criminal, recounting the home's sinful deeds. However what unnerved Sapphire the most was the silence. He had been so focused on being sneaky, that he hadn't noticed how quiet it was. No birds sang, no animals wandered nearby, and even the wind seemed absent.
The sound of wood creaking almost startled Sour Sapphire, as Roseate and the cat emerged from the structure.
"We need to return home," Roseate said, "preparations need to be made."
"You go ahead," the cat replied, "there is something I must tend to first."
'So the cat really can talk.'
Sour Sapphire wasn't sure what to make of this. The fact that the feline could speak was odd enough, but the fact that his teacher was communing with it was just as strange. What connection did they have?
Roseate looked at the black cat with a bemused stare before shrugging. "Fine, but don't take too long."
Sour Sapphire waited patiently for a minute for both Roseate and the cat to leave, however when he peeked his head out from behind the tree, the cat was sitting there looking in his direction. Instinctively, Sapphire ducked back into cover.
"I know you're there kid," the cat spoke, "I caught your scent a while ago."
Looking back around the tree, Sour Sapphire could see the cat sitting there, his tail twitching back and forth.
"Hello."
"Hello, indeed." The cat looked over at the abandoned building. "Do you see that house there?"
"Yeah." Sour Sapphire answered.
"Well, that's interesting." The cat turned back to Sapphire. "Word of advice kid. Don't go in there. There is nothing but misery and suffering for those who enter."
"But Roseate went in there."
The cat nodded. "Indeed, she did, but I don't think she would be happy if you shared in her fate."
Standing up the cat began to walk the way Roseate went.
"Her fate?"
Hearing Sour Sapphire's inquiry, the cat stopped in his tracks. "Yes, and it would be such a tragic fate if one of the students she fights for were to disappear."
With that said, the cat resumed his march. After examining his surroundings one last time, Sour Sapphire followed the cat out of the woods.
Five days prior...
The teacher that had replaced Roseate was a dull unicorn mare whose basic mannerism was of somepony that was constantly in a state of boredom. Even as show and tell was going on, the teacher held her head off the table with her foreleg.
"Does anypony else have anything they want to share?" the teacher asked in a monotone voice.
"I do!" Maple Sugar said excitedly.
The teacher let out an annoyed sigh. "Come up to the front of the class, dear."
Maple Sugar walked to the front, happily brandishing a drawing she had made.
"So I had been having these nightmares," Maple Sugar said, "but that changed when I had this dream where miss Roseate helped me, so I made a drawing of it!"
She held the drawing up for everypony to see. Most seemed to share their teacher's bored expression, however there were a few that seemed curious about her illustration.
"Thank you very much," the teacher said, "please take your seat."
When the class was over Maple took her drawing and was walking back to her locker when she noticed two ponies waiting for her. Maple Sugar recognized them as Sour Sapphire and Quillian Inkheart.
"Hello." Maple greeted.
"Uh, Maple can we talk?" Sour Sapphire asked.
"I guess," Maple Sugar answered, "what do you want to talk about?"
Both of the students looked at each other with unease, before turning back to Maple.
"You said that Roseate saved you in your dream right?" Quillian asked.
"Yeah? Why?"
"We've had similar dreams," Sapphire explained, "well, nightmares where Roseate has helped us somehow."
"Really?" Maple Sugar wasn't sure how to feel about this revelation. It was kind of cool and maybe a little bit creepy that their former teacher had been supporting them through their dreams somehow. "That's pretty neat, but what should we do about it?"
Sour Sapphire placed a hoof to his chin and considered this inquiry, when suddenly it was like a lightbulb had gone off. "I think I have an idea."
Three Days Prior...
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Quillian asked as the three of them sat at the lunch table.
"Of course it is," Sour Sapphire said, "you put up the posters like I had told you right?"
The day prior the three of them had worked on creating some posters to put on the bulletin, asking for any other students that might have shared dreams involving Roseate helping them somehow.
"Yes," Quillian replied, still uncertain as to why Sapphire had suggested it.
"I thought it was fun!" Maple said a bright smile gracing her lips.
Sour Sapphire nodded, "I suppose it was a little bit fun, though the objective is to see if there was anypony else, like us in this school."
Quillian looked around the room, most of the other students seemed to be minding their own business enjoying their lunches. "Well, it looks like it might just be us."
"That's a shame," Maple Sugar said, "it would be nice if there were others."
It was then that a familiar filly started to walk up to their table. Turning they recognized her as June Berry, the mayor's daughter and the school snob, at least up until recently.
"Mind if I sit here?" June asked.
The other students looked back and forth between each other. Sour Sapphire gave June Berry a suspicious glance.
"Why do you want to sit with us," Sapphire asked, "It's not like we're the cool kids or anything!"
June Berry huffed, "Fine, I was just trying to follow the instruction on your dumb flyer but if you don't want me then fine!"
"Wait! You saw our poster?" Quillian asked.
"Duh! Why else would I want to sit with you guys?"
After giving his two comrades another glance, Sour Sapphire motioned with a hoof for June Berry to sit. With a roguish smile, June sat down at the table. "Thank you."
"So, you have seen Roseate in your dreams?" Maple asked.
"I most certainly have," June responded with a triumphant smile.
"Really and what happened in your dream?" Sapphire asked, not too sure that June was telling the truth. Watching her smile fade into a worried expression on June's face, Sour Sapphire couldn't help but smile.
"I-I don't want to talk about it?"
"What's the matter?" Sapphire teased, "you weren't lying just to get in our little group of misfits were you?"
"No, not at all!" June Berry protested, her cheeks burning red with rage.
"Well, if that's the case, tell us what you saw in your dream." Sour Sapphire beamed, enjoying this one moment of having the upper hoof on the spoiled filly. "Surely that shouldn't be a problem."
June Berry fumed before mumbling. "It was a dog."
"A dog?" Maple asked out of curiosity.
"Yeah a big dog," June growled, "and Roseate helped me with it! So am I in or not?"
The three of them looked at June quietly, until Quillian broke the silence. "Well, I had weirder things happen in my dream, so I think it's okay if she joins us."
A relieved smile stretched across June's face. Sour Sapphire sighed.
"Fine, I guess you're in."
The rest of the time during lunch was spent coming up with names for their club as well as a time for their first meeting. After some discussion it was decided.
We now return, to beginning of the end...
"So I guess I shall call the first meeting of the Sleepwalker's Club to order." Sour Sapphire said, knocking his hoof against the table like a gavel.
The four students sat in the diner, at one of the booths. While both Sour Sapphire and Quillian had notes laid out in front of them, Maple Sugar had a couple drawings in front of her and June Berry sat there with an authoritative yet annoyed stance. Aside from the students there was only one other customer in the diner.
"Alright, so what exactly do we know?" June Berry asked.
"We've determined that our former teacher Roseate somehow aided us all in our dreams." Sapphire said.
"And I can say that she does possess a wide variety of knowledge," Quillian said, "so if anypony could do that somehow, it would be her."
Sour Sapphire nodded in agreement.
"So what do you suppose she is?" June Berry asked.
"I'm... I'm thinking she might be a witch." Quillian answered. The group looked at him wearily, even at a young age they all knew that such a statement carried deep weight in Equestrian society.
"No, that can't be right," Maple Sugar said, "mommy said witches summoned demons and were ugly. Roseate's super nice and pretty. I doubt she is a witch."
"Yeah, that and witches aren't real." June Berry said in an irritated manner. While she hadn't been on the best of terms with Roseate and had on a few occasions tried to have the teacher expelled, the last thing June would want would be for Roseate to be hauled off by the Solar Guards for such heresy.
"Okay, maybe she isn't a 'witch,'" Quillian said, "but she definitely has some knowledge of the strange and the unnatural."
"How do you know, Quillian?" Maple asked. Instinctively, Quillian looked down at the table, feeling uneasy. He wasn't sure how they would react if they knew about his... ability.
"If she was a witch, how would that make you feel?" The four students jumped as a feminine voice disrupted their meeting. Turning they saw a pale blue unicorn with a dark blue mane, her lips turned up slightly in a grin. Maple Sugar recognized her as Moonlight Raven, one of the regulars in the diner.
"Hey we're having a private conversation here!" June barked.
Moonlight Raven raised an eyebrow. "In an establishment like this?"
Quillian Inkheart looked Moonlight Raven over. There was something about her strange, a look in her eyes like a mare who had seen things that few ponies could imagine. Mysterious things that squirmed in the darkness and shadows. Eyes that had witnesses such foreboding secrets and had endured.
"But you haven't answered my question," Moonlight Raven continued, "if Roseate was a witch, how would that make you feel?"
The children sat quietly, refusing to give Moonlight Raven an answer her question. While they might have had their suspicions that something was off about Roseate Grimsbane, they weren't going to say anything that could potentially cause her any trouble.
Seeing the student's resolve, Moonlight Raven smiled. "I see. I am sure that Roseate appreciates your loyalty. Please stay strong this evening children."
Without another word, Moonlight turned toward the door and left the diner. The children waited for a moment, making sure that nopony else was eavesdropping on them.
"So, uhhh… what were we talking about?" June asked.
"Quillian was saying that Roseate seems to possess knowledge of some strange stuff." Maple said.
"It makes sense." Sour Sapphire looked out the window. "She has a talking cat after all."
"Mittenz can talk?!" Maple Sugar exclaimed.
"Yes..." As he peered out the window, Sapphire saw the aforementioned cat walking on the street. It's green eyes glowing in the darkness.
"Now, that's just silly," June Berry said.
"Well, it's true," Sour Sapphire growled, "and I can prove it!"
Standing up from his seat, Sapphire began to walk over to the diner's entrance.
"Mom said to stay inside," Maple Syrup called out, "it's safe in her!"
Despite her statement, Sour Sapphire continued to walk toward the door. "If you want answers then come with me! I know just who to ask!"
Opening the door, Sour Sapphire stepped outside. Reluctantly the other three stood up from the booth and followed him. Once he was outside, Sapphire approached the cat who upon seeing the colt, sat down, it's tail twitching back and forth like a pendulum.
"This can talk!" Sour Sapphire said as his friends joined him.
"You're just saying that!" June Berry said.
"It's true!" Sapphire proclaimed, "and I can prove it."
The cat cocked his head to the side almost as if he were curious or amused.
"Say something."
"Meow." The cat said, seeming to smile in response.
"Awww! He's so CUTE!" Maple Syrup said, walking over and petting Mittenz on the top of his head, causing the feline to purr.
"See! I told you, you were just imagining it!" June Berry frowned in annoyance.
However, Sour Sapphire knew what he saw, he knew that Mittenz could talk from their meeting in the forest. So why was he being quiet now.
"Just admit that you imagined it, it's just a dumb cat!"
"I'm not a dumb cat." a masculine voice growled.
Everypony's expression changed to shock when they realized that Mittenz had in fact spoken. His tail now moving back and forth on the ground in an angry fashion, his claws scraping against the ground as he glared at June Berry. Slowly June turned to the cat, her eyes wide as his lips turned into a wide toothy grin.
"You can talk..." June said in bewilderment.
"Yes."
There was a pregnant pause as June Berry absorbed this turn of events. Suddenly she yelled. "YOU CAN TALK!!!"
"Keep your voice down!" Mittenz raised a paw to his lips. "You don't want to disturb the neighbors do you?"
"But... how?" June whispered.
"Yes, how is it that you are able to talk?" Quillian asked.
"It's a bit of a complicated story," Mittenz replied, "let's just say my master, Roseate is in trouble and she needs your help."
Hearing this statement, all the children looked at the cat in shock. It was surprising enough to find a talking cat, but to hear that their former teacher might be in trouble.
"Wait, really?"
"Please, just follow me," the cat insisted, "Roseate needs you."
"Mom told me not to follow strangers." Maple Syrup said.
"That's... actually a very wise word of advice," Mittenz answered, "though for some of you... I'm not a stranger. That and I'm a cat, so..."
Sour Sapphire nodded. "So you said, Roseate needs our help?"
"Yes, please follow me!" Mittenz said as he rushed toward Roseate's house. After exchanging cautious glances, the four students followed.
Before they left the streets, Quillian looked back up at the stars above. They were like eyes, looking down at them hungrily, watching with ravenous anticipation.
Her brain ached as if a massive weight had been placed upon her skull, threatening to smash her mind into a pulp.
As her brain shattered, Roseate's eyes opened and she found herself lying on a rocky surface. Looking about, Roseate saw that she was on a gray rocky landscape with a black sky above filled with stars. Upon further examination Roseate saw that the stars above formed a constellation in the shape of a swirling spiral. In the center of that spiral was a planet on which Roseate could see the continent of a familiar country that she had seen on numerous maps throughout her lifetime.
"Where am I?" Roseate asked.
"You're in my domain trespasser!" A regal voice boomed across the expanse. It was then that a figure strode out of the darkness of a nearby crater.
It was a large alicorn mare, her coat as dark as the starless expanse of space, her mane and tail flowing like a collection of stars. Adorning her elegant body was armor made of an alien metal that even Roseate couldn't recall ever seeing before. The mare looked down at her with cruel pink eyes. Roseate trembled for she realized that she was in the presence of THE Nightmare, the Mare in the Moon.
Feeling weak, Roseate felt her hooves give out from underneath her.
The Mare in the Moon stepped forwards, "Tell me trespasser why is it that you wonder these grounds?"
"I... I was trying to use your power to fuel the sigil," Roseate explained, "I needed it to defeat the Piihs, but it failed. The sigil of the Mare in the Moon failed and now I'm trapped."
"That's because there is no Mare in the Moon," Nightmare Moon said.
"What?"
As the shadows of the moon shifted and blue light drifted over the alicorn's form, her appearance changed. Replacing her form was a blue alicorn with a starry mane, a regal crown on her head.
"Nightmare Moon, the Mare in the Moon was vanquished some time ago," the princess explained, "when you attempted to latch her essence onto that Sigil, there was nothing to power it, as from the few vapors that remained."
"No, no, you mean... everything I did... was for nothing!"
"Was it?" the alicorn asked.
Guilt wracked Roseate's mind. She had killed Lucky Lemon in order to obtain the Balorite from the Lavender Princess in order to create her sigil. Even though the foul stallion had it coming, the fact that his death had been for nothing, felt nothing short of insulting.
"Yes, I killed a stallion just to obtain the Balorite I needed for this sigil and in the end it didn't matter!" Roseate put her head in her hooves. Tears began to swell up in Roseate's eyes.
"That is... unfortunate." The princess's lips downturned.
"And now this world is going to die and there is nothing I can do to stop it!" Roseate put her hooves to her eyes, sobbing as guilt and grief welled up inside of her.
"That might be true." This alicorn that Roseate had no knowledge of, stepped forward. "but are you going to let them win?"
The alicorn held up a hoof and numerous magical spheres appeared around her and Roseate. As Roseate examined the spheres, she saw images flashing within, familiar scenes of when she had been helping the children along with the dreaded nightmare that had been haunting her. Somehow this mare had seen it all.
Roseate looked up at her in disbelief. "Who... are you?"
"I am Princess Luna," the alicorn answered, "and you've been wandering my dreamscape."
"The door is locked!" Sour Sapphire growled as he tried turning the knob. Sour Sapphire, Quillian Inkheart, June Berry, Maple Sugar and Mittenz stood on the doorstep to Roseate's house.
"Do you think you can get inside, Mittenz?" Maple Sugar asked.
"I can," the cat answered, "why?"
"Well, then you should be able to enter in and unlock the door right?"
"I would, except..." Mittenz presented his small paws before raising an eyebrow.
"Oh... I see."
"So then how are we going to get in?" June Berry asked.
It was then that Quillian had an idea, it wasn't something he was very excited about, but it could work. "I can get on the other side."
"You can?" Maple Sugar exclaimed happily.
"I can..." Quillian nodded. "but I would like it if... you would all turn around."
"What? Why? June asked.
"I-I would rather not talk about it."
"Really?"
Sour Sapphire turned around. "Come on, if Quillian wants us to turn around, then let's do it."
"Fine!" June groaned as she turned around. "But you better get us inside Quillian."
Once Maple Syrup and Mittenz had turned their backs, Quillian walked up to the door and proceeded to transform, his body becoming a puddle of inky slime. Once his transformation was complete, he slid underneath the door to the other side.
Concentrating on his original form, Quillian's body began to congeal, reforming into that of a young unicorn colt. Now that he was on the other side, Quillian reached out and unlocked the door, unbarring entry to his companions.
Sour Sapphire's ear twitched as he heard the door creak open.
"Alright, it's open." Quillian said.
"Wow, that was pretty quick?" Maple Sugar said as she walked inside.
This was the first time that any of the students had ever been in Roseate Grimsbane's abode. Even as they looked at the green walls and the hardwood floors, the feeling that something in the shadows was watching them sparked in the back of their minds.
"Now follow me." Mittenz instructed as he led the students up the stairs. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, the cat went into a side room. It was spacious and mostly barren except for a book that sat on the floor and something that was on the far end of the room, covered by a blanket.
"What is this place?" June Berry asked.
"It is one of her private rooms," Mittenz said, "normally Roseate wouldn't want anypony in here, however today she doesn't really have a choice in this matter."
"Well, I can certainly see why," June said, "this place is dusty."
Seeing the covered object at the end of the room, Quillian walked over to investigate.
"What is this?" Quillian pulled back the blanket revealing a mirror. As he peered into the black surface, specks of light like eyes looked back at him. A shiver ran down his spin as voices emerged from the inky void beyond.
Herald of Opera Asks: "I admit, I haven't actually been paying attention to this particular universe. I should probably get around to that (time shenanigans, don't ask), but for now all I need to know is that lives are at stake, and you're one of only four creatures in a position to help Mrs. Grimsbane stop the coming calamity. Don't think that the three others means you can slack off, either; her husband somehow isn't one of them, so it almost certainly needs everything that can be given. Anyway, after this is all over ask the Grimsbanes whether they like penguins, and maybe provide your own two bits on the matter. Yes, your victory is technically in doubt, but from where I'm sitting that's not worth acknowledging beyond trying your hardest to make sure the best outcome is what occurs."
Quillian looked back at Mittenz, a confused look on his face.
"Don't worry, they are also Roseate's friends." Mittenz shrugged. "Well, most of them are."
Asolem2 asks: "Hey kids, so I/we need you help us save miss Roseate from her own nightmares like she saved you, you can do this by calling out to/praying to/focusing on the constellation of the Star Pattern of the Late Mother of Slugs, Shiagontua."
"Shiaga-what?" Maple craned her neck.
"It's the constellation that is overhead," Mittenz explained, "it is a symbol of rebirth... and sacrifice."
"That's not ominous at all." Sour Sapphire said as he examined the strange book in the center of the room. Opening the book, Sapphire examined the pages, the inky worms squiggling into place to form words that he could read.
Mittenz continued, seeming to ignore Sapphire's statement, "If we are going to aid Roseate, we are going to need to perform one of these rituals."
Spirit Wind asks: "Hey kids, time to wake up! Your mother needs your help! Call upon the sigil of the Late Mother of Slugs, Shiagontua, and go save Roseate!"
"Mother?" Maple found this last statement to be a little confusing.
Turning the pages with his paws, Mittenz presented one such ritual.
"The Rite of Astral Guidance?" Sour Sapphire asked as he read over ancient pages. As Quillian came over to the book, he didn't see any of the words that Sapphire was seeing, just blank pages.
Mittenz nodded his head, "Yes, I do believe this will be of use to your teacher."
June Berry rolled her eyes. "Fine, let's do this ritual and go home! It's getting late and mother is going to be worried!"
"It says we will need to find something that we have a connection with that belongs to the pony we are trying to channel our guidance to," Sour Sapphire said, "but what could that be?"
Mittenz stroked his chin, before a spark formed in his eyes. "I think I might actually know of something. Follow me."
As Mittenz led the children to another room, Quillian felt uneasy about the voices in the mirror. It was as if those soundless words were soaking into him, his brain absorbing them like a sponge. His eyes were fixed on the dark glass as more of the voices leaked into his mind.
Mesmerwolf asks: "Quillian! Your teacher, Roseate is in trouble! Gather your fellow students & go to her aid! Find Mittens, he'll show the way!"
"Quillian!" June's voice disturbed Quillian's thoughts from the mirror. "Come on!"
Entering another room, the children discovered that it was filled with stuffed animals and a cat bed. The way the dolls and stuffed toys seemed to be watching them was a little offsetting. Even as he entered the room, Quillian could feel his attention being pulled toward one of the stuffed animals, its body shaped like a black pony with black button eyes.
"Do any of you feel anything?" Mittenz asked, his tail twitching back and forth.
As Maple Sugar looked around the room she spotted a bugbear plushie, seeing it Maple remembered her dream. Reaching out with her hooves, Maple picked up the doll.
"I think some of these stuffed animals might have a connection to the nightmares we had." Maple said.
Even as Maple said this, June Berry saw a purple dog plushie that stood out to her.
"Does everypony else notice if any of the animals remind them of the nightmares Roseate was involved in?" Sour Sapphire asked.
"Yeah," Maple said, holding the bugbear doll in her hooves.
"It would seem that way." Quillian picked up the doll of the inky pony.
June walked over to the stuffed dog toy and took it. Seeing the crab plushie, Sour Sapphire knew which one belonged to him. Once each of them had the doll that they felt they had a connection with, they returned to the mirror room.
Walking back into the room, Quillian felt his eyes being pulled back to the mirror.
M.R. Amorcolt asks: "While I know this situation is intimidating, I know that all of you can help Roseate."
Airy Words asks: "Children, your teacher and your friend needs you. Follow Miss Grimsbane, and above all, remember that someone else's nightmares hold no power over you."
Quillian wasn't sure what to make of the strange message appearing through the glass. They were soothing and enticing like a siren's song.
As the soft tone of the voices lulled Quillian into a daze, he heard one voice among the rest, and saw familiar eyes staring back at him. It was like looking into a normal mirror, if he was much older and more haggard. The alternate version of himself reached up, placing a hoof to the eldritch barrier.
Quillian Inkheart asks: "Child from beyond the veil; live your life as you see fit, free of nightmares. Save your mentor and know that you will live free from the nightmares. But be warned; darkness has claimed you many times. And they are watching. From beyond your darkest dreams."
"So what should we do now," Maple asked, snapping Quill out of his strange trance. There had been a moment there, just for a second, that he had seen something other, a twisted, melted version of himself, screaming and wailing, demanding pain and death. He shuddered so hard, he felt like his body would melt, but kept turned to face the others.
"We will need to draw the ritual formation in chalk," Mittenz answered, "fortunately I have some."
Holding out a paw, a piece of chalk was held between his digits. With a flick of his feline wrist, Mittenz gave the stick of white chalk to Sour Sapphire. While Sapphire was curious as to how the cat had been carrying the object, he knew that right now wasn't the time for such an inquiry.
Taking the chalk, Sour Sapphire consulted the book as he began to create the chalk outline. "Alright there are four of us, meaning in addition to the central circle we will need eight others, one for ourselves and one for the item we have a connection with."
Using the chalk, Sapphire drew the circles.
"Then we connect these circles to the central circle and to each other using a series of lines."
By the time, he was done creating the diagram, it consisted of a circle surrounded by two boxes, one within the other, with a circle at each corner, with a line stretching from each of those circles to the central one.
"What's next?" Quillian asked.
"We need salt." Sapphire answered.
"Salt?" Maple asked.
Sour Sapphire nodded. "We will need the salt to form a 'protective circle' around the central circle."
"Does it say what kind of salt is needed?" Mittenz asked.
After looking over the page carefully, Sapphire shook his head. "No, it just says salt."
"Perfect!" Mittenz exclaimed, "that means any salt will do, so table salt should be fine. There should be some salt in the kitchen."
"I'll go get it." June said as she left the room.
June Berry walked down the stairs to the kitchen. Looking at the table, she spotted a salt shaker sitting there. "Now that should work."
"What should work dear?" A familiar female voice came from behind June, startling her.
Turning around, June saw her aunt, Snow Berry standing in the room.
"Oh, Auntie, it's so nice to see you."
"Yes... indeed it is." Snow Berry replied coldly.
As she looked at her aunt, something felt wrong to June Berry, Snow Berry wasn't her normal cheery self and she usually had a good fashion sense, so why was she wearing a black robe? Furthermore, what was she doing in Roseate Grimsbane's house?
"What are you doing here?"
Snow Berry waved a hoof dismissively. "It's nothing that you need to worry about. Why don't you come here and give your auntie a big hug."
Despite seeing her affectionate posture, June knew that something was wrong. It wasn't just the overly silken tone of Snow Berry's speech but also that strange look in her eyes. Like a spider wishing for a fly on the wall to fall into its web.
"I'm sorry Auntie," June said, "but I have something important I must do."
"Well, I certainly hope it's something important." Snow Berry's eyes became crazed as she gazed at her niece murderously. "Because neither you or your friends will be leaving this house, alive."
“While I try to avoid using that facade, after I felt somepony trying to use a sigil powered by my alternate persona,” the alicorn explained, “I felt I should confront them with the illusion of my nightmarish self.”
Roseate looked up at the princess before her, Princess Luna, once the Mare in the Moon and the guardian of dreams. A being almost as powerful as Roseate's husband, a creature that could simply wipe her from existence in the blink of an eye. A tragic fate for a witch who meddled with nightmares, then again on the other hoof, being killed might be preferable to being tormented for all eternity by HIM.
Nevertheless, Roseate felt that she must prostrate herself before the princess in front of her. Roseate felt like she should say something but no words came out. What can one say to the sister of the sun.
Roseate could hear Princess Luna's hoofsteps as she drew near.
"Stand up," the princess commanded.
Obeying Luna's wishes, Roseate arose, facing the princess before her. Princess Luna looked around at the dream spheres.
"For a teacher that tries to protect her students, you aren't very good at taking your own advice."
"What?"
The dream spheres disappeared and a blue doorway appeared behind Luna. "Our time is drawing to an end, I have something I must attend to and you need to deal with your own nightmare."
Princess Luna began to walk toward the doorway.
"But what of my sigil?" Roseate asked.
Princess Luna turned back and faced Roseate. "Whether you realize it or not, you have something far more powerful than any sigil you could ever craft."
As the princess stepped through the light doorway, the world around Roseate faded to white.
"W-wait! Come back!"
"What took you so long?" Sour Sapphire asked as June Berry came back into the room, slamming the door behind her. The young filly breathed heavily as she joined the others.
"Never mind that!" June yelled as she brought over the salt shaker. "I got what we need, now let's get this over with!"
Mittenz waved a paw at the Isidria, "Is that everything we need?"
"Actually we just need one more item," Quillian said, reading the tome, "a soul stone or something equivalent."
"A soul stone! What is that?" June asked.
"It's a crystal containing the soul of a powerful entity." Mittenz explained, "most of them are a vibrant maroon color and are the size of a foal's skull."
"Do you know if Roseate had one?" Quillian asked, feeling a little uneasy from Mittenz's description of the arcane object.
"As far as I am aware she did not." Mittenz walked over to Sapphire and the book. "Does the Isidria state anything about an alternative?"
Sapphire looked over the page, before noting an area with some notes that had been added, listing items that could serve as an equivalent alternative to a soul stone. "It says that either a Mind Eater's Brain, a pony's crystalized heart or a familiar's heart could be used in the place of a soul stone."
"I see." The cat's face seemed to pale as he heard the list. His lips turned downward into a scowl.
"Is something wrong?" Maple asked.
"No, no, I... I know where I can find one of those," Mittenz answered, "I can get us a familiar's heart."
"Great, where is it?" Sour Sapphire inquired.
"I... actually have it on my person, however if I am going to give it to you all, I need you all to promise me something."
"What is it?" the students all asked almost in unison.
"I need you all to promise me, that no matter what happens, that you will all complete the ritual. That you will save my master, Roseate Grimsbane."
"Are you serious?" June asked in irritation. "I mean, if we're already here then it's very clear we are trying to save her!"
"I know," Mittenz answered, "however there is nothing more powerful then one's spoken word and I must have if I am going to give you the heart."
"We promise." Sour Sapphire said. The others agreed.
"Very well." Mittenz closed his eyes and concentrated on the task ahead of him. Then he started to cough violently.
"Mittenz are you okay?" Maple asked.
Pain wracked through his body, the cat's eyes opened wide in agony. Mittenz began to wretch, his body twitching painfully as the muscle and sinew within him began to unfold. Internal tentacles squirmed as they pushed the organ he desired into his oral cavity. With one final cough, Mittenz regurgitated his heart, a bluish organ with glowing veins and arteries. Thick green slime dripped from the cat's mouth as he fell onto his side.
"MITTENZ!"
As Mittenz lay on the ground he could feel the anchor tying him to this dimension crumbling. With the last vapors of energy remaining in his body, the familiar turned toward the students. "F-finish... th... rit-tual…"
With those last words, the light within Mittenz glowing eyes faded to darkness.
"M-Mittenz?" Maple Sugar walked over to the empty cat vessel and took it in her hooves, cradling the feline husk. Tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Maple get back to your doll!" June Berry instructed Maple.
"B-but Mittenz!"
Tears began to well up in June’s eyes, while she hadn’t known Mittenz it reminded her of the dead puppy she had tended to. While a part of her felt sad, June knew that they all needed to persevere through this moment, otherwise...
"Mittenz gave his life to ensure that we can finish this ritual to save Roseate," June retorted, "if we don't complete it, his sacrifice will have been for nothing!"
Even as she said those words, June did everything she could in her power to keep from crying herself.
It was heart wrenching but despite how painful it was, Maple Sugar knew that June Berry was right. Mittenz had given his life to provide the last material needed in order to rescue their teacher from whatever dark fate she was condemned to.
"O-kay." Maple sniffled.
While Quillian's heart ached, he knew that June was right. He also couldn't help but admire Maple's commitment in this tragic moment.
With a trembling heart, Maple stepped into her circle behind the bugbear doll.
Taking the salt, Sour Sapphire poured it around the central circle. Once a thick white line encircled Mittenz's heart, Sapphire took up his position.
"Now we will need to perform a chant in unison." Sapphire instructed as he read through the book.
"A chant," Quillian asked, "you mean like a song?"
"Indeed," Sour Sapphire answered, "it says we are to say the following chant. Alecn gerim stend l’ae t'tust derkist haur, gake lim t'tust stringth tos wothstend t'tust noghtmeri ngi sevi cjel lavit ce''t arr'i jha t'tust ebys'tel."
"Wow, that's a mouth full." June Berry mumbled.
"Yeah, how are we supposed to say all of that?" Maple Sugar asked.
Sour Sapphire looked over the page a second time, seeing if there was any way to make the ritual easier for his comrades. His eyes lit up as he noticed a small excerpt inside the tome. "I see, in the case that there is more than one participant, only the one leading the ritual needs to say that particular incantation. The other participants are supposed to say, 'Nulit h’tel fut kavix.'"
"So who will be the one leading the ritual?" June Berry asked.
"Well, obviously I will," Sapphire answered, "after all I am the one reading the book."
At first, Sour Sapphire expected June Berry to stand up and try to argue a case as to why she should be the one in charge, however much to Sapphire's surprise, June gave a nod of approval.
"Alright," June said, "I just wanted to make sure we knew our roles. Shall we start then?"
Looking around at his friends, Sour Sapphire could see they were ready. Miss Roseate had saved their lives and now it was time for them to return the favor. After gulping down some saliva, Sapphire raised a hoof toward Mittenz's still heart.
"Then let's begin. Alecn gerim stend l’ae t'tust derkist haur, gake lim t'tust stringth tos wothstend t'tust noghtmeri ngi sevi cjel lavit ce''t arr'i jha t'tust ebys'tel."
The other three students raised their hooves and called out. "Nulit h’tel fut kavix."
As they chanted the chalk around them began to glow with an eerie blue light. Then the heart in the central circle began to beat.
"Nulit h’tel fut kavix."
Slowly the beating heart began to float and with each beat, the shadows in the room started to be absorbed into the floating organ. Even the light from the chalk seemed to be pulled toward it.
"Nulit h’tel fut kavix."
A sphere of shadow formed around the heart like a shell, with glimpses of spectral light occasionally bleeding through. Something like a dagger could be seen being molded in the purple light.
Quillian was the first to notice the entity that surrounded them. Numerous green eyes and slimy green tentacles seemed to phase in through the walls, floor and ceiling. The looming eyes watched the student even as the sphere of shadow began to expand.
In a flash, the ball seemed to explode and the room was completely swallowed up in darkness.
…
"Thank... you."
…Of the nightmare.
Roseate felt sore and strangely deflated. Her lower half was cramped and painful as if somepony had reached in and scooped out her insides. Her vision was blurry as she slowly woke up, her body wrapped in her bed sheets. While Roseate tried to remember how she had arrived here, her memories of the past few months were a haze.
Looking up from her sheets, Roseate saw her step-father sitting next to her bed. Normally she would try to move away from HIM, however her body was too weak to obey her. In his forelegs, the stallion held some sort of bundle.
"Oh, you're awake. I have something for you."
He set the bundle down next to her on the bed. Looking closely at it, Roseate realized that it was an infant. A cute baby colt with a gray coat and blue mane similar to his father's.
"This is your... brother." HE said with a cruel smile. "Say hello to little Stygian."
A feeling of revulsion rose up inside of Roseate. Something about this was wrong. It was as if her conscience was protesting a great sin, yet her memories yielded no evidence.
The world was enveloped in light, before it faded back to the cage. She was back in the present trapped inside the obsidian cage with HIS body wrapped around it like a slithering insect. Even as Roseate tried to focus back to the present she pondered why such an old memory had come forward in her mind. However, as Roseate’s vision returned to normal she knew that there were far more important things to focus on.
HE stood over her, HIS member preparing to strike. "I look forward to watching you wriggle and writhe for me, like you did all those years ago."
This should have been the most horrifying event in Roseate's life. The monster who had abused her all her life both physically and mentally was now here standing over her, preparing to plunge HIMSELF into her. Yet, there was something within Roseate that kept her strong.
"No!"
HIS ear twitched at her statement. "What?"
Roseate looked up at HIM, her eyes burning with her unbridled hatred.
"No!" Roseate answered, "I will not cower before you anymore!"
For a moment HE looked at her, confusion filling HIS expression, before HE leered at her. "What do you think you're saying?"
It was then that a light began to flow through Roseate's horn. It wasn't the normal green glow that Roseate's magic normally possessed but pure white. In a flash of light, a magical shockwave radiated out from Roseate, knocking HIM back. As Roseate's eyes adjusted from the blinding light, she saw four spectral beings surrounding her on the bed. There was an orange crab, a black pony-like creature, a bugbear and a purple dog, all of which stood between Roseate and her tormentor.
Standing up, HE hissed at her. "Do you actually think they can save you?"
"Yes, I do." Roseate answered coldly.
The ghostly dog and bugbear charged at HIM, their teeth snapping and their claws slashing. HE let out a roar as he raised a magical shield to protect himself, even then the energy seemed to crack under the bugbear's assault.
As their comrades fought HIM, the other two spectral creatures tended to Roseate's bonds. The dark pony like spectre placed a hoof on the chain attached to the metal collar around Roseate's neck. The hoof seemed to turn into black ooze around some of the chain links. As it pulled the hoof away, the ghostly crab snapped its claws on the now rusty chains causing them to break.
Now that she was free, Roseate stood up on the bed, watching as her spectral guardians waged battle with HIM. Even as HE tried to fend them off, the centipede-like creature around the obsidian cage began to squirm.
"No!" HE growled as his shield shattered. "H-how?"
Roseate glared at her tormentor as he cowered in anticipation, gritted his teeth in defiance. "It would seem that my students can save me after all!"
"Y-you can't do this!"
The underside of the centipede squirmed, pores bursting open to reveal long work like appendages with the screaming face of Roseate’s baby brother on the ends. Roseate did find this puzzling, unsure why this nightmare was taking on the form of her brother, she knew she wasn’t going to let it dissuade her.
"No, I AM doing this!" Roseate barked, “This ends NOW!”
In a flash, the four spectral animals disappeared, transforming into Roseate's athame. Wielding the dagger with her magic, Roseate lunged forward toward HIM and shoved the blade deep into his chest.
Suddenly Roseate was thrown backwards landing on the fleshy floor of the Piihs's cavity. The room was filled with a painful shriek as the Piihs cried out in pain, the athame embedded inside of the pulsating cocoon, filling it with white energy. The room shuttered in pain as the sacred instrument broke.
The Piihs's offspring screamed in anguish as they fled from the chamber as the cocoon ruptured, a slime covered entity crashed to the floor. Once all the creatures had fled the cavity, Roseate walked over to the fallen Piihs.
Its body was the rough shape of a pony but three times as big with antler shaped tentacles on its head. Viscous fluids covered its malformed body. Its chest rising and falling as it's life dwindled away. As from this monstrous features the creature looked just like her… just like miss Ginger Fizzle. Blank eyes looked back up at Roseate in an almost pleading manner.
In order to manifest in this world, the Piihs needed a body to serve as host. Unfortunately for Ginger Fizzle, it was not required that the host be living for this dark symbiosis.
"No hard feelings," Roseate replied, "but I have my own children I must take care of and I won't let your progeny interfere."
As the light in the Piihs's eyes faded, Roseate's horn glowed green as she cast a teleportation spell, transporting her back to the surface. Standing in the middle of the remains of the Swanling House, Roseate closed her eyes and channeled her magic.
Opening her eyes, an orange glow filled her vision. Slowly the house began to go up in flames. Stepping out of the house, Roseate prepared to make her way home, when she noticed movement out of the corner of her eyes.
Looking around she saw numerous figures among the trees, ponies wearing black robes. As Roseate looked about she saw one of the shapes emerge, a robed figure wearing a gray mask bearing numerous yellow teeth formed into a beaming smile.
Seeing the figure approach, Roseate's horn began to glow as she prepared a spell to defend herself. Immediately the masked pony stopped in their tracks.
"Greetings bride of Arsthotua," the masked pony spoke with a feminine voice, "we come not bearing harm but with a gift."
The figure lifted a heavy bag off their shoulders and placed it on the ground between Roseate and them.
"This flock is witness to this exchange," the masked mare continued, "that our master, the Smiling Lord, desires no conflict with your lord. That we have apprehended the traitor and have given her to you, to do as you desire."
Having said this, the masked pony began to walk backwards into the forest, the other members of the cult following her example. Slowly they backed away until they had disappeared into the shadows.
Once all the cult members were gone, Roseate approached the sack. It was a large burlap sack, with the shape of a pony inside. The fabric moved slowly as the figure within breathed softly.
Pulling back the opening, Roseate saw the gift within: an unconscious Snow Berry. Resting in the bag with her was the spell tome that Snow Berry had in her possession.
A smile stretched across Roseate's lips, indeed this was a worthy gift for the bride of an eldritch god.
Quillian groaned, his muscles feeling sore as his eyes stirred. He and his friends were no longer inside of Roseate's house, instead lying in the grass in the front yard.
June Berry groaned as she picked herself off the ground.
'How did we get here?' The shape out of the corner of his eye grabbed Quillian's attention.
In the doorway was a stallion who was watching over them. A unicorn stallion with a pale gray coat and a disheveled charcoal mane, watching them with maroon eyes.
Seeing the figure the students arose, preparing for whatever threat this pony might present. He simply stood there watching them. As he looked at the stallion, Quillian recognized the pony as the one Roseate had claimed for her husband, Strange Sight.
"Thank you children." Strange Sight spoke, his voice seemingly distant. "You have done me a great service today."
There was something weird about Strange Sight's mannerisms, while he looked like a living breathing pony, he seemed to move almost like a puppet. A puppet whose strings were pulled by a master puppeteer but a puppet nonetheless.
As Strange Sight turned back into the house, Maple Sugar spoke up, "Wait! What about miss Roseate?"
The stallion stopped in the doorway, his head turning slowly toward the children. Quillian couldn't shake that strange feeling he felt when Strange Sight gazed over him. It was like some distant creature was examining Quillian under a microscope. It didn't feel malicious, just alien enough that Quillian felt uncomfortable.
Even as June looked at Strange Sight, the shadows out of the corner of her eyes seemed to shift and wriggle like otherworldly tentacles feeling their surroundings. A shiver went up her spin as one of the shadow tendrils touched her hoof.
‘Wow does he feel so ominous?’ Sour Sapphire thought to himself. While he had seen Roseate’s husband a few times, Sapphire had never felt this unearthly aura before.
The corners of Strange Sight's lips pulled upwards giving the children a familiar smile or the imitation of what a pony's smile should look like. Seeing the wide smile, Maple felt as if there was something familiar about it.
"She is fine now," Strange Sight answered, "She will need her rest but I'm sure if you give her a few days she would like to see you all."
With those last words, Strange Sight closed the door and sealed it behind him.
A tired Roseate Grimsbane sat in front of the mirror, looking to those beyond.
"Hello, everypony," Roseate said, "today has been... rough, however I saw that some of you had questions for me and so I thought I might try to answer them."
Viper Pit asks: "Okay I'm back the transformation toxin of the plant was more powerful than I thought. It could be useful if you need to disguise yourself though it does seem to last about two weeks so be careful."
Roseate smiled at Viper Pit's statement. "Thank you, I am glad to see that you were able to revert back to normal."
Salreix Von Otsuu asks: "How common is it for eldritch entities to form a symbiotic bond with one another, like the presumed interaction between your Tantabus and the being which you hope to vanquish?"
"It usually depends on the entities involved," Roseate explained, "while some are compatible and able to form symbiotic relationships with others, there are some situations where they are completely parasitic, consuming one or both in the process. Despite their differences many of the entities beyond the veil desire companionship just like ponies do."
Even as the voices grew silent, Roseate knew that they were still watching, anticipating what she was about to present them with.
"Now I would like to thank you all for your assistance," Roseate said, "I don't know if I will have any more choices for you in the future, so let me present you with one final decision."
Picking up the Scriasphere, Roseate stood up from her seat, her horn illuminating the fleshy cavern she was within, revealing that it had been a tendril she had been resting on. Taking the communication device with her, Roseate wandered into another chamber, with a pit in the center and a sleeping Snow Berry, suspended by green tentacles. A tendril with a stinger piercing the flesh of her neck, pumping in an alien chemical.
The sound of dripping slime, wriggling tentacles and Snow Berry’s breathing could be heard throughout the chamber.
"Snow Berry has harmed me dearly and could have brought this world to a bitter end," Roseate said, "therefore you shall be the ones to decide her fate."
The unconscious mare stirred in her slumber, completely helpless to resist her fate.
"Perhaps she should be killed. Maybe I should take her nightmares and drive her mad with them... or perhaps I could grant her a merciful fate."
Turning away from her captive, Roseate showed those on the other side of the veil one of Arsthotua's new tentacles. The tip of the appendage split into a bush like system of tendrils, holding small fleshy pods, resembling a cluster of alien grapes. The pods seemed to wriggle in response to Roseate's touch. Seeing the way Arsthotua’s new appendage reacted, Roseate couldn’t help but smile.
"After my interactions with the cult here in Muleport, I am starting to wonder if perhaps it would be wise if Arsthotua and I had our own... flock."
Walking back to Snow Berry, Roseate placed a hoof under the mare's chin, causing her to stir once more. The captive pony looked quite serene considering the current state she was in, almost like a slumbering child.
"Sure she's weak and pathetic but her resolve is strong and malleable. With the right push she could be a powerful ally for such an organization. And if it fails then she will probably die anyway."
Green tentacles drifted down from the ceiling forming a throne for Roseate. Sitting down, Roseate crossed her legs as a single tentacle came down and nuzzled her cheek. After giving the tendril a kiss, Roseate focused her attention back to the Scriasphere.
"But in the end, it is up to you to decide. Snow Berry's fate is in your grasp."
As she finished her statement, exhaustion began to set in, Roseate’s vision becoming blurry. Before she could topple out of the tentacle throne that Arsthotua had made for her, numerous tentacles reached out and braced her.
"Rest my love. The night has been long. Let me tend to you."
Listening to her husband's instructions, Roseate closed her eyes and fell asleep.
“The result of the union between a pony and outer being is never a pretty one. The offspring of such a union can never walk beneath the sun and are unable to breathe the air that we can. Yet despite this, it’s not uncommon for both parents to look on, wishing the best for their children.”
Quote from; Cage of Sorrow, by M.R. Amorcolt.
"Do you really think this is the end?"
Opening her eyes, Roseate found herself inside a chamber resembling the insides of a massive jellyfish with the corpses of numerous slugs hanging from the ceiling by thin translucent tendrils. Lights like stars pulsed behind the membrane walls. Reaching up from the floors were the bodies of more slugs, their bodies frozen in wax from the dripping candles in their open mouths.
In the center of the chamber, held by more of the tendrils, was a creature with the head of a unicorn and the body of a centipede. It didn't take Roseate long to realize that the creature was HIM.
A scowl graced Roseate's lips. "So you're not dead," she said, her voice full of scorn.
HE struggled among the tendrils, stinging HIS flesh repeatedly, an expression of irritation on HIS face. As HE struggled, sparks of electricity jumped from the tendrils that gripped HIM, shocking HIS body. Roseate couldn't help but wince as the energy flowed through one of the tendrils that gripped HIS horn, making HIM grit his teeth.
"No, I'm not," HE answered, "while my tie to this universe through you has been severed..."
A cruel smile stretched across HIS lips.
"There is another..."
It was then that the familiar sound of a newborn crying rang throughout the chamber, a cry that Roseate recognized from her nightmares.
"As long as he is alive, you will never be rid of me!" HE barked, even as HE did there was a zapping sound as the tendril attached to HIS horn sent volts of electricity though his body in conjunction with the all the others.
No longer afraid of this blight that had tormented her for her whole life, Roseate stepped forward glaring deep into his eyes.
"Then I guess I will have to sever that link, now won't I."
For a moment HE froze almost if caught by surprise. Then He leered and let out a snicker. "If you can find him, it would make for a... poetic reunion. The real question is… how far are you willing to go to severe it?"
As HE let out a maniacal laugh, it was quickly cut short as more of the tentacles zapped him and the dream faded away.
Roseate's eyes slowly shifted awake, and she found herself surrounded in an oily liquid. She was floating inside of one of Arsthotua's healing pods, the two tendrils in her mouth serving to provide her with oxygen and nutrients while she rested.
The injuries she had suffered from Piihs had healed while Roseate slumbered in this specialized organ. It was relaxing, almost like being back in the womb.
As she drew closer to consciousness she could feel the pod moving.
Roseate could feel the liquid around her draining as the bottom, lowering her down as the pod slowly opened, spilling its contents onto the cavern floor, the green liquid splashing against the ground. In the past, Roseate would have panicked as she was expelled from the organ; however after many years, Roseate had grown used to this routine and just let herself fall. As she slipped through the opening two of Arsthotua's tentacles reached out and wrapped around her barrel, catching her mid air.
Now that her body was leaving the pod, her stomach and lungs instinctively began to repel the two tubes that had been occupying her throat. A pained cough escaped Roseate's lips as they were pulled free.
Slowly the tendrils lowered her to the floor, her body dripping with slime. The room around her felt cold as her body adapted to the room's natural temperature. While she lay there coughing, a tentacle reached out to help her stand and guide her toward a nearby pool so Roseate could clean herself.
'Are you alright?'
In comparison to the room around her, the water was warm against Roseate's fur. One of Arsthotua's many eyes watched her from above the bathing hole.
"I'm fine now," Roseate answered as she was immersed. "Thank you."
The pool itself had been carved out of the stone, with various channels cut into the rock to allow for a continuous source of water. A few heat stones in the bottom of the pool allowed it to maintain a decently warm temperature.
'Good, I'm glad to hear that.'
Even after her body had been healed by Arsthotua's pod, Roseate felt like she wouldn't mind resting here all day.
"Oh, honey I could use a breather," Roseate said, "this whole endeavor has been such a chore."
'What would you like to do?'
A tentacle reached over and caressed Roseate's cheek, eliciting a moan from the mare. As she considered the question, an idea came to Roseate's mind.
"Let's take a vacation. Go someplace where we don't have to worry about saving the world from alien threats and mad witches."
Even as Arsthotua stroked her cheek, Roseate could tell that something was wrong.
"Are you okay dear?"
'It's nothing.'
Now Roseate knew that wasn't true, there was something on Arsthotua's mind and the alien intelligence was keeping it to himself.
Roseate was about to push the subject when ten tentacles slithered into the pool. The tendrils moved forward, wrapping around her body and massaging her frame. Her breathing grew heavy as a few of the tentacles wriggled between her hind legs.
"A-A-Arsthotua..." Roseate moaned as her husband filled her with pleasure.
Roseate stood at the kitchen counter preparing a drink. On the counter there was a small grape-like pod, an ivory mortar and pedestal, a clean wine glass alongside a bottle of white wine. There was also a special crafted collar made of black leather with a purple gem transfixed to it.
This collar had been part of a magical experiment, Roseate had worked a while back. However it hadn't been until now that Roseate had possessed the necessary ingredients to complete it. Thankfully the Piihs's ashes had proved to be of some use.
Now that the Piihs was defeated, her offspring were scattered. Some would go out and become one of the various horrors that haunted the woods while the few that regained what sanity they had might seek a life of survival and isolation. Only time would tell.
As Roseate stood there, she saw the various comments that watchers had made from beyond the mirror through the Scriasphere. Of the messages, one stuck out.
Quillian Inkheart asks: An ally is more valuable than a corpse. Besides, she is the aunt of one of your precious students. Not a very good aunt, mind you, but killing her will still hurt June Berry immensely.
It was a strange message riddled with black, twisted ink.
Nevertheless it would seem that the choice had been decided, now it was time for Roseate to act on it. Humming a little tune, Roseate prepared the concoction, her horn glowing as she cast a spell.
"Gimeshrovil kav nyurb jelu mey atat g’hraag go knryop farmeter."
The fleshy pod turned gray as it dried up. Taking the shriveled pod up with her magic, Roseate placed the pod into the mortar and began to grind it with the pedestal until it was a fine gray powder. Uncorking the nearby bottle, Roseate filled her glass halfway with wine.
'Honey is our little guest ready?'
'I have removed the toxin, she will be waking up soon.'
'Good, I will be there shortly.'
Taking the mortar she scrapped the powder into her glass. As the gray specks made contact with the clear liquid, it began to bubble and foam. As the drink settled the glass's contents changed to a deep crimson.
After admiring her concoction, Roseate picked up the glass, took the collar and made her way into the basement. Littered around were various items: some boxes from the move, some from the previous owners and some that were just there to serve as distractions. A couple paintings created with alien appendages, rested in the corner covered in a blanket, serving as small reminders of Roseate's past.
Among these items was an old broken grandfather's clock with a wooden bird hanging out of a tiny door at the top by a twisted, rusty spring.
Walking up to the clock, Roseate whispered to the bird, "Psaapin ngi mor tos mel t'tesh bilek mmphol t'tesh twostong ngi churnong chesm yog yjil laviel."
The wooden bird's eyes glowed green as it retreated back into the clock. As the tiny doors clicked shut, the clock's frame began to change, warping and twisting to form a distorted archway into a dark chamber. Smiling Roseate stepped through into the chamber, the way sealing behind her.
Glowing pods began to appear, illuminating the chamber and the way to Roseate's guest. While to a normal pony it might seem that the walls, floor and ceiling were covered in tentacles, Roseate knew what this really was; an Aldracampus, a pocket world within Arsthotua's own body.
Following the slime covered path, Roseate walked to her destination, the wet sound of her steps in the slime resonating off the walls. Tendrils moved aside for her, revealing a chamber where a captured Snow Berry was suspended over a gaping hole. Despite this fact, the mare continued to struggle against her bonds in a futile effort to escape.
"Looks like sleeping beauty's awake," Roseate said as she stepped into Snow Berry's view. With a twitch of her magic, Roseate swirled the wine in her glass in a circular fashion.
"Where am I?" Snow Berry demanded in an angry tone.
"You are in my... master's Aldracampus," Roseate answered plainly. "Do you know what that means?"
Snow Berry's eyes grew wide, clearly getting a better grasp on her current situation. Roseate took a sip of her drink, the wine and eldritch dust flowing down her throat, mixing the contents of her stomach, taking aspects of her DNA in the process.
"Then that means I've lost," Snow Berry said softly, "and the society will have nothing to do with me now. And I was so close to having my wish."
"Oh, I doubt that," Roseate answered, with a chuckle, "even if your Piihs did manage to consume the world and fulfilled your wish, I doubt your brother would have been the stallion you remembered. Even if he was, I doubt he would be willing to give up the world and the family he once loved just to be your bride."
Roseate drank more of the concoction as her captive looked downward with despair. Her insides swirling with more of the mixture.
"If you're going to kill me, then please do it quickly." Snow Berry growled.
"Do you really think that you deserve a swift death," Roseate answered, "no, but I will show you mercy and in turn you will owe me your life for as long as you have breath."
"Why should I do that?" The captive mare asked, her voice tinged with scorn.
Roseate swallowed the last of her drink and as she did she could feel the powder reforming, mixing with her essence and forming into something otherworldly. The organism squirmed within her stomach.
As Roseate stepped forward, Arsthotua's tentacles moving to form steps so that she could stand face to face with Snow Berry. Reaching out, Roseate took the mare's face in her hooves. As she did Roseate could feel the slimy tendril working it's way up her throat.
"Because I am going to make you a part of something greater than you could possibly imagine."
Taking one quick breath, Roseate felt the tentacle emerge from her throat, the pale green tentacle wriggling in the air as bits of Roseate's saliva splattered everywhere.
Seeing this, Snow Berry's eyes grew wide with horror. "N-no!~"
By shouting those words, Snow Berry had left herself open to the slender intruder. The tendril lunged forward into the mare's mouth and wriggled down her throat in an instant. The merging process had begun. Roseate coughed as the fragment of Arsthotua wormed its way from her body into Snow Berry. As her body was being invaded, the mare struggled against her bonds but the eldritch being's tentacles held her fast.
With another cough the last of the fragment broke free of Roseate's body and slithered it's way into Snow Berry's oral cavity. After taking a deep breath, Roseate peered into Snow Berry's mouth and therein, three eyes peered back at her. As those three eyes closed, the mare's fate was sealed.
Shuddering, Snow Berry's eyes drifted to the back of her skull as tendrils from the fragment crawled up into her sinuses. She tried to scream but the tentacle-like organ inside of her throat prevented the mare from being able to let out more than a terrified gurgle. After shaking violently for nearly a minute, Snow Berry's body slumped and went slack, the only sign that she was still alive being the rise and fall of her chest.
"How do you feel now, my dear?" Roseate asked, caressing the mare's cheek.
Slowly Snow Berry's eyes opened, a slight green glow to her sclera.
"I-I..." Snow Berry looked at Roseate with a horrified expression. "I'm sorry... I-I didn't realize that my..."
"Shhh..." Roseate placed a hoof to the other mare's lips. "It's okay, all is forgiven, however you will have to pay for the consequences of your actions."
"Of course," Snow Berry replied, "I will do whatever you wish."
It would seem that the bonding process was a success. As long as she remained linked to Arsthotua through fragment implanted inside her mind, Snow Berry would be a loyal servant to Roseate and her husband. As long as she remained devoted to them, the mare could do as she pleased.
"Yes, you will," Roseate answered, "from now on, you will be serving me and my husband. You will be aiding us however we see fit."
Snow Berry nodded, her lips turning upwards in a grin. "Of course, I will do anything for the Word Eater and his bride."
"Good."
Taking out the collar, Roseate placed it around Snow Berry's neck, and latched into place. After admiring the collar around Snow Berry's white neck, Roseate rested her brow against Snow Berry's, the two of them smiling happily. Roseate for her first disciple and Snow Berry for her mistress's approval. Her new life was about to begin.
Roseate placed a few pieces of clothing in her suitcase. The last few weeks had been stressful and Roseate was unquestioningly excited at the idea of a vacation. Along with a couple swimsuits, Roseate added a few articles of clothing for recreational purposes.
'I can't wait to just relax on the beach. It will almost be like our honeymoon... though minus the whole Huloga entrail eating.'
There were some eldritch marriage rituals that were better experienced just once... And forgotten as soon as possible.
As Roseate considered what else she might bring, she heard a knock at the front door.
"Hmmm..."
While she considered ignoring it, Roseate knew that it could be one of her clients needing her assistance.
Hearing another knock at the door, Roseate let out an annoyed sigh. "Fine."
Leaving her bedroom, Roseate descended the stairs and walked to the front door. Peeking through the peephole Roseate saw Moonlight Raven on the other side, no doubt wishing for Roseate's help as a part of their arrangement. Putting a smile on her face, Roseate opened the door.
"Come on in." Roseate greeted, motioning with a hoof for Raven into her home. Once the mare had entered, Roseate closed the door.
"Do you think you'll be able to find my sister?" Moonlight Raven asked immediately.
"I can't guarantee it," Roseate answered. "However I will do what I can. Do you have the picture?"
Moonlight Raven nodded.
Roseate motioned toward the kitchen. "Wait at the table, I will return shortly."
As Raven obeyed Roseate's instructions, Roseate ascended back up the steps toward her Scryial room. Once inside, Roseate opened a few boxes and began rifling through them, until she found what she was looking for: a crystal ball. Taking the item with her, Roseate returned to the kitchen, where Moonlight Raven was sitting.
"Wait, is that...?" Moonlight Raven looked puzzled at what Roseate was carrying. This wasn't the first time Roseate had seen somepony act this way.
"Yes, it's a crystal ball," Roseate answered, "if you have a problem with that, then you know where the door is."
"No, no." Raven shook her head. "I just didn't expect something like that was all."
"Very well, then let us begin. Set the photograph down on the table."
The picture showed the three sisters, Moonlight Raven, Sunny Smiles and their younger half sister, Sky Blazer. The young filly with the pale blue coat and dark mane, serving as the focus for the spell.
After Moonlight Raven placed the photo down, Roseate set the glass orb on top of the picture and sat down across from Moonlight Raven, placing her hooves on the table.
"Take my hooves and peer into the crystal ball with me," Roseate instructed. Following Roseate's guidance, Raven placed her hooves in Roseate's and gazed into the orb.
As Roseate examined the sphere, she saw what appeared to be a small vapor of smoke in the glass. Seeing this Roseate spoke, channeling her magic into the ball.
"Psaye siik go greh’n choldal. Yogo choldal groh’n l’ie t'tesh pestoc. Bapliesi mor yaursilf l’ie t'tesh prisint nyurb jelu mey fut unotit fu thasi thral lavi thiisph."
As Roseate said the chant, the smoke within the glass began to swirl and grow, spiraling until it filled the crystal ball. Yet no image appeared in the orb, only what appeared to be floating yellow teeth.
'Come on!'
Sweat dripped down Roseate's brow as she tried to focus further on Raven's lost sister, instead the smog and fangs remained until they faded away leaving the glass sphere empty and barren.
Roseate made a reluctant sigh. "I'm sorry."
"Is she... dead?"
"No." Roseate shook her head. "At least, I don't think so. Something is obscuring her, however I don't know what."
Something was protecting Raven's sister, blocking any scrying techniques from seeing her. Of course, there was nothing saying that the entity involved wasn't obscuring a corpse, however Roseate doubted that Moonlight Raven would want to hear that possibility. The real question was, what might such an entity be?
"What should I do?" Raven asked, firm in the face of this new information.
"That depends," Roseate replied, taking the crystal ball and setting it off to the side. "How far are you willing to go?"
"I-I..." Moonlight Raven sputtered, clearly unsure how to reply.
"Let me ask you this. Do you love her enough to search for her, even if it meant journeying into the depths of Tartarus to do so?"
"Y-yes, she's my sister!"
Roseate nodded and gave Raven a smile. "Then you have my answer."
A few days prior...
"What are you doing here?" June Berry asked, surprised by her aunt's presence inside of Roseate's home.
Snow Berry waved a hoof dismissively. "It's nothing that you need to worry about. Why don't you come here and give your auntie a big hug."
Despite seeing her affectionate posture, June knew that something was wrong. It wasn't just the overly silken tone of Snow Berry's speech but also that strange look in her eyes. Like a spider wishing for a fly on the wall to fall into its web.
"I'm sorry Auntie," June said, "but I have something important I must do."
"Well, I certainly hope it's something important." Snow Berry's eyes became crazed as she gazed at her niece murderously. "Because neither you or your friends will be leaving this house, alive."
Suddenly a hoof emerged from the shadows, placing a cloth over Snow Berry's muzzle. She let out a surprised cry, which was muffled by the fabric before her eyes drifted slowly shut. Before Snow could fall to the floor, three cloaked figures emerged from the darkness, two grabbing hold of Snow Berry's body. All three of them wore gray masks possessing large toothy grins filled with yellow teeth.
Fear gripped June Berry as the third figure approached her. Sitting down in front of June, the lone figure took off their mask, revealing their face. She was a mare with a pale blue coat, jet black mane and a pair of glasses. Slowly the mare raised a hoof to her lips, signaling for June Berry to be quiet.
"Are you afraid, little one?"
June stayed silent, unsure how to respond, even then her quivering legs gave away her fear. A smile stretched across the mare's face as she observed June's response.
"Don't be afraid," the mare said softly, "you don't share in this traitor's sin."
Peeking behind the mare, June watched the other two figures put her aunt inside of a large sack. The mare stood up, signaling for June to continue to remain silent.
"Remember child, the Smiling Stallion is always watching."
With those last words spoken the mare put her mask back on and with her comrades drifting into the shadows. Once June was certain that the strangers were gone, the young filly fled back upstairs, hoping to complete the ritual and to be free of this place.
Roseate walked into her special cavern, Arsthotua had created it just for her and... them. Large pits were carved into the floor; filled with water, glowing lake weed, and something that would make even the bravest royal guard gasp.
Inside these pools were the results of Roseate and Arsthotua's union. Piles of large, gelatinous eggs. Inside were creatures that appeared to be part pony but carried eldritch traits as well. Some had a thousand eyes covering their body, some possessed more than the normal amount of limbs and there were some with tendrils stretching from their body.
"Hello children!" Roseate called out to her offspring.
If a member of the Solar Guard saw these abominations they would call it blasphemy, yet to Roseate each was beautiful in their own way. It was such a shame that none of them would awaken, that their milky white eyes would never see the sun or breathe the air of this world.
The newest child possessed an unusually transparent body, which would flicker in and out of existence at random intervals.
"Your father and I are going to be gone for a while, so don't burn the house down okay." Roseate joked to her little ones. It was a painful joke, but there was at least some humor in it.
Occasionally one of her children would stir like a foal having a dream. A slumber that Roseate knew they would never awaken from. While that made her sad, Roseate loved every single one of them. They were her children, born from her womb.
However, if Arsthotua and Roseate could find what they were looking for, then perhaps someday these children could experience the wonders that life had to offer. Hopefully now that she possessed Snow Berry's tome, the Drihpihs, she would be one step closer to achieving that goal.
"Well, goodbye my children. I love you all." With a hoof, Roseate wiped away the tears that were gathering in her eyes.
Having wished her children fair well, Roseate made her way up the stairs. The entrance to her brood, sealing behind her.
Roseate wiped her brow as she put the last of her things in the cart, the land vehicle resting at the front of the house.
As Roseate and her husband prepared to leave, Roseate noticed four little ponies out of the corner of her eye. Turning Roseate smiled as she recognized her students.
"Hello, children." Roseate greeted.
"You're not leaving, are you Miss Roseate?" Maple Sugar asked, looking concerned.
"Oh, not for long." Roseate reassured her. "My husband and I are just taking a much needed vacation."
"But you'll be back, right?" Sour Sapphire asked.
"Well, I certainly hope so." Roseate giggled, it was then that she noticed that her students seemed a little uneasy. "Is something the matter, children?"
The four students looked at each other before June Berry let out an annoyed sigh and stepped forward. "We have a question we need to ask you."
"Oh? What is it?"
June Berry scrunched her nose as if she were trying to figure out how to word her inquiry. "Are you... a witch?"
As shocking as the question was, Roseate was able to maintain her composure. "Well, that's an unusual question."
Quillian Inkheart stepped forth. "It's just that when we were inside your house the other night, we noticed some, well... odd things. And you… know things a normal pony wouldn’t know."
That was a bit of an understatement. While Roseate wasn't present for the children's actions in her home, Arsthotua had and he had informed her of what they had done to save her and Mittenz's sacrifice. They had seen many things that would undoubtedly make her students question if she truly studied witchcraft. The fact that Roseate had helped Quillian with his bizarre abilities didn’t make their case any weaker, certainly.
Roseate quickly looked around for anypony that might be eavesdropping. Not seeing anypony, Roseate waved a hoof, motioning for her students to draw near. Slowly the students approached cautiously.
"Do you really want to know?" Roseate whispered, "Sometimes the answer can be worse than ignorance."
The students gave each other one more glance before looking back and giving Roseate a nod.
"Yes." Sour Sapphire answered.
Biting her lip, Roseate considered what she could say. She didn't want to lie to them, but at the same time, she feared that telling them the answer might jeopardize their lives. Curiosity could kill more than just cats.
"In my years I have learned various things; knowledge endorsed by my peers and at other times foreboding secrets that others dread. I have been called by many different names, many of which were... unflattering. Nevertheless, while I might be that which you asked, I am also a teacher. That has been my calling and if I must use my knowledge to help my students in any way I can, then so be it. Does that satisfy you?"
After glancing between each other, the students nodded in agreement, all except for Maple Sugar who looked rather confused.
"What does... unfluttering mean?"
After some laughter and a quick explanation, the children departed.
"Thank you, Miss Roseate." Quillian said as he left.
Roseate watched as her students went on their way. Indeed, she would have to return just to watch over them. No doubt, they would need her help if they continued down this path they had set out for themselves. Especially Quillian; Roseate could feel that there were threads connected to that child, inky string trying to pull him down a dark path where he didn't belong.
As worrying as this had been, Roseate was glad that they had come. They had reminded her of something very important she had to tend to.
For a brief moment, Roseate quit packing and made her way to the backyard. At the edge of the fence on the far side, there was a small patch of dirt where a small tombstone was laid. On it, the name Mittenz had been written by a shaking child’s hoof. Taking a deep breath, Roseate sat down at the small grave, her eyes swelled slightly even as she tried to smile.
"Goodbye, Gu'olghathmmphriesan, thank you for everything you've done," Roseate said, "maybe someday we will meet again, but until then I hope your next master is good to you."
Standing back up, Roseate dusted herself off and resumed her packing.
As Roseate prepared to join her husband she was stopped by the sight of a familiar Solar Guard standing in their front yard. It would seem that Detective Frost Brook had business with her. Despite her apprehension, Roseate put on a warm façade of a smile.
"Good morning detective."
"Good morning Miss Grimsbane," Frost Brook said, "leaving so soon?"
"My husband and I are going on a vacation," Roseate replied, "is there something wrong with that."
The detective shook his head. "Nope, I just thought I would let you know that I will be leaving this peaceful town and heading back to Canterlot."
"Oh, really. Well, that's a shame. We’ll all miss you very dearly."
"Now, I don't have to be a detective to know that that's a lie." Frost Brook chuckled. "Thank you, by the way."
"For what?"
The solar guard gave her a small smile, it was the look of a pony who had been given a glimpse of something precious that had been lost.
"I knew that it wasn't really her in my dream that night," Frost Brook answered, "yet in spite of that you chose to play along. So thank you for doing that for me."
For a moment, Roseate's heart froze as she realized that Frost Brook had been aware that she had been the one who had infiltrated the detective's dream while he was unconscious back in the hospital. However, she knew that she couldn't just admit to it, that would just be potential ammunition for him to use against her in a witch trial.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."
"No, I suppose not." Frost chuckled. "Well, have a good day."
After waving farewell, the detective left the premise. Roseate wasn't sure what to make of Frost Brook's actions, this just wasn't the normal behavior for most Solar Guards she had met before.
"Strange."
"Are you ready to go?" Arsthotua asked.
Roseate gave a slow nod. "Yes, let's go."
Roseate lay on the beach, her body supported by a lawn chair. Next to her chair was another belonging to her husband along with a red and white umbrella and an ice cooler. Surrounding their spot was white sand, crystal blue waves and numerous palm trees, isolating her and her husband from the rest of the world.
While the island would appear deserted to most, the massive cave system below had been especially designed to accommodate Roseate and her needs.
Sitting on her chair, Roseate's form was caressed by a black one piece bathing suit, the fabric designed to cover her belly and hind quarters, while keeping her back exposed. Her mane was pulled back into a ponytail, that Snow Berry had been gracious enough to braid herself. Snow Berry stood nearby at attention, wearing a similar white bathing suit and the collar that Roseate had given her. It was a teleportation collar that Roseate could use to summon her new disciple to her location if she wished to, and Roseate had to admit, it was handier than she expected it to be.
"I hope this pleases you, my mistress." Snow Berry said as she passed over a can of cherry soda with her magic.
Roseate smiled, showing her approval as she took the can with her magic and opened it. "Thank you."
After taking a sip of the soda, Roseate let out a pleased sigh. Adjusting her spectacles, Roseate examined the Scriasphere that she held in her right hoof.
"Hello, my watchers. I'm enjoying my vacation with my husband, however I don't mind answering a few more questions from you all. Let's begin shall we?"
Sentinel053 asks: "Roseate is in trouble should a I deploy the legions of my fellow robotic brethren to aid her?"
Roseate giggled, placing a hoof to her lips. "I'm actually fine now, but thank you for your concern."
Snow Berry giggled nervously, undoubtedly because of her involvement in the matter in question.
Viper Pit asks: "Would you care for a box of mints?"
"Considering what my husband and I have planned later, I certainly wouldn't mind." Roseate said with a giggle. Snow Berry remained quiet, though her cheeks turning a slight pink to the statement.
Herald of Opera asks: "Do you like penguins?"
"Penguins are interesting creatures," Roseate answered, "some believe them to be the creations of ancient gods or perhaps the messengers of a dead race. Personally, I think they're just birds. Cute, flightless birds."
With a smile, Roseate took another sip of her soda.
Azrael asks: "Have you ever met some non-sentient monsters and if you have what were they like?"
"I've met a few during my travels and exploration." Roseate said as she recalled such occasions. "One such being is the Huloga, it's kind of like a dolphin only with numerous hooves and ten times the libido. If you want my advice, I'd suggest staying clear of them during mating season. Though it is said that consuming their entrails can increase your fertility."
Now that was something Roseate could testify to.
Airy Words asks: "Now that the Alicorn of the Night has returned, how do you imagine the world of the supernatural will change? A new power-player has returned to defend her little ponies and the ripples will doubtless carry to many a dark corner."
"It will depend largely on what threats are involved," Roseate replied. "There are beings out there that have no need for the world of dreams and whose schemes will be unaffected by her presence."
Airy Words asks: "Do you want to offer your services and knowledge to her as she reacquaints herself with the realms of dream and shadow?"
Roseate stretched and adjusted her position on the lawn chair.
"I'm not sure that would be such a wise idea. While we didn't part on ill terms that doesn't mean that she is so willing to trust me. After all, why should she trust the witch that invaded her domain?"
Azrael asks: "Would it be okay if I send you some books? They can help you relax?"
"Of course, I always enjoy reading new books."
Roseate turned over to lie on her back, to which Snow Berry immediately proceeded to pull out some sun lotion and apply it to her mistress's back. Carefully Roseate levitated her drink off to the side.
Alsvid asks: "Ya like zebras?"
"Well, to be fair, I've only met a few," Roseate replied, "and while a few of my encounters have been far from peaceful, that wouldn't change the fact that I find zebras and their culture to be quite intriguing."
With a flick of a hoof, Roseate's Isidria appeared in a puff of green flame, floating above.
"A people of riddles and rhymes it is said that all the magical otherworldly tomes that were ever written in this world have had a zebra's touch in some way, shape, or form. Even my Isidria has a few incantations added to it from a zebra witch."
"My tome, the Drihpihs also possessed a few spells written by some zebras." Upon realizing that she had inserted herself into the conversation, Snow Berry clapped both of her sun lotion covered hooves over her mouth. "I-I'm so sorry mistress."
"No, it's okay."
Shifting her hoof once more the Isidria disappeared and Roseate took a deep breath.
"As for the misunderstandings I mentioned, they all involved dealings with the fifth veil and out of the three that I can remember off the top of my head, two of them resulted in some prized friendships."
Quillian Inkheart asks: “Do you have any regrets about the way things have ended? Any doubts about the events that have transpired, or the ponies you have shaped -- for better or for worse?”
"Yes, I do have two regrets," Roseate answered, "because of my actions a stallion is dead and as much of scumbag Lucky Lemon was, the fact that his death paid for a broken sigil isn’t very amiable. Furthermore because of that now Mittenz is gone as well. I didn't even have the wisdom to prevent his sacrifice."
'There is no way you could have prepared for that. The spell didn't even exist in your time until I put it there.'
Roseate still looked gloomy.
"Nevertheless, I have the feeling that in spite of Mittenz sacrifice, that the blood for Lemon's death hasn't fully been paid."
Bad Dragon asks: "What's the kinkiest thing you've ever done?"
Liking the distraction, Roseate pondered the inquiry.
"What's the kinkiest thing I've done?" Roseate scratched her chin. "Aside from being a dominatrix and binding my husband to the bed..."
Admittedly, it was a difficult question to answer, especially since her husband was an eldritch being composed mostly of tentacles. After a brief moment, Roseate thought of something.
"Mistress are you sure it's okay to talk to them about these things?" Snow Berry asked.
"It's fine." Roseate waved a hoof. "I've dealt with watchers like these before."
After considering the question a little longer, Roseate finally came up with an answer.
"How about this, Bad Dragon, a slimy ball pit..." Roseate bobbed her head slightly, the corner of her lip rising. "I'll let your imagination run with that one."
Snow Berry blushed once again and shook her head out of frustration.
Bad Dragon asks: "How long can you last underwater?"
"That is a very good question..."
Roseate said as her husband walked up. Arsthotua's puppet was moving much more fluidly than before, making it clear that the eldritch being had been practicing in order to improve his mobility. Already Roseate was thinking of a few activities she could do with her husband while underwater.
"I guess we'll find out."
Roseate turned to her new disciple and gave her a smile, before pointing a hoof at a nearby teleportation circle. As she turned away from the scrying device, black tendrils crept over it, marring it’s clear surface.
"Well, dear it is time for you to leave."
"I haven't displeased you have I mistress?" Snow Berry asked worriedly.
"No, not at all," Roseate replied, "it is just that the Word Eater and I have some business to tend to. Don't worry, if I have need of your services I will summon you."
A look of relief stretched across Snow Berry's face before she began to make her way to the teleportation circle. "As you wish my mistress."
As Snow Berry stood in the circle, the magical runes began to glow green, then in a blink of an eye, she vanished.
Setting down the Scriasphere, Roseate noticed one final message, spoken by an ink-black figure, standing in a clear-white void, surrounded by numerous black tendrils and dark, unblinking eyes.
Nightmare Inkheart curses: “You vile, interloping swine of a mare. You have spared the colt, but I am still here. You protected him in this world, but I claim him in countless others. And I will have him in this one as well, in time. Smile over him while you can. I will have the vessel and you will pay for your impudence in blood and tears.”
Furrowing her brow, Roseate considered the message, as threatening as it was, Roseate couldn't help but feel amused at this apparition's displeasure.
"Jealousy doesn't suit you well, my dear," Roseate giggled, "but don't worry, I'm sure there are others ready to take all those Quillians off your greedy hooves. Maybe a sibling, a parent, perhaps a lover or even maybe just an interloping swine of a mare like me."
Pulling the Scriasphere close, Roseate whispered softly into the device, "Sleep well my dear."
Before there could be any further response, Roseate smiled and deactivated the Scriasphere.
Roseate stood up and walked over to her husband, who stood with his hooves in the water. The waves splashing up onto the shore.
"Well, you're looking handsome." Roseate cooed, snuggling up to her husband's vessel.
"Thank you."
"So it's just you and me here on this island, with nopony around for miles. We can do whatever we want my dear. So what pleasure would you like to share." Roseate purred seductively, licking her lips.
The eyes of Strange Sight looked back at Roseate, a look of nervousness and unease in his eyes. This puzzled, Roseate.
"Is something wrong?"
"There is something I have been wanting to mention to you. Something that came to light when you almost perished the other night."
Seeing how this affected Arsthotua's vessel, Roseate was kind of surprised. When they had first met Arsthotua didn't seem to understand emotions and even once he had learned them it had taken him years to learn how to express them, even then Roseate felt that he had merely been trying to mimic emotions in an attempt to communicate and empathize with her. Yet now for the first time, this sadness, this worry that he was expressing felt truly real.
"I'm listening."
Strange Sight looked out toward the sea. "You probably aren't aware, but you're not my first bride."
This was something Roseate had never considered, not that it wasn't a possibility that Arsthotua might have chosen another prior to her. He just hadn't mentioned it, nor had Roseate asked him. While this revelation was a little shocking, Roseate knew that this must be important to Arsthotua, so she just listened.
"In another time, in another world, another creature had summoned me with the Isidria. At the time I had no idea what she was, in fact I didn't even know what zebras were until after you had brought me to this world. That was my first bride and until you, only bride, a zebra mare in a decaying world."
"What happened to her?"
"She perished," Arsthotua answered, "some ponies came to her encampment and killed her. That was the first time in the centuries that I had lived, that I experienced... loss."
A tear rolled down Roseate's cheek. "W-why are you telling me this?"
"Because I am afraid of losing you," Asthotua replied, "I don't want to experience that loss again. Not if I can help it. I love you, Roseate Grimsbane."
Roseate sniffed, a question wriggling on the tip of her mind. "Were there others?"
"No, just you and her."
While a part of this revelation hurt Roseate, she could understand what was going on. This part of Arsthotua's past was something that he had burned in the back of his mind and it had only come forth when Roseate's life was in danger. In a way this was actually uplifting, both the fact that he felt so strongly for her and that their relationship was secure enough that he could trust her with this information. It was heartwarming.
Taking a deep breath, Roseate wiped away her tears with a hoof. "Thank you for telling me."
Strange Sight looked back to her. "I am sorry if I have hurt you."
"N-no, it's fine." Roseate sniffled. "Thank you for telling me."
"I love you, Roseate Grimsbane."
"I love you too."
After cleaning her face, Roseate pulled close, hugging Arsthotua's vessel before locking lips with him. Her tongue dancing with his. Pulling away, Roseate gave Arsthotua a smile, then there was a splash as she pushed him down into the shallow water, her frame resting firmly on top of him. A giggle rippled from Roseate's throat.
"However I feel that you'll have to make it up to me." Roseate purred seductively, her insides growing warm with want.
"I am opened to suggestions," Arsthotua spoke through his vessel.
"Oh, I'm sure you are." Roseate whispered, before locking lips with him once more. As the witch kissed her husband, numerous green tentacles slowly emerged from the waves, advancing toward the Word Eater and his bride.
"What do you mean you couldn't find it?" Frost Brook asked, looking at this colleague in disbelief.
Officers Pale Peak and Dull Peak just sat there, looking at their friend with concern. The two albino unicorn twins sat with Frost Brook in an interrogation room inside of the Canterlot Solar Guard facility. Both of the mare's looked at each other before turning their attention back to Frost.
"It's exactly what I just said," Pale Peak answered, "we sent a squad of Solar Guard to this town you speak of and they found nothing. Just numerous trees."
"That can't be true," Frost Brook replied, "I was there! Muleport is real!"
Dull Peak let out a sigh.
"While we can confirm that we did receive a phone call from somepony claiming to be Mayor May Berry saying that she was from the town of Muleport, that is all the evidence we have that it exists. We lost your signal shortly after you entered the Whitetail Woods and it didn't appear again until you showed back up today. We thought you might have turned it off."
Frost Brook took his head in his hooves. "I don't understand."
Officer Pale Peak gave her comrade a worried look. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, why?" Frost Brook asked.
"We know you're passionate about your work," Dull Peak said, "but it's only been three months since your partner was killed. You need to take some time off."
"No." Frost Brook shook his head. "Not while that monster is still on the loose."
"Damn it Frost!" Pale Peak barked, slamming her hoof on the metal table. "You won't do anypony any good if you wear yourself out!"
The three of them looked at each other, their tempers boiling. Reluctantly Frost Brook conceded. As much as he hated to admit it, they were right. If he wore himself out and died because of it, who would avenge Azure Velvet's death and end the creature responsible.
"What would you have me do?"
Sitting back in their chairs, the Peak twin's took a deep breath simultaneously, something that Frost found amusing. "Your assignment is to go home and rest for a few days. After that we have an important mission that will need your full potential."
Frost Brook nodded. "I guess I can do that. What can you tell me about this mission?"
Both of the twin's looked back at each other, a nervous look in their eyes as sweat rolled down their brows, before they returned their focus back to Frost Brook.
"It pertains to a book that has gone missing from one of our containment facilities..."
"Time and space work in strange ways, moving at their own rhyme and pace. At the right angle even a dream can be as real and as powerful as a rushing stream. For many ponies, no matter how great or small, the town of Muleport doesn't exist at all."
From a strange letter underneath Frost Brook's door. In the corner of the letter are the initials, ~SB.
Airy Words asks: "Is it true that your husband cannot join you in the realms you travel to in your dreams?"
Olden Bronie asks: "Are your powers more on a unicorn level or an alicorn level? Or are they more of a combination of unicorn and earth pony?"
Herald of Opera Asks: "I admit, I haven't actually been paying attention to this particular universe. I should probably get around to that (time shenanigans, don't ask), but for now all I need to know is that lives are at stake, and you're one of only four creatures in a position to help Mrs. Grimsbane stop the coming calamity. Don't think that the three others means you can slack off, either; her husband somehow isn't one of them, so it almost certainly needs everything that can be given. Anyway, after this is all over ask the Grimsbanes whether they like penguins, and maybe provide your own two bits on the matter. Yes, your victory is technically in doubt, but from where I'm sitting that's not worth acknowledging beyond trying your hardest to make sure the best outcome is what occurs."
Asolem2 asks: "Hey kids, so I/we need you help us save miss Roseate from her own nightmares like she saved you, you can do this by calling out to/praying to/focusing on the constellation of the Star Pattern of the Late Mother of Slugs, Shiagontua."
Spirit Wind asks: "Hey kids, time to wake up! Your mother needs your help! Call upon the sigil of the Late Mother of Slugs, Shiagontua, and go save Roseate!"
Mesmerwolf asks: "Quillian! Your teacher, Roseate is in trouble! Gather your fellow students & go to her aid! Find Mittens, he'll show the way!"
Airy Words asks: "Children, your teacher and your friend needs you. Follow Miss Grimsbane, and above all, remember that someone else's nightmares hold no power over you."
Quillian Inkheart asks: "Child from beyond the veil; live your life as you see fit, free of nightmares. Save your mentor and know that you will live free from the nightmares. But be warned; darkness has claimed you many times. And they are watching. From beyond your darkest dreams."
Viper Pit asks: "Okay I'm back the transformation toxin of the plant was more powerful than I thought. It could be useful if you need to disguise yourself though it does seem to last about two weeks so be careful."
Salreix Von Otsuu asks: "How common is it for eldritch entities to form a symbiotic bond with one another, like the presumed interaction between your Tantabus and the being which you hope to vanquish?"
