> Wishbone Equestria
>  by Dirty Bit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Here we are. Another usual day in Ponyville where things kick major flank. Not a thing seemed to be wrong so far, and that counted for something. It could be considered the third day without an accident that befell the town. Sadly, that streak ends today. What makes it funnier is that this story doesn't start directly in Ponyville. Let's move to the dangerous place full of creatures and things that can be considered unorderly towards many ponies: The Everfree Forest.

Twilight trotted through the forest with her assistant and de facto little brother Spike sitting on her back after collecting some herbal tea from their resident zebra friend Zecora. Twilight smiled while she made her way back home "I can't wait to brew this tea when we arrive at the library! If what Zecora said was true, this would possibly be one of the best brews of her kind."

Spike inspected the closed satchel over Twilight's midsection as he scratched his head "Do you think it might have a pungent aftertaste like the other teas we've been drinking lately? Don't get me wrong, I love tea, but I'm looking for a little variety in flavor!"

Twilight looked back to Spike "I'm sure it might be as different as you claim, Spike. All that matters is getting this back into Ponyville and maybe inviting our friends over for a cup or two!"

Spike hopped off of Twilight's back and his smile widened "Yeah! Especially Rarity..." And as expected from Twilight, the mention of the alabaster unicorn's name caused Spike to drift into a romantic euphoria and out of his world as he swayed about.

Twilight gave an unamused sigh and rolled her eyes at Spike as she looked back to him, but she perked up when she noticed the purple dragon was about to trip over a branch "Spike, watch-" Too late. He tripped over the branch and into a nearby bush "...out..." Twilight finished in a dull tone as she trotted over to inspect any damage "Spike, are you alright?"

Spike was inside the bush and he lifted his face from the ground as he shook his head and spat out any dirt that made its way into his mouth. When he rubbed his eyes he muttered to himself about being more careful when thinking about Rarity and moving about like an idiot. He should count himself lucky he didn't do any unnecessary pirouettes around Twilight. Before he went to get on his feet, he looked ahead and noticed the strangest sight with a small gasp.

In front of the little dragon's eyes was what appeared to be a strange skull of sorts. It wasn't equine nor draconic in structure. Not even of any animal seen in the forest. But what set Spike off other than the strange bold red '9' on its forehead was the tantalizing rubies that stuck out of its eye sockets as they leered back at him. However, that did not matter as the purple dragon drooled at the sight 'Oh man, lucky me! I'll just take the rubies and...' When he reached for one of the rubies, he poked the right one with his left claw. What he did not expect was the skull to instantly shut its eye out of nowhere and elicit a pained moan, causing Spike to jump up and scream as he flew out of the bushes and into Twilight when she went to find him.

When the two laid on the ground after their collision, Twilight shook off her dizziness and glared at Spike "What is your problem, Spike? Why did you just jump out like that all of the sudden!"

Spike stammered as he alternated between his claws that pointed to the bushes "S-Skull! Rubies! It moved!!" No doubt the purple dragon sounded like a complete neighenderthal when he is deep in shock.

Twilight picked herself up and brushed herself off as she looked at the bush "You're speaking nonsense again, Spike! Did you say you found rubies in this bu-GAAAH!!!" Her hair stood on end when she noticed the skull fly out of the bush and hover in front of her and Spike. It leered with the same ominous glare as it gave Spike while it gave a low growl.

"Insolent reptile of purple scales!
When will you learn to clip your nails!?"

Spike pointed "Th-There it is!!" He paused before he screamed "It talks! And it rhymes just like Zecora! We're doomed!!"

Twilight would gladly fend off whatever spirit chose to wreak havoc, but her body was frozen in fear. She had never had to deal with any known spirits, especially since she didn't believe in ghosts. Instead, she found her voice as she tried to speak "Who-...Who are you?? Are you some kind of evil pony spirit who passed on in the Everfree Forest?"

The skull scoffed while it floated in the air and it spoke in more verse

"I don't know about evil, but I'm indeed a spirit!
You need not my eyes for which to see it!
My name is Thromnambular, and I have a gift
For you especially, if my curse you shall lift!"

Twilight was now intrigued as she tilted her head "A curse? What kind of curse are you talking about? Did a unicorn wizard do this to you?"

"That is a matter of personal means.
But you shouldn't converse when we must switch scenes...
Take me back to your humble abode,
So we may discuss matters further in eloquent code."

Twilight rubbed her chin and considered the option. When she turned to Spike, he frantically shook his head and waved his arms in a 'no way' motion. Obviously, he wanted the only sane pony he knew (Not counting 'The day') to make a rational decision. Sadly, his gestures fell on blind eyes as Twilight turned back to Thromnambular "I'll take you back, but I'll have to keep you hidden in my satchel so nopony will see you. We wouldn't want to cause a disturbance..." Thromnambular chuckled.

"A wise choice, my lavender mare,
To hide me away out of personal care.
I have yet to judge your true desire
And see if it does not lead you to fire..."

Twilight paused before she looked away awkwardly "Ooookay~..." She lit up her horn and she wrapped the strange talking skull in a magic aura as she stuffed him away in her free satchel, buttoning it up for safety. The satchel moved as complaining muffles were heard "Maybe I should give him some air..."

Spike glared at Twilight "Are you out of your mind!? We can't just take this thing back into Ponyville! That thing reeks of evil!!"

Twilight inspected the moving satchel "I wouldn't be too worried, Spike. This wouldn't be our first time dealing with a powerful menace. And I can always write to Princess Celestia about this. Besides, this is something that probably hasn't been seen in Equestria for the longest time! I'm sure he could answer our questions if he's willing to comply!"

Spike faceclawed "You and your studious behavior...We really need to get you out of the library more often..." He looked bitter when he noticed that not only was his remark ignored, Twilight made for Ponyville about ten paces ahead of him. He waddled after the lavender bookworm as they headed back home for the day.
_____

In the library, Twilight carefully pulled out Thromnambular from his cryptic leather dungeon so that he was able to gasp for air (Surprisingly). The strange talking skull was then placed on the main lobby's coffee table as he leered at Twilight and Spike, the lavender bookworm stepping forward "Okay. We're here and there's nopony around to-" She gave her surroundings a sound perimeter check before continued "-bother us. So why don't you share more about yourself, Thromnambular?" The skull nodded and cleared his throat.

"As you can plainly see, I'm naught but a head,
But I carry a gift, as I've earlier said!
What makes me an amazing asset to you
Is that I can grant wishes, and nine of them, too!"

Twilight and Spike gasped with eyes wide as dinner plates "You grant wishes!? Like a-"

"Please, for my sake, do not call me a genie just yet,
But as for granting those wishes, yes, you bet!"

Twilight smiled "This is so amazing! A skull that can grant wishes!" She looked away as she thought out loud "Are there certain limitations to what you can grant anypony? Also, do you have to be specific in terms of making said wish to make sure that nothing goes wrong? Because, I already have a couple of wishes on my mind that I wish for you to grant if you would be so ki-" When she looked back, she noticed with shock that Thromnambular was not on the coffee table as she placed him there before "He's gone! Did he lie about what he said to us!?" Twilight looked angry "We cannot let him roam free like this! Spike! We should hurry and go find-" She expected her assistant to move double time, but when she turned to see him, he wasn't there at all. Twilight also noticed that the door was strangely left open. There could be only one plausible theory to what has happened:

Spike had been possessed by Thromnambular and needs to be stopped in his tracks before anything gets out of hoof.

Twilight quickly made her way out of the library and into Ponyville to begin the search for her number one assistant and the skull that was possessing him. The hunt was on...


It begins...

> Wish #1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Spike


Twilight valiantly galloped out of her home in search of her assistant. For all she knew, Spike could be anywhere in Ponyville. However, she did not think to check behind the wooden sign that stood next to the library, because that was exactly where the purple dragon was hiding. He sat on the ground as he stared hungrily into the skull in his claws. All previous thoughts of Thromnambular vanished when he mentioned that he was capable of granting wishes. Lucky for Spike, he wanted one thing and one thing only. He whispered to the skull in his claws "So, you can grant me any wish, huh? Anything at all?" Thromnambular leered back with his ruby eyes.

"I would not doubt my powers, boy.
Any wish can grant you what you want to enjoy!
Ask me anything at all, I will not be coy!
I could even grant you the most fun-filled toy..."

He ignored the grave tone in the last line as he sneered "I'm not a baby, you know!" He hissed before he regained his composure "Okay, I got a wish for you to grant, and best of all, it's straight and to the point! Can you help a dragon out?" Thromnambular nodded in reply as Spike grinned with glee "I wish for Rarity to love me forever and ever!! Please tell me you can grant that wish!" Suddenly, Thromnambular started to glow as he floated out of Spike's grip and into the air.

"So you wish for a life full of love from another,
And not just from your mother or sister or brother!
If she sees you, this Rarity shall love you forever
And her affection for you shall never sever!"

Thromnambular laughed as the bold red '9' on his forehead melded away and reformed into an '8' before he disappeared in a flash of light.

When the light receded, Spike darted his head about to see where Thromnambular had gone. He almost felt as if he had been gyped by a strange talking skull. Feeling as though to make sure, Spike decided to make his way to Carousel Boutique to greet her with his presence while Twilight was out trying to find Thromnambular for herself.
_____

It was no small feat to arrive at the wondrous structure that contained the greatest thing that has ever happened to Equestria in Spike's draconic eyes. He made his way inside and noticed Rarity sipping some tea at her table with her eyes closed. When they opened, there was a strange glint in her eyes that faded shortly after. She noticed Spike walk into the store and she instantly gasped happily at the sight as he made his way towards her.

Spike smiled "Hey there, Rarity? Like what you see?" He said, trying to act as stalliony as can be. If this were a real attempt, he could only fail.

Strangely, though, it worked as Rarity lightly swooned before she looked down at Spike with the same strange look in her eyes "I love you, Spike! Do you love me?"

Spike chuckled "Well, of course I do! Why wouldn't I love the most amazing mare in Equestria?? In fact, I kind of wished you said those words to me just now..." He stared dreamily into her eyes with a goofy smile.

Rarity's smile lessened for a moment as the strange glint in her eyes brightened a little "Spike, darling...Do you often regret things that you wish for time to time?"

Spike tilted his head, not expecting this sort of question from his most favored unicorn "Dunno. Why would I ever regret wishing for you?"

Rarity's smile widened after Spike's question as her horn lit up "Spike..." She asked in a faintly warped tone "Have you ever heard of...tough love?"

Spike found himself wrapped and lifted up in a magical aura as he stared uneasily at Rarity "N-No...What's that?"

After that peculiar question, Rarity grinned as her pupils shrank to pinpricks. It was as if a once-beautiful mare had now donned the face of a killer. She jerked her head to the left as she slammed Spike to one wall, and then jerked it to the right as he was then slammed into another wall. The process repeated two more times until Spike was knocked into the door, causing it to almost shatter. Spike recovered and rubbed his head before he gazed fearfully at the alabaster unicorn "R-R-Rarity!? What's wrong with you!? What did I do wrong!?"

Rarity kept her grin as she slowly advanced forward "Sometimes love hurts, Spikey Wikey..." She then levitated a long plank with a nail sticking out of it towards her "And I love you a lot..." Rarity whispered darkly as her grin widened.

Yep. Nothing to do here. Spike instantly hopped to his feet and bolted out of the door in the fastest waddle his legs could muster. He could not believe that the love of his life was out to kill him. Was Thromnambular somehow responsible for this 'It was HIS fault, wasn't it!? He tricked me!! Now I'm probably gonna die, and by the hooves of my mare to boot!! What I wouldn't give to find Twilight right now! Where is she!?'

"Oh, Spiiiiiiike~!!"

Spike looked back and he yelped to see Rarity slowly catch up to him with that same crazed grin on her face. It was cruel irony that his crush would be chasing him around like this "Rarity, please!! If it was something I've done, I'm sorry!! Just stop this!!"

Rarity shook her head "Oh, but I can't, my love! I can't just leave you like this when we have so much to do together!!" She used her magic to swing her plank and try to catch Spike with it.

Spike tried to pick up the pace as he dodged another swing "If this is your idea of a date, than this isn't what I had in mind!!"

Lyra and Bon Bon were trotting along Ponyville side-by-side, but they instantly scrambled to the side when they noticed Spike screaming while being chased by Rarity. Lyra stared for a moment before she winced "Looks like somepony forgot to pay their alimony bits..."

Bon Bon turned to Lyra with an arched eyebrow as she spoke in one of her many voices "What makes you think they were even married to begin with?" This time, it was a high-pitched nasal voice.
_____

Twilight stood at the counter in Sugarcube Corner as she grunted in frustration "What do you mean you didn't see Spike pass by here!? Are you sure he hasn't even been around Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie?"

Pinkie Pie, the bane of logic's existence, only shrugged "Nopey dopey, Twilight! If I did, I'd let you know in a heartbeat! Well, it depends on the heart, but you know what I mean! I really haven't seen Spike around here at all! But why do you want him so much? Did he run away again, or is this one of those fics where you have hidden feelings for him?"

Twilight paused at the last part "Wh-What!? No!!" She grunted again as she facehoofed "Listen, Pinkie! Ponyville could be in serious trouble with what I've brought back to it!" She was unaware that outside of the window, Spike ran by with Rarity following him as she swung her plank "It was some kind of strange spirit trapped in a skull who claimed he had the ability to grant wishes!"

Pinkie gasped as she placed her hooves on her cheeks "Like a genie!?" She beamed at the wishes she would want to make if she ever found it.

Twilight sighed "Yes, Pinkie! Like a genie! But he could be lying! I think he possessed Spike and commanded him to run out of the library! I'm trying to search high and low for him so nothing goes wrong!" Spike was seen out the window running in an opposite direction, and Rarity was behind as she levitated a giant mallet "Can you please help me?"

Pinkie frowned "I'm really super duper sorry, Twilight! But the Cakes have a huge order to fill and they need my help for it!"

Twilight was taken aback by the party pony's response "You'd focus more on a pastry order than something that could cause the end of Equestria as we know it?" Spike was seen out the window running in the same direction as the first time, and Rarity followed behind with a revving chainsaw "Pinkie, what's the matter with you!?"

Pinkie giggled "Oh, Twilight! You don't need me for this sort of thing! Why not ask Applejack or Zecora? I'm sure they could help you out since it doesn't seem like a big deal at the moment!!"

Twilight growled before she made for the door "Fine! But if things get out of hoof, you better be ready!!"

Pinkie gave a nonchalant wave with a chipper smile "Okie Dokie Loki!" She then watched Twilight go out the door before she gave an unamused sigh "Sheesh, she doesn't know how random fics work, does she?" Out of nowhere, Pinkie pulled out a red balaclava and put it on over her head as she cleared her throat "Well, the moment has passed! Back to work!" She then hopped into the kitchen to help the Cakes with their order.
_____

Twilight made her way outside and looked around "Where could he be? I need to figure out where Spike is before-"

"Twilight?"

The lavender bookworm looked down to see a white unicorn filly look up at her with worried green eyes "Do you know where Rarity is? I just got out of school and I didn't see her at home! Is she hiding from me or is she out at the spa?"

Twilight sighed before she gave the filly a sad glance "I'm so sorry, Sweetie Belle, but I haven't seen your sister yet! In fact, I'm busy trying to look for Spike! Have you seen him?"

Sweetie Belle frowned "No, sorry. Looks like we both lost something dear we need to find. Maybe if we split up we can-" She stopped as she perked up and whiffed at the air "Wait a minute..." Sweetie Belle took a few steps back and sniffed the air again "Is that...?" She continued digging her muzzle into the air to distinguish the strange aroma.

Twilight was confused "What is it, Sweetie Belle? Did you find something?"

Sweetie Belle held an inquisitive glance as she rubbed her chin "Gasoline...The kind Rarity uses for her favorite chainsaw..." She looked around "But she only uses it when she's chopping down trees around the boutique or if she's chasing down stallions that-" Her eyes widened "Uh oh..." She said to herself before she looked at Twilight "I'm sorry, Twilight, but I REALLY gotta find Rarity! I hope you'll find Spike soon! OkaygottagotalktoyoulaterBYE!!" She said as she zipped off and left a trail of dust shaped like herself.

Twilight watched in bemusement before she shook herself from it and decided to continue her quest alone. Maybe she should consult the help of Applejack if she wasn't busy at all. With determined eyes, she made for Sweet Apple Acres to see if she could get some more help.
_____

Spike yelled as he avoided the rapidly-spinning blades of Rarity's chainsaw. He looked around and he noticed a rock nearby that could be put to good use. Spike waddled over and picked it up as he aimed for Rarity 'I can't believe I'm doing this...' He reluctantly winced before he threw an exquisite fastball at Rarity.

However, what could be considered one of the greatest pitches since Walter Johnson was easily deflected by Rarity as she shielded herself from the rock with her chainsaw. She then revealed her unchanged grin at Spike "Rocks won't save you from my love, Spikey Wikey! You know I'm over Tom!" She then went to swing as Spike dodged and ran off with a yelp. Rarity easily gave chase afterwards.

Spike was running out of energy and options as he made every twist and turn along Ponyville. He noticed there was a nearby pear stand and quickly snatched one as he aimed and tossed it at Rarity. The purple dragon cursed under his fleeting breath when he noticed the alabaster lunatic slice through the ill-favored fruit of Applejack. After all of that running, he did not realize he ran into an alley and reach a dead end as he slammed into the wall. When he recovered and rubbed his head, he gasped when he noticed Rarity slowly close in on him with her chainsaw revving loudly and waiting to cut something. He crawled backwards until his back touched the wall as tears welled up in his eyes "Rarity, before you do what you're about to do, I have to say that if I did something horribly wrong to make you act like this, I'm sorry..."

Rarity smiled "Spike, I forgive you!"

Spike felt as if Rarity's insanity vanished "Really?"

Rarity nodded "Yes...and I say this because I love you!" Spike's eyes lost all hope as she advanced further with the chainsaw "And I'll love you..." Her pupils dialated further as she grinned "to death..." She whispered as she was close enough to do horrible things to Spike.

The purple dragon shut his eyes as he awaited his imminent demise, but a whack sounded, and he did not feel any pain. Instead, he looked to see Rarity frozen in place with her crazed expression until it left her as she slowly leaned forward with a tired moan. She then fell face first in front of Spike as her chainsaw bounced to the side and was shut off "Wha-...What happened?" He looked behind and he noticed Sweetie Belle holding a hammer with conviction in her eyes "Sweetie Belle!! How did you know she would be here!?"

Sweetie Belle sighed "She does this to her past coltfriends when they were total jerks to her. Those were dark days..." She then casted a stern look at Spike "I dunno what you did to my sister, but I hope you'll apologi-" Sweetie Belle's eyes widened when she was suddenly embraced by a happily weeping Spike "You saved me! Oh, thank Celestia you saved me!!"

Sweetie Belle shifted her eyes left and right with a light blush as she patted Spike on the back gingerly "I-It's okay, Spike...I'd do anything for my friends...Now what say we get my sister back home and pretend this never happened?"

Spike broke the embrace and looked determined "Sorry, Sweetie Belle! But I gotta find Twilight first! I dunno if that Thromnambular guy's gotten to her yet! I need to be there for her!" He then ran off in search of Twilight feeling rejuvenated in his legs.

Sweetie Belle watched him leave and finally scoffed to herself "Horseapples..." She then turned to her unconscious sister and sighed as she positioned herself to push "Come on, you. Let's go home..." She grunted as she gradually pushed Rarity across the ground and back home.


1 down...8 to go...

> Wish #2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rarity


Rarity laid in her bed with an ice pack over her head as she moaned tiredly "What happened just now?" She murmured as she shuffled herself out of her covers "I felt as if I went on some fierce spree of sorts...I didn't hurt anypony, did I?" She grunted and gritted her teeth when she felt a shot of pain into her head "Confound this pain! I don't know how it happened, but I'll be sure to find the one responsible!" She then sighed as she hopped out of bed "Maybe I should make myself a good meal before I get back to work..."

Rarity trotted down the stairs and into the kitchen where she made for the fridge where she would rummage for any good snack that felt right for sustenance. When she opened the fridge, she slowly scanned through what was in stock "Let's see...Eggs...Cheesecake...Spaghetti...Milk...Weird skull with rubies for eyes...Cottage Cheese...Zap Apple ja-" She stopped herself as she went through the inventory and slowly directed herself back to see a skull leering at her with ruby eyes as a red bold '8' was adorned on its forehead. While they seemed divine, the image in the whole was frightening as the alabaster unicorn jumped back in surprise "WAHAHA~!! What in Celestia's name is a skull doing in my fridge!?" She stared at the skull with wide eyes.

Thromnambular ignored Rarity's shock as it proceeded to give her experienced verse.

"That does not matter for you now, my dear.
There is no need whatsoever to act out in fear.
My name is Thromnambular, and what you desire
I can summon at a whim for you to acquire!"

Rarity was now curious at Thromnambular's words "You? A granter of wishes? And just how am I supposed to trust you on that note? More importantly, where on earth did you come from?" The talking skull scoffed.

"You musn't get so touchy, little mare.
Any wish is granted, so long as you prepare
To speak to me in the most clearest of words
So that whatever you wish for doesn't seem absurd!"

Rarity arched an eyebrow at Thromnambular and trotted towards the door as she lifted him out with her magic "I can wish for anything? Anything at all?" Thromnambular nodded as Rarity rubbed her chin in thought "Now that makes this little scenario interesting..." The fashionista dug deep into her mind to see what it was she so greatly desired 'I could easily wish to be the most beautiful mare in Equestria, but I'd say I'm well enough on appearance...Oh! I could always wish for everypony to live fashionably fabulous! But then again, everypony has their OWN preferences...Maybe I should just wish for something for myself...' She looked down "Oh, sometimes it's so hard to think at this age...I missed those days where I would roam about carefree as a little filly in the park..." She then perked up as she beamed to herself "Ideeeaa~!!" Rarity cleared her throat as she turned to the skull in her possession "Thromnambular! I'm ready to make my wish now! What I would desire is to live my life as a little filly again for only a day! It would be marvelous to see that wish through!" She was startled when Thromnambular started to glow and float by himself.

"So the full grown mare wishes to be a child...
A joyful infant, so tender and mild...
So shall it be said, so shall it be done...
Let us hope this day of yours shall be fun!"

Thromnambular laughed as the '8' on his forehead vanished, only to be replaced with a bold red '7' that appeared afterwards. Then, he glowed brightly as the room around Rarity was in a bright light.
_____

Rarity opened her eyes and noticed that she was lying on her back while staring at a ceiling "Well, that's funny...I wonder what happened." She paused before she shifted to the side "Wait a minute..." She noticed wooden bars as she bounded to her feet "A crib?" Rarity inspected herself to see that she was not in the body of her filly self, but her same old self, only she was wearing a diaper and a small pink ribbon in her hair "What is going on!? This isn't what I meant for myself at all!" Everything in the room was full of toys, and foalish drawings of dresses.

She heard the door open, and Rarity looked to see her mother, Pearl, walk in with a bright smile on her face "Oooooh, my little Rar-Rar's awake! Did you sleep well, my little beautiful baby?" She cooed her last sentence with slight baby-talk.

Rarity scoffed "Mother, you're making a mistake! I'm a full grown mare! I'm just wearing diapers and this garish pink ribbon!" She scowled as she fussed with the ribbon on her head "Honestly, I never knew what came over you when you chose to put this on my mane as a child!"

Sadly for Rarity, all of her coherent talking was only childish babble to her mother. Pearl trotted over with a spring in her step as she picked up Rarity with her magic "Such a cute little baby you are! Let's get you down to the kitchen so we can get you some nice baby food!"

Pearl trotted out of the room with Rarity in tow while the fashionista donned a face of sheer horror "Not baby food..." She squeaked feebly as she was frozen in place.

When the two unicorns reached the kitchen, Pearl stuffed Rarity onto a purple high chair as her body felt constricted by the miniature size. Rarity struggled as she was confined to the wooden prison as the small table sat in front of her, and whimpered when Pearl wrapped a bib over her neck with her magic. Rarity inspected the fabric and whined "This is the worst bib ever!! It's yellow and green!! Why would you do this to me as a child!?"

Pearl took in Rarity's whining as slight crying as she patted Rarity's head "Oh, don't fret my little Rar-Rar! Just let mommy get you your favorite set of mushed carrots and you can have all the num-nums you want!"

Rarity's eyes widened as she frantically shook her head "Nononononononononononononononononononononononono-"

"Numnumnumnumnumnumnumnumnumnumnum" Was all that was heard by Pearl as she giggled "Yes, I'm getting your num-nums, Rarity! You adorable little filly you! I'm so glad I met your father so we could bring you into this world!" She rummaged through the fridge to find the baby food.

On cue, Rarity's father, Magnum, came in with a smile "Did somepony call me? I'm home, honey!"

Pearl gasped as she stopped her food venture to trot over to Magnum to give him a peck on the lips "Welcome home, dear! I was just about to feed Rarity!"

Magnum gave a hearty chuckle "So you were, eh? Where's my darling little girl?" He said as he draped a hoof over Pearl's neck.

Pearl pointed over to a struggling Rarity "She's right over there! Why don't you go and say hi to her while I get her food?"

Magnum smiled over at Rarity "Awww, ain't that cute? She's trying to act all tough again! It'll be nice to know we're raising a strong little mare in the house, huh, honey?" He trotted over and stopped in front of Rarity with joy in his eyes "Look at you. You're gonna be as beautiful as your mother when you grow up!"

Rarity struggled more before she responded "But I AM grown up, dad!! This is all because of some sick twisted skull that loves to rhyme a lot! Get me out of this chair!" She then remembered her horn and mentally facehoofed before she lit up her horn and undid the high chair as she hopped off and glared at her parents "Now listen to me, both of you! I want you to remember that I am an adult and should be treated as such! If this is one of Pinkie's prank, then you must know that I am not one bit amused by this little tactic-"

Magnum and Pearl stared at Rarity while they saw her babble and flail after she undid herself from the high chair. Pearl paused before she smiled "Look at her. She's learning every day! Before we know it, she'll be talking by next week!" Pearl said as she leaned next to Magnum.

Magnum nodded "You bet! But we better get her up on the high chair before she decides to run amok! Wouldn't want her to go crazy with her magic like the other unicorn babies!"

Pearl gave a light gasp before her horn lit up "Oh, you're right!" She said as she lifted Rarity and buckled her back on the table "Can you watch her just in case she does it again, dear? I still have to feed her!"

Magnum smiled "Sure thing, honey! And you should probably get her baby formula as well so she can wash it all down!"

Pearl nuzzled Magnum "It's good to know you care for our little girl!" She trotted back to the refridgerator and went to get the carrots.

Rarity growled as she went to undo herself from the table, only to have her horn lightly grappled by Magnum "Whoa-ho-ho there, Rarity! We wouldn't wanna upset your mother, now do we?"

The fashionista was agitated as she swatted away her father's hoof "Would you cease this intolerable behavior already, father!? I am not a baby! This is the fault of some wish-granting skull!! This whole experience was not what I wished for when I said I wanted to be a little filly again!! Just drop this whole charade and let me go so I can work!!"

"Found it~!!"

Rarity dreaded her mother's singsong voice as she levitated a jar of orange mush and a bottle full of baby formula towards her and she struggled profusely as she came closer.

Pearl dug a spoon into the jar after opening it and she presented the spoonful of mushed carrots towards Rarity's muzzle "Come on, Rar-Rar! Make way for the carrot express!"

Magnum nodded "C'mon, pumpkin! Down the hatch! You gotta eat up if you wanna grow up! This stuff's good for you!"

Rarity buckled her lips shut as she avoided the spoon coming her way by turning away her head opposite of whichever direction the mush came in 'She must be growing senile if she thinks I'm going to eat that toxic sludge she calls food! It was bearable as a filly, but not now!!'

Pearl sighed and shook her head before she poked at Rarity's belly and somehow caused her to open her mouth reflexively. When the fashionista's maw was open, Pearl proceeded to spoon feed the mush, much to Rarity's displeasure. She giggled to herself as she drew out the spoon "Works every time!"

Rarity's cheeks were puffed as her mouth was full of mush before she gulped it down and gagged in disgust 'How does she do that!?' She never thought she could have been fed so easily when she acted stingy around baby food at a young age.

Pearl then dug another spoonful "Okay, Rarity! Ready for another bite?"

Rarity growled before she went to release herself from the table again. Sadly, Magnum was there to prevent it as he lightly tugged at Rarity's horn "C'mon, Rarity! Finish your carrots! You're gonna have some baby formula after this!"

The fashionista struggled before she let out a yell in agitation. A dumb move when she failed to notice the spoonful of toxic sustenance going into her mouth and down her throat for a second time. She gulped again before she coughed and hacked in disgust.

Rarity's parents smiled as Magnum released his hold on Rarity "That's much better, my little Rar-Rar! Now we'll just feed you your formula and maybe we can go for a walk in the park!"

Rarity was lifted up by Pearl's magic along with the bottle as it was jammed into her mouth. Noticing it was futile to struggle in a magic grip, Rarity only cried softly as she drank up the baby formula. This was going to be a long and grueling day for a fashionista who wanted to be a child again...


2 down...7 to go...

> Wish #3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Big Macintosh


Twilight stood at the fields of Sweet Apple Acres, where Applejack and Big Macintosh listened to her explanation on Spike getting possessed "And I don't even know where he is! That skull could have taken him anywhere!"

Applejack frowned "Well shucks, Twi! What were y'all thinkin' bringin' back some strange skull t' yer place? But at least ya brought it up t' me 'fore things got worse! Ah'll be glad t' help ya out!" She smiled at her friend.

Twilight returned it in kind "Thank you very much, Applejack. We better hurry unless something else bad might happen to Spike!"

Applejack nodded "Ya got it, sugarcube! Let's saddle up on outta here!" She turned to her big brother "Big Mac! Can ya handle th' crops while Ah'm away with Twi?"

Big Macintosh nodded with his signature phrase to go with his laidback exspression "Eeyup."

Applejack smiled "Thank ya kindly! Ah'll be back soon, big brother! Ya jus' do yer thing while Ah do mine!" She turned to Twilight "Let's move, Twi! Spike sure as cider ain't gonna find himself!" The two mares galloped back into Ponyville in search of Spike, leaving Big Macintosh to do the yard work around his home.

The red stallion decided to go to the barn to grab some gear before he wanted to plow the fields. When inside, he looked around the many hay bales for his favorite plow. He was successful in his search, but Big Macintosh did a double take when he noticed a strange skull sitting atop his plow, leering at him with tantalizing ruby eyes. There was a strange red '7' on its forehead. He only casted a look of utter bemusement.

"Be not afraid, big stallion of red!
I am not one to cause severe dread!"

Very poor choice of words. Big Macintosh narrowed his eyes at the skull as he went to go take it off and possibly throw it in the nearest rubbish bin before getting back to his chores. The skull looked slightly frightened.

"Don't cast me aside like a small piece of waste!
I can assure you that your desires can be fulfilled posthaste!"

Big Macintosh halted in his position when he heard the skull talk. This one was serious in his words. He drew back his hoof as he stared down at the skull "An' who are ya t' make this claim, if y'all don't mind me askin'?"

"My name is Thromnambular, and I'm a generous man!
I can grant you a wish of whatever you plan!"

The red stallion arched an eyebrow "Anythin'?" Thromnambular scoffed.

"What you should know is that I'm true to my word!
I assure you, what I say is the least bit absurd!
Just be very specific with what you ask,
Or you may end up giving me a halfhearted task!"

Big Macintosh looked down and wondered if it was the best coruse of action to talk to a strange skull who claims he can grant wishes. In a way, this chance brought out the colt inside of Big Macintosh, and the colt inside of him will know what kind of a regretful red stallion he'll become if he didn't take this chance. With a deep breath, Big Macintosh dug through his brain in search of the perfect wish. After a small moment of thinking, the red stallion smiled to himself "Eeyup..." Thromnambular looked curious and confused.

"Eeyup to what? Are you talking to yourself?
Don't ignore me like that! Explain your-...thyself!"

Big Macintosh nodded "Iffin' yer a man o' yer word, Mr. Thromnambular, then perhaps y'all 're willin' t' help me on a certain matter..." He looked down as he pawed at the ground "Y'see...My Granny Smith wasn't kiddin' when she labeled me as a handsome stallion...But Ah never thought it'd get me so much attention every time Ah go int' town t' sell some o' my produce. No matter where Ah go in Ponyville, a mare's right there t' oggle me almost all day, an' it just ain't right t' me. Some o' them try to distract me from my work, too. Which is why Ah...Ah..." He took a deep breath before he continued "Ah wish Ah was no longer attractive t' th' mares! All they want is my figure an' not me..." His eyes widened when Thromnambular floated upward while glowing brightly.

"So the lady's man wishes to be mare repellant!
To the opposite sex, seeming most repugnant!
You will no longer be seen by beautiful mares
So that you may work without their tranced stares!"

Thromnambular laughed as the red '7' on his head spun around rapidly before slowing down and being replaced with a red '6'. He then glowed brightly as he vanished out of the barn.

Big Macintosh rubbed his eyes and looked around in shock and bemusement before inspecting himself. Nothing seemed out of place since he was himself and not some kind of abominable beast. He decided to trot out of the barn and into Ponyville to see if Thromnambular's wish had worked.

The red stallion walked around town, and he noticed that each mare he passed had greeted him with their heads quickly turning away, reluctant winces, dirty looks, or a forced smile and wave. It seemed to be the worst thing to happen to a stallion, but not for Big Macintosh. When he was at a good distance, he nodded to himself proudly with a satisfied smile "Eeyup..." It seems his wish was specific enough towards Thromnambular...

"Hey! Big Macintosh!"

Or was it? Big Macintosh turned to see a black pegasus with a white mohawk fly towards him with a wide smile on his face. He stopped in front of him as he looked up with the most eager yellow eyes seen on any stallion "Man, are you a sight for sore eyes! I'm glad to find you like this!!"

Big Macintosh was confused. Since when has he ever even conversed with this pegasus? He arched an eyebrow "And y'all are?"

The pegasus chuckled awkwardly "Oh, right! I forgot we haven't talked to each other before! It's just that I heard you're the most amazing stallion alive! A stallion's stallion! By the way, the name's Thunderlane!" He waggled his eyebrows "Like that name?"

Big Macintosh pieced together all that had just happened: They indeed haven't talked, The red stallion was considered a 'stallion's stallion', and Thunderlane apparently waggled his eyebrows as if he were trying to impress a mare. His eyes widened before he backed away "Err, Thunderlane, was it? Ah don't feel mighty comfortable talkin' like this. Ya think maybe y'all can skedaddle while I go back t' work on th' farm?"

Thunderlane nonchalantly trotted up to Big Macintosh as he backed away "Well, why don't I just watch you? I heard your sweat makes your coat glisten in the sun!" He looked giddy "It sounds so amazing, I just wanna see for myself!"

Yep. Nothing to do here. Big Macintosh easily sped away, leaving Thunderlane looking hurt "Big Macintosh! Wait! Let me love you!!!" He said as he took off after the red stallion with his forehooves stretched out as if beckoning for a hug.

Big Macintosh galloped away from Thunderlane and managed to hide in the nearest music store as he opened the door and slammed it behind him after he quickly entered. He caught his breath before he gave a relieved sigh and decided to take refuge in the establishment until the whole thing blows over.

He looked ahead to see Vinyl Scratch working the counter, and noticing him with a slight wince "Oh...Hey there, Big Mac. Hang on, let me just go in the back for a second..." She said in a reluctant tone as she went into the back room "Noteworthy! You got work!" She said as she went further back.

Big Macintosh tilted his head before he noticed the blue stallion with a music note cutie mark trot up to the counter. He instantly grinned at Big Macintosh's appearance when he caught sight of him "Big Macintosh! Fancy meeting you here! What would you like today?"

The red stallion shook his head "Sorry, Noteworthy. Ah ain't in no mood fer purchasin' any instrument or record..." He looked outside slightly frightened "Ah don't want Thunderlane t' find me..."

Noteworthy tilted his head "Stallion trouble, huh? Do you not like him?"

Big Macintosh shook his head "Nnnnope!"

Noteworthy nodded "I see...Well, since you don't like Thunderlane..." He then grinned "Does that mean you like me instead?"

Big Macintosh instantly zipped out of the music store and out of Noteworthy's sight as he looked around "Huh? Big Macintosh, where'd you go!?" He said as he then turned to the back "Vinyl Scratch! I'm leaving early today!" After hearing a faint ' 'kay!', Noteworthy leaped over the counter and went on a hunt for a sexy red stallion.

Big Macintosh galloped away further along Ponyville, dealing with a majority of mares giving him the same treatment as before, and he cursed himself when he passed the large white pegasus known as Snowflake. He took notice of Big Macintosh and flew after him with a big "YEEEEEAAAAH!!!"

It was unbearable. Instead of being attracted to mares, Big Macintosh was now the apple (figuratively speaking) of every stallion's eye. He gasped when he saw Thunderlane swoop down from the air with a grin on his face "Big Mac! There you are! I was wondering where you were the whole time!"

Big Macintosh stifled a squeak before he mustered his farmpony's strength and picked up the pace in his gallop. Now he's being chased by three stallions right now wanting to have a piece of him. The worst part was that they were gradually catching up. He looked around for another place to hide, and his woes were doubled when he saw the resident tennis champion Ace up ahead.

Ace was effortlessly practicing bouncing a tennis ball on his racket with his teeth, and after he saw Big Macintosh, he spat out and disregarded his racket as he smiled at the running stallion "Hey, Big Mac! You going my way?"

Big Macintosh could not take it anymore. He had to get back to the farm where it was safe. He yelled as he turned from Ace and ran away from the small group of stallions following after him as he made his way back.

A blank flank zebracorn was sitting on a bench while reading a newspaper with a bored expression until he perked up and heard Big Macintosh yell and gallop. When the red stallion passed him, the zebracorn only watched in confusion while Big Macintosh was being chased. When he was far away, the zebracorn winced "Ugh...Get a tan..." He then went back to reading his newspaper.
_____

Spike waddled to and fro along different buildings in search of Twilight. He was in severe unease over the thought of Thromnambular running wild in Equestria "She's gotta be here somewhere!" He said as he looked around. The purple dragon had already checked the library, but Twilight was nowhere to be found. He checked each possible spot she would be in and saw neither hide nor hair of his technical older sister.

While he searched, Spike stood up as he heard yelling and a distantly growing sound of several hoofbeats. He looked behind him and saw Big Macintosh running away from a group of grinning stallions. Spike stood dumbstruck at the sight "...What just happened??" he paused until his mind clicked with a possible answer. Spike needed to find Twilight double time and stop that skull, wherever he may be hiding.


3 down...6 to go...

> Wish #4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Fluttershy


Fluttershy fed the animals inside her house and observed them with a bright smile on her face "There you are, my little animal friends. Oh! Be nice, Mr. Raccoon. The others need to eat, too! That's very sweet, Mr. Badger! I'm glad you liked the mushrooms I got you. Watch out for Mr. Snake, everyone, he needs to eat, too!" She giggled to herself as she left her animals to eat their food. When she went to go outside, the door swung open to reveal a distressed Angel. He flailed his paws and pointed outside with a look of panic on his face "Oh my! What's wrong, Angel? Are the hens having difficulty laying eggs again?"

Angel shook his head and continued pointing, only to hop out shortly after. The timid mare decided to comply to her favorite pet and follow him outside. Fluttershy was already dreading what could possibly go wrong out in her yard to the point where she talked to herself while trotting after Angel "Oh dear...What could've happened outside? Could it be another small dispute between the red and black ants? Is Mr. Bear having back problems again? Or maybe it could be a-SCARY SKULL GLARING AT ME!" With a brief and loud scream, she quickly hid behind the nearest tree after catching a glance at what Angel was exactly pointing to. Laying around in her front yard was a very scary skull with a red '6' on its head and rubies in its eye sockets.

Angel hopped over to a shaking Fluttershy and donned a look of strictness as he pantomimed to her. The rabbit wanted his 'assertive owner' to handle the problem herself so he could get back to socializing with his fellow animals and not be creeped out by a random skull. Fluttershy turned to Angel and shook her head frantically "I-I'm sorry, Angel! I just can't! That skull is just so scary!!"

THIS was the same pony that gave him 'The Stare yesterday for misbehaving? Angel facepawed as he glared at Fluttershy and pointed to the skull, wanting the timid mare to act now for his sake. Seeing that she was not complying to his request, he zipped away and came back with a picture frame containing his baby picture. He slowly held it over his head and earned the attention of a confused Fluttershy "Angel, what are you doing?" Wasn't it obvious? Angel reeled his paws back further as his extortion became more vivid in the timid mare's eyes "No, Angel!! Not your baby picture!! It's my favorite!!" The rabbit halted his advance as he gave Fluttershy an expectant look. Fluttershy got the message and sighed in defeat "Okay, you win. I'll get rid of the..." She swallowed with fear "...s-scary skull...Just promise me you won't break that picture..." Angel nodded with a satisfied smile as he pointed over to the skull, the timid mare instantly trotting over to it.

Fluttershy cautiously approached the skull that leered at her with those intimidating ruby eyes that glistened in the sunlight. She winced and wanted to back down, but looked behind her to see Angel still holding his baby picture in his paws. Why must one little bunny be so cruel to her sometimes? She mustered more courage and finally approached the skull and contemplated on whether to pick it up with her teeth or her hooves. The timid mare slowly reached a forehoof over to touch it...

"It is awfully rude to regard me with fear.
Even I do not know how I actually got here!"

Fluttershy instantaneously found herself behind the tree she hid behind the moment the skull flapped its teeth. She slowly poked her head from behind it to see if she wasn't hallucinating out of immense fear. Her eyes were locked on the skull that continued to leer at her.

"Come over here and stop acting meek!
I am not in the mood for hide-and-seek!"

The timid mare whimpered before she did as she was told. She didn't want to try the skull's patience, even if it was very scary to her "Wh-Who are you? Whoever you are, c-c-can you please leave my yard? P-Pretty please?" She offered a shaky smile. The skull stared.

"There is no need to shiver and shake
Unless you have made a big mistake.
My name is Thromnambular, and if it brings you ease,
I can grant you a wish of whatever you please..."

Fluttershy's fear lessened when she heard Thromnambular speak "Wishes?? Y-You grant wishes? Are you some kind of m-magical skull?" Thromnambular grunted.

"Is it that obvious with my eloquent speech?
Nothing I grant is out of my reach!"

Fluttershy bowd apologetically before she eyed Thromnambular with intrigue "So you are serious...Can I ask for a wish? I-If you don't mind?" She asked with an adorable face that beckoned for an answer. The skull paused with dumbstruck eyes before he regained his composure.

"That look in your eyes could kill someone,
But I digress, you can have your fun!
Be warned, however, of the tragic cost.
If you're not clear enough, you'll end up lost..."

Fluttershy felt a chill down her spine at his words and took the time to think to herself. She couldn't find a clear wish to speak of before her eyes trailed off towards the atmosphere around her. They finally fell on the one thing she hid behind when she encountered Thromnambular. The tall, firm, and beautiful lifeform that she wished to be back then. However, with that wish fulfilled a while back, she could only wonder how to reach them. She perked up as a smile grew on her face 'That's it...' Fluttershy looked back to Thromnambular "Umm...Thromnambular, was it? Do you think you can grant me this wish?" She took a deep breath before she explained herself "Back then, I always wanted to be a tree, but then I realized that I wouldn't be around my friends or my animals so much. Throughout my life, I always wondered...since they're living things and all...What they think while they stand in the earth. So I wish that I was able to communicate with the trees like I would the animals...If that's okay with you..." She said with a cute smile. It left as she gasped and quickly moved backward when Thromnambular glowd brightly and floated in the air.

"So you wish to be one with the majestic trees,
And be able to talk to them with relative ease!
You will hear their thoughts and return them wholesale,
And each one shall be heard clearly without fail!"

Thromnambular laughed as the '6' on his head dropped down to an invisible slot as a red '5' descended in its place. Soon after, the space around him and Fluttershy flashed brightly before the skull teleported out of sight.

Fluttershy rubbed her eyes and looked around in confusion "Mr. Thromnambular? Where are you?" She got up from her haunches and trotted back towards Angel to ask where he went. The rabbit stood wide-eyed with the picture in his paws and Fluttershy tilted her head "Angel, did you see where Thromnambular had gone? I get the feeling I was lied to..."

"Don't flatter yourself, sweetie. That skull doesn't lie!"

Fluttershy jumped and squeaked at the new  rough feminine voice as she looked around "Wh-Who said that? Who's here?"

"Over here! The tree!"

The timid mare gave a low gasp and turned to the tree next to her "Did...Did you just talk to me?"

The tree only stood without a mouth "Well, duh! It's what you wanted, right? You're one of us now! As for that talking skull, he's not here anymore. Not sure where he went, neither!"

Fluttershy stood in shock before she beamed with the most adorable eyes anypony could see "I-...I-..." She shuddered with joy "I-I'm talking to trees! It's really happening!" The timid mare never felt this happy since the time Rainbow Dash wanted a pet. She fluttered into the air with glee.

The tree stood "Ehehehe, okay now, girlie. Don't wanna be leaking downstairs over this now...At least they don't stick you with a spile for that sort of thing..." The tree trailed off with tinted jealousy.

Fluttershy descended and blushed with a sheepish grin "Sorry...This was my first time." She then looked over at Angel, who stared at Fluttershy as if she went insane "Umm...Angel, could you be a good bunny and put back your baby picture and eat a carrot while I talk to this tree?"

Angel paused before he slowly hopped away in a somnambulistic fashion with his baby picture in tow. The only thing that went through his mind was the unanswered question of 'What just happened?'

Fluttershy turned back to the tree with a smile "Oh, I have so many questions to ask you right now! Were you around before Ponyville was discovered? Did you have any friends or family beside you at all? Did anypony think to water you while you were young-"

The tree halted with a stressed tone "Whoa whoa whoa! Take it easy, will ya? There isn't anything special about me other than giving oxygen to you and every other living creature around here. I mean, look at me! I'm rooted to the ground! And you're talking to me! Do you think maybe other ponies might think you're crazy?"

Fluttershy looked down "I don't see why not..." She looked back to the tree "I'm not the most sociable pony, and you've done so much for me and everypony else. I'm glad that I'm able to talk to you and other trees!" She gave a warm smile.

The tree sighed "In that case, maybe you wanna talk with the other trees. Like I said before, there isn't anything special about me. You're better off finding company in the more interesting trees. Try Ponyville maybe."

Fluttershy nodded "Well, okay. I hope I'm not bothering you..."

The tree replied "No trouble at all, sweetie. Just scamper on out of here and have fun with your new gift." Fluttershy smiled and turned to leave "Oh, hey! Before you go, I gotta tell you this!" The timid mare looked back with curiousity "Whatever you do...do NOT talk to the trees in the Everfree Forest, alright? They're bad news!"

Fluttershy paused before she nodded in comprehension "Thank you for your time, Ms. Tree!" She then galloped into Ponyville to talk with other trees.

The tree Fluttershy left behind sighed to herself "These ponies are all kinds of crazy. Thank Mother Nature I'm not like them..." A woodpecker chirped and flew onto the tree's side and began to peck with blank fervor "Owowowowowow!! HEY! Get off you lousy-Augh, that is a tender area!!"
_____

Fluttershy trotted in town in search of a good tree to talk to. She noticed a bulky one up ahead near a well and approached it with a smile "Hello there! Um...I don't know if we met or not, but...My name's Fluttershy! What's yours?"

The tree in front of her gave a hearty male chuckle "Well aren't you precious to talk to an old tree like me! Nice to meet you, Fluttershy! What brings you around here? Looking for some water for yourself? Well's right next to me!"

Fluttershy shook her head "Oh no, not at all. I only came to talk to you. I want to know if you ever had any interesting stories about your history!"

The tree hummed in question "A pony interested in my heritage? Well now I've seen everything! I guess it wouldn't hurt to tell you a little bit about myself! It all started when..."

Fluttershy was so engrossed in the interesting story of the bulky tree, that she did not notice Big Macintosh scream and run behind her while being chased by a growing number of stallions. A moment later, Daisy, Lily, and Roseluck strolled by and traded looks of confusion when they noticed Fluttershy stare at the tree in front of her with a smile on her face.

The tree finished "...and that was how I got here!"

Fluttershy clapped her forehooves in applause "I never thought you would be one of the trees grown by Celestia herself as a filly. Has she ever come to visit you at all?"

The tree sighed "Not as much as usual, no...But I suppose it's for the best. I hear she's a princess now, so no doubt she'll be busy and be around mroe higher-class trees. Those guys can be such snobs!"

Fluttershy looked saddened "Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that...Is there anything I can do for you?"

The tree replied "I'd gladly tell you another story, but I'm getting pretty tired. You should probably find another tree to talk to. Or maybe get some water first. Well's right next to me!"

Fluttershy shook her head "No thank you, I'm not thirsty at all. Thank you for the amazing story, Mr. Tree! I'll see you later!" She trotted away with a smile. While she trotted away, she wondered about the warning from the first tree she talked to.

"Do NOT talk to the trees in the Everfree Forest, alright? They're bad news!"

The timid mare paused and thought to herself 'If the first two trees weren't that bad, how would the ones in the Everfree forest be worse?' She turned to the distant patch of trees and smiled "I'm sure they'll want somepony to talk to since they're all bunched up in there..." She said as she trotted towards the forest. Apparantly, this was a warning that would go unheeded.
_____

When she got close, Fluttershy stared up at the entrance to the Everfree Forest and heard faint whispering sounds "Oh...Oh my...Maybe they're having a secret meeting in there. Or perhaps they're just talking about...tree things..." She said, trying to come up with a proper term for their topic of conversation. Fluttershy took a deep breath and trotted inside the forest so she could communicate with the trees better.

As she progressed, the plentiful whispering grew louder in volume, and sounded more clearer as Fluttershy made out several wordings through each tree around her.

"Why are we here?"
"All things return to zero..."
"Is there meaning to my creation?"
"Why do I feel so different, yet at the same time, connected?"
"Nothing is sacred..."
"Gross! A timberwolf urinated on me!!"

Fluttershy cringed and winced at the several voices, but slowly regained her confidence as she spoke up "Umm...Hello?" Suddenly, every voice around her ceased. Feeling as though she scared them, the timid mare gave an awkward smile "Hello, trees. We haven't properly met before. I'm-"

"Fluttershy..."
"It's Fluttershy!"
"The one called Fluttershy..."
"Shutterfly..."
"So this is Fluttershy..."
"Delicate Fluttershy..."

Fluttershy looked around and smiled at the recognition "Oh...Maybe we have met before." She gave a sincere smile as she bowed "I'm glad to meet you all. I don't know what that one tree was thinking, but you all seem like good trees to me. So, what were you talking about just now-"

"The voices...The voices of fleeting life..."
"Twas brillig and the slithy toves..."
"Up down and all around..."
"One plus two plus one plus two plus one plus two..."
"Dreamless dorm, ticking clock..."
"La li lu le lo, la li lu le lo, la li lu le lo..."

Fluttershy was slightly uncomfortable with the random interruption she received from the trees around her and tried to speak again "U-Um...Could you please be more specific?" She took one step back towards an unnoted direction as she looked up and around the trees "I don't think you're making much sen-"

"Stella! Stella! I wanted to be somebody!"
"It rubs the lotion on its skin, or else it gets the hose again..."
"Out there~! There's a world outside of Yonkers~!"
"Spinning, spinning, spinning. Everything is spinning..."
"There's a hole in the sky...through which things can fly..."
"There's a rash...in my brain..."

Fluttershy began to shiver at the strange and scary remarks being uttered by the trees "C-C-Could we maybe talk about something else, please? Anything at all?"

"Tell us, Fluttershy..."
"How does it feel to move around, Fluttershy?"
"The bees...they sting, Fluttershy..."
"Give us the meaning of life, Fluttershy..."
"We feel so alone, Fluttershy..."
"Kill them all, Fluttershy..."

Fluttershy perked up, and at the same time went pale at the last comment "Wh-Wh-Wh-What?" She whispered meekly.

"Kill them, Fluttershy...Kill them all..."
"Yes, kill them, Fluttershy..."
"They deserve it..."
"Kill, kill, kill..."
"To live is to die, they are one in the same..."
"Crush...Kill...Destroy...Swag..."

Fluttershy could not believe what she was hearing. What kind of trees would wish death on anypony in particular? She looked around with widened eyes as she hyperventilated uncontrollably. The timid mare felt as if the trees were closing in on her. They continued repeating 'Kill them' and 'They deserve it', and it only filled her with more fear and confusion.

After a long while, Fluttershy finally screamed to the top of her lungs and galloped back to her home with fear-induced adrenaline. A small moment after she left, a zebra mare trotted in with a face of bemusement as she looked around.

"Nopony here has caught my eye...
I could have sworn I have heard poor Fluttershy..."
_____

Fluttershy quickly galloped into her cottage, making sure to lock it top to bottom without hesitation. From there, she galloped into her room and locked the door behind it top to bottom as well. The timid mare was one for safety precautions. When she finished bolting the door shut, she dove into her bed and cradled herself slowly as she wallowed in a near-catatonic state. For once in her life, she did not want to be a tree...


4 down...5 to go...

> Wish #5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pinkie Pie


Pinkie Pie hummed to herself as she hopped out of her room after Mr. and Mrs. Cake left her to watch the children while they were gone. While the order was big, they claimed they could handle it themselves. Pinkie made sure the Pumpkin and Pound Cake were asleep before she decided to go downstairs and make herself a snack "I'm feeling chimicherrychangas today! Let's do chimicherrychangas!!" She grinned to herself as she hopped into the kitchen. Before she went to bake on her table, she hopped over to a convenient mirror she uses to motivate herself for any kind of cooking she would do. She grinned at the mirror "How am I doing today, Pinkie Pie!?"

In the mirror was not a reflection of the party pony, but one similar to her with a white coat, yellow mane, purple eyes, and wings. She grinned back at Pinkie Pie as she raised her hooves in the air "You're doing great!!" She responded in the same tone as Pinkie.

Pinkie Pie raised her own hooves afterwards "Good! Then I'll keep it up!!" She then made her way over to the pantry to pick out the necessary ingredients. When she opened it, she noticed that she lacked some of the ingredients needed to make chimicherrychangas. She also noticed a strange skull with a red '5' sitting next to the chestnuts while leering at her with ruby eyes. Pinkie noticed, but wasn't exactly scared as she fished it out with her forehooves "Wow, talk about eye candy! Hi there! What's your name?" The skull only leered back.

"My name is Thromnambular, and I can grant wishes!
If you ask for a cake, it will be delicious..."

Pinkie rubbed her chin with a hoof "Cake, eh?" She then shook her head "Wait a minute! I can always bake one! I don't need to wish for one-" Pinkie then gasped "Did you say you can grant wishes!?" Thromnambular grunted.

"Are you deaf, you equine of pink?"
I can grant you whatever you think!"

Pinkie grinned "Like a genie!! Just like..." She paused before she gasped again and glared at Thromnambular "Hey! You're that scary skull Twilight was looking for! The one that possessed Spike!" The skull chuckled.

"The only thing that possessed that dragon was greed...
His mind was clouded and full of need!
I granted him a wish, and I can give you one, too!
Just say the word, and I shall see what I'll do!"

Pinkie blinked "Spike was greedy again? But Ponyville's in mint condition! But if you're serious about wishes...Hmmm..." She looked down in thought "I always wondered what everything would be like backwards...NO! I have a better idea!!" She grinned at Thromnambular "Thromby, I wish for a friend from a far away place that was just like me!! Then we can be the bestest of best friends forever!!" Thromnambular glowed brightly and floated into the air, instantly dazzling Pinkie as she stared in awe.

"So a pink horse wants a hyper friend,
To which they'll share til the very end!
I shall send for a friend from a far away place
Who will give the biggest smile on your face!!"

Thromnambular laughed as the '5' on his head split apart and vanish to make way for a bold red '4' in its place. Then the entire room brightened up before the skull teleported in a flash.

Pinkie made sure to put on sunglasses with how bright it was earlier, but she took them off when she heard a rattling behind the back door in the kitchen "Hello? Anypony there?"

The door rattled long enough before it sprung open to reveal a bipedal figure covered head-to-toe in a red and black suit and decked out with firearms and weaponry jump into the kitchen "Ooga Booga Booga! Where the white women at!?" He yelled through his covered mouth.

"Dude, wrong superhero! That's Spiderman ACTING like us!"

"Say, do any of you ever wonder where we are all of the sudden?"

The suited figure pondered to himself after hearing voices in his head "Good point..." He looked around with his pupilless eyes to observe the kitchen "Hey! This looks exactly like-" He then noticed Pinkie grinning at him and he gave a low gasp "Oh M. Night Shyamalamadingdong!"

Pinkie hopped up and down as she squealed with joy "Deadpool!! You're here!!"

Deadpool spread his arms out "Pinkie! Good to see ya! Why the hell haven't I been here before!?" He said as the party pony jumped into his arms, the two hyperactive (And quite possibly insane) friends sharing a warm hug before they broke the ice "So what are you doing right now? Whatever it is, I want in!"

Pinkie smiled "I was gonna make chimicherrychangas!" She then frowned "But I don't have enough ingredients..."

Deadpool smiled down at Pinkie behind his mask. She was the only one that ever understood the Merc with a Mouth. Especially since they both break the 4th wall like nopony's business "Fuck that disco! What say we whip up some cupcakes?"

Pinkie instantly grinned "Well, now that you're here! Okay!"

The two bakers fished out a radio and Pinkie pressed a button as a song began to play. With that, Pinkie and Deadpool started making cupcakes while doing a funny dance at certain occasions.

Pumpkin Cake was chewing on her duck upstairs until she heard the loud music under her. She plopped the duck out of her mouth and stared at the floor, then narrowed her eyes and scowled as she continuously slammed the duck on the floor as it made adorable squeaks.

While Pinkie and Deadpool were baking cupcakes inside, something very strange happened outside. The sky over Equestria began to crack about as if it were made of glass. Around that time, Twilight and Applejack were lucky to find Spike around another part of Ponyville. Spike finally reached the two mares and sighed in relief "I'm so glad you two are okay! Did any of you manage to find Thromnambular?"

Twilight replied instantly "We were just about to ask you the same thing! Did he make you do anything evil around Ponyville while you were possessed by him?"

Spike raised an eyebrow "Possessed? I wasn't possessed! I just granted a wish for myself that went terribly wrong!"

Twilight held an interrogating stare "How wrong?" Her stare left when she noticed Big Macintosh running around screaming while several stallions chased him with cheers. The lavender bookworm only stared in disbelief.

Applejack had her jaw dropped before she turned to Spike "Spike...PLEASE tell me that wasn't yer wish..." She said in a low tone.

Spike flinched "What!? No way I would do that to Big Mac! I just wanted-" A loud cracking noise was heard by the trio as they all looked up to see the sky looking ready to crumble apart. Soon, the shards separated and made way for a burning red sky with a fast swirling vortex. The shards of the blue sky were collected and sucked higher into a whirling pattern until there was nothing left. Everypony noticed this and ran around in a panic.

Spike turned to the two mares "What's going on!?"

Twilight looked up with fear "I don't know!! I don't know what's happening right now!! It's as if all of Equestria's going to vanish!!"

Applejack stared up as well "We can't jus' sit here!! We gotta find that skull before it's too late!! Let's get movin' y'all!!" The trio then moved off to Ponyville library so they could let Princess Celestia know about this.
_____

When they were finished with the cupcakes, Pinkie and Deadpool decided to take a stroll outside. The Merc with the Mouth claimed that the children were smart enough to take care of themselves (That, and babies creep him out.). Deadpool spoke proudly "Did I ever tell you they're gonna be making a video game of me soon? FINALLY I'll get the recognition I deserve! Hehe, suck it, Wolverine..."

Pinkie popped a cupcake into her mouth and swallowed it instantly "That's really cool, Deady! Maybe it'll be like my Adventure Ponies game!" She then looked up at the sky in awe "Whoa~!! What's going on right now?"

Deadpool looked up before his eyes narrowed "Better not be Galactus again! I already wasted his ass more times than I can count with how many folks play MVC3!" The two stared long enough before a yellow light shot down from the eye of the storm.

The light landed in front of Deadpool and Pinkie, then receded to reveal another bipedal figure in a blue tunic and red cloak, sporting a dashing moustache as he casted a serious stare to the two "Come, Deadpool! We must hurry back to your own world!! You'll only cause the collapsation of the universe here!!"

Deadpool moaned in complaint as he threw his arms like a difficult child "Do I have to!? I like it here!! Other Deadpools are lucky to be here, but why not me!? Cut me a break, Doc!!"

Pinkie smiled "Yeah, Doc! Can't Deady stay here a little while longer? Please? Pleasepleasepleaseprettypleeeease?" She looked up with pleading eyes.

The man shook his head "I'm afraid I cannot oblige, pink equine! Deadpool's presence here would only cause trouble to you and your friends!" He held out his hands and they glowed yellow, and Deadpool found himself glowing yellow as well and lifted up into the air. The man floated after him and the two were gruadually surrounded by an orb of light "By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggath!!"

They shot into the vortex like a bullet, and a bright light covered the sky before everything went back to normal, blue sky and all. Twilight, Applejack, and Spike looked up in surprise to see everything was okay again, and the trio shared confused glances at each other before they resumed their chase for Thromnambular.

Pinkie stared up at the sky in awe before she looked down with an angry pout "Phooey! The one time I get to see Deadpool in Equestria and that meanie had to take him away!" She huffed before she looked confused "What's a Hoary Host of Hoggath?"


5 down...4 to go...

> Wish #6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Doctor Whooves


Outside of Ponyville in a meadow, a skull with a '4' sat in the grass. After a small moment of silence, a whirring sound was heard as an object faded into existence. A blue police box sat on the grass, and then opened up to reveal a brown earth pony with a darker brown and a bowtie trot out of it, looking around in confusion before speaking in a British accent "Well, that was weird...I could've sworn I've detected a massive disturbance in Equestria from the distress signal receiver in the TARDIS, but I see that everything's all peachy keen." He groaned a little "The blasted thing's probably on the fritz again...Nothing a little alterations on the console couldn't fix. But the trip's left me rather peckish! Maybe I should see if Derpy's around and see if she's free for lunch before I decide to repair the-Hello, what's this?"

The Doctor looked over to see the skull with ruby eyes and picked it up with his hoof. He chuckled to himself "What a charming little skull. Could this be what caused the disturbance here?"

"The only disturbance is one's tainted desire!
And those that wish fall victim to what they acquire!"

The Doctor blinked before he raised an eyebrow at the skull "Wish you say...Are you perhaps a miniscule remnant of the Wishing Beast, by any chance?" The skull replied with more verse while the stallion drew him closer

"My name is Thromnambular, and what you wish to be accruing
Can be granted easily if you're-Hey! What are you doing!?"

Thromnambular was lucky to save his verse when he noticed the Doctor drag his tongue up along the side of the skull's head. He casted an inquisitive glance on the skull "Nothing familiar from what I've seen in my time. Definitely not affiliated with the Wishing Beast at all! Heh! Fancy that!" He smiled "My apologies, sir. Now were you saying something?" Thromnambular growled before he spoke again.

"My name is Thromnambular, and if you would be so kind
As to making a wish before you anger my mind?"

The Doctor thought about this before he pulled out his sonic screwdriver and aimed it at the skull so he could examine him further. He then pressed the button as a high-pitched shrieking noise pierced Thromnambular's nonexistent ears.

"Don't torture me with your cruel device!!
I said I grant wishes, now please be nice!!"

The Doctor stopped pressing on his sonic screwdriver and looked at the skull in his hooves "Do you now? In any case, am I to believe that there is a certain catch behind said wishes? Is there specific hubris involved or is there a few quid pro quos before I decide to make one?" Thromnambular hummed.

"You must be highly perceptive to ask such things
If you truly desire it, I can give you wings.
But yes, be sure to be specific in whatever word,
And be not afraid to sound just like a nerd!"

The Doctor looked down and wondered if this was the right thing. When he arrived, the skull did mention something about a disturbance in Equestria but did not claim that he was the cause. Yet he provides wishes to anypony available. There could be all sorts of wrong that could transpire with whatever wishes come to one's mind. Several scenarios showing severe scandalous situations of scrupulous and sustained sorrow. He could not do it. He could not bring himself to cause any unneeded damage to one of his favorite areas to visit whenever he chose to travel to different universes. He could not cater to his own desire in exchange for a possibly large amount of lives being thrown into utter pandemonium in the mix. Such a thing was beneath even him. That was until something he wanted most made its way into his mind.

The Doctor cleared his throat before he smiled at Thromnambular "Lucky for you, my hollow friend, I just so happen to have a wish that is well thought through in my case. And knowing your capability, I'm sure you can handle it! I wish to be a ginger! That's all I need from you. Make me into a ginger!" He looked up unphased when Thromnambular began to float up while glowing.

"So you wish to become a whole new equine.
A ginger pony who is indeed most genuine.
Enjoy your new form, you stallion of brown!
With what you've been granted, I've not let you down!"

Thromnambular laughed as the '4' on his head spun on a slot reel before stopping to reveal a bold red '3' in its place. Then everything around him and the Doctor flashed brightly before Thromnambular had teleported.

When the light settled, the Doctor shifted his eyes around "Oh, this is most magnificent! No longer am I a regular doctor of time, but a special one! Now I can finally enjoy my days as a ginger! I just want to gaze at my pale...golden brown...crunchy...skin?" He moved, but he noticed that he was not exactly a ginger pony, but a small sentient cookie that managed to retain his ice blue eyes "Oh dear...This wasn't what I meant at all! I wanted to be a ginger-" He paused before realization dawned on the time lord "OH, of course! I said I wanted to be ginger, so he turned me into a gingerBREAD pony! That explains why I look so delicious..." He sighed "Perhaps it was my own euphoria that prevented me from making my wish more coherent. I should probably get back to the TARDIS so I can try and sort everything out. No point in calling for help if everypony sees me as a walking, talking cookie. Maybe I should wait for Derpy to arrive since she usually finds me first..."

There was the sound of thundering hooves as Big Macintosh came into view and ran past the Doctor with several other stallions giving chase. The gingerbread pony only watched with a neutral stare "Was that Big Macintosh just now? He appears rather stunning than when I last saw him...Strange..." The Doctor then turned to his sonic screwdriver, now the size of a construction beam "Well, better wait for Derpy to arrive so I can save Equestria from this evil..." He paused as the wind blew "Aaaany moment now..." This was going to be a long wait.


6 down...3 to go...

> Wish #7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Octavia


A skull with a red '3' on its forehead laid in a patch of well-laid hyacinths in the yard of a minimalistic house in Ponyville. A shadow stood over it, and a grey hoof picked it up and quickly fled inside the house, slamming it shut.

In the luxurious living room, a certain cellist stared intently at the skull in her hooves, locking her purple eyes with its brilliant ruby eyes "Okay...While this town has its share of obscure happenings, you seem to be the most rare of them all...What are you?" She asked the skull, as if it knew how to speak. And speak it did.

"You hold in your hooves a special tool
To which it gives your temptation uncontrollable fuel!
My name is Thromnambular, and I'll grant you a wish,
So long as you try not to make it sound garish..."

Octavia could not believe that the skull would talk, let alone claim to be a granter of wishes. Her rational side would cast it aside and send it back to Tartarus, but the fact that he was offering a free wish on a silver platter was beyond tempting. She rubbed her chin with a hoof while looking down in thought "Hm...I can wish for anything? I could wish for..."

A scene played in Octavia's mind, where she was a tall and beautiful alicorn, standing proudly in an elegant pose as her long brown mane breezed in the wind. Her voice was heard in an eager tone "I could be an alicorn! No longer an earth pony, but a pony who holds several capabilities at her disposal!" The alicorn looked around stressfully as several ponies came behind her, Octavia's tone changing to that of displeasure "But then that would mean having to be considered royalty in the eyes of other ponies, and could be seen as an imposter by the princesses! That, and an alicorn's rumored immortality...I can't lose Vinyl..."

Another scene played where Octavia was wearing an amazing dress while trotting down a red carpet with other celebrities. Her tone was renewed with eagerness and curiousity "I COULD wish to be regarded in all of Equestria for my skills in the cello. Then, everypony can know me for my talent and consider me one of the elite..." The scene was switched with another, containing her galloping away from a paparazzi, her tone once again full of displeasure "But then that would mean getting harassed and having my privacy invaded by the paparazzi all the time!"

One last scene played where she was directing an audience of ponies towards a blackboard containing calculus-level equations behind her with a learning stick clenched between her teeth and a graduate's hat on her head. Her tone was once again fueled with eagerness "I could wish to be the smartest pony in Equestria, surpassing that of both Princess Celestia's and Twilight Sparkle's knowledge combined...I could solve age-old conundrums with just a thought in my mind and a flick of my hoof!" Another scene showed a grinning Octavia "And with each new piece of knowledge unearthed into Equestria, I could just grow smarter..and smarter..." The grinning Octavia's head began swelling up in size "and smarter...until-" There was a brief frown on the cellist's face before her head popped like one of Pinkie's favorite balloon's, revealing small bits of her brains and snapping Octavia out of her daydreaming with a panicked yelp.

Soon, the cellist clenched her eyes shut and bared her teeth as she groaned in frustration "I wish I knew what I want to wish for!!"

After the words had been uttered from Octavia's mouth, Thromnambular began to float and glow as the '3' on his head melted into a red stain before reforming into a '2'.

Octavia then opened her eyes, her expression quickly shifted into one of clarity "Of course! That's exactly what I want!" She turned to Thromnambular "Thromnambular, I would like to make my wi-Hey! Where are you going!?" She gave chase to the skull that began to float away as he spoke.

"You've made your wish, and with that, I fear
That our time has come to an end, my dear..."

Octavia looked aghast as she neared Thromnambular "But you can't go! I know what I want now! I wish-" The cellist's sentence was cut short as Thromnambular poofed out of existence in a large puff of smoke. When it cleared, a wide-eyed Octavia stood with her mane blown back into a straight horizontal style while parts of her body were covered in soot. She then heaved a wistful sigh before she looked down in lamentation "I wish I had that skull back..." She muttered in sadness.
_____

Twilight, Applejack and Spike were slackjawed at the sight in front of them. They never thought such a thing could exist, especially on that of a pony's back. The group stared at what appeared to be a living cookie standing on Derpy's back while she stood with an innocent smile as her eyes slowly moved clockwise at different angles. The cookie coughed before awkwardly giggling "Nice to finally see you again, Twilight Sparkle! Tell me, do you know where I can find a skull about yea high?" The Doctor-turned-cookie raised a tasty hoof to a small length "Tends to grant wishes to ponies willy nilly? I would gladly sort this mess out myself to save you the trouble, but it seems to be moving at unpredictable feats here and there around Ponyville!" He paused before he continued "Also, I'm a cookie. Pretty funny story, this thing here. It all started-"

Twilight interrupted with a snap "That can wait, Time Turner! We have to hurry and find Thromnambular so we can put a stop to his madness!"

The Doctor (Who apparently has another monicker to go by) nodded knowingly to Twilight's statement "Aaaaah, so you HAVE met the wish-granting skull! Fancy that! Did any of you make any wishes?" He asked nonchalantly, as if the skull weren't a threat to begin with.

Spike only answered by darting his eyes around with visible fear and bullets of sweat dripping down his temples.

Applejack frowned "Not really, but we see that y'all have! Don't really wanna ask, but Ah'm with Twi! We gotta get movin'! That darn skull could be anywhere!!"

Derpy giggled "At least it hasn't been found by any visiting ponies! Can you imagine how bad that could be?"

The Doctor turned to Derpy "No time for hypotheticals today, love! We have to hurry and sort this out before things get out of hoof! C'mon, everypony! Allons-y!!" The group then galloped around town, continuing their wild goose chase with two more members in their ranks.


7 down...2 to go...

> Wish #8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Trixie Lulamoon


A newly-refurbished stage cart was being pulled by an azure unicorn mare with a magician's hat, a star-spangled cloak, and look of pride on her face. She looked at the distant town of Ponyville from where she stood and took a deep whiff before exhaling with the same boastful smirk on her face "So here Trixie is again...Back at this little backwater town, but THIS time with more tricks up her sleeve!!" She trotted further towards the entrance to Ponyville.

When she arrived, Trixie passed by several ponies, who began sneering at her upon first glance. Some even began gossiping and murmuring while she trotted by with her nose in the air 'Hmph! Filthy commoners...They don't even know true brilliance and talent when they see it! All I did was put on a show back then and two incompetent foals along with that hackening twit of a unicorn had to muck up my good name!' While she trotted, she tripped over an object with a yelp. The showmare fell on her face while she was still attached to her cart and picked herself up while mumbling curses. Trixie leered down to meander the strangest sight "What in the name of..." She uttered to herself as she levitated a strange skull with ruby eyes and a red '2' on its forehead in front of her. Making sure nopony was watching, she quickly detached herself from the harness of her cart and zipped into it with the skull in tow.

Inside of her cart, Trixie looked it over with curious eyes "Where in Equestria could this thing have come from? Does it belong to that zebra I met in the forest?" She gazed into the ruby eyes as they glistened "And who would house such dazzling gems inside of a skull!? It's simply inequine!" She tried moving one of the rubies with her magic, but when she tried to pull, a pained yell was heard, breaking her concentration as the skull fell on her table. Trixie looked around "Who's there!? Show yourself! Nopony should even invade Trixie's privacy!!" She continued looking and growled "Such insolence from these hicks...Can't they see that I'm-" The showmare looked back to see the skull floating with a glare, causing her to droop her ears and widen her eyes as she squeaked "...busy?" The skull growled.

"You're an impudent mare to mess with my eyes!
Those kinds of manners, I truly despise!!"

Trixie backed up into a wall as she looked at the skull "D-D-Don't hurt Trixie! She didn't mean to cause you any harm! It's just that she thought those gems looked so amazing on you that Trixie wished to have them for herself!" She grinned nervously, hoping the skull would buy into her lie. The skull scoffed.

"You speak in third person, an annoying habit to hold,
But I'm willing to grant you a wish if you're bold!
My name is Thromnambular, and I'll fulfill your desire!
Consider me a miracle worker for hire!"

Trixie blinked "Trixie must be dreaming! Are you telling her that you, a talking skull, can grant Trixie a wish?" Before she could think, there was a knocking on her door as she trotted over and peered out of the door window with a glare "What is it!?"

Derpy stood smiling innocently while the Gingerbread Doctor was standing on her flank, looking up at Trixie "Yes, hello, miss! Don't mean to intrude on any personal matters at the moment, but could you perhaps spare us a moment of your time?"

Trixie stared blankly before she pointed a hoof "...Did that cookie just talk??"

Derpy nodded while her tongue stuck out "Yup yup!"

Trixie groaned as she rubbed her head "Trixie really needs to cut back on the cider after performances..." She muttered to herself.

The Doctor stared before he continued "Yes, sorry to hear about your drinking problems, ma'am, but this is an emergency, and I would appreciate your cooperation! Have you seen a talking skull with rubies for eyes and a number on its forehead? Tends to grant wishes and rhyme a lot? Really important that me and Derpy here find it!"

Trixie flinched 'Are they aware of the skull's power as well!?' She then glared with a scoff "No, she hasn't. Trixie has no idea what you're talking about, and no doubt it's nonsense! Why would she even speak with a cookie, anyways?"

The Doctor chuckled awkwardly "There's a story behind this thing, but it involves that skull! It's very important that it should be found and contained immediately! Could you ple-"

Trixie leered down at the two "For the last time, Trixie hasn't seen this stupid skull of your's! Now leave her be so she can get back to pampering herself before another big show!"

The Doctor sighed "Very well! Thanks for the cooperation, then! C'mon, Derpy! We have to find Twilight and her friends to see if they made any progress! Allons-y!" Derpy then reared onto her hindlegs as she whinnied and then galloped away from Trixie's cart.

Trixie stared before she sighed and went back inside "Honestly...a talking cookie? What is Equestria coming to these days?" She looked back to see Thromnambular glaring at her "Now, about your wish that you're offering to Trixie..." She looked down with a sigh "It is saddening to know that Trixie isn't getting the proper recognition she deserves from her esteemed audience! She needs more attention in her life! More adoration! More fame! Trixie wishes to be surrounded by fans of all kinds!!" Thromnambular then began to glow as he floated into the air.

"If it's fans Trixie wants, it's fans Trixie gets!
Let's hope it's a wish that she won't soon regret!!"

Thromnambular laughed as the '2' on his head turned on a horizontal meter to a bold red '1' as everything in the cart became enveloped in a flash.

Trixie rubbed her eyes and looked around "What happened? Where is Thromnambular? Where are Trixie's fans?"

She then noticed that everything around her was the same shade of blue as her coat, she also realized that she was the mane (Haha! Mane...) attraction in a stand occupied by an earth pony selling different sets of fans, both folding and electronic. Trixie happened to be trapped inside of a large and elegant azure fan as a moving image "Fans! Get your convenient and essential fans here! One of them even comes with this maplight!" He pulled out a random maplight as he flashed a winning smile.

Trixie was baffled, and then angered as she banged at the invisible wall of her foldable prison "This isn't what Trixie meant by being surrounded by fans!! Thromnambular, you tricked me!!" She shouted in outrage.

Trotting up to the stand was local entrepeneur and businesscolt extraordinaire Filthy Rich and his spoiled rotten daughter Diamond Tiara. The pink filly looked on the fans and stopped on the one with the moving unicorn inside of it "Daddy, I want that fan right there! Can you get it for me, please?"

Filthy Rich gave a hearty chuckle "Sure thing, pumpkin! Gotta make sure you don't sweat in this heat!" He placed a large bag of bits on the counter that nearly made the stand owner drool "That blue fan over there, if you please!"

The stand owner saluted and quickly picked up the fan as he gave it to Diamond Tiara. She began fanning herself as she walked with her new fan while Trixie yelled "Nooooooooo!!!!" While the fan moved, Trixie grunted in pain several times "Cut it out-OW! You-OW ignorant foal!! Trixie is being tossed aroun-OW!"
_____

On another edge of town, Twilight, Applejack, and Spike took a break after running around for so long without any leads on Thromnambular's location.

Twilight growled in frustration "This isn't getting us anywhere! I know it was a good idea for Time Turner wanting us to split up and search, but we haven't found a single trace of Thromnambular at all!!"

Applejack sighed "We'll jus' have t' keep on lookin'! Ah wanna right all o' these wrongs that that stupid skull caused!!"

Spike looked around before he laid under a tree and relaxed "Well, you know what they say...Good things come to those who wait." While he laid down, something rustled above him before dropping onto his head with a loud bonk "Hey!" He rubbed his head, but gasped to see a familiar skull with a '1' on his head laying on his cheek in the dirt.

Thromnambular shifted his ruby eyes to Spike, and his look became surpised as the two stared in silence. Then, he was wrapped in an aura and lifted towards an angry Twilight and Applejack "Got you!!" The lavender bookworm snapped with triumph and ire in her voice.


8 down...1 to go...

> Wish #9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Twilight Sparkle


Twilight and her friends trotted back with Thromnambular shifting and muffling loudly inside of Twilight's satchet. The lavender bookworm looked around "Alright, so we found Thromnambular. Now all that remains is to find Time Turner and Derpy so we can sort this whole ordeal out!"

Spike looked around and frowned "You'd think they know where we are?" He looked at the shifting satchet and hummed "Since we have Thromnambular, shouldn't we make a wish to end all of this nonsense instead of waiting for the others to find us?"

Twilight stopped and thought about this "Spike's onto something! We already have him, and we can easily end this right now!"

Applejack frowned "Aren't y'all bein' a might hasty 'bout this? Ah mean, that thing turned th' Doc int' a walkin' talkin' cookie! We end up makin' a wish an' we'll probably make things worse!!"

Twilight flinched and looked down dejectedly "Darn it, you're right, Applejack! But we'll have to hurry and find the others if we can put a stop to all of this senseless wishing!"

Coming towards the trio was a pink blur that showed itself to be Pinkie with her usual ecstatic grin "Twilight! Applejack! Spike! Thank Celestia you're here! Have any of you found Thromby at all?"

The group stared at Pinkie, then traded glances before looking back at the party pony quizzically "You've encountered Thromnambular earlier, Pinkie? Why haven't you told us about this sooner!?" Twilight snapped irritably.

Pinkie whined "I'm so sorry! I wanted to go out and tell you all, but he granted me such a good wish back then! He gave me Deadpool, Twilight! Deadpool!! Do you know how hard it is to find another guy like him somewhere in the vast universe!?"
_____
In the darker reaches of Gotham City, two burglars ran away from the authorities with bags of money locked in their fists as they took refuge in an alley with their deft movement. When they thought they were safe, they sat down and caught their breath after running so much. While they were taking deep breaths, a third deep breathing sound was heard, only more foreboding and spine-chilling. The two stopped and looked around, then looked up to see a yellow-skinned and green-haired man broadly grinning down at them, wearing a green and black striped speedo and a large red boa on his back "Heeeeeere's Creeper~!!" He said in an insanely chipper voice.

The two burglars screamed for their lives as the Creeper leaped down on them.
_____

Twilight glared "Pinkie, that shouldn't even matter right now! Do you not realized how much damage he's caused just by being here in Equestria!?"

Pinkie pleaded "Deadpool, Twilight! He's the best in the Marvel franchise!"

Applejack glared as well "Y'all 're speakin' nonsense again! We're takin' Thromnambular with us t'-"

Pinkie gasped "You have Thromby!?" She leaped at Twilight, but was stopped in her tracks by Applejack as she struggled to pushed her back. The party pony did not relent while flailing her forelegs "Quick! Give'im here! I gotta make my wish again!"

Twilight took a step back "No, Pinkie! We're going to find Time Turner and we're ending this chaotic day!!"

Pinkie stopped pushing and pouted "Oh, fine! But at least lemme come with you so we can work together as friends! Maybe we can see if Fluttershy's around! Or if Rarity can-"

"NO!!"

The three mares instantly turned to Spike after he blurted out his opposition fearfully and stared at him in confusion. The purple dragon froze before he drew himself back sheepishly "U-Um, I mean, let's go find Time Turner and Derpy ourselves, alright? We can't waste too much time with a wish-granting skull!" He grinned nervously.

Twilight, remembering the important matter at hoof, nodded to Spike "Right! Let's get moving, everypony!" The group, now numbering four, went to find Doctor Time Turner Whooves and his wall-eyed assistant.
_____

Derpy frowned while she flew around, looking for Twilight and her group "Doctor, I'm hungry! Can't we stop for a muffin or something?" The mailmare complained.

The Doctor shook his head as he squinted his eyes and looked down at Ponyville "Not now, Derpy! Skull first, then muffins! We'll even have them with butter, just like you like them!!"

Derpy brightened up with a smile "Goody!" She then dutifully looked around below her while flying. The mailmare grimaced when she spotted Big Macintosh being chased by a stallion battalion and tried looking elsewhere. She perked up when she saw Twilight galloping with her friends "Doc! Down there by City Hall! I see them!"

The Doctor looked down and grinned "Excellent work, love! We'll see to the end of this disaster yet! Take us down please!" Derpy then swooped down vigorously towards the others, landing in front of them.

Twilight noticed the two and sighed in relief "Good, you're here! Now we should fine a secure area so we can figure out how to solve this problem completely!"

Pinkie frowned "What? Couldn't you have figured out where to go BEFORE you thought about meeting up?"

The Doctor frowned "I'm afraid not, Pinkie. Times like these call for both quick thinking and quick acting! I can't call the TARDIS in the middle of town, especially in my current state, so that's out of the question! Our best bet is gathering back at Twilight's library and plot our next move from there!"

Applejack nodded "Sounds like a plan! Let's get movin'!"

Pinkie groaned "But you said that times like these call for both quick thinking and acting! If we're gonna end this thing, we're gonna end it with the biggest wish of all!!" She quickly fished out Thromnambular from Twilight's satchel, oblivious to the lavender bookworm's yelling protest. Holding the skull in her forehooves, Pinkie went to speak "Thromby, I-"

Her sentence was cut short when Applejack quickly pinned Pinkie down on the ground, Thromnambular bouncing in the dirt. Spike picked it up while Applejack glared down at the party pony "Have ya spit yer bit or somethin'!? We're tryin' t' put a stop t' all this wishin', Pinkie!!"

Spike stared at Thromnambular "Couldn't there be some way to alter all of the damage he's done to Ponyville through wishing?" The skull chuckled.

"Feel free to wish for whatever you desire.
It's not my fault if your wish will backfire!
It's down to you, and it's down to me...
One more wish..and I will be free!"

A scream was heard, and the group turned to see Big Macintosh running towards them with a desperate look on his face. His spirits were instantly lifted and mixed with his desperation when he noticed Thromnambular resting in Spike's claws "Spike! Give me th' skull so Ah can wish fer these damn stallions t' stop chasin' me!!"

Thunderlane, who headed the pack of Apple-hungry stallions perked up "Did he just say that that skull Spike has can grant wishes!?" He grinned "I can wish for Big Macintosh to love me!!" The other stallions instantly caught on to the tempting offer of wishing and resounded a cheer, their sights now on Thromnambular as well.

Spike yelped "Everypony run!!!" The purple dragon hopped on Twilight's back and the group galloped away fearfully, the stallions catching up to them.

Pinkie looked back while she galloped nonchalantly "Wow! I haven't seen THIS much want since Twilight hexed her Smarty Pants doll!"

The Doctor stared back at the approaching group of stallions while resting on Derpy's back as he muttered curiously "I swear, the more I look at Big Macintosh, the more I want to be with him...Is that normal?" He looked at Derpy "Is it?"

Derpy replied "All I know is I don't want him near me! We gotta ditch these guys or we're gonna be up to our necks in stallions!!"

Applejack grunted while she galloped "Too bad they only wanna ride my brother int' th' sunset thanks t' some stupid wish!!"
_____

Octavia trotted out of her front door after cleaning herself earlier and sighed "Me and my big mouth...I really want that skull back so I can make my wish!" She looked up to the sun with a glum expression"Maybe it's for the best, I suppose...I mean, would I honestly want to give up my sanity for one lousy wish?"

While she stood, Twilight and company ran from the large group of stallions chasing after them. She noticed Thromnambular resting in Spike's claws and stared blankly for a moment before galloping after the large group "Come back here with that skull!!" She barked out ambitiously.

Pinkie looked back and noticed Octavia joining the chasing group and stared while she galloped "Hey! Is that my si-"

Twilight yelled "Pinkie, focus!! We have to find a place to hide from these folks before everypony knows about Thromnambular and his wish!!"

To Twilight's misfortune, the entire group reached the market district the moment she yelled out her words. Several merchants and customers turned to them as they parroted the word 'Wish' and began converging with the rest of the ponies wanting Thromnambular to themselves. Spike could only hold a deadpan stare at the lavender bookworm and say "Smooth..." with an unamused tone.

Diamond Tiara heard as well and yelled "Daddy! We gotta get that skull!!"

Filthy Rich nodded with an eager grin "Duly noted! C'mon, Diamond Tiara!" The wealthy businesscolt dashed with his daughter after she dropped her azure fan. The fan gave a pained grunt as it hit the ground.

Applejack felt fatigued with the growing numbers of wish-hungry ponies "This ain't lookin' good, y'all! Th' library's outta th' question with how badly these ponies want that skull!!"

At the park, Magnum and Pearl were trotting peacefully on a route while the latter pushed a carriage containing a bitter Rarity with her forelegs crossed and a pacifier stuffed in her mouth. Magnum looked over and noticed Twilight and her friends running from a mob "Hey, look over there, honey! What could be goin' on to get everypony all riled up?" He asked, slightly oblivious to the chaos.

Pearl hummed "I don't know, dear! Whatever it is, I think it might have something to do with that skull being held by that dragon!"

Rarity perked up and instantly spat out her pacifier, then undid the straps on the carriage as she leaped off and galloped after the others. Pearl gasped "Oh no!! Rarity!!" The married couple abandoned their carriage and chased after their daughter "Rarity, come back!!" Pearl urged fearfully.

Rarity noticed Spike as she joined into the group "Spike?" Soon, the purple dragon's wish began to take effect again as she grinned sadistically at Spike "So nice to see you again~!!" She spoke in a happy, yet insane tone and picked up the pace.

Spike looked over and noticed Rarity catching up and yelped as he turned to Twilight "What do we do, Twilight!? They're gaining on us!!"

Pinkie focused her gaze on Rarity "Is it just me, or is Rarity super happy to see Spike? I'm talking SUPER happy!"

Applejack looked back as well and winced "She looks plum loco with that smile o' hers!!"

Derpy was galloping, and she yelled "Banana!!"

Twiligt turned to Derpy "This isn't a time to be thinking about food, Derpy!!"

Derpy yelled again "Banana!!"

Twilight groaned "Is a banana really more important that almost being buried alive by almost everypony in Ponyville!?"

Derpy shook her head "No!!" She pointed ahead "Banana!!" The lavender bookworm looked ahead and noticed a random banana peel resting in front of her. Sadly, she was so close to it that when her right forehoof made contact with it, Twilight slipped and tumbled along with Spike as Thromnambular slipped out of his claws and bounced in the dirt.

Twilight looked and gasped "Oh no!!" Before she could get up, She and her friends were trampled by the legion of ponies wanting Thromnambular, with the exception of Derpy and The Doctor hovering over them.

Derpy looked down fearfully "Madness....Madness!!"

The Doctor sighed sadly "Tis the power of greed that can easily corrupt a pony..." He looked over and noticed Thromnambular displaying looks of surprise and fear as he was being tossed around and caught continuously by other ponies. He then looked down to see Twilight, Pinkie, and Applejack laying battered in the ground "Derpy! Down there!!" She swooped down and landed near the groaning mares as they picked themselves up "Are you all okay? We have to get that skull away from everypony or who knows what might happen!"

Twilight shook off her pain "If only we could-" She then looked around with widened eyes "Wait a minute! Where's Spike!?" A scream was heard, and the group looked to see some of the ponies in the crowd being flung upward in a trail.

Inside of the mob, Spike was pushing past the mob while Rarity gave chase and flung away each pony the purple dragon pushed through "Spike~! Come back~!!" She spoke with a mixture of feigned hurt and insanity.

Spike shook his head as he pressed on "No way! I learned my lesson!! I promise to stay away from you as long as I live!! If I truly love something, I have to set it free!! PLEASE don't kill me!!" He noticed the skull in his sights, but he was then pinned down by a magical aura courtesy of the crazed fashionista behind him "No!!" He looked back at Rarity as she advanced "NOOOOOOOOOO!"

Rarity went to strike at her 'lover', but was then caught by two sets of foehooves "Wha-!?" She was hugged and nuzzled from both sides by her parents.

Pearl smiled "Oh, thank Celestia we found our little Rarity before she could get hurt!!"

Magnum chuckled "She's pretty energetic for her age, isn't she?" He chimed in.

Spike stared, and then remembered he was free as he ran towards Thromnambular.

He noticed the skull was being fought over by Filthy Rich and Octavia as they tugged at him with their forehooves. The businesscolt grunted and gritted his teeth "Why don't you just give up that skull, lady!? I need it for me and my daughter!!"

Octavia growled as she gritted her own "You have enough in your life!! I need the skull more than you do!!" She then quickly rushed forward and rammed Filthy Rich hard as Thromnambular slipped out of his grip. She grinned triumphantly as she held the skull "At last!! The wish is mine!!" The cellist voiced with pleasure as she went to speak "I wish for-" Her sentence was cut short when Spike leaped and snatched the skull from her hooves. She glared at the purple dragon "Hey!!"

Spike ran, and held Thromnambular as if he were a football "Twilight!! Go long!!" He threw the screaming skull as he spiraled into the air and towards the lavender bookworm as her horn glowed. Twilight successfully caught the skull and went to run away, only to be stopped by an advancing crowd of ponies. Twilight and her friends gathered down as they stared death in the face with fear. The lavender bookworm held Thromnambular in her forelegs as she and her friends bundled up.

The Doctor looked around, then his look of fear worsened as he blurted out "I don't want to go!!"

Derpy cried as she held the cookie in her hooves "I never even got my muffins~!!"

Pinkie looked around, oblivious to the danger, and smiled "Well, with how we have a skull and a truckload of ponies coming after us, I guess you can say that we're..." She randomly pulled out sunglasses and put them on her face "Boned to the core...YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAH!!"

Applejack stared at Pinkie with a twitching eye, then proceeded to strangle the party pony when she knew that there was no hope for them at all.

Twilight darted her head around at the advancing group of ponies while she perspired many bullets of sweat. Under her stress, she clenched her eyes and gritted her teeth with a frustrated moan, then finally yelled "I wish we never found this skull!!!" Thromnambular held a look of surprise as he began to glow. The '1' on his head projected a larger holographic image of itself as the two '1's' shifted into '0's'. While he was held, everything was enveloped in a blinding flash as indescribable magic happened.
_____

Twilight trotted through the forest with her assistant and de facto little brother Spike sitting on her back after collecting some herbal tea from their resident zebra friend Zecora. Twilight smiled while she made her way back home "I can't wait to brew this tea when we arrive at the library! If what Zecora said was true, this would possibly be one of the best brews of her kind."

Spike inspected the closed satchel over Twilight's midsection as he scratched his head "Do you think it might have a pungent aftertaste like the other teas we've been drinking lately? Don't get me wrong, I love tea, but I'm looking for a little variety in flavor!"

Twilight looked back to Spike "I'm sure it might be as different as you claim, Spike. All that matters is getting this back into Ponyville and maybe inviting our friends over for a cup or two!"

Spike hopped off of Twilight's back and his smile widened "Yeah! Especially Rarity..." And as expected from Twilight, the mention of the alabaster unicorn's name caused Spike to drift into a romantic euphoria and out of his world as he swayed about. He neared a bush, but then held up his claws over his head as he spun away from it in a graceful pirouette, posing in front of Twilight afterwards with a smile.

Unimpressed with his display of ballet, Twilight nudged Spike along "Come on, Casanova. We can worry about that later! Let's get moving!" The two then trotted out of the forest when they reached the entrance.

While they were gone, a strange skull with rubies for eyes and a '9' on its head sat in the bushes. There was a rustle, and a skeletal hand covered in a black cloak reached down for it and brought it out of the bushes.

The hand belonged to none other than the Grim Reaper himself as he stared at the skull with a sigh "I gotta remember t' keep an inventory check on dees tings..." He muttered in a thick Jamaican accent. The skull scoffed.

"Primitive fool with no eye sockets!
How could you have emptied your pockets!?"

Grim rolled his nonexistent eyes and replied apathetically "Yeah, yeah, you're good at rhyming! C'mon, now, Thromnambular! We have to get back to Endsville before Mandy notices we're gone..." He walked deeper into the forest brush, passing the many trees as a song was ominously beginning by different voices.

"When you wish upon a star..."
"Makes no difference who you are..."
"Anything your heart desires..."
"Will come to you..."
"If your heart is in your dream..."
"No request is too extreme..."
"When you wish upon a star..."
"As dreamers do..."

Strangely, one of the many tree branches carried a lighter as it flicked on.

"Faaaaate is kiiiii-oh-oh-OH-OH GOD! OH GOD!! OH MY GOD!!!"

The trees in the Everfree Forest began to burn up as the fire began spreading quickly.

"AUGH!! THE FIRE!!! IT BURNS!!!"
"OH CELESTIA WHY!!?!?"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!"
"THIS IS WHAT TRUE MADNESS MUST FEEL LIKE!!!"
"Finally, we can die..."

Grim and Thromnambular looked around in surprise "Well dat escalated quickly!!!" He grabbed his scythe and swung it as he carved open a portal and jumped through it with the wish-granting skull in his grasp.


And everything turned out for the better...I think...