> My Little Pony: Eternal Harmony
>  by LightOfTriumph
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: A New Game
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Something was very, very wrong.

Discord  sensed something awful in the air. It was rare that something snapped his magical senses so thoroughly. It was terrifying. It was revolting. And worse than all of that...

It was familiar. 

There was no doubt about it. He was planning something huge.





Twilight Sparkle walked into the hallway that led to the council room. Feeling more than a little misty eyed at the prospect of her student moving away. She wondered if this was what Celestia felt when Twilight stopped being strictly her student. That was over two decades ago now... How the time had flown since those days.

The circumstances were different this time. Twilight wasn't training a possible successor. She hadn't quite gotten tired of the job, yet. Certainly not to a point where she felt like she was no longer fit for duty. A bit worrying for a monarch, but... Princess Twilight Sparkle took quite a bit of pride in her work as Ruler of Equestria. 

The best part about her job, however, was being able to work with her five best friends. All of whom had earn just as much, if not more, accolades than she had. Like the Celestial Sisters before them, they were meant to rule together.

She met up with them waiting outside the council room. "Girls, I thought we talked about this," Twilight smiled. "You don't have to wait for me in the hall. You can just head inside."

"Twilight," said Applejack calmly. "No offense, but we ain't waitin' for you."

It was then that Twilight noticed the look on each of their faces. Each one of these mares, who had faced fire, flood or famine countless times were all shaken to their very core. Something had scared them more than Twilight had seen them since Grogar's Bell Crisis. Something was very, very wrong.

"What's going on?" Twilight asked. 

"There's... Something behind that door," Rainbow Dash said. "And as much as I don't wanna admit it. Its terrifying."

"What is it?" Twilight asked, now growing concerned.

"We don't know darling," Rarity said, eying the door. "But you know what it's like for Unicorns, when there's some kind of huge magical presence. And behind that door... Well, let's just say you don't have to be a Unicorn to sense it."

"There is some serious bad mojo behind that door," Pinkie said excitedly. "This is like the evilest evil that we've ever faced! Well... Maybe. Have you noticed our lives have been kind of hectic? I mean it's been pretty quiet lately but.."

"Touch the door Twilight." Fluttershy said calmly. "You'll see what we mean."

Twilight looked around at the haunted expressions on her friends faces. She steeled herself and touched the door.

She immediately felt pure unadulterated rage. Followed quickly by despair. It moved into Apathy and settled on grief. Every negative emotion that a pony could have raced through her mind all at once. It was an awful feeling. One she had felt too many times before.

"Well he's early," Twilight said dryly. "Over a month early. Celestia knows I would love too see him as much as possible... Hopefully in a cage, profusely apologizing..."

"You know who this is?" Rarity said, completely shocked. "Twilight, why would you associate with such an... odd presence. I know you still study magic, but..."

"I don't have a choice," Twilight said. "Technically, he works for me..."

"This wouldn't happen to be Celestia's old chess partner, would it?" Applejack said, inquisitively. "The one who always leaves you in a foul mood?"

"Bingo," Twilight said dryly. "I wanted to keep you guys from meeting him. He's not a very pleasant pony to be around. But... He's early. Our Annual game isn't until next month... This could be an emergency."

"Its your call, Twilight," Rainbow Dash said sternly. "If you want us to back you up, we'll face this together."

"I really don't wanna face him alone, I never do," Twilight admitted. "But... He can really bring out the worst in you... I don't want you guys to--"

"Don't be ridiculous," Rarity scoffed. "He may bring out the worst in ponies, but we bring out the best in each other. There's nothing we haven't faced together, and quite frankly you shouldn't have faced him alone in the first place."

"That's right," Applejack nodded. "Whatever this Varmint can do don't compare to what we've done as a crew."

"I'm a little insulted you think we can't take him at this point," Rainbow Dash smiled. "How many times have we saved Equestria? That statue in the royal garden was put up for a reason."

"You're the one who taught me to not be afraid as long as I'm with my friends," Fluttershy said firmly. "The least I can do is be there for you when you're scared." 

"Let's head in!" Pinkie Pie squeaked, pulling a water balloon out of her mane. "Let's see if this chessmaster can handle a thinking man's game..."

Twilight looked at her friends. Reflecting back on the days where she thought she would be better off alone. Now she couldn't imagine being without them. The very idea was repugnant to her. Why did she think that facing her Chess partner alone was a wise idea in the first place? It seemed so silly now.

She took a deep breath and opened the door to the council room.

Twilight would never get used to his appearance. From a distance he looked like an ordinary earth pony in a dapper navy blue suit, but if you got a close look at him you'd realize something was very wrong. The first think you'd notice were his eyes. They were pitch black, but they still shone. It was as if a raging fire was burning directly behind them. They were such a terrifying presence on the strange pony's face that it would almost distract anyone from everything else wrong with it. His face was used to smiling, and the smile would seem to be genuine. That wasn't the problem. The problem was it made you wonder how he came by that joy in the first place. His name was short, almost to the point of being peach fuzz. Making a diamond of yellow running from the top of his head, to the back of his neck. This stood out against his rust colored coat.

He was sitting on Twilight's throne at the head of the round table. He was already staring at the door. Already meeting Twilight's eyes. "Not like you to be late, is it?" the creature said, casually. 

"Scratch," Twilight growled.

"I'm in your seat," the strange pony said. He got off of Twilight's throne and paced around to the front of the room. He took a look at the Council of Friendship's worried expressions, and a smile nearly cut the top of his head off. "Now you all don't look happy to see me at all. You'd think I wasn't welcome. Twily, you should probably introduce me. It would help break the ice."

Twilight nodded. "His name is Scratch," Twilight said, not breaking eye contact with the strange Pony. "He's the Warden of Tartarus... He gives me an annual report on the state of the prison."

"Everything's fine, by the way," Scratch offered. "Keeping your three most wanted shacked up nice and tight. Unless I get distracted, or... You know... Lose interest. They won't be getting out any time soon."

"He seems to have an important job to do," Fluttershy said timidly. "I don't understand why I find him so... Unpleasant."

"Unpleasant?" Scratch said, with mock offense. "Now, Flutters. That's just straight up unkind. You know your better than that. At least, that's what you keep telling yourself..."

"What?" Fluttershy said, shocked. "What do you mean?"

"You really wanna know?" Scratch said, giving his gleeful little smile. "I mean I... could go into your cruel streak... But you've come to terms with that, haven't you?"

"Oh, I get why he's unpleasant," Rainbow Dash said dryly. "He's a jerk."

"Dashie, I could go into the fact that you're terrified you'll measure up to Spitfire," Scratch continued calmly. "Or how AJ is afraid of her little sister growing up. Or how Pinks isn't sure she's a good mom. Or how Rarity is worried about her age is creeping up on her. Or how Twily is sad that your age is creeping up on you..."

The council all looked a little more Melancholy than they did when Scratch started talking. 

"But that's the thing," Scratch sighed, sitting on the council table. "You all know these things. You've wrestled with this self doubt. You've talked it out. You've overcome all of it. I would be proud of you but it kinda leaves me at a loose end."

Twilight had never broken eye contact. This was what he did. He reached inside of you, found all of your worries and doubts, and put a big spotlight on them so the whole world could see them. So that you thought they were the only thing that mattered. From there he could twist you to do what he wanted with a few well chosen words. That aside, he was right. They had all moved past those issues by helping each other. Twilight remembers the emotional council meeting where she came to terms with her immortality. So that left one pertinent question.

"What are you doing here, Scratch?" Twilight said sternly. "What do you want?"

Scratch gave a little shrug. "Cut me loose."

"Not gonna happen," Twilight answered immediately.

"What do you mean 'cut you loose?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Simple," Scratch said, giving his huge smile. "While Twily described me as a Warden, which is fairly accurate, as I try to keep the place tidy, I'm also a prisoner. I've been locked in the lowest stinking hole in the ground for--"

"I'm keen to guess," Ratity sighed, having heard speeches like this and finding them utterly tiresome. "A thousand years?"

"Try the beginning of time itself," Scratch said frankly. He looked around at the slightly puzzled expressions on the faces of the six ponies. "Oh, trust me. I got some stories to tell. But they can wait. The point is, for untold eons I have been watching the suffering of the truly evil. Untold horrors the likes of which none of you could comprehend. The kind of pain and torture that pony kind wouldn't want to imagine. It's just so... Boring."

A wave of contempt and disgust washed over the Council of Friendship as Scratch hopped off the table. 

"They've gotten used to it! That's the problem!" Scratch complained. "They know that something bad is going to happen to them, so there's no hope to crush any more. You can't break a spirit that's already broken. Every once and a while I get a new roomie, but do you know how rare that's become? That's you and your 'Magic of Friendship' Twily! You've really been messing with my bottom line!"

"Get out," Twilight said through gritted teeth. "I'm not cutting you loose, and our game isn't for another month."

"Oh, the game already started." Scratch said frankly. "We've been playing ever since you walked through the door."

"What are you talking about?' Dash said, angrily. "What are you planning?!"

"Telling you my strategy would just be poor planning, wouldn't it?" Scratch said. He then looked around the room at the other the Ponies. The smile seemed to get wider. "You all look so spooked... Why? I can't do anything you haven't seen before. My magical talent is only really good enough to fight Twilight to a standstill. The six of you together could drop me like a bad habit. What's so scary about me?" He turned to look at Fluttershy. "What about you Flutters? What are you afraid of?"

"Hey! Leave her alone!" Pinkie shouted, stepping in front of Fluttershy.

"The protective instinct I'd expect from a mother," Scratch shot back. "Tell me, Pinks, How is your little colt doing?"

"That's enough!" Twilight insisted, stomping forward. "I have to live with your bike every time you have to give your report, but I will not let you threaten my friends! State your business and GET! OUT!"

The last word hung in the air. Echoing down the hall. Rarely had they ever seen their friend turn on all of her regality at once. Even rarer when it was done with pure anger.

Scratch looked at Twilight, slightly impressed. "Wow, I guess I was wrong," Scratch nodded. Then the smile cut itself across his face once again. "I can still get under your skin."

The council scowled at Scratch as he hopped off the table and paced around it. "The game this time is a little more complex than chess," Scratch said cheerfully. "And, in my opinion, a little more fun. And what's even better, you can play with your friends. I've got to make some preparations. I will let you know when the game is starting."

The room seemed to get darker.

"I'll be seeing you all," Scratch said calmly. "Just as soon as my pieces are in place."

The room went pitch black with a mystical darkness. When the lights came back up, Scratch was gone.

"So, on a scale of one to ten," Pinkie started. "How terrified should we be right now?"

Twilight didn't answer. She was wracking her brain over and over. What did Scratch have at his disposal?

What pieces did he have in place?





Luster Dawn shifted from hoof to hoof outside of Starlight Glimmer's office. Waiting for her initiation for her new job, and she was nervous. Nervousness wasn't new for her... But something was different  this time. There was something off in the air. It was like the world was upside down. Her skin didn't fit right. The floor was uneven.

Something was very, very wrong.
> Chapter 1: Luster Dawn's New Job
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was just her imagination. It was just that she was moving to a new place. She had visited Ponyville once before, and found every creature there very friendly. There was, however, a world of difference between visiting a place and moving there. Especially when it meant starting a new job.

She was too old to enroll in the Ponyville School of Friendship, so the Princess had gotten her a position as an aide to the Headmare, Starlight Glimmer. Luster was obviously eager to learn, but it was quite a big change. Especially since she had prepared for the wrong kind of town.

Princess Twilight had sold Ponyville as a tiny, quaint little hamlet, that was very quiet and peaceful. During the first visit, Twilight had learned that a lot can change in twenty years.

It was the home of six national heroines, one of which had become the kingdom's monarch. Situated in it was the premier apple farm in all of Equestria. It was where Carousel Fashions got its start. It was home to no less than three wonderbolts. Including the Squad Leader.

The town had grown quite a bit, in population and activity, since Princess Twilight had moved there.

Luster Dawn looked at the door, and took a deep breath. Despite her fears, she was determined to finish her course of study. She put on her game face and knocked at the door. 

"Come in," said a kind but beleaguered voice from inside. Luster opened the door to find the Headmare looking over many official papers. It was only when she looked up that Luster realized how tired she was. "Oh, you're here. Luster Dawn, right? I'm sorry if I've got your name wrong, it's just been very hectic."

"Luster Dawn, yes ma'am," Luster nodded. "Princess Twilight said you'd be expecting me."

"I was, yes," Starlight said, getting up from her desk. "I've been looking for a second assistant for a while now, and as you can see from the state of my office, I desperately need one."

"You already have an assistant?" Luster said, getting a little worried about the necessity of her position.

"Yeah, you'll probably meet her in a few minutes," Starlight said, taking one last look at the papers on her desk. "Bless that Kirin, she's the only one who keeps me even this organized. Not an easy job. Unfortunately, she's usually only good at putting out whatever the current fire is. Twilight tells me that you're good at planning for the future."

Luster felt a little more uncomfortable. "That's what I've always been told, Ma'am," she said nervously.

"You can stop with the Ma'am, you can call me Starlight," the Headmare said softly. "Why don't you start by telling me a little about yourself."

Luster Dawn took a deep breath and put her thoughts in order. "Well," she said cautiously. "I enrolled in Twilight's school as soon as I was able to, and I was able to learn magic directly from her. She's been my idol ever since I was a filly... She's amazing, and she managed to bring the whole continent together in unity..."

"She didn't do it alone," Starlight pointed out. "She had help."

"I know,' Luster nodded. "The council is also amazing. The fact that they were able to reach the goals they set out for themselves, and save Equestria so many times is... Its utterly mind blowing. They've earned their statue in the Canterlot gardens."

"So Twilight sent you here to learn about Friendship," Starlight nodded. "But I'm a little confused. What are you missing? You seem to understand the value that Twilight's friends hold for her, but you're not interested in making your own. What's the problem?"

Luster thought long and hard about how to answer that question. "It just seems like that's not the method I should take to make myself a better mage," Luster said finally. 

Starlight gave a little smile. "You know what I used to do at this school before I became the headmare?" Starlight asked. 

"Princess Twilight said you were the Student Counselor," Luster answered. 

"That's right," Starlight nodded. "I prided myself in being able to tell what the students were feeling at any given moment. That ability came from a part of my past I'm not proud of. You're not distant, Luster. You're scared."

Luster looked at the floor. Starlight was right on the money, but did she know why? 

Starlight walked in front of her desk. "I promise you, there's nothing to be afraid of," Starlight smiled. "The ponies and other creatures here are some of the kindest folks you'll ever meet. They will accept you, no matter who you are, as long as you're willing to open up."

Luster gave a hollow laugh and shook her head. That answered her question, Starlight did not understand why she was afraid of making friends. She made the same mistake that Princess Twilight did. Its not that she was afraid she wouldn't be able to...

"Well, I know what your first assignment is," Starlight said, giving the self satisfied smile that came with a brilliant idea. "I need you to get a layout of the town. There are going to be times where I'm going to need something from Ponyville and I can't have you getting lost." Her horn lit up with a blue aura, and her voice was broadcast across the entire school. "Ms. Breeze, please report to the Headmare's office. Once again, that's Mercury Breeze to the headmare's office."

"Mercury Breeze?" Luster Dawn asked incredulously.

"Remember that Kirin I was talking about earlier?" Starlight clarified. "The one who's excellent in a crisis, but has a problem with Future Proofing? Yeah, that would be her. Shes a little... Chatty. Most Kirin are, especially ones that were born when she was. Makes sense, considering. She's been living here since she was very young. Her family moved to Ponyville just after Twilight moved out. So, I can't think of anyone who would work better as a tour guide."

"Well," Luster said nervously. "I suppose that's probably wise. But if it's alright with you, attendants from the school took my luggage, I was hoping to see where I'll be staying before--"

Starlight raised a hoof to stop her. "Of course," she said calmly. "Your apartment is on school grounds. Mercury will take you there and give you some time to unpack."

Luster took a deep breath. This was it. She was going to take Princess Twilight's advice and try to open up. Meet with more creatures. Expand her horizons. No more keeping herself separated from the world. The only way for her magic to evolve was to try, really try, to make some friends. 

She hoped nothing would happen to make this harder than it was already going to be.

It was at that point the door exploded open. A kirin galloped into the room. Frantically looking for some work to do. "I was across campus when I got the call!" She said in a hurried tone. "Sorry I'm late, but Professor Scootaloo needed my help with a demonstration, and then I needed to help Professor Belle with some paperwork, because Professor Bloom needs to chip in to the Applebucking, but THEN I had to prepare for the new assistant coming in, because her luggage was almost sent to the wrong room. This day has just been a complete mess all around. I hope the new pony can handle all this pressure because the stress is getting close to driving me insane! Seriously I-" It was only then that she noticed Luster was in the room. "Oh, hi there. Are you new?"

The room stood silent for a few moments, as if the atmosphere itself needed to catch its breath after the Kirin's chatter. Luster didn't quite know what to do with herself. Luckily, Starlight was there to make the save.

"Luster Dawn," Starlight sighed with the world weariness of a Mare who had been through all of this before. "Meet Mercury Breeze. My other assistant. Mercury Breeze, meet your new coworker."





Scratch sat on Twilight's throne, gently smiling at his handiwork. 

Looking at the scene, you would think that he had dispatched the two guards himself. With him sitting smugly on the throne, with the two guards laying bruised and unconscious at his feet, it was a reasonable conclusion to come to. The thing was that all Scratch actually did was talk. The right words, whispered into the right ears, at the right time caused these two guards, once fast friends, to come to blows. Now he was alone in the Throne room, waiting for the report of the incident to get back to the princess, and for the princess to come running.

She heard hoofsteps clomping down the hallway, barreling toward the door. It took her long enough to get here. Scratch knew she had her hob to do, but it was still very rude to keep him waiting this long.

The door flew open to reveal princess Twilight Sparkle, behind her five palace guards. When she took her first step in, Scratch slammed the door behind her, locking it tight. He listened to the guards try in vain to open the door with more than a little satisfaction.

That left the two of them alone. Scratch and Twilight looked at each other. Each waiting for the other to pounce. Scratch decided to ease Twilight's mind by making the first move. "What's so special about Luster Dawn?" he asked frankly.

Twilight didn't answer, merely staring down the Warden of Tartarus. 

"Why does she get the whole... well... 'Friendship is Magic,' treatment?" he continued. "You've had other students with just as much magic potential. Some of them also had friendship problems. So why? Why couldn't she learn about friendship here in Canterlot? It's not as if you aren't a good teacher. You are. You've proven that time and time again over two decades. So what's different now? What makes you so convinced you're going to fail with this mare? What's different about this one. I mean if I can see the potential in this one, I don't..."

Scratch trailed off when he saw Twilight's face. He saw the shadow of fear wash across her face when he mentioned Luster's potential. Suddenly something became very clear to Scratch.

"I... See potential in her. I do. That's the problem," Scratch reasoned. "It's not that you see something different about her, you see something all too familiar. That girl reminds you a little too much of your biggest failure. As a teacher. As a princess. As a friend. Oho, this is rich..."

"I sent her to Ponyville to prove she had a choice," Twilight said firmly, not giving an inch.

"To her or to yourself?" Scratch asked. The question hung in the air for a few seconds. "Well, don't worry. She definitely does have a choice on how to live her life... Unfortunately."

"If we're going to fight, we'd better start," Twilight growled. "I have better things to do with my day than to waste it fighting you."

"Oh, we're not going to fight," Scratch clarified. "You're just going to come with me."

"What makes you think I'm not going to put up a fight?" Twilight said, her horn glowing with a magenta aura.

"Five guards outside the door," Scratch said calmly. "Around two hundred more in the castle proper. About three hundred more on the palace grounds. Fifty visiting dignitaries from other kingdoms. Thirty two of which brought family. Twenty nine of those include children."

Twilight stood stunned and looked at Scratch. Horrified at what he was implying.

"See, we could fight," Scratch said calmly. "You do outclass me in terms of magic, but just barely. A fight between the two of us would take hours. But the thing is... I won't be aiming for you. And how many of the over one thousand souls that are here at this very moment do you think I can get to before you manage to put me down?"

Twilight started a hole through Scratch before finally closing her eyes in defeat.

Scratch opened up a rectangular portal in the wall of the throne room. It led back to his home, the prison Tartarus.

"You coming?" Scratch sighed, growing impatient with the whole ordeal. "I could probably levitate you through, but I've gotta be honest, you've put on a few, and I'm not up for trying."

Twilight walked forward, keeping her regal dignity the whole way. She stopped just short of the portal. "Whatever it is you're planning," she said calmly. "My friends are going to stop you."

Scratch seemed to consider the thought. "I mean... I guess they could," he said incredulously. "They are getting on a bit, though."

Twilight stepped through the portal and looked back at Scratch.

"Oh, by the way, Twily?" Scrach said as the portal closed. The evil smile cutting it's way across his face once again. "Game on."

By the time the guards burst into the throne room, it was empty. Save for two unconscious guards.
> Chapter 2: To Share an Idea
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luster looked over her new room, and she was more than happy with the accommodations.

It was smaller than her apartment in Canterlot. That said, only slightly. Impressive for school housing. She had a few bookshelves for her modest library. Lots of natural light, good for reading and writing. Finally, the Princess had sent her a going away present. A very well made chess set, made from the Crystal Empire. She set it up on the bedside table and moved one pawn forward.

"Who are you playing against?" Mercury Breeze asked.

"Myself," Luster answered frankly. "I used to play with Princess Twilight when I was studying under her. I like to make sure I keep my mind sharp, so I play some games against myself."

"Wish I could help you practice," Mercury said. "But I'm terrible at chess. The problem is you've gotta think like... Twenty moves ahead, and I'm no good at that kind of thing. Stinks, too."

"You don't really need to think twenty moves ahead," Luster said, moving a black pawn. "It helps, but you don't need to to have fun. Or even to win."

Mercury shrugged. "Maybe you can teach me how to actually play some time. It might be useful for a book later."

"You like to read?" Luster asked with a twinge of hope.

"Not really," Mercury said. Luster's heart sank, but it would immediately be lifted again when Mercury continued. "I'd much rather write my own stories."

Luster was intrigued. "You're a writer?"

"Well, I'm trying to be," Mercury admitted. "I'm not very good at finishing my stories and my proofreading is... Well. Atrocious. I'm working on something right now... I'm not sure if I'll ever manage to get it published."

"Its going to be a rough road ahead," Luster blurred out, without really thinking. "Writing is a very difficult business to break into... I hope you're prepared for a struggle." Luster caught herself. She was pushing people away from her again. She needed to stop that. 

Luckily however, Mercury took the comment in stride. Not showing any sign of offense. "So I've heard, and I don't mind," she said cheerfully. "I can't say I wouldn't mind if I never got published. It would be devastating. That said... As long as I can share my stories with someone else, I get what I want most out of publishing. I get feedback."

"Feedback?" Luster asked, a little confused. 

"You know about the history of the Kirin, right?" Mercury asked. 

"Yeah, of course I do," Luster said, happy to prove the true depths of her well of useless knowledge. "Kirin turn into Nirik when they get angry. Beings made of pure fire. So they gave up their emotions and ability-"

"To speak," Mercury stepped in. "We gave up the ability to talk, and so we kept ourselves to ourselves. Who we are didn't matter. No one stood out, because standing out could make someone else angry. Then Applejack and Fluttershy came to our village. And we realized that with any kind of individuality comes the chance of making enemies, but also the chance of making real friends. So we all took a vow to put as much of ourselves as possible out into the world."

"So what does that mean for you?" Luster asked, her curiosity about this strange Kirin growing by the second. "I hope I'm not being to blunt here but... Who are you?"

The young Kirin let out a smug grin, and leaped onto Luster Dawn's mattress, she put her hoof to her chest and began to speak very eloquently. "Imagine a world governed by a magic crystal, where a princess and a thief realize they're staying alive for each other," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Imagine a comedy writer making a movie star realize his true worth. Imagine a farm who's animal's overthrow their farmer, and try to run the farm themselves. These stories are buzzing around in my head constantly. Someone was kind enough to share those stories with me, and I have my own stories I want to share! I want the worlds I make in my mind to belong to everyone, not just me. No one should ever keep their stories to themselves. Not me, not you, not anyone! Your mind is the most precious thing you have! The best thing you can do is share it!"

Luster looked at Mercury, a little taken aback by the sudden speech that happened on her freshly made bed. "That's, uh..." Luster said awkwardly. "That's certainly uh... Exciting?"

Mercury blushed a little. "A side effect of wanting to do this is that I tend to, well..." She gave a nervous smile. "Act like a total goof. A-anyway, are you all set to head out? Starlight said we should hit the town, and it's not gonna wait for us... Well I mean. It's not like it's going anywhere... Its a town. Although a moving town would make a good story!"

"Yeah, I'm good to go," Luster said, hoping to move past the awkward moment. "Well, as good as I can be today."

"Something wrong?" Luster asked. She noticed at that moment that Mercury was shaking. As if there were some kind of chill in the air. A draft that Luster couldn't feel, but was definitely there. 

"Did you ever wake up, make breakfast, and then feel like getting up was the biggest mistake you can make that day?" Mercury asked. "You're not tired, or sleepy. You just know that this isn't going to be a day worth living through."

Luster remembered the bad feeling that she had going into Starlight's office. "You too?" Luster asked. "I was feeling like that this morning. Like there was something in the air that... I don't know... Didn't like me very much. What do you call that? What do you call a bad feeling you can't put your finger on?"

Mercury looked more than a little spooked about the fact that Luster felt the same way she did. "Well," Mercury said, swallowing hard. "Writers have a word for it. You know, this feeling of impending doom that we can't shake off, but the only hints of what are vague."

Luster slowly nodded her head. "Foreshadowing."

"Yep, that's the one!" Mercury squeaked.

The uncomfortable air in the room had at this point become impossible to ignore. Luster needed a distraction. Something, anything needed to happen in order to make the tension break for a second. 

It was at that moment that they heard something zoom past Luster's window. 

Luster wondered if Mercury had heard the same sound. A question that was very quickly when she looked at her. Mercury's normally scarlet coat had turned jet black. Her green mane had turned into a rolling blue fire. It was rather intimidating. Luster had seen pictures of the Nirik in books, but to see it up close was another matter.

Mercury Breeze took a deep breath. "Would you excuse me for a moment," she said as calmly and pleasantly as possible. She walked over to the window, opened it slowly, and cleared her throat. "POUND CAKE!!!" she shrieked, now letting the anger show through her voice. "HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU NOT TO BUZZ PAST MY WINDOW?! GET DOWN HERE AND START APOLOGIZING!!"

A stallion with a milky white coat and brown mane zoomed in front of the open window. "Look Breeze, I'm sorry alright?" the pony said, obviously out of breath. "I'm running a double shift today because Pumpkin is looking after Cheese today, and Aunt Pinkie is at a council meeting so I also had to feed Gummy, and your apartment is the fastest way to get to Starlight's office and-- This is the vacant apartment next door, what's going on?"

Mercury took a deep breath, seeming to try to leave her Nirik state, and failing. "Pound Cake," she said calmly. "This is Luster Dawn my new coworker and neighbor. Luster, this is my friend Pound Cake."

"Oh, the new aide. Nice to meet you!" Pound Cake smiled. "Breeze, you might wanna turn down the heat. It doesn't make a good first impression."

Luster could feel the fire coming off of the Nirik burn a little hotter.





Sassy Saddles opened the door Canterlot Carousel, coming into the shop from the driving rain. "Yes, yes, I know, I'm late back from lunch, I can explain myself." She took off her rain hat and shook out her Mane. "Consider yourself lucky that you don't have foals, Rarity. Blazing is having trouble with his University tuition and Rhinsestone is experimenting with this awful Goth fashion that doesn't suit her at all. I'm trying to be supportive but..."

It was then that Sassy Saddles noticed something. Someone had tossed the boutique. Garments were strewn around the floor. Mannequins were knocked over.  Mirrors were broken.

Sassy came close to panicking, but she kept herself calm. The store had been robbed. First step, find what was taken. She rushed over to the register, and although it was knocked over, nothing was taken. She checked the safe, it had remained locked. She looked over every Garment, and although they were unkempt, they were all still present. She wracked her brain. What was missing?

A horrible Realization worked it's way into Sassy Saddles mind.

"Rarity?" Sassy asked cautiously. "Rarity?!"

She gave the Boutique a more thorough going over than the intruders did. No matter where she searched, however, the boss was nowhere to be found. Something that was obviously in a very big hurry, had taken Rarity. 

She stood in the middle of the Boutique. Breathing deeply. What was she supposed to do? Where was she supposed to go from here?

It was then that she took a look in the shattered mirror. The stallion she saw behind her looked unnatural. His eyes black as pits, his smile wide and evil.

"If I were you, Sass," he said slowly. "I'd call for the guards..."

Sassy Saddles snapped her neck behind her, but found her self alone with only the sound of casual laughter to keep her company.
> Chapter 3: Ponyville, Born and Raised
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mercury Breeze had reverted back to her Kirin form when they left the faculty housing. She had calmed down significantly. 

They had decided to accompany Pound Cake back to his home, which was apparently the premier bakery in Ponyville. Pound Cake, for his part, seemed like a very personable pony. He and Mercury had been chatting since they left Luster's apartment. Pound Cake had apologized several times, to the point where Mercury was feeling a little guilty for losing her temper.

"Again Breeze, sorry," Pound said once again. "Just needed to take the shortcut. I know how much you hate it when I do that."

"And I'm sorry I lost my temper," Breeze sighed. "My objection is to you doing that at night and waking me up. Normally--"

"You're out of the apartment by that time, I know," Pound cake nodded. "That's why I felt like I could probably get away with it this time. I didn't realize you'd be back home. Again, sorry."

"It's alright," Mercury said. "Anyway! It gave you a chance to meet Luster Dawn, so there's a bonus!"

"Yeah, once again, its nice to meet you!" Pound smiled, turning back to Luster and waving. "Happy to show you the town."

"I appreciate it, thank you," Luster said nervously. 

"No need to thank me just being neighborly," Pound Cake turned back to face the street. "Well. I should probably start the guided tour. This is main street and that... Is a prior commitment. Excuse me for a moment. Lyra!"

An older mare at the end of the street turned around and smiled at Pound Cake.

"I talked to Octavia," Pound said, running up to her. "We had a heart to heart, and she will be able to perform next week. The caviat is that she needs to pick most of the playlist, but they will perform the main song you wanted. I hope you haven't made other plans."

The older mare seemed as if she was caught off guard by Pound's words. "No," she said, shaking her head. "I was just thinking of other solutions and coming up dry. I thought she needed to practice for the grand galloping gala."

"She will be," Pound nodded. "Along with the song you requested she will be playing a selection of others. She also said that you should have told her that this was the event you needed her for, and I'm inclined to agree."

"She's always so busy, I didn't want to bother her," Lyra said. "But... Pound Cake, I don't know how to thank you. It means so much to me. To both of us."

"Don't mention it," Pound Cake smiled. "You and Bon Bon have a fabulous time. And happy anniversary."

Lyra smiled and walked off down the street, and Pound turned back to Mercury and Luster. "Sorry about that," Pound said. "Just needed to make sure that worked out alright."

"How did you get Octavia to break a schedule?" Mercury asked. "I can't get to talking to that Mare for the graduation ceremony without an appointment."

"First of all, I grew up around here," Pound shrugged. "She's bought the same double chocolate ice cream cake for Vinyl's birthday since before I was born. And I just told her that the best thing that she could do in the situation would be to practice while she was helping out Lyra and Bon Bon at the same time. Nice and practical. Now where..?"

Luster had noticed something about Pound Cake that she didn't know how to talk about, luckily it seems that Mercury Breeze had noticed as well. "Dude, your head has been on a swivel all day, what's up?"

"I need to talk to Briar and Maud," Pound said, scanning the street. "If you see them, holler."

"Briar and Maud?" Luster asked.

"Aunt Pinkie's sister and brother in law," Pound explained.

Luster would have to ask about that "Aunt Pinkie" thing at a later time. In the meantime, there was a more important thing to ask for the moment at hand. "Wait a minute, Maud Pie?" she asked, flabbergasted. "As in Ten Time Institute of Rockology Award Winner Maud Pie?"

"That's her," Pound nodded, still scanning the street.

"I've been reading her research on magical stones since I was a foal!" Luster said, allowing herself to get excited. "She inspired me to start my first rock collection!"

Pound shot Luster an amused look. "Oh, she's gonna love you," Pound laughed. "Anyway, just look for the two most dead eyed ponies you've ever seen in your life, but if you're like everyone else in town, you won't think it's weird."

"Six o'clock, Pound," Mercury pointed out. "If you want to go talk to them I'd get it done now."

Pound looked behind him to confirm what Mercury saw. "Thanks," he said quickly to Mercury. "Hey, Maud! Can I talk to you for a minute!"

Luster wasn't going to miss the chance to meet one of her favorite scholars, so she rushed with Mercury to meet up with the older couple that Pound was walking up to. 

"Have you seen aunt Pinkie?" Pound asked. "She was supposed to be back from the council meeting by now, she said she was going to talk with you guys when she got home."

The two older ponies shared a significant look. "Technically," the Stallion said in a superior tone. "We haven't seen Pinkie Pie since she left for Canterlot."

"That's... odd," Pound said cautiously. "And not like Aunt Pinkie at all."

"Maybe her train just got delayed," the mare said in a dull monotone. "Or she missed the train. My sister hasn't always been the best timekeeper."

Pound started to look worried. "Maybe you're right," he said, taking a look around the street. "Listen, I left Pumpkin alone with Cheese Pie. I need someone to relieve her of duty before she completely loses her mind."

"What about Cheese Sandwich?" Mudbriar asked. "Technically, shouldn't he be watching his own son?"

"He's checking in on the gag factory," Pound said. "Won't be back until tomorrow. September is always like this."

"I'll take any chance to see my Nephew," Maud said. "I just wonder what's taking Pinkie so long to get back."

"Yeah. Yeah, me too," Pound sighed. "We'll head on back to the bakery. I'll pick Pumpkin up there. And seriously, thanks again."

Pound turned back to Mercury and Luster. "Change of plans?" Mercury asked.

"Minor detour," Pound nodded. "We're heading back to Sugarcube Corner. We're gonna pick up my sister."

"Oh good," Mercury smiled. "It will be good to have someone around who knows you so I can commiserate with them."

"I'm sure she'd be happy to," Pound said, still looking around the street now looking very noticeably nervous.

Mercury had noticed it too. "Alright, for real this time," she said, stopping Pound's walk back to the bakery. "What's eating you, Pound?"

Pound seemed reluctant to talk, but he quickly came around. "Aunt Pinkie has never been this late back from a council meeting before," Pound sighed. "She's never been on time, but we're pushing three hours late. This isn't like her."

"Maybe Maud is right," Luster offered. "It's  entirely possible the train is delayed. It wouldn't be the first time..."

"You know that would make sense," Pound said, using his wing to scratch his Mane. "Why do I have a feeling that's not what's going on?"

"Because you're crazy and now its finally coming to the forefront?" Mercury offered.

"There's something in the air today," Pound said, still swiveling his head around the street. "I can't describe it. It feels like everything around me, the entire world just got worse around me. There's more... I dunno... Bad around me than there was yesterday. Something is just... Off."

Luster suddenly remembered the cold chill that had crept up her spine when she was standing outside Starlight Glimmer's office. She realized that it still hadn't gone away. Maybe it was more than just nerves that were getting to her. Either that or the same nerves had taken pound, and by the spooked look on her face, also Mercury Breeze.

"You too, huh?" Mercury asked. "I thought it was just me."

"So did I," Luster said, speaking up for the first time. 

Pound and Mercury turned back to look at Luster Dawn. Then back to each other.

"Let's pick up Pumpkin," Pound said after an awkward silence. "Whatever this is, its probably all in our heads."





Even Discord wasn't used to the sound of his own realm shrieking in terror. 

Discord's home didn't frighten easily. As a creature of chaos he lived in an improbability. Thousands of strange objects floating in space, with his modest little house nestled in the center of the insanity. He had done his best to make this tiny, extradimensional pocket of madness feel like home.

And now every single object, and indeed the other it was floating in, was screaming in pure, abject terror.

Discord looked around. Hoping to find the source of this fear. It wasn't long before it found him.

Discord turned to meet his black, soulless eyes. The evil smile that nearly cut off the top of his head. He understood finally why everything here was so afraid.

"Hello, son," Scratch said in a smug tone. "Been keeping yourself busy?

"'Son?' How droll," he said. "Honestly, Scratch, just because you sewed me together doesn't make you my father. It also certainly doesn't make you welcome here. As you can plainly see..." He gestured to the screaming dimension. "You're causing a bit of a racket."

"I know!" Scratch said, looking at his surroundings. "You sure know how to make a guy feel wanted, Discord. Sheesh."

"Why are you here?" Discord asked. "Not to put too fine a point on it, but I don't think this is a social visit."

"It could be," Scratch said, shrugging. "Can't a guy drop in to see family every so often?"

"Don't try to get under my skin, Scratch," Discord said, rolling his eyes. "That may work on the other ponies you tempt but it won't work on me. Truth be told, you don't know where my soft targets are. Now what do you want?"

Scratch gave a little laugh. "Simple," he said. "I'm playing a little game. This game involves some friends of yours, and also the fate of this little planet. If I get my way the entire thing will be destroyed, and then remade under my guidance. There is one little caveat however. You... Aren't allowed to play."

"Aren't allowed to play?" Discord asked, with mock disappointment. "With a proposal like that, how could I possibly stay out of this! I just love games!"

Scratch gave a little laugh. "Do you really want to do this Discord?" he said, his tone now deadly serious. "Do you really want to get into a magical throwdown with me? I don't think it will turn out the way you expect."

"Please," Discord said dismissively. "Since your imprisonment you posses a mere fraction of your former power. A brawl with you wouldn't last two seconds."

"I can neutralize you with one spell," Scratch said flatly.

"That would be a sight to see," Discord smiled."

"One. Spell." Scratch said calmly.

Discord smiled and took one step forward. Hoping to put a quick end to all this nonsense.

It was at that point that Scratch spun on his heels and waved his hoof. A large rectangular window opened up in the space behind him. What Discord saw through the window stopped him dead.

Fluttershy was frozen in a wall of crystal. The wall was suspended over a raging fire.  Scratch kept his hoof raised, as if ready to give the signal to drop her into the flames.

Discord stood silent. More angry then he had been in his entire, ageless existence. 

"And fight over!" Scratch laughed. "That didn't take long! I'm sorry, what was it you were saying about 'soft targets?'"

"Let her go," Discord growled.

"Come on, Discord," Scratch said with mock disappointment. "You know you need to phrase it better than that."

Discord's eyes flared.

"She's a cutie," Scratch said casually. "Never expected you to settle down. Anyway, about this. I would like to leave her unharmed. I don't need to have her unharmed, it's just that I've got some things going and I'll need her if things go wrong. Though I gotta tell you, I got one prospect that's very promising."

Discord growled.

"No interference," Scratch said. "No tricks. No guidance. You stay far out of my way. Otherwise I might just drop..." He waved his hoof and the crystal wall lurched toward the fire. "... My backup plan. Clear?"

Discord simply looked through the portal and fumed.

"Good," Scratch said, closing the portal. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some preparations to make. Keep yourself occupied! Make a nice dinner for Flutters for if she gets home! After all..." The smile split across his face again. "I wouldn't want you to get bored."

A casual laughter heralded Scratch's exit from Discord's pocket dimension.

Discord took three deep breaths, letting his rage subside into mere fury. "If you honestly expect for me to sit this little game out, now," he growled under his breath. "Then you don't know me at all."
> Chapter 4: Something Sinister
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The tension was thick during the walk to Sugarcube Corner. The uneasy feeling was, at this point, impossible not to notice as it burrowed into the minds of the three creatures. Luster wanted to ask Maud and Mudbriar if they felt the same thing, but she didn't want to worry them.

Luster racked her brain, trying to figure out what this feeling was. Hoping against hope that it wasn't the obvious. A premonition. The reason why she felt something was wrong was because something was wrong. Sooner rather than later, she would have to figure out what it was.

The moment she looked at the Sugarcube corner bakery, everything she had thought about before vanished from her head.

To say the building was absurd would be a total understatement. Luster had never seen a building that looked so... Luster could think of no other word than "delicious." Walls that looked like waffle cone, a roof that looked like chocolate, a cupcake spire with three candles sticking out of it. It looked like a witch's home in a fairy tale. Luster wondered if this place was the reason for her uneasy feeling.

"Welp, here it is, Luster. Home sweet home!" Pound said. "Get it? Sweet? Because... Because dad built it to look like... Because... We should head in."

They walked through the door and Luster was relieved to see that the place was much more normal looking on the inside. The only thing that was out of the ordinary were the two ponies sitting on the counter staring directly into each others eyes. An mare about Luster's age with a yellow and orange mane, and a young colt with a light brown coat and bright pink Mane. They were staring directly into each others eyes.

"Do ya feel it, Cheese Pie?" the Mare said evilly. "Do you feel the dust in the air? Your eyes drying out? The regret of taking on the Staring Contest champion of Equestria, when you yourself are just a neophyte? It must be hard. Staring your inevitable failure directly in the face, yet unwilling, or unable... to except your inevitable defeat. It's over, boy... Give in."

"YOU WON'T BREAK ME, PUMPKIN CAKE!!" Cheese Pie squeaked loudly.

Pound turned to the other occupants in the room and waved his arms to quiet them. Pumpkin hadn't noticed their presence yet, and he intended to take full advantage of that. He walked slowly up to the counter, confident that he wouldn't be  seen by the staring contest. Soon he was directly next to them. He turned back to the others and gave a soft smile.

"Submit," Pumkin Cake hissed.

"NEVER!" Cheese Pie shouted.

Pound Cake took a deep inhale. "PUMPKIN!!" Pound Cake shouted. 

"What?!" Pumpkin said, breaking eye contact to look around the room and blinking several times. "What?! What?! What?! Whoa!" At that moment she fall off of the counter with a loud thud.

Cheese Pie looked like he had just won the lottery. "I did it!" he said, bouncing up and down on the countertop. "I did it! I beat the Champion of Equestria!"

Pumpkin Cake looked directly into Pound's eyes. Seemingly trying to melt him with her mind.

"Hey, sis!" Pound said in a chipper tone, seemingly unfazed by the murder that was standing not two feet away from him. "I know that you've been pulling a double shift, so I brought Maud and Briar to relieve you of duty. You can thank me later."

"Yes, I could use a break," Pumpkin seethed. "If for no other reason than to nurse the pain of my defeat... And your betrayal."

"You'll get over it," Pound sighed. "Come on, bright eyed and bushy tailed. I brought company."

Pumpkin stood up straight. "Oh... Hey Mercury, and..." she looked at Luster and raised and eyebrow. "I'm sorry, I don't think I know you."

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Luster said, extending her foreleg for a hoof shake. "I'm Luster Dawn. I'm Starlight Glimmer's second assistant."

Pumpkin Cake smiled and gave Luster a firm hoof shake. "Hi. I'm Pumpkin Cake," she said, giving a weary smile. "I'm the long suffering twin sister of this idiot right here. The little foal dancing on the counter behind me is Aunt Pinkie's revenge for every time I refused to go to bed as a foal. Nice to meet you."

"Alright, I have to ask," Luster said. Something had been bothering her about the way the twins had been talking for a while now. "You've both called her 'Aunt Pinkie.' Are you both... Really related to Pinkie Pie?"

"Not by blood," Pound Cake smiled. "But she's family."

"She used to foalsit for us," Pumpkin explained. "She may not be our real aunt, but she's so close to our parents, she may as well be. She helped raise us. I really look up to her. So I, like a nimrod, decided that the best way to repay her was that when she had a little bundle of joy, the best thing for me to do would be to foalsit for him. He is... A challenging little colt, to say the very least. Which reminds me. Thank you so much for taking over, Maud, I've got a thing I need to do"

"No problem," Maud said in her customary monotone. "Like I said, I'll take any chance to see my favorite nephew."

"Thanks again," Pumpkin said, now turning to Cheese Pie. "And tiny terror? I've heard stories of your Aunt turning a six hundred pound boulder into rubble with her bare hooves. This is not a mare that is to be trifled with. I'd say be on your best behavior, but I think we can aim a little higher than that this time."

"Going to see your boyfriend?" Cheese Pie asked in a mocking tone.

"Yes, I'm going off to see my boyfriend," Pumpkin responded in an equally mocking tone. "You should thank him too. He's the only one who keeps me from feeding you to Gummy."

"Hey!" Cheese Pie protested. "Gummy doesn't eat ponies!"

"Oh yeah?" Pumpkin said, giving a smug smirk. "Who's known him longer? You or me?"

Cheese Pie looked like he wanted to continue the banter, but his face soon drained of all silliness and he suddenly looked very, very worried. "Pumpkin?" he asked in a shaky tone. "When's mom coming home?"

Pumpkin noticed the worry on the little foals face. Her own face softened as she got down to eye level with little Cheese Pie. "Soon, okay?" she said quietly "She's just running a little late. Don't worry about it."

Cheese looked sadly down at the ground.

"Hey," Pumpkin Cake smiled softly, touching the little colt's face. "I know your mom better than almost anypony. She'd never want you to lose that smile. So just do me a favor and keep your Aunt and Uncle company. Okay?"

Cheese Pie gave a weak little smile and nodded.

Pumpkin hugged the little colt and left him with his aunt and uncle. She walked back over to her brother and the others. "Speaking of," Pumpkin sighed quietly. "Tell me you guys heard something. The little guy has been really worried. Why is she so late?"

"We've been wondering the same thing," Pound sighed. "Maud hasn't seen her, and the last thing we know is that she was at the council meeting. That's the last we heard of her."

"Um, if I may?" Luster added nervously. "She was going to a council meeting. If something had come up there, they might be there to hash it out. Princess Twilight was always somepony who liked to make sure everything got done before she left the room. They're all very important ponies. Maybe it's just been a busy month?"

Pound and Pumpkin looked at each other. "It's happened before," Pound offered. "Never this long, but it has happened before." 

"Oh, so Equestria is in danger, that's comforting," Pumpkin sighed. "Well, that or theres some kind of political nonsense, either way, not super happy about it. That said, better than her being in a ditch somewhere."

"Agreed," Mercury said, now showing her own concern. "I just hope professor Fluttershy is alright."

"I'm worried about the princess too," Luster admitted. "Right now, however, theres no reason to panic. You guys are supposed to be showing me around, and I think we got a little sidetracked, don't you think so?"

"I thought you might be new in town," Pumpkin Cake smirked. "Well, this is Sugarcube Corner, the best bakery in all of Equestria, don't let anypony tell you otherwise. I am the beautiful, talented, and all around perfect cashier Pumpkin Cake, and you've already met our simpleton delivery boy."

"Hey!" Pound Cake said indignantly.

"Silence, Igor!" Pumkin Cake snapped back at him. "On the next stop on the tour, we'll be going to the residential area of Ponyville where we shall meet Down Beat. A wonderful stallion who I am lucky enough to call my special somepony, and hopefully won't dump me when I go to meet him, he won't dump me for standing him up."

"He won't," Pound sighed. "He's an idiot, but he's not that much of an idiot."

"That's a way to talk about your best friend," Mercury said out of the side of her mouth.

"Hey, don't get me wrong, I'd die for the guy," Pound said defensively. "Doesn't make him not an idiot."

"Come on, I'll introduce you," Pumpkin smiled. "And while we're at it, I can ask him some things. Because let's face it. We don't really think a meeting is running long do we?"

A wave of silent confirmation washed over the four ponies. Suddenly Luster felt the crawling dread make it's way back up her spine. 

"Something is up," Pumpkin Cake said. "I'm guessing you felt it too. Since I woke up this morning the world has felt wrong, broken somehow... With you guys, you all can pass that up as a funny feeling, but I'm a unicorn. I paid real close attention when I was using how to use this horn. The only thing that could give me this kind of bad vibe this strong--"

"Is magic," Luster said, now looking right in Pumpkin Cake's eyes.

"Give the lady a cigar," Pumpkin nodded. 

"Let's go talk to Beat," Pound said. "Hopefully, an Earth Pony is what we need to ground this conversation.
> Chapter 5: Red Alert
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Ponyville street that Pumpkin Cake had led them too, was thankfully very lively and active. It was needed to break the tension that was building around the group. Even if that relief was only temporary. If the only thing they were thinking about was the dread, it wouldn't have been good for their psyche.

The sight of a normal, small town Equestrian street was welcome. It wasn't too perfect or idyllic. Some lawns were shaggy, some houses paint was chipping, other things like that. That was good. If every house on the street was perfect, Luster could tell that the ponies inside were anything but. This was a street that Ponies lived in. Not because of social pressure, or a desire to move up a ladder, but because this was home.

They approached a house, one of the better maintained on the street, and walked up to the front door. Pumpkin walked up and knocked.

"Babe, can you get that?" a male voice said from the side of the house. "I'm still working here, I gotta get ready for tomorrow's class."

"Alright, hang on I'll get it," said a female voice that seemed to be walking toward the door. 

The door swung open to reveal an older Mare. Very pretty, although obviously tired thanks to a life well lived. There were bags under her magenta eyes. She had taken to wearing crystal beads in her beehive red Mane. She smiled when she opened the door to see Pumpkin Cake.

"Hey there, Sweetheart," the mare smiled, hugging Pumpkin Cake. "I'm assuming it's not me your here to see."

"Hi Torch Song," Pumkin said as the hug broke off. "Is he home?"

"He's home," Torch Song said. "He's in the garage working on the album. That would be going a lot easier if he had his drummer to back him up." She shot a look Pound Cake's way.

"I'll head in," Pound nodded. "Oh, I gave the delivery to Tapper when I passed him, did he get it back to you?"

"He got back to me," Torch Song smiled. "They were delicious. Thank your mother for me. And tell your dad to watch his blood pressure."

"He won't listen," Pound laughed. "But I'll tell him. Oh, you've met Mercury Breeze, right?"

"Of course I have," Torch smiled. "How's the school running, dear?"

"Better than ever," Mercury said happily. "Now that we have a new Wiz from Caterlot to help us out. This is Luster Dawn, by the way."

"Its a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am," Luster smiled.

"The pleasures all mine," Luster smiled. "Head to the garage, Beat is waiting for you there."

"Thanks, Torch!" Pumpkin said. They began to walk over to the garage next to the little house.

"That was Down Beat's mom," Pound smiled. "She's been close to our family since we were foals."

"What a nice lady," Luster said softly. "She makes you feel welcome. Canterlot should appoint her as a friendship ambassador." Luster felt better about meeting her son. An all Equestrian boy from an all Equestrian family. Luster thought it would be very relaxing.

Luster realized how wrong she was when she got a look at Down Beat. 

He had a greyish-white coat, and a naturally red Mane. Luster took note of the mane's natural color, because the tips of it were dyed black. He had intense eyes, under one of them, a black line was painted that diagonally jagged under his chin. He held an electric guitar and a pick, and prepared to play. The guitar was connected to two of the largest amplifiers she had ever seen. She girded herself for the forthcoming noise. Luckily, he caught sight of the group before he played. "Oh, hey guys," he said in a surprisingly pleasant tone. "Hey babe. Did Pinkie get back or...?"

Pumpkin Cake slowly trudged up to her special somepony, who promptly wrapped her in a hug. "Sorry I took so long to get here," she said, muffled in Down Beat's shoulder as she returned the embrace.

"Dad passed me the message from Pound,"  Down Beat said calmly. "Besides, I would've understood if I hadn't gotten the message. You're not the kind of pony to just skip out without a reason.

"We're never having kids," Pumpkin cake groaned. 

"Don't let mom hear you say that,"  Beat said softly. "She'll kill us both. Hey, Pound, how's it going?"

"Could be better," Pound admitted.

"Same here," Beat nodded. He kissed Pumpkin on the head and broke off the hug. He ran over to a small desk that was next to one of the amplifiers and picked up a few sheets of paper. He ran back over to Pound Cake. "I am completely blanking on a rhyme, here. I could use some outside eyes on this one."

Pound read the music sheets and began to bob his head up and down and he hummed to himself. "Let me hide my wedding ring." he said finally. "That should be more than enough to finished the chorus out. Then we'll be in business." He looked over the sheet. "You went complicated again."

"Yeah, I know. I shot for the moon again," Beat smiled. "But hey, look. It's just the two of us now, but maybe we'll get a string section and a horn section and... y'know... Bagpipes."

"The problem with writing Symphonic Metal is that you need a Symphony," Pound said frankly. "And we don't have that."

Mercury turned to Luster Dawn. "Pound and Down Beat are working on a metal band," she explained. "They're actually fairly talented, if you're into that kind of music. Which being real... I totally am."

"Because you are a mare of taste," Pound smiled and walked over to Mercury and Luster. "I don't think we've been properly introduced. Hi, I'm Down Beat."

Luster shook off the confusion at the disparity between Down Beat's appearance and his demeanor long enough to answer. "Luster Dawn," she said offering a hoof.

"She's my new co-worker," Mercury smiled. "We're taking her on a tour of the town."

"And you decided to stop off at my humble abode, that's actually touching," Beat said cheerfully. "Apparently I'm important enough to be a quintessential part of a Ponyville tour. Yeah, I can totally see that being a thing."

"Don't get on any high horses," Mercury said, rolling her eyes. "We're here for Pumpkin's sake."

"Well, never mind," Down Beat smiled, not letting reality dent his pride one bit. "Call me crazy, Luster Dawn, but you don't seem the type to enjoy Metal music."

"Frankly? No," Luster admitted. She figured that any friends worth making would want her to be honest. "Sorry, but I like slow music. Softer stuff. I recognize the artistry in metal, and I certainly see the talent. I've just... Never liked the music."

Beat gave a soft, but confident smile. He took his guitar in hoof, and Luster braced herself for the cacophony that was to follow.

And then Beat began to play.

Surprisingly it was soft. Soulful even. A very simple riff, but it conveyed an emotion. One that was hard to describe, but it was one that Luster had felt before. A sort of deep bitterness that came with a harsh lesson on how the world actually works. The weariness that came from looking at your life and all of the things you had in front of you, and coming to the conclusion that it isn't worth getting out of bed for. When you don't have the energy to be sad anymore, and all that's left is apathy. She didn't realize that a guitar could turn that feeling into music, but there it was, permeating the garage area.

"I like the softer stuff too," Beat said over the melancholy music. "Sometimes I write it on occasion. And there is absolutely a place for it... But it's too small for me. It doesn't tell the stories I want to tell. This is inside one Ponies head... But I like moving to whole other worlds, or back in time. I've got a story I want to tell. Equestrian history I want to relive. I can't do it with a blues song. The world is loud. Stories worth telling are loud. And... While this feeling is worth talking about. It's a little too real for me."

"It's a shame," Luster said calmly. "You're very good at that."

"Maybe," Beat sighed. "But when I feel like this, the first thing I need is a..." The playing abruptly stopped and Down Beat looked out into the middle distance blankly. "Distraction."

The group all gave each other uneasy looks. The creeping feeling that had left them when they came upon the friendly little street. The tension returned. The more ponies they found that felt this way the harder it was to deny. There was something malevolent in the air today.

"So," Down Beat said, reading the room. "Not the only one who needed a distraction. This is getting freaky."

"You too?" Pumpkin Cake said, softly touching her boyfriend's shoulder. 

"And my parents," Beat nodded slowly. "And my little sister. We all just have this feeling that something... Very bad is going to happen today. We're all just waiting for the whole world to come crashing down on our heads."

"Listen, dude," Pound spoke up. "I know this is gonna be a weird question, but I have to ask. Have you heard from Rarity today?"

"No," Beat answered, a little confused. "I wasn't expecting too, though. She's checking up on the Canterlot branch today, and I think she has a council meeting. Why do you ask?"

"You know Rarity?" Luster asked, completely confused as to how this Metalhead could possibly know one of the most refined Ponies Luster had ever seen.

"Yeah. Friend of the family. "She was part of my parent's a capella group. Fixed them up. Why are you asking if I've seen her?"

"Aunt Pinkie is late coming home," Pumpkin explained.

"That doesn't sound like Pinkie, at all," Beat said, raising an eyebrow. "So... You're trying to see if the rest of the council made it home. Sorry, guys I haven't seen her today, but that's not all that odd." 

"We need to check on any of the rest of the Council," Pound sighed. "First place we hit up, Sweet Apple Acres."

"Hey!" Down Beat smiled. "Perfect excuse to talk to my agent!"

"And perfect excuse for her to deck you in the face for calling her your agent," Mercury snarked. 

"Who are you talking about?" Luster asked.

Realization moved to pure unfettered joy on Down Beat's face. "Oh my gosh. Guys. Guys!" He said, patting Poud Cake's foreleg. "There's a new pony here! We get to see Creme do the thing again!"

"What are we still doing here?" Pumpkin asked immediately. 

They broke into a sprint in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.





Wonderbolt Headquarters was in utter chaos.

Rumble had never seen it like this before. The lights were off leaving one red light to permeate the halls. An alarm was blaring over and over again. Rumble was hoping that this was just a drill, a notion that was kicked to the curb when he saw Sky Stinger walking briskly up to him, a look of fearful determination spread across his face.

"Walk with me, Newbie," he said ruffly. "We got a situation."

Rumble began to walk with Sky. "I promise I'll return the towel," he said dryly. "Tell Vapor I'm sorry. Truth be told, I didn't even know I packed the stupid thing."

"Very funny, Tumble, but this is a serious situation," Sky said sharply. Rumble flinched a little at his new nickname. "At 1100 hours the Boss Mare went to Canterlot in order to attend the monthly council meeting."

"Third Saturday of the month," Rumble shrugged. "That's standard isn't it?"

Sky stinger nodded. "At 1300 she made it back," Sky continued. "She was distracted. Apparently something had happened at the meeting, I don't know what, but she said she was going into her office to pick something up before she headed home."

"And?" Rumble asked. Still not sure what the problem was.

"She never came out," Sky said calmly. "It's now nearly 1500. That's more than enough time to pick up what she needed at leave. But she never came out of that office." 

"Maybe we missed her leaving?" Rumble shrugged.

Rumble finally realized where they had been walking. They were now standing in front of Rainbow Dash's office. "Y'know somehow," Sky said, looking right into Rumble's eyes. "I don't think that's what's going on." He pounded sharply on the door, and it slowly swung open. 

Rumble was shocked to see the wall behind the desk. More specifically, the lack thereof. What looked like a high explosive had blown  a six foot hole in the wall. The only thing that could be seen out of it was the wide open sky.

"A call just came in from Canterlot," Sky explained. "Princess Twilight has gone missing as well. And somebody tossed Canterlot Carousel. At this point we need to assume that the entire council has gone off the grid. We need you here to keep the place from falling apart. Eventually you'll be assigned somewhere soon to look for any sign of them." 

Rumble looked at the wall, unblinking. Finally he muttered three words under his breath. "I knew it."

"Knew what?" Sky Stinger asked.

Rumble looked back and forth between the hole and Sky Stinger. "Did you ever wake up in the morning with this feeling that the entire universe is going to come crashing down on your head?" Rumble said quickly. "Like this was going to be the most harrowing and stressful day of your entire life, and you're just wating for your whole world to come crashing down on your head?"

"Almost a relief when it finally happens isn't it," Sky Stinger sighed. "Almost."
> Chapter 6: Satisfaction Guaranteed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luster Dawn wasn't used to walking this quickly for any amount of time, let alone the near thirty minutes it took for them to cut across town and down the route to Sweet Apple Acres. Thankfully the pace slowed as soon as Pound Cake and Down Beat caught sight of somepony. A mare with a pinkish coat, and purple and white mane. She wore a very professional suit, and a glittering tiara.

"Hey, Pound," Down Beat said, drawing Pound Cake's attention to the very professional looking pony. "Didn't you need to talk to her?"

"Indeed I did, thank you," Pound Cake ran ahead of the group to catch up to her. "Di! We need to talk!"

The Pony turned to look at Pound Cake. "Well it took you long enough to get back to me," she said, raising an eyebrow. "I hope everything's ready. This is an incredibly important meeting for the company."

"And the donuts will be to your weirdly exact specifications," Pound said, "Dad has been slaving away to meet them, and they will be ready when you need them. Mom also wanted me to tell you that the world will not collapse into chaos for the sake of a shareholders meeting, and that all of this nonsense is bad for your blood pressure." 

"Well," the mare said indignantly, her expression and demeanor slowly softening. "How are your parents? Is your father over that cold? Did he get the-"

"Yeah, he got the flowers," Pound smiled. "Oh, introductions to be made. Luster!"

Luster Dawn perked up and gave a little wave.

"Diamond Tiara, this is Luster Dawn, our new Transplant from Canterlot," Pound Cake smiled. "Luster this is Diamond Tiara, president and CEO of Barnyard Baragains."

"Pleasure to meet you," Diamond Tiara said politely. "I'm assuming we're all going to see the same pony."

"Your sister is still at work, then?" Down Beat called out.

"She better be, I broke my back trying to get her this internship," Diamond Tiara grumbled. "Everyone follow me, this way to Sweet Apple Acres."

The last half of the walk to the farm was slower than the first half. Luster Dawn got the impression that they would walk at the pace Diamond Tiara set, and no faster. Eventually the farm came into vision, and a Mare, a little older than Luster Dawn was working in the field. One with a light yellow coat, scarlet mane, and a bright pink bow."

"Bloom!" Diamond Tiara called out. "We need to talk!"

"I told you before, Di," the mare sighed, looking back at the approaching group of ponies. "Zapapples are real particular. You can't just get cuttin's of them and grow new ones, it don't work like that."

"Your stubborn resistance to progress aside, that isn't what I'm here for," Di said grumpily. "I'm here to see my sister. Is she here?"

"Yeah, hang on," Bloom said. She turned back to the orchard. "Creme Rich! You better get down here, your sister is here to see you." She turned back to Diamond Tiara. "You gonna explain why you brought the entourage?"

"Ah yes," Diamond Tiara said. "Miscellaneous Equine assets, this is Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom these are the Miscellaneous Equine Assets. You've met most of them already."

"Nice to see you guys, are you doing alright?" Apple Bloom smiled.

There was a general murmur of agreement from the five ponies. 

"I'm sorry, I don't think I've met you yet" Apple Bloom said directly to Luster.

"Luster Dawn, Ma'am," she responded.

"Good to know you," Apple Bloom smiled. "Now, where the hoof is Creme gotten off to? I swear, that pony is--"

"Harvest is going well. Mac and Sugar Belle are working on the south orchard, we should be done by the day," came a dry voice from behind the farmhouse. A pony made her way to the front. A mare, perhaps a younger then Luster, with a light purple coat and a white Mane that was rather mussy. A translucent visor gave her face a nice green glow from the sun shining through it. "Thirteen hundred apples shipped off to Canterlot at the going rate. Cider selling permits have been renewed without issue. Bat sanctuary is producing amazing results. Thirty new barrels. Fifteen orders in from in and out of town. And a partridge in a pear tree."

"Good to see your keeping yourself busy, Creme," Apple Bloom said dryly.

"Seriously there's a partridge in your mom's pear tree," Creme said calmly. "I can't get him to leave."

"Creme, I needed to talk to you about the whole situation with the Manehattan Branch," Diamond Tiara said calmly. "We've got a shareholders meeting next week, it will be good for the image if the whole family is there. That means you. Clear your schedule and get it done."

"Got it," Creme Rich nodded. "I'll be there with bells on. Tell mom and dad if they need any info on the shareholders..."

"They know to talk to you," Diamond Tiara said. "Now how are you eating? Are you eating? Do you need me to send you anything, because I can talk to Daddy and get it set up--"

"Sis, I'm fine," Creme said. "Thanks for caring. Tell Dad not to send anything that would compromise my exercise plan. I love you Sis."

"Love you, too," Diamond Tiara smiled. "Now, Apple Bloom, we need to talk about the Zapapples this year, I'm hoping we can get a larger batch then last year."

"You know that ain't up to me," Apple Bloom said. The conversation continued as they walked back into the farmhouse.

This left six ponies alone outside. It took Down Beat to strike up the conversation again. "Hey, Creme, Guess what!" he said excitedly. "Guess what!"

Creme Rich gave Beat a long, dry stare. "There's a new pony in town?"

"There's a new pony in town!" Down Beat said gleefully. "This is Luster Dawn, she's Mercury's new Coworker. We were hoping you could do the thing."

"I can't do the thing," Creme said immediately. 

"You can always do the thing," Pound Cake protested.

"I'm too tired to do the thing," Creme shot back.

"Creme, please do the thing!" Pumpkin Cake whined.

Creme rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll do the thing."

"What are you guys talking about?" Luster finally spoke up, now very, very confused. "What thing?"

"Just trust us," Mercury said. "The Thing is amazing."

Creme Rich took a position in front of Luster Dawn. She stared at her up and down for about thirty seconds, before nodding. "A traveling booklight," she said simply.

A feeling of celebration washed around the rest of the group. Luster grew even more confused. 

"Hm, interesting," Pumpkin Cake said, barely able to keep a straight face. "Why do you say that Miss Rich?"

"Simple," Creme said, straightening up. "I'm looking at an academic. She spends a lot of her time reading, though she's also constantly busy. She has been standing here after walking a long distance, and her legs aren't shaking, and she hasn't felt the need to sit down. Also, her eyes can be better. I'm assuming those little indents in your muzzle are for reading glasses? And since you came here working  for Starlight Glimmer, I'm assuming you're not the one in charge of where you're going most of the time. What you usually do is errands for other people. And, as you saw with my sister taking charge, that means waiting. Sometimes, it means waiting a really long time. A lot of the time it means waiting in places with little to no light. Certainly not light efficient for reading. So, what you need to make your admittedly hectic life just a little less stressful is a traveling booklight. Just so you can cool your brain while you're waiting for the next appointment. That will be aisle sixteen. Thank you for shopping Barnyard Bargains! Please consider picking up are rewards card for exclusive savings, and the Barn Door Points program! Have a nice day!"

The rest of the group made a much louder celebration now. Luster Dawn could see why.  She was absolutely spot on. "That was... Incredible," Luster said, still reeling from the shock of the penetrating analysis. "How could you tell?"

"It's a gift," Creme shrugged. "Facts and figures. That's all the world is, facts and figures. Now, that's going to sound a little cold, but I don't think it is. If you see things the way they really are, you can do your best to help them. And helping people isn't just good for the soul, it's good for business. I want to take over for my sister one day, or at the very least make a name for myself. So I make it my business to find out exactly what everypony needs, and see if I can provide it. Looking at you five..." The expression on Creme Rich's face turned serious. "You all need confirmation that you didn't see a ghost. Sorry, I can't help you there."

The five ponies looked around, and suddenly the creeping feeling returned. Stronger than before.

"Something is up, and we need to talk to you," Mercury explained. "For some reason we can't explain--"

"All of you have felt like you're late for an appointment," Creme nodded. "Too afraid to look back or look forward. You just have the feeling that something terrible is going to happen. You can't shake the feeling like this is gonna be one of the worst days of your life."

"At least I know its everybody now," Pumpkin sighed. "Creme, there's magic in the air. It doesn't feel like the nice kind. I need to ask you a question. Creme, have you seen Applejack or Rainbow Dash today?"

Creme's eyes widened slowly and her jaw dropped. "Pumpkin, I need you to tell me that you've seen Pinkie Pie today," she said in a very serious tone. "I need to hear that you've seen a council member this afternoon."

"We haven't," Down Beat spoke up. "None of us have. They're late coming back from the meeting."

"AJ is married to a military pony," Creme said, now pacing in a circle. "We assumed that there was some kind of emergency at Wonderbolt Headquarters. But if you haven't seen Pinkie Pie... Oh this is bad, this is a universe of bad."

"Creme, calm down," Pound Cake said. "Take it slowly. This is moving past dread and into pure undiluted panic. What's going on?"

Creme took a deep breath. "I work here as an intern," she explained. "Just trying to get a feel of how some things are actually done in a business. So I take care of a lot of the little things that the apples are too busy to take care of. I get coffee, I talk with deliverponies, I arrange pickups, and most pertinent to this story, I check the mail. Now the council has an alarm system, kind of a call to arms. They'll receive a special letter in the mail, usually delivered separate from the main post, and that will warn them if the princess is in danger. I saw those letters in the mail today. We've gotten them before."

"So has Aunt Pinkie,"  Pumpkin nodded. "Usually it's just a drill. Just to make sure the system works."

"AJ and Dash got one of those letters each today," Creme responded. "I was willing to assume it was just another drill, but if you haven't seen Pinkie today..."

"Then the situation is far worse than you thought," came a casual voice from behind them. "And that's saying something."

The voice turned all of the worry she had been feeling since the beginning of the day into pure panic. The world had turned from on the precipice, to over the brink. As if the planet, spinning on its axis at thousands of miles an hour had come to a sudden and complete stop.

Whatever crisis that had been slowly building throughout the day had finally found Luster Dawn.

They turned around to face the source of the voice. The blue-suited pony was sitting under an apple tree, eating one of its fruit. They looked into his pitch black eyes peering out through his rust colored mane. If they had noticed nothing else about this strange pony, they would have called his expression friendly.

"You know," he said, looking lovingly at the apple. "You really can't beat these when they're straight off the tree. Here. Want a bite?"

Luster tried to say something. To ask it a question. To scream for help. She was, however, rendered utterly speechless. She couldn't explain it but this... thing wasn't equine. It was something far older, far darker and far more terrifying.

"No?" it said. It threw the apple behind it and strided past the stunned ponies. "Town Square. Five minutes. It's time you knew what was going on here."
> Chapter 7: The Right Choice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a moment of shocked silence, the group of friends scattered. 

Pound and Pumpkin ran off to the square as fast as possible. After making sure that he wasn't dreaming the strange creature they had just spoken to, Beat tried his best to catch up to his special somepony. Creme decided to talk to Apple Bloom and her sister about what had just happened. This left Luster and Mercury, who went to the square together. Luster was happy for the company. They would all wind up in the town square eventually, but Luster was just as glad to not go to face this creature alone.

When Luster and Mercury made it to Ponyville Town square. The streets were crowded. Packed shoulder to shoulder with creatures of all stripes. Not a single one of them was making a sound.

The had all gathered in a wide circle around something, almost in a trance. They made no resistance and Luster Dawn cut her way to the front. In the center of the circle sat the thing. It's head snapped right to Luster Dawn as she made it to the front of the crowd.

"Good, everyone important is here," it continued in that horrible informal voice. "Okay everypony, you can wake up now."

With that all the creatures in the crowd looked back and forth amongst themselves. A murmur rose amongst them, wondering why they were all standing here. Eventually they all noticed the Thing, and the murmur grew more hushed and worried. 

"Everyone, please!" the Thing said loudly. "I am sure you have plenty of questions about your current situation, and I'll be happy to answer all of them if you will all just let me speak."

The crowd quickly quieted down and transfixed their gaze on the monster in the center of the ring.

"First big question," it continued. "Who am I? I'll admit, that's kinda complicated. Even if we ignore all of the other things that question can mean and just focus on the thorny subject of my name. My real name, practically nopony remembers. For the best, honestly. It's not a pleasant thing to talk about. The name I've taken for everypony's convenience, including my own, is Scratch. Second big one. What am I? Even more complicated. Let's go with I'm a civil servant with way... way too much experience. My job, at least on paper, is prison warden. I prefer to think of myself as a garbage man. You see, when you ponies screw up, and make mistakes, you leave behind this kind of... Living refuse. And when it starts to stink up the place too much, its brought to me in this great big magical landfill you ponies call Tartarus. It's my job to keep the place tidy.

"Third big question," Scratch continued. "Why are you all standing here in Ponyville Town Square talking to me, when its fairly obvious I am bad news? Luckily, that's an easy one. Because I told you to. Isn't that better? Isn't it better just to have someone, who obviously is good at gaining control of a situation, simply make the decisions for you? Take away the confusing thoughts, the moral dilemmas, worrying about what is right or wrong, and just let someone else guide you exactly where you need to go. Just to cut down all the noise, right? You don't need to worry about why you're here. You're here. And that's exactly where you need to be. You all can thank me later, right now what you need to do is pay attention."

There was something Luster didn't like about that last little monologue. It was obvious that he meant every last word of what he said, and that was very unnerving.

"Here's a why that you're entitled to, though," Scratch sighed. "Why have you been having the feeling all day like somepony walked over your grave. Welp, here's the whole deal. I am an incredibly ancient magical entity, and due to the nature of my current existence, my magic is kind of... well... leaking everywhere. It seems like you've all been picking up this weird kind of... magical feedback? Is that the right word? Whatever. You've been sensing what I've been doing as I've done it.

"And that leads me to the next, and indeed most pertinent question of the hour," he said as an awful grin made it's way across his face. "What have I been doing. Well I'll tell you, it's been kind of a draining project.

"Over the last eight hours, I have systematically kidnapped every member of the Equestria Council of friendship," he explained calmly. There was a shocked gasp from the crowd. "It wasn't hard. This form I'm stuck in may not be as powerful as the real me, but it is more than enough to take care of an Alicorn of Twilight's abilities with a bit of work. Not that I needed to, though. When I made the ultimatum clear, most of them were quite willing to come along.

"Two more questions you've got, now," he continued mercilessly. "Where? My place. You ponies call it Tartarus. And why? Well, it's kind of personal. Don't want to get too into it. Long story short, a very long time ago somepony told me that you... Tiny, mortal, ephemeral you... were all able to safely handle a power that was reserved for deities. I didn't buy it. I still don't buy it, and it's all been going on since time immemorial. Welp, now you're getting a chance to prove it. One of you gets to go into my home and try to convince me that it's worth it. Or, the more likely scenario, bust them out. You guys are gonna have to send out a representative. Which I will now pick at complete random. Ernie, meenie, miney... 

The grin seemed to get even wider on the creature's face. Luster was convinced that it was about to unhinge his jaw and swallow one of the crowd whole. When he turned slowly and methodically to meet Luster's eyes, her heart nearly stopped. "Luster Dawn," he said calmly. "Could you please join me in the center of the ring?"

Luster froze. Not under her own power, she stepped to the middle of the Crowd to meet up with Scratch. Eventually her legs stopped themselves, and she stood directly across from the creature.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts," Scratch said loudly. "This is Luster Dawn. She's a mage unicorn from Canterlot, from a mostly wealthy noble house. She very much enjoys reading but has issues communicating with beings her own age. As such, the princess thought it would be wise to send her to Ponyville to learn all about the magic of friendship. Call me crazy, but does that sound familiar to anypony else?"

"What do you want?" Luster asked. She realized something looking at this thing. Scratch, make no mistake, was a pony to be feared. However, the more this pony talked the less frightened she felt. Now, all she was feeling was angry.

"Like I said, I'm trying to prove a point," Scratch continued. "You mortals have something that doesn't belong to you. Its something you don't deserve. Something you can't handle. I'm here to take it back. Problem is that I'm kind of stuck. Tartarus is holding me prisoner. The form you see me in is the one freedom I'm allowed. My voice. That's the only way my magic can manifest itself. At least... It was. Been quite some time now. As you can see, the lock is getting rusty. I still can't open it on my own. Only the Chosen, also known as Alicorn magic, can release me."

"That's why you kidnapped the princess," Luster reasoned. "To force her to release you."

"Yes and no," Scratch said. "See, I can't force anypony to do anything. Comes with the territory. Even what I did to just there. You could have broken out of that an any time you wanted. And I certainly can't make somepony do something that's against their nature. Part of what I'm trying to fix here. But I would be lying if I said getting her to Tartarus was unrelated. Which brings me to you."

"I'm no Alicorn," Luster shot back.

"You don't have to tell me, sweetheart," he laughed. "I've met almost every Alicorn in Equestria. They don't like me very much. But do you know what you are? Ticked off. Very, very ticked off."

"Was it that obvious?" Luster said through gritted teeth.

"Ooh, I'm really getting to you ain't I?" Scratch smiled. "Good. If I'm getting to you that means you're probably determined. You're going to need that if you want to save them. I need you to head over to my place. When you get there, you and I are going to discuss things. We're going to see if you can convince me that the gift you Mortals have been given isn't completely wasted on you. Meanwhile, I'll be trying to convince you to see things my way. A real meeting of the minds between us. If you manage to convince me, which you won't, I'll let them all go. Again, you're not changing my mind. I've thought the way I think for over a million years. I'm kind of set in my ways. I'm quirky that way. That said, it'll be easier to think of a plan to stop me if you know the whole situation. Talk to Starlight. She'll know how to find me. In the meantime, I'll leave you to get ready. Take your time, there's no rush."

"I promise you," Luster said, her voice now quivering with rage. "You are going to regret ever doing this. I'm going to make sure of it."

"Aww, that's adorable," Scratch said in a patronizing tone. "Its trying to be intimidating." He turned to face the rest of the crowd. "Shows over everyone! We've all heard what nefarious plan is happening. We've all seen who is behind it, and we know who will at least try to stop him. That said she is a Mare just out of college who none of you know. So, trust me, no one would blame you if you all decided to panic. I say go for it. I could use a good laugh."

The crowd stayed silent, but Luster could feel the tension grow thicker by the second.

"In the meantime," Scratch said, walking to the edge of the crowd. "Luster, I'll be expecting you. Everyone else, about your business."

The world seemed to grow darker and darker until at last, it was pitch black. When the light returned, Scratch was gone. The only trace of his existence was a casual laughter that was left behind.

The crowd stood silent for a few moments, all utterly stunned by what they heard. Then a wave of unrest washed over them. Unrest turned to anger, and anger gave way too fear. Creatures shouting over each other, and nopony ever getting a word in edgewise.

Luster looked at the frenzied crowd in silence wondering if Scratch had more control over creatures' will than he wanted to admit.





He had watched the entire scene transpire from the tree he had perched himself on. Typical of Scratch, he had always was to arrogant to magically check is surroundings when he had made enemies. He was able to watch the whole thing without anyone expecting the little Bluebird in the park tree.

"That's your game, is it?" he said calmly. "Interesting... I could warn you that it isn't going to work. Trust me, Scratch, better ponies than you have tried... Although the ponies you picked... Hmm... I think I see what you do in her. That could be a problem... And the end of the day, however, that's her hurdle to overcome. When it comes to handling you, however... There I feel I can help."

The bird took off from the tree, and made for the school of friendship.

"'You're not going to get involved'" Discord scoffed, and evil smile spreading across his beak. "Scratch, it's like you don't know me at all..."