Discord places a bet with his old friend which leads to evil versions of main six being brought to Equestria. This can only be fun.
When an old friend visits Discord the two of them place a bet over who can cause more chaos. This leads to evil and monstrous alternative versions of main six from different universes to be brought to Equestria and live along side the native main six. However their true nature isn't told to anyone. Not even each other. What will happen now?
I've chosen the evil mane six(or the mad six as I'll call them) from various grimdark fics.
Twilight was infuriated. Discord, Rainbow Dash, Spike and Pinkie were having a near death experience from all the laughter while Rarity, Applejack and Starlight were struggling not to let their own laughters from escaping their mouths. Twilight's mouth on the other hoof had seen better days, as Discord replaced her snout to be where her rear should be. Luckily he hadn't reattached her rear to her face. Nopony wanted to see that. Nopony.
"You rascal!!" Twilight yelled from her rear mouth causing Discord to laugh even harder "Turn me back or you'll go back to being a statue"
"Why would you ever do that, dear Twilight" Discord said whipping a tear from his eye due to all the laughter "You can only do that if I go back to being bad. And I'm perfectly good" an halo appeared over his head.
"Good my-" Twilight started but paused when she realized saying that would only make things worse for her. "Ugh i wouldn't call this being good. If anything, this is you being straight up evil!"
"Oh you're just trying to frame me because you hold a grudge on me Twilight" Discord put his best victim act "Please, stop this unjust persecution towards me and stop pulling lies out of your.... butt"
That did it for the rest of the group who were resisting the urge to laugh and soon enough the room was filled with laughter as everypony(and draconequus) rolled on the floor uncontrollably laughing. Twilight in the meanwhile was sitting in the middle of them all, her mouthless face wearing a look like she had had enough of this. Her horn lit up and the laughter stoped as she used her magic to shut everyone's mouths. Then she levitated Discord to where he was face to face with her.
"Fix. Me. Right now!" She yells angrily, which sounded more comic than serious given where her mouth was.
"Now now Twilight" Discord said unphased "You really shouldn't use that tone on me least i make you want to take a quick bathroom break right now" he smirked as Twilight backed up scared.
"Woah hold it there Discord" Applejack spoke having escaped Twilight's magic grasp "Jokes are jokes but that there is a step too far."
Discord poundered for a bit "Yeah i guess that would be a step too far. Oh well, twas fun." he snapped his fingers and Twilight went back to being normal with every part being where it should be. After checking herself over she gave a sigh of satisfaction then went back to glaring angrily at the chaos god before her.
"Whose idea was it again to bring Discord to our Slumber party?" she said will annoyance, ready to physically and mentally wound whoever came up as guilty.
"Umm, it was me... "Fluttershy said meekly.
"Great." Twilight sighed. Well she couldn't exactly punish Fluttershy without feeling bad herself. Or without having Discord replace her body parts again.
"I thought it would be fun to have Discord with us tonight. Besides, this can also help him socialize more. You know how hard the poor thing has it to socialize after reforming" the yellow pegasus Flied over to Discord and patted his head, to which he didn't object.
"I must say Fluttershy, i am quite happy you invited me here. It's been fun so far" Discord said glaring at Twilight with a smirk as she growled angrily "I admit I'm not a big fan of this pillow fortress thing" he levitated one of the mentioned pillows towards him and animated it into a flying singing pillow with parrot wings "But making Twilight talk out of her butt is good entertainment if i do say so myself"
"I'LL KILL HIM!!" Twilight yelled as Rainbow Dash and Applejack held her from jumping at Discord and doing who knows what to him.
"Twilight chill!" Rainbow said "It was only a joke for fun don't make it a big deal"
"Yeah no need to get violent sugarcube" Applejack added
"Oh I'll get violent alright and I'll make a big deal out of it as i RIP OFF HIS HEAD!!"
Discord laughed in amusement "Oh please dear. If only you were capable of even slightly hurting me-"
"Then I'm sure she'd make good use of her time. Heheheheh."
Discord froze. Everyone present froze, as an unknown voice was heard across the room. Even the singing flying pillow went silent(or more specifically flied out the window twenty seconds prior).
"Ummm, girls? Discord? You heard that too, right?" Starlight asked, feeling a chill down her spine.
"I-i-i think i heard it two darling." Rarity stuttered, hugging Fluttershy and Pinkie for comfort.
"W-who's there?" Twilight called. She looked around but she couldn't notice anyone else in the room besides them.
"Who? That is a riddle. What? An even greater enigma." The strange voice was heard again. It was strange in all definitions of the word. It sounded echoey, almost like a chorus even. Twilight tried to pin point the gender pf whoever was talking but found herself unable to. The alien sounding voice was completely uncategorizable. "But what's a name other than an etiquette used to differenciate beings from one another, whenever one is unable to do so through other means. But if you must call me by anything you may simply call me, Volo." A tall shadow figure formed in the middle of the room, with a shinning white eyes and grinning smile on what appeared to be its face. The very sight caused the ponies to scream in panic. Discord on the other hoof looked irritated. "The pleasure is mine." the now named Volo took what looked to be a respectful bow while giggling a bit.
"What do you want, Volo?" Discord sighed with annoyance.
"D-do you know t-t-this thing, Discord?" Fluttershy asked, frightened as she was.
"Let's just say we're old friends."
"Indeed we are." Volo chuckled "Remember the old days Discord, when you and i would wreck chaos upon all land and corrupt everything we came across. Hahaha ah good times."
"Sweet Celestia, there's two of you?!" Twilight exclaimed with wide eyes.
"Yes indeed now what do you want Volo?"
"My goodness, Discord. Why so cold. That's no way to treat an old friend." Volo started shifting and soon the shadow figure turned into a black cat with blood red eyes. "We used to have so much fun together." the new form seemed to have also brought along a new voice, this one more normal sounding.
"In case you haven't heard, I've changed now. And last time i remembered seeing you was when i had to banish you because you were literally burning ponies alive while you sexually assaulted them!"
The room went silent as everyone paused to process what Discord just said and then turned towards Volo with an even more frightened look. The cat was chuckling with an insane, toothy grin and even more insane eyes.
"I-i-it d-did WHAT?!"
"Aw don't be like that Discord I don't hold a grudge on you for ruining my fun. And besides, you know those little pricks had it coming" Volo giggled maniacally. Then it took a look around the room, observing the rest of the group. "So. This is how you spend your time now? Slumber parties and reorganizing body parts of royal ponies? Nice, hehehehe. Especially the mouth to butt thing. Hmmm i wonder, if you were to have sex during that would it be anal or oral?"
Twilight's face turned into a burning red before she took a ragefull look and started approaching Volo.
"What did you just say you-" her words were cut short when Discord got in front of her, preventing her from approaching further and shaking his head in a way that made it clear he didn't want her to get closer to Volo. Seeing this, Twilight calmed down and backed up, causing Volo to smirk and laugh in amusement.
"Hey what's so funny?!" Rainbow Dash spoke, trying to sound as brave as she could.
"Why, everything of course. But mainly your fear. You ponies are sooooooo cute when you're afraid heeeeehehehehehehe."
"We are not scared of the likes of you!" Applejack stepped in.
"Yeah. Meany pants like you aren't scary at all. Annoying? Sure as sugar. But not scary!" Pinkie Pie added "Unless you do something really scary in which case you would be scary but-"
"Pinkie dear. We get it." Rarity said, stoping the rambling mare from getting into one of her endless talks.
"We can easily defeat you if we needed." Starlight said proudly as Spike was hiding behind her.
"Yes" Twilight started, encouraged by her friends. "Discord tried to defeat us once and he failed, no offense Discord"
"Some taken"
"And as long as we're together there's no chance in the world that you-"
"Aaaand I'll have to stop you right there dear. I know you all are going to defeat me with the 'power of friendship' and all that but I'm literally an eldritch god of chaos, madness and anarchy soooo yeah i don't think-"
"You rude ruffian you didn't let me finish!"
"Oh right sorry go on please"
"As long as we're together you will never be ab-"
"Nenenenenenenene look i do not care. I literally DO NOT CARE! I don't know how else to put it i simply don't care. Be friendly as much as you want, no matter how many rainbow colored magic you throw at me i do not fucking care."
Twilight didn't reply. She just looked in shock at how this vile creature acted so confident and uncaring when faced with threat of defeat. It was similar to how Discord acted when he hadn't been reformed yet, but something felt more different. More.... dangerous.
"Look Volo, leave them out of this. I do not want to know how you're back, just tell me what you want and get this over with." Discord said with a determined voice nobody expected of him.
"Why, can't i visit an old friend just to say hello?" Volo rubbed against Discord's leg, purring and meowing.
"Had you been anyone else you would be welcome, but no."
"Hmph how rude Discord. And i thought we were friends."
"Were being the key word"
"Oh my someone is spicy hahaha. Oh well, seems you don't want me here but i want to be here. We're in a bit of a dilemma Discord."
"And that Dilemma can be solved with you leaving." Discord stated coldly while pointing his finger away.
"I have a much better idea" the black cat chuckled "How about a race Discord"
"Race?" Discord asked with confusion.
"Yes. A competition of whoever can cause the most chaos. If you win, I'll leave Equestria. If i win i get to stay as long as i want and have fun. Sounds like a fair deal?" Volo raised a paw towards Discord, seemingly waiting for the draconequus to shake it.
Discord was in deep thoughts for a few moments, thinking about the offer. The rest of the group could do nothing but wait and see. They didn't quite understand what was happening. All they knew is that the new creature was dangerous and that Discord didn't like it. And if Discord didn't like it that most probably meant bad news.
"I have one rule." Discord finally answered "You do not hurt anyone."
"Hmmm sounds fair. I promise i will not touch anyone with the intent to cause hurt for as long as our game is going on."
"Deal."
The two shaked paws and all of a sudden, Volo turned into a grey owl.
"Meet me in the town center tomorrow at ten. Bring your little friends with you. They need to be there. Tell you details when we're there. For now" a window suddenly opened on it's own "Let's call it goodbye" Volo took flight and went outside the open window which closed again the moment it left. Silence reigned for a few long moments. Nopony really knowing what to say.
"Discord?" Twilight was the first to talk "What was that?"
"That was Volo. You can say that back when i was still a villain i had some bad company. Volo is one of them. It's a being of chaos, much like me but more powerful and more perverse. Spike, grab a paper and quill. We must notify Celestia at once."
Spike did as told and soon was back with the required items. He had never seen Discord so serious before and it scared him, so he hoped that whatever he had in mind ot will solve things.
"Write. Dear Celestia. This is Discord writing. Well actually it's Spike doing the writing but you get what i mean. I wish I was writing just to waste your time for my amusement but unfortunately we're facing a great issue. Volo. It's back. I do not know how but it has returned from the exile i sent it in and just came and met me. We managed to strike a deal over who gets to cause more chaos. If i win he'll be leaving Equestria for good. Do not worry i managed to get it to agree not to hurt anypony. Still, i advice you and Luna stay away from Ponyville until this is resolved, for your own safety. Do not worry about Twilight and the others i will be taking care of them and make sure they're alright. Please. Do not come. Do not send anyone, unless i ask you to do so. Wait for more reports from me. I repeat, stay away and let me deal with this. I promise I'll solve this whole thing." he turned towards Spike to see if he was done. Once the dragon was finished writing, Discord nodded "Now send it."
And with a breath of green flame, the letter was sent.
Next day, Town center
Twilight and her friends did their best to get everyone inside their homes and out of danger. Still there were those who leaned from out their window to observe out of curiosity. But hopefully no real threat faced them. When everyone was safe they gathered at the center where Discord waited. From what he told them, this Volo person wasn't like the villains they have faced before. Nit just compared to the power, but also the malice. They had never heard of any creature who to have slain the population of a whole village just because it was bored and then proceed to do most perverted things to the dead bodies. The very concept of it was enough to give them nightmares the other night. Even Volo itself had enough of a frightening presence to leave them sleepless, ignoring its past acts. Something about it just felt wrong. If they were to be honest non of them wanted to be here. But Volo had made it clear they should be present. They had no idea what it was they were supposed to do and the possibilities scared them. But all they could do was hope that Discord could resolve this soon enough.
"So. How long will we wait. It's ten already. How much must we wait this jerk till it-"
"Hello!"
"AAAH!" Rainbow screamed. More out of being startled than actual fear.
Valo showed up in its cat form, slowly walking towards the group and stoped just in front of Discord.
"So what you have Discord? Any cool tricks you want to start this competition with?"
With a snap of his claw, Discord made all the clouds around turn into pink cotton candy and start raining chocolate rain and popcorns.
"Hehe, classic you."
"As if you're going to make any better. You'll just make it black clouds that rain blood. That or acid rain." Discord scoffed in annoyance.
"Actually no" Volo stated simply, caughting Discord a bit off guard and causing him to worry a bit. If it wasn't going for old tricks then what was it going for?
Soon enough, behind Volo opened shat looked to be a portal. Curious and confused, everypony gathered behind Discord to see what would happen. They didn't have to wait long as soon a group of ponies started coming out of the portal. The Identity of these new ponies caused everyone to gasp in shock. Even Discord was surprised.
"Precisely!" Volo cheered "It's you! Or more accurately, alternate versions of you from other universes. They're exact copies of you, or you of them and vice versa, with a few changes here and there perhaps but generally they're you in every way!"
Everyone looked confused. Even the newly introduced twins of Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow, Pinkie Fluttershy and Applejack were wearing looks of confusion. Even Discord wasn't sure of what to make of this. They all stood still, unsure of how to react.
"What the heck is this supposed to be?" Discord broke the silence, glaring at Volo.
"You see" Volo replied while cleaning itself with its tongue "You went for a quick chaos. Short and sweet. The chaos i went for is more gradual and long term. Imagine all the disorder caused now that there's two of each of your little friends. It's random, it's confusing, it's chaotic and according to our deal I'm not harming anyone. To add some more chaos to the whole thing they're not even from the same universe! Each is from a different world all together! Isn't that fun?"
"Is this your new game? Confusion by duplicates? Even changelings can do better!" Discord looked even more pissed than he was.
"Oh no, that's just an appetizer. I was just going to drop these six here for your friends to take care of. Now I'm gonna head to the Ponyville graveyard, resurrect all the dead into zombies and have a public orgy with them."
"....you what?"
"See ya!" Volo transformed into a gargoyle looking creature and took flight. Discord with an annoyed look took flight himself and followed after.
"Hey!!" Twilight called "What are we supposed to do with them?!"
"Figure something out they're you after all!" Discord replied without turning behind and soon he and Volo were out if view.
The two groups of ponies (and a dragon) turned towards each other and simply stared at one another for a while, neither knowing how to approach.
"So umm hi, i guess?". the new Twilight was the first to talk.
"Yeah, umm hi....." Twilight replied to her twin " So this is awkward"
"Indeed" the new Rarity said. She and the native Rarity examining each other's manes.
Pinkies were mimicking each other, play pretending to be looking into a mirror. Both Fluttershys were timidly hiding behind their manes and Rainbow Dashes were admiring each other's physiques and flight moves and Applejacks we lre just curiously looking at one another. Twilight found herself looking at her own twin, who herself was also checking her out. They did indeed look identical. Up to every detail. Her twin did look a bit more withdrawn, but after all who wouldn't be in this situation.
"So, were you told why you were brought here?" she asked, snapping the other Twilight out of her train of thought.
"Oh? Uh. Well no not really. This shadow thing came to me and said it needed me to come for an social experiment of sorts. Didn't give much detail other than we'll be in a different alternate world."
"I see." Twilight thought for a moment " You don't happen to be from the human world are you?"
"Nope"
"Oh okay. Well to give context this whole situation is just Discord and an old friend of his fighting over who can cause more chaos. That's why you're here."
"Yeah gathered that much from the speech that cat gave when we arrived"
The two shared a laugh. Well this didn't turn as bad as Twilight had feared it would.
"So i guess we should find you a place to stay."
"Yeah"
"Uh uh uh" Pinkie raised her hoof "How about we each stay at the houses of our other selves. That way we feel more at home!"
They all looked at each other for a bit.
"Heck yeah let's do that" Both Rainbow Dashes bumped hoofs.
"Oh we'll exchange fashion ideas all night long" Raritys giggled together.
"Sure don't mind having another pony fir supper" AJ threw a foreleg around her twin's neck.
"Yay" Fluttershys said at the same time meekly.
"Fun, fun, fun, fun!" Pinkies chanted happily bouncing around, most definitely giving a couple of ponies PTSD from a certain event involving clones.
"Well then it's settled!" Twilight said taking hold of her cosmic twin "Gosh I'm so glad to have someone who loves books just as much as i do! We shall spend the whole evening reading, obviously after dinner with Spike and Starlight of course. THEN twins reading club!!! Oh my we'll be the best of friends and-" she stopped as she realized how weird she was acting. Carefully she put her alternate self back down and smiled sheepishly "Sorry, got a bit too exited" Suddenly she noticed that the other Twilight's ear was twitching and she looked like she had just seen a ghost. "Umm are you -"
"Oh don't worry about it Twilight i entirely get it. After all. I'm you! I know all too well we tend to get a little exited sometimes it happens. Don't worry I'll sure love for you and i to be friends! Hopefully forever!" She said with an all too wide grin as she put a hoof around her twin.
"Oh. Okay then! Seems everything is alright so far."
"Yeah if i get to spend time with my awesome self literally i don't get what we were so scared of really" Rainbow Dash said.
"Discord should certainly introduce us to his old friends more often" Rarity added.
"It just seems like Volo is going to lose that bet if this is all he's got" Twilight said with a smirk.
"Who?" Applejack asked.
"Oh right you probably don't know. Volo is the creature that brought you here."
"What kind of name is Volo?" Rainbow Dash added as she and her twin burst into laughter.
"Umm if i may ask darling" Rarity spoke "Why is Discord, you know, not stone?"
The native ponies blinked.
"You mean you didn't reform Discord back in your world?"
"No" the white unicorn replied with confusion on her face.
"Oh. I see." this was probably one pf those differences Volo mentioned, thought Twilight "Well in here we reformed him and now he's good. Sort of.... He just doesn't try to take Equestria anymore."
"Oh i see" Rarity nodded "also i certainly don't think my Twilight had wings" she admired the wings on both Twilights "are you two actually a princesses darlings!" Rarity asked with glee.
"Oh well yeah i am-"
"MY GOODNESS YOU MUST TELL ME EVERYTHING!" Rarity coughed and smiled sheepishly "Sorry"
They all shared a laughter together. Rarity was the same no matter what world she came from.
"Oh by the way who are you?" Twilight asked Starlight.
"Ummm... I am Starlight Glimmer. You mean I'm not your student in your world?"
"No i don't think I've seen you either. And did you just say student?!" she turned towards her twin "We have an actual student of our own?!"
Native Twilight chuckled "Indeed we do."
"Okay, I'm with Rarity on this one. Tell me everything!" they all laughed once more.
"Anyway, all that matters now is that Discord wins the bet and then everything can go back to normal." Twilight said happily "Until then let's enjoy your time here. I'm sure we'll have fun and hopefully nothing bad ever happens while you're here! What can go wrong after all?"
"Auch" Pinkie whined "You had to say that?"
"What?"
A scream was heard and they all turned to see Dusty Shovel, an old stallion with gray coat and blonde mane who worked as the Ponyville grave digger, running for dear life and screaming in absolute horror. Nothing appeared to be behind him though. The group ran towards him and stoped him right on his tracks.
"Dusty? What's wrong? Why are you screaming?" Twilight asked with concern. The poor stallion could barely stop himself from hyperventilating.
"I-I-I was at the graveyards, digging another hole as usual. Then s-some t-t-thing appears out of nowhere, then the graves all grow and wouldn't you know it, the dead get up and start walking! Then the creature starts to..... do things with them..... oh dear Celestia why did i have to see that?!" he got into fetal position and started rolling back and forth.
"Uhhh ah guess it did really mean when it said it was going to the graveyard" Applejack said
"I've seen things" Dusty started crying, still rolling back and forth." I've seen things nopony should ever experience. Please kill me. You'd do me a mercy."
"I can help with that-" Pinkie started but was stoped by the other Pinkie.
"No! It's too early into the story for that yet." Pinkie said.
"Oops. Sorry" other Pinkie replied. Rainbow just gave them a suspicious and confused side eye.
Her cosmic twin had a whole castle! Made entirely out of crystal even. This world really was different. She never got a castle, nor was she offered one nor did she ever ask for one. Twilight actually kind of liked being the princess that lived like everyone else and she also loved her library. That oak tree had been her home since she first arrived to Ponyville and she did tend to have a tendency to get attached to things. Or ponies... It kind of confused her why her other self would abandon the golden oak library for a castle. When did they even build this?
"You mean you don't have one? Oh well that must mean you haven't faced Tirek yet." Twilight replied as she, her twin, Starlight and Spike entered inside. They had spent the whole rest of the day having fun with their alter selves and she apparently had forgotten to mention the castle to herself. Probably assuming she already had a castle as well.
"Who in Equestria is Tirek?" Twilight asked with confusion.
"Oh right, sorry" Twilight giggled, realizing she only confused her twin further "Tirek is- MPFH" Starlight blocked her mouth with a hoof before she could say anything.
"As a pony that tried to mess with time once i would suggest against revealing that information lest things get wacky when she goes back to her world." she said removing her hoof from Twilight, allowing her to talk again.
"Right, sorry" the alicorn smiled sheepishly and then turned towards her twin "All I can say is that the golden oak library got blown up then the tree of harmony made this castle and i moved in"
"That raises more questions than answers" alternate Twilight replied "But I'll guess I'll take it if that's all I'll get"
The four of them walked through the halls and Twilight was already starting to feel lost. It made sense her twin decided to stay here because the library got destroyed. Why else would someone want to live in a giant crystal maze. It also saddened her to learn the library was no more. She had spent most of her best times there. So many memories. Just. Gone. Like everything else will. Like everyone else...
"I take it you're already confused" Starlight laughed snapping her out of her thoughts. She couldn't believe she had an actual student. The closest she got to that was Silver Spoon and that didn't go exactly well "Don't worry it doesn't get better from here. I still get lost sometimes...all of the time."
"Oh don't scare her Starlight" Twilight pouted "But i will admit it's easy to get lost here. Heh. Remember that time i was scared to be here Spike?"
"Haha who can forget that" Spike replied with a grin.
"Why would you be scared?" Twilight tilted her head in confusion.
"Well, not as scared as i was home sick. I guess i just loved my old library so much it kind of felt odd to live anywhere else. Then my friends noticed so they took the remaining roots of the tree and made it into a chandelier that now hangs in the map room."
"Map room?"
"Yeah we're here so let us show you" the purple alicorn opened a huge door and revealed the inside to be a massive room, in the middle of which was a round table, with seven seats around it. six of the seats were decorated with the cutie marks of Twilight and her friends and the seat next to the one with Twilight's cutie mark seemed to be smaller than the rest of them. Above the table was the mentioned chandelier made out of the roots of the once golden oak library. On the surface of the table there appeared to be a holographic map of all Equestria and even some of the nations around.
Twilight was in awe. She had heard of holographic magic but she never thought she'd see a holographic map of all Equestria. It kind of reminded her of New Ponyville. Maybe she could use this map as base to build a replica of all Equestria.
Wait. Why did her twin have a map of all Equestria? Could she...
"WOW. A holographic map of all Equestria! Why do you have this" she asked with enthusiasm.
"It came with the castle. The map calls us from time to time whenever there's a friendship problem to solve." Twilight replied happily.
"And I take it you're not gonna explain what that means either?" Twilight said, raising an eyebrow.
The alicorn blushed awkwardly when she realized she was only confusing her twin further and raising her curiosity when she couldn't answer certain things without risking to create a whacky timeline.
"It's basically whenever there is some sort of conflict between ponies the map calls us and sends us there and then calls us back when we solve the problem."
"So you just go around Equestria doing peace keeping" Twilight said, raising an eyebrow looking down on the map.
"Yes. Basically" Twilight replied "In fact that's how I met Starlight here-"
"I don't think she needs to know my backstory!" Starlight interrupted her teacher an embarrassed look on her face.
"Oops sorry" Twilight smiled sheepishly. The visiting Twilight however was too distracted looking at the map, something grabbing her attention.
"I'm if I'm right to assume this map shows political borders, right?" she asked keeping her eyes fixated.
"That's right" her alternate self replied "As you can see it shows where Equestria ends and other neighboring nations begin."
"Then why does it still show the Crystal Empire as independent? Hasn't it been taken into Equestria's territory yet?"
Twilight, Starlight and Spike looked at each other in confusion, unsure of what to make of what they were told. Then they turned back at the new Twilight.
"Why would it be taken into Equestria's territory?" Spike asked. Twilight just looked at them back, just as confused. Why of course it would be taken into Equestria's territory what kind of question was that. Without Shining or Cadence to be in charge Celestia just had to take control of it. It was the rational thing to do.
"Well when Shining and Cadence-" she started to reply but then came to a pause in realization. If Crystal Empire was still independent does that mean...
"When they retired." She said quickly. The other three looked at her with surprise.
"Why would they retire?" Twilight asked.
"Oh they decided ruling over a nation wasn't their thing." She replied and smiled sheepishly.
"When?" Starlight asked.
"... sometime after Cadence got pregnant." Twilight answered somewhat nervously
"Oh. Well I guess that makes sense." Native Twilight said "Makes sense they would take a break from ruling the Empire to take care of Flurry."
Flurry?
"Flurry?" Both twins looked at each other in confusion.
"Has Cadence not given birth yet?" native Twilight tilted her head.
"Err no!" Twilight was quick to respond, looking somewhat nervous, eyelid twitching just a bit "Is that what their kid is called here?" The other alicorn looked at her for a moment then she smiled.
"That's right. Our niece is called Flurry Heart. And she's just so sweet" the princess giggled thinking about her little beloved niece.
"A niece you say" Twilight said almost mechanically. Her ear twitching slightly.
"Yeah. Trust me you'll love her. I guess I can introduce you to her once we make sure this whole situation is sorted."
While Twilight was busy ranting to her alternate self about how cute their baby niece was, Starlight and Spike were exchanging concerned looks. Something about the new Twilight wasn't feeling right. And that wasn't just because she seemed to be a bit backwards as far as timeline is concerned. Or the fact there were now two Twilights, which could only mean chaos. But she also seemed a bit, strange. Throughout the whole day she has been a bit too.... friendly. Even for Twilight. Like Pinkie Pie level of friendly. She would actively go out of her way to act friendly with anyone in anyway and was a bit passive aggressive when it came to having others reciprocate. She was eager to get to know everyone of them and the other of the other world ponies and although that's not a bad thing it seemed she was a bit.... obsessed. Like she was desperate to make new friends. Not to mention her occasional eye and ear twitches or nervous behavior.
Even right now she was acting very nervously. Spike didn't quite catch to it but Starlight noticed that the mention of Cadence and Shining Armor having a daughter triggered her in some way. She didn't look to be comfortable. And both Starlight and Spike could swear that at some point she gave this world's Twilight a strange look. Right now she was frantically looking around, as of searching for an excuse or something.
"Oh so this is what's left of the library?" She quickly said looking up at the chandelier made out of tree roots.
"Yeah" Twilight replied "All they could save. I must say, making the roots into a chandelier was actually a very clever recycling project. A bit sad this is all that's left but at least I'm glad I have friends who would go to such lengths to make me feel better." She said with a smile.
"Yeah" Twilight giggled nervously looking down, a manic grin on her face "Really lucky we are for our friends"
"Umm are you okay" the two ponies and the dragon looked at her with concerned faces.
"Oh I'm fine I'm fine!" Twilight made reassuring gestures with her hooves, still grinning "It's just i feel a bit sleepy. I guess traveling through worlds can be a bit tiresome" she laughed sheepishly.
"Uh yeah. I would think so." Starlight said with slight suspicion.
"I don't really know" Spike continued "I mean, me and Twilight traveled to that other world once and we didn't really feel- BLEGH" his words were cut in half as he suddenly puked breathed out a stream of fire that materialized into a letter. "UGH why does she have to always do it like that?!" Spike complained. Twilight's horn lit up and she picked the letter, opening it.
"It's from Princess Celestia. She is worried about the situation and asks if she and should intervein." she said with a smile as she read the letter, while her other world twin seemed even more triggered than before.
"Yo know i should really go to sleep i can barely keep my eyes open anymore" Twilight said laughing sheepishly as she started walking towards the door "Alright bye!" she quickly closed the door behind her. The remaining three just stood there with confuse looks.
"Does she know where the bedrooms are?" Spike asked.
"Don't worry" Starlight replied "She'll come back when she realizes she has no idea where she's going. But please tell me she seemed a bit weird to you as well."
"Yeah" the dragon confirmed "She looked all nervous and unhinged. Even for Twilight."
"Hey i am not weird, nervous or unhinged!" Twilight protested "Besides don't be so rude she just traveled to a whole different world because some crazy demon snatched her away from home. Everypony would be a bit anxious in situations like that."
"I'm not so sure" Starlight pondered "she seemed awfully triggered when we started talking about your brother and Princess Cadence."
"Maybe you're a bit too worried and stressed out by the situation you've started interpreting things. Speaking of which. Spike write back to princess Celestia." She summoned some paper and a quill and handed them to Spike who stood waiting for what to write.
"Dear princess Celestia" Twilight started "I'm happy to inform that the situation isn't so dire. Or at least not yet. So far all that has happened is that Volo brought here different versions of me and my friends from other worlds. Kind of like when I entered that mirror that one time. I don't know what the purpose of this was, maybe to cause confusion. But so far it's seems alright. Oh and besides that there was also an incident in the graveyard but for the sake of everyone's sanity I will not be describing that just know that no pony alive got hurt in the process. So there is no need for you to step in yet. However I will love if you would please send me any information about this Volo character that you know. Who and what is it? Anything you can tell us that may help us help Discord. Oh also don't let my brother or Cadence come. I know Shining will rush in to come help me when he finds out what's going on. But I don't want them to get mixed into whatever is going on. I don't know yet in how much danger we are. Your faithful student. Twilight Sparkle."
Spike wrote everything down in a hurry and with a blow of fire he sent it off to Celestia.
"Good" Twilight nodded "Now all we got to do is wait for-"
"Ahem sorry" Twilight leaned in from the door, smiling sheepishly "Does anypony know where to find the bedrooms?"
"Of course they're alive" Twilight was pacing back and forth in the bedroom she was given. Hopefully the walls were soun proof so no one could hear her talking or making any noise. "I mean, what else did I expect. Taking a deal with the first shady creature that came to me when I was vulnerable. 'I'll offer a second chance' it said. Of course the world it sent me in is one where everything is better off that what I got back in my own world!"
She was fuming in rage. Eyes wide and pupils shrinked to the size of apple seeds.
"Of course this would all be like 'Oh hey look at this other you that has everything! She has a brother. A sister in law. A NIECE!'" she threw a book her twin have her to the wall "Friends that pay attention to her needs! Damn it I should have known when I didn't see any indication she was doing the same thing I am!"
Twilight did the breathing exercise Cadence had told her and once she was calmer she sat down on the bed and sighed.
"I guess I shouldn't be mad at her. It's not really her fault." Deep inside Twilight felt kind of bad for her counterpart. If she has not gone through the same things then she's not really aware of what awaits her. Does she even realize she's immortal? She's completely unprepared.
"I could tell her" Twilight wondered "but then she'll freak out, like everyone else. They all freak out when I offer the solution. At least she could probably understand. Am I willing to risk it though?"
She looked over at her bags and levitated them over. She didn't pack much. She didn't pack at all actually, Volo did all the packaging. All he had packed were a bunch of books, some related to forbidden magic and transmutation, and also a bunch of various poisons and chemicals. Strange. When she was offered a second chance, she thought it meant something like doing things differently and not do what she did in her own world. Giving her this looks as if Volo wants her to keep going. Does it?
Twilight laid down and started to think. That was all she could do in all honesty. She didn't think she would be able to sleep. Not without Mac at least. Why couldn't she bring him with her.
"So let's see. In this world the things that happen back in my world did not happen. My cosmic twin does not know what I've been through nor what she will eventually go through. And I am equipped with all the tools i need to keep going with my mission." she hummed to herself and eventually realization hit her. A wide grin creeped itself in her face and soon she started giggling maniacally "Oh i see" she started laughing " so i'm given a second chance to finish what i started!" She stood up and started examining every content of her bags, giggling in glee as she did so. Her friends here are better and more considerate. Making them better candidates than the ones back in her world. And Cadence and Shinning were still alive, meaning she could save them this time. It all made sense. This was truly a second chance.
"Don't worry Twilight" she chuckled "I went through pain. But i promise. You will not have to go through the same. You'll understand in due time. Once i get rid of death none of us have to suffer anymore. Maybe after i get them all to understand my way in this world i can use Volo's powers to go back to my world and launch an invasion even. Now that is what i call a second chance!"
The mad alicorn laughed uncontrollably but then suddenly stopped as a thought hit her. She did not know if Volo would be an ally or fiend. From what she heard so far it is not a good creature. Let alone one to feel safe around or trust. For what she knows it could just kill everyone in a blink of an eye and that would be no good.
Twilight would have too keep a close eye on it while she continued her work. Seems her trouble know no end. Not only did she have to start from scratch but she had to be wary of Discord's more psychotic cousin or whatever relation those two had. She needed to find a way to neutralize or at the very least recruit Volo. As to how one would go about neutralizing a godlike being that would be anyone's guess. But Twilight will find a way. She always finds a way....
"Now" she chuckled "let's make some new dolls~"
The mad crowd of ponies marching was enough to distract from anything, let alone a tiny spider. Said spider was currently crawling on the window frame of a small house.
"That should keep them busy" it giggled and went inside through the open window. Once inside it crawled its way into the kitchen where it transformed into a pony with white coat, long black måne and pitch black eyes that looked more like holes.
"Sorry to keep you waiting" Volo said " I sent a crowd of dendrophiliacs towards Sweet Apple Acres. That should keep them distracted for a bit. But Discord must soon come looking for me after they fix that so let's keep it quick." It sat down on a table in the middle of the room as it looked around, admiring the blood and gøre covering everything in the room "i see you got busy while waiting."
"Well I had to do something about the family living here" a hooded pony sitting across Volo on the table spoke, cleaning a scalpel in her hooves "And I thought why not take a look at their inner anatomy. Maybe ponies in this world have different organs. Turns out they don't but hey, it's worth looking into it." She laughed.
"As long as you clean your mess afterwards. If they find this and blame it on me Discord's gonna call the deal off and I'll be out of here. Not only would that spell bad news for you my darling but I'm known as someone who respects the deals I make and I would hate that reputation to be ruined for the foolish mistake of someone else." It stared at the other pony with a malicious smile and a threatening look "Anyway. So tell me what the hell did I smuggle into this world."
The hooded pony said nothing and threw a few files on the table. Volo tilted its head and looked at them curiously before picking one and opening it and seeing a photograph of Twilight in the first page.
Skills and powers: skilled planner, great intelligence, great magical skills, willingness to do anything that's necessary to her cause, pure dedication, alicorn immortality.
Weapons and arsenal: chemical weapons and poisons, radioactive weapons, traps, dark magic.
Weaknesses: her trauma, will not try to kill unless she really has to, is emotionally unstable, fear of grief.
Ideals and beliefs: immortalism, ethical darwinism, totalitarianism, body alternation
Goals: Create a dollhouse perfect replica of Ponyville in her basement(succeeded) Turn all residents of Ponyville she considers her friends into living dolls and imprison them in her dollhouse town(partially succeeded) Eradicate death from Equestria(failed) Get her friends to agree to her plan(failed in general, succeeded with Lyra) Preserve her friendships forever(failed) Take down Celestia(failed) Build a dictatorial regime where everyone is forced into either being her friend for eternity, tortured till they comply or killed for being 'irredeemable'(succeeded until she got caught)
Crimes: Mass kidnapping, spreading of misinformation, conspiracy to form a dictatorship, invasive body alternation, poisoning, turning unwilling victims into living dolls, imprisoning the citizens of Ponyville in her basement, murder, attempted murder, causing Stockholm syndrome, causing trauma, use of chemical weapons, use of radioactive weapons, torture(both mental and physical), causing suicides, oppressing her subjects, holding ponies captive under threat of violence, cover-ups, brainwashing, slavery, child abduction, animal abduction, theft, breaking and entering, plotting to murder a princess Luna, murdering two royal guards, causing severe bodily harm to princess Luna, attempting to murder princess Celestia.
Background and analysis: The subject's story starts when her brother dies and she goes to comfort her grieving sister in law only to find her dead from suicide. She will go on to be haunted by the trauma of what she witnessed that day. Eventually she becomes self aware of her own immortality as an alicorn and grows afraid of the future and that her life will be a constant funeral after funeral of friends and loved ones until she eventually ends up like her sister in law Cadence and kills herself out of grief. As her mental health slowly declines she sets on in a crusade to erase all death. Going as far as to study dark and forbidden magic. She built a miniature replica of Ponyville in her basement, and started luring people into her house, offering them food pr drinks which contained lethal poisons in them, bringing the victims into a state of near death so that Twilight could perform a spell that will turn the victim's body into plastic and then shrinking them, turning them into literal dolls that will remain immobile but conscious until Twilight allowed them to move. She proceeded to do so with everyone in Ponyville she considered a friend. Obviously turning unconsenting ponies into dolls isn't going to get received well so the dolls started rebelling. So in return Twilight decided to torture them into behaving. Going as far as to melt some of them to death to make an example to the others. Eventually her activities got attention and Luna came to Ponyville to investigate. Twilight killed two guards by accident and tried to assassinate Luna by poisoning her with radioactive material but Luna discovered Twilight and tried to bring her down. However Twilight showed to be very strong and and durable, even withstanding Luna's strongest attack and eventually she brutalized Luna to the point she had to escape back to Celestia. Seeing Luna all beaten and bloody, Celestia decided to step in and fight Twilight herself. She tried to talk Twilight to snap out of her madness but Twilight was too far corrupted at that point. The fight started and eventually Twilight was fatally wounded and escaped into the Everfree forest, never to be found and her fate remaining a mystery to all. Her story spread and she came to be known as Dollmaker, a lonely mare who got corrupted by madness. This version of Twilight is truly a tragic one and as mentioned by Lunar Guards and Luna herself she might very well be a new incarnation of Nightmare. While she is not a serial killer per se, only killing when she needs to make a point and she doesn't particularly enjoy it, Twilight would be considered a hybrid between an organised and disorganized serial killer because her methods and tactics are very carefully planned and thought through while her targets tend to be random and it can go either to a planned kidnapping to having to grab a random pony that walked into the library to read a book. Her relationship to her more same alternate will likely be characterized by either envy and pity. Being jealous that this other Twilight has it better than her or feeling worried that her other self does not understand the grim reality of her immortality yet. She may even attempt to convert her to her side. In relation to the rest of the Mad Six she is by far the most powerful and also most likely to be in conflict with the other five due to them being killers that bring death while Twilight seeks to erase death. Most likely to be rivals with Fluttershy due to ideological differences. Likely to ally with Rarity and Applejack.
"Girl's got issues" Volo chuckled "and an admirable cause. Not a big fan of this totalitarianism in all honesty. But I'll tolerate it. I see some potential in her."
"I know!" the hooded pony clapped her hooves together gleefully "she's perfect for this experiment!"
Volo closed the file and looked at the other five. Thinking which one to pick next.
"Phew that should be the last of them!" Applejack wiped the sweat off her9 brow as she looked at the tied down ponies before her. Had the situation been otherwise they would have all been turned to soil for the trees by now. But Discord said this is most likely mind manipulation.
"Eyup." BigMac said as he and this world's Applejack finished tying the last mad pony.
"Serves 'em right for trying to violate our apples!" Applejack said as she got up and approached her twin and the two Pinkies "Thanks for the help sugarcube. And you too Pinkie...s."
"No problemo cousins!" the two Pink ponies chanted in unison smiling widely.
"Don't even mention it me" Applejack said "I'm sure you would have done the same. Besides it's our job to keep bad apples away from the farm after all am i right?" she laughed and winked at her twin. To witch she only received a confused look. One she returned. When she noticed her other self did not catch the joke she just smiled sheepishly.
Discord floated over the pile of tied up ponies. Their faces contorted in madness. Genitals clearly aroused. He snapped his fingers and a light engulfed them all. Suddenly, every pony turned back to normal and they looked around in confusion.
"Mind control." Discord scoffed "To think it would result to that. It must be desperate. Or maybe this is a distraction. I must find that creep!"
The draconequus teleported away along with the tied up ponies. Likely sending them home. The Pinkies, Applejacks and BigMac were the only remaining ponies left on the now silent field.
"Umm so what now?" Applejack asked.
"Well after all that affair I'm mighty hungry. How about we head inside and get some dinner. Bet granny's finished cooking by now." the other Applejack replied with a smile "You joining us Pinkies?"
"Nah we good" one of the pink mares replied.
"Yeah. And besides, we got lots of parties to plan together!" The other through pulled her twin into a celebratory hug. The two ponies giggled and started bouncing away in sync with each other, wishing goodnight to the others.
"Well, ah guess we head inside now" Applejack said.
"Eyup"
"So there's two of you now?" Applebloom tilted her head in confusion as Granny Smith was putting the plates in the table "How does that even make sense?"
"Cross world travel i guess" one of the Applejacks replied with a sheepish smile.
"Two of you or not ah want ya'll to finish all the food or you'll get to work twice as much tomorrow. Both of ya." Granny Smith said as she sat on her chair.
"Why are you not bothered by this?" Applebloom asked her grandmother who seemed a bit too casual about the situation.
"Listen here youngin. There are two Applejacks sitting in the table. That means one of two things. I'm either going senile and started seeing things or there's something going on that ah won't live long enough to figure out. In few words, I'm too old to care. Now eat." the elderly mare ordered then started chewing on the pie she had made.
"Guess that makes sense" The filly shrugged and started eating her meal.
Applejack chuckled a bit before starting to consume her own piece of pie. Seems Granny Smith was always the same no matter what world she was in. And if this was anything like the granny in her world then she really meant the threat about double the work. Better not get on Grannie's bad side.
So the mare continued to consume her food but she kept feeling a bit uncomfortable for some reason. She looked at her alternate self. She didn't get the joke earlier. Normally that wouldn't be much of a thing to worry about. Jokes tend to go over ponies' heads. But that one wasn't supposed to do that. She was supposed to get it. Why didn't she get it? Could it be...
No, mom and dad are not here. So it must have happened. So she must have started. But what if she didn't? Could she have just, not gone the same route? It is a possibility. Maybe she could ask and be sure? No, what if she's not doing the same thing. She may tell someone. She can never be too careful. She was careless the last time and that ended bad. She didn't want another incident like that to happen. She was lucky whatever that Volo fella is came and offered her a second chance when she had no hope left. Not that she was showing gratitude or anything. She didn't trust that demon looking vermin. For all she know it was bad news and probably the most rotted apple there is. But still, she couldn't say she wasn't thankful for second chances. Even if said second chance involved her being a second Applejack.
Either way, it would be nice if it told her if this other her also had gotten after killing bad ponies. It'll be nice to have someone to share her passion with for once. But she didn't feel like risking it.
But she was curious. She had to test it somehow. But how?
A thought came to her mind. Of course. How did she not think of that earlier. Now she had a pretty good idea what to do. But she'll have to wait till everypony fell asleep to do it.
Until then, she wouldn't deny herself to enjoy a fine meal with her family.
Her family.
She looked around. When she was offered a second chance this was not what she thought. She thought something more alike to having everypony forget about what happened and she could go back free to her family. While she was back to her family technically, with a bonus twin sister, she didn't feel she was really back. Her other family back home probably thought she had escaped jail and was on the run. Was Applebloom scared? Was Grany Smith heart broken? Was Big Mac disappointed? These questions plagued her mind.
But she decided to shake them of. Maybe she could get back home some day and find some way to fix things. But until then, she was going to enjoy her other family here. Who knows, if her twin is anything like her she may finally have somepony else to work with.
Well, what Big Mac had told her was true. She did snore rather loudly. Which was. Good thing at the moment as it probably helped hide the sound of her hoofsteps.
She was careful to be silent, and she knew the house well enough to avoid the most creaky parts of the floor. Still, she mentally thanked her twin for helping her out, even if just a bit.
She stealthily went downstairs, constantly stopping to check and hear if anypony had been disturbed from their sleep or if Applejack had stopped snoring. When she was sure she was safe, she sneaked forward towards her destination.
She reached the door, carefully opened it to not make noise and just as carefully closed it when she was outside. Once outside she held her caution until she was a good distance away from the house then she let herself relax and stopped trying to be as quiet.
Applejack though she'll never get to experience this again. The thrill of sneaking out at night every time she had a target to get. The relief she felt whenever she was finally out of reach for her family to hear so she could let her guard down a bit. It was one of those special things about a job that one treasured. Sure, she wasn't sneaking outside to kill anyone. But still, she enjoyed the feel.
She headed towards the old orchard, taking in the view of the farm as she trotted calmly. The trees sure were a sight to behold during the night. They had a more mystique aura to them in the dark. One could grow to like it. She noted that it wasn't much different from how things looked back in her world.
After some time of walking she reached her destination, happy to have found what she was looking for.an old shack stood amidst a couple of old trees. Nopony ever came here anymore, and it pleased her that the same was true for this world.
She wasn't one for keepimg trophies. She did what she did more out of duty than for sport. However, who can blame her for being a bit sentimental about her first time. You never forget your first, as they say. So she took the skull. It was messy, of course. She wasn't an expert and she isn't any expert now for that matter. But young Applejack had managed to harvest the skull from the body. And she hid it in this very same shack.
She opened the door, or more specifically, pushed what was left of it away. Applejack stepped inside, looking at a specific part of the floor. She approached and put her hoof on one of her planks. Loose. That was a good sign. She removed it and looked inside. Almost desperate to find the skull. That skull that she had made such a mess in order to aquire. She never felt so attached to it, despite the fact she kept it. But right now that skull was more than just a trophy. It was a sign that she wouldn't have to work alone anymore. That she would finally have a partner to help her out. Desperate as she felt she furiously searched inside.
Skills and powers: great strength, athletic physique
Weapons and arsenal: shovel, knife, axe, raw strength
Weaknesses: her family and friends, will not kill someone she thinks doesn't deserve it
Ideals and beliefs: ethical darwinism, vigilantism
Goals: Kill anyone she deems as unworthy to be part of society
Crimes: serial murder
Background and analysis: it is not known when the subject started killing or why(Although it may be worth to speculate it may have something to do with her parents dying). T Applejack is a vigilante type of serial murder. She believes it is her job to get rid of those who she calls "Bad apples". A term she uses to describe anyone who she deems as a bad person hence a burden on society, equating them to rotten fruits to be thrown away most likely as a means of not seeing them as ponies in her mind. From the average thug, to thieves and even other murderers. If she comes across someone she deems unworthy of life she will kill them with extreme prejudice. Even being too unfriendly is enough to put someone on her hit list. If you give her the impression that you give nothing to the community and do more bad than good then your hours are numbered for she has set her sights on you. Her weapon of choice is a shovel but she can use a variety of weapons, including even apples. She hides the bodies of her victims by burying them beneath the trees of her family farm, thinking that this way they would at least do some good by serving as food for the trees. This way she has managed to get away with her crimes for a long time until she one day got caught hiding a body and was sentence to jail for her crimes, only escaping death penalty due to holding one of the elements of harmony. Among all of the Mad Six, Applejack is by far the most easy to reason with given her sense of moral superiority and seeing herself as more than just a common murderer. Believing her crimes to be for the greater good she is most likely to ally with the Main Six against her fellow Mad Six members. She is likely to be good friends with Mad Six Rarity due to their shared ideals. It remains unsure how Applejack will react to her alternate not being a serial killer but if we may predict she probably would have a neutral reaction.
"I like this girl," Volo said with a grin "I mean, i don't like moral supremacism but hey at least we can all value a killer with honor"
Chuckling it closed the file and put it back in the table before turning its gaze back on the hooded pony.
"Who's next, doctor. I wanna let you pick the next one."
The doctor smiled before levitating another file and giving it to Volo.
