Rika is once again reborn, but this isn't the same Hinamizawa that she knows. In fact, it is a totally different town, in a totally different world.
Rika Furude is once again reborn, and once again must solve the mystery of her death. But this time, it's different. This isn't the same Hinamizawa she remembers. In fact, she's not even sure that this is Hinamizawa at all! She learns that this new world is in fact Ponyville, and she has taken the form of one Twilight Sparkle. She must find a way to return to her world. But there is something far sinister lurking in this joyous atmosphere....
Also inspired by: Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Kai ______________________________________________________________________________________
Escape and break free! Escape and break free! From a fate that is far too sad!
My name is Rika Furude. I have been living the same two weeks of my life for the past one hundred years. I am in search of my perfect world... One where neither I nor my friends are killed. I fear that I may never find it, and that Fate cannot be contested... I will not lose hope, however. I have recently learned that Fate can indeed be contested, and I have also learned of my killer's identity. Maybe in this next Hinamizawa, I will finally find what I'm looking for.
......But this time, everything is different........ _______________________________________________________________________________________
I awoke, as I always do when I am reborn, and I check my surroundings. Odd. This is new to me. Instead of the usual home I live, it seems this time, I live in a tree which also doubles as a library. I quickly search the premises for a calendar. Strange. I'm walking on my hands and feet. Never mind that for now. I must find that calendar. I need to know how much time I have to prepare.
You see, every time I have been reborn, I have been killed on June 30, 1983. But last time, we were so close to defeating Fate....
Ah-ha! Found a calendar! ..... And I have no idea what this says... I will just have to ask someone. That's odd... Where is my friend and roommate Satoko Houjou? Things must be really different in this world... No clues as to what is going on will be found in this tree, so I guess I'll take my search elsewhere.
Outside the tree, I look around. The colors seem more vibrant then the Hinamizawa that I remember... even the buildings look different...
"Hey Sleepy-Head! Decided to finally get up, huh?"
That voice... could it be...?
"Rena?" I spoke and turned. To my dismay, it was not my friend Rena Ryuugu, and to my shock it was a pink horse with a mane that looked like cotton candy! And it spoke! This is really strange. Now, we didn't have many horses in any other Hinamizawa, but I'm quite certain that horses do not speak.
She spoke to me again, "Rena? That's a silly name! You've been sleeping for a long time, though! I tried to throw you a party, but it didn't really work out, but now we can throw one and I'll invite-"
At this point I just tuned her out. It wasn't getting anywhere. Her bubbly personality did, however, remind me of Rena. Then I realized, this horse could possibly help me!
"Wait," I spoke, "what is the date?"
"...and then there's Dashi- the date? Uhm... aren't you supposed to know that? You are THE Twilight Sparkle, the smartest pony in Ponyville! You must have hit your head hard! Anyway, the date... Hmm..." She brought her hoof to her chin while she thought. "Let's see here... Winter Wrap-Up was a couple of months ago... So... by my math... I suspect that it's nearly mid-summer!" She smiled as she seemed content with the victory in her math.
I sighed. Just as I suspected. The Watanagashi festival would be celebrated soon, just another year for me to die. But, she said 'Ponyville', not 'Hinamizawa'. Where exactly am I? Also, she called me something strange. "Maybe you can help me. Maybe that pony you named can help as well, that one that's the smartest? My name is Rika Furude of the Furude family. I think someone is going to kill me at the upcoming festival."
She interjected, "You mean the Summer Sun Celebration? You must be REALLY out of it Twilight. The Celebration is a happy time! No one would be killed on that day!" She grew quiet and her main went straight, "...Except that one year..." But her mane poofed back up and she regained her composure,"I can call you Rika for now if you like! Pretending is always fun! You seem sad... Well, I guess it's up to Pinkie Pie, that's me, to cheer you up!"
Hmm. So that is her name. I noticed she was right. I had a grim composure. But what happened that one year? Knowing my experiences with the Watanagashi festival, I'll find out soon enough. "What, me? Need cheering up? No! I'm happy, see! Ni-pah!~"
"Well," Pinkie spoke. "let's throw that party now! Follow me, Twilight- I mean, Rika!"
I saw no other solution, so I followed. Oh, I almost forgot! "Hanyuu! Hanyuu, are you here?"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" She appeared and responded. Her form was altered as well. She seemed to be a white pony with wings, a horn, and a pink, flowing mane.
"What's wrong? Are we in a form of Hinamizawa?"
"I'm so sorry! We are not in Hinamizawa this time. There was a power fluctuation when Takano killed you. When you were reborn, it sent you here. Normally, even with those fluctuations, it would send you back to Hinamizawa, but maybe, you were sent here, to stop someone like Takano in this world..."
So that's what's going on... It's not much, but it's a clue.
I sighed. Miyo Takano... she is the one behind my murder in Hinamizawa. Cutting open my chest on the altar and and stealing my intestines... No matter how many times I die, I can never forget that pain....
My first clue will probably be figuring out why Pinkie became solemn while describing the Summer Sun Festival. As for finding a way home, only time will tell.
I followed Pinkie to everywhere she went, learning the layout of this new town, and searching for a way back to Hinamizawa. But then I heard someone. "HEYYY!" They yelled. I turned to them and received a surprise. It was Keiichi Maebara! Or so I thought... My hopes were quickly dashed as a cyan pony broke through the image of Keiichi...
You see, it was Keiichi Maebara who, in the last Hinamizawa, showed me that fate could definitely be changed... I thought, maybe, Keiichi would be here as well...
"Hey Dashie, what's up?" Pinkie greeted.
"Oh nothing much, just flying around, practicing some awesome new tricks." She turned to me. "Out and about already, huh? Didn't think you had in you, egghead!"
Not sure how to respond, I replied, "Well, you know me, it's hard to keep me down because I'm-" Shoot! What did Pinkie call me earlier? I have to say something! Umm... Here goes nothing... "Cupcake-Head Sparkle Horse!" Immediately, I knew that was wrong. I could imagine Hanyuu was hitting her forehead with her palm, or I guess in this world, her hoof.
"BWAHAHAHA!" The cyan pony got a hold of herself. "Ok, so not quite recovered yet. So, what are you two doing today?"
Pinkie replied, "Rainbow Dash! It's not nice to laugh at Rika like that!" Then she whispered, thinking I couldn't hear. "Twilight wants to be called Rika Furude today. I know, it's a really weird name but just play along for now. I think it's due to that accident she had."
There it is again! Apparently, I had an accident before I awoke in this world. I looked to Hanyuu with a questioning expression, but the look she sent back told me she didn't know either. Pinkie spoke again. "And, since Twi- I mean Rika- is awake, I'm throwing her a party! Can you hand out invitations to all our friends?"
"Sure," Rainbow Dash replied, "I deliver them faster than you can say 'Wonderbolts'! I'll also tell them you want to be called Rika today." She winked.
She readied to take flight, but I figured I should get at least one question answered out of this. "Wait," I said, "how did I have my accident?"
Both ponies grew silent, just like Rena would if you were to talk about Oyashiro's Curse. Then, Rainbow spoke up, "Princess Luna needed your help with something.... odd. She knew you were good with magic, so she asked you to come. She also didn't want you to feel alone, so she invited Pinkie Pie and myself. Y'know sometimes I think Luna is jealous that Celestia chose you to advance your studies. Anyway, that's beside the point. What happened was, you stood on the cliff to study the stars for her, then you slipped and fell about... Oh, fifteen feet maybe? Yep. You were pretty messed up."
Slipped...or shoved? This piece of evidence is interesting. I must be on the watch for this 'Luna' character. By the way these two acted before telling me, it seems they are hiding something. Something bad. I now have three suspects. I guess I'll find out more at the party tonight. _________________________________________________________________________________________
Okay, I must admit, this party is pretty good. In all my years in Hinamizawa, I have never experienced something quite this great. Now, to gather some information. I walked up to two ponies, whom I've been told are named Applejack and Fluttershy. Fluttershy was speaking, "Do you remember that time at the Gala, when I went loopy trying to catch those cute little animals?"
Applejack replied, in an accent unfamiliar to me, "Remembur it? How could I furget? Ya nearly destroyed tha' Ballroom! I had to take charge and round up them furry critters!"
I smiled at hearing that. Fluttershy reminded me much of Shion Sonozaki. Kind-hearted most of the time, but when her mental stability breaks, bad things WILL happen. And Applejack, she reminds me of Shion's twin sister Mion, a true leader. I began to walk around the party, listening in to the conversations trying to find any information about this 'Luna'. I came to Rainbow Dash fuming at the one called Rarity. Heh... Just like Keiichi and Satoko... I miss them... all of them...
"Why so glum? This party's supposed to cheer you up!" Pinkie said from behind.
"No, no, this party's great! I'm having a great time! Ni-pah!~" Then, I sighed. "I guess I can't hide anything from you, huh? Well, then I guess you should know the whole truth. Like I said when we met this morning my name truly is Rika Furude. This... is actually not my world. I am not the one you have come to know as Twilight Sparkle, as I think you have seen by my actions as of late.
"I come from a place called Hinamizawa. I am killed every year after the summer festival, which is called the Watanagashi in my world. I wish to go back there, to beat Fate and stop my death to create a perfect life for my friends and I."
"Like that Rena pony you spoke of!" Pinkie interjected.
"Yes. I believe my way home is through the one called 'Luna'..."
Pinkie was shocked, I could tell just by looking, "Umm... Wow... That is REALLY far-fetched, and that's coming from me! But... I believe you. This is not something that can be imagined overnight. Trust me, I've tried. I believe Princess Luna will be attending the Summer Sun Celebration. We may be able to do stuff about your problem there. But for now, enjoy the party! From what I can tell, you've been through a lot!"
It felt good to tell someone... Just like that time in the last Hinamizawa... My friends trusted me... Maybe... Maybe I can trust this group of ponies...
"Hey!" Rainbow Dash walked up to me. "It's a party! You're supposed to have fun!"
I had to smile as I responded, "You're right. Ni-pah!~" This time, I meant it. Knowing I could at least trust Pinkie, it helps out a lot. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a party to enjoy.
Wrapped and coiled in the lukewarm wind, that's probably a sign...
TWO WEEKS! Two weeks, and nothing! I am no further now then at the party! I sighed. Tonight is the Watanagashi, or in this world, the Summer Sun Celebration. At the moment, I am trying to research the festival in the library that doubles as my home. But... I still can't read any of these books. I guess I should just keeping looki-
"HEY, RIKA! YOU HOME?" GAH! Pinkie! You made me lose my train of thought! "I know you don't know much about the town, but these books will be here tomorrow! We have a lot to do before the Summer Sun Celebration tonight!"
Hmm. Maybe I can ask her about this festival. "What do you know about this 'Summer Sun Celebration'?"
She instantly began explaining, "Every year Celestia demonstrates her power by raising the sun! It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen! They said it will be held in Ponyville again! It outstanding that they would choose us twice in a row and-"
Again, I tuned her out. Strange. So their monarch raises the sun... But what about that other one... Princess 'Luna'? Isn't that the monarch? "Pinkie, what about the other princess, Luna was it?"
"and then- Oh Luna! She's Celestia's sister! They were close but then-" she began to ramble.
So Luna and Celestia are related... Maybe I can get one more answer out of Pinkie. "You mentioned that something happened one year at the festival. What was it?"
"-of Harmony- Oh..." Her mane deflated, as she stared at the floor. Then, she spoke in a monotone voice. "Nothing. Nothing happened..."
I could tell she was lying. This reminded me almost exactly of Rena. "You're lying. I can tell. Listen. For the good of you and your friends, you must to tell me what happened."
"Nothi-" She started again.
"STOP IT! This could mean the difference of life and death!" I began to shout.
I must have startled her, because she took a step back, yet still spoke in a monotone manner. "Last year on the Summer Sun Celebration, Princess Luna was freed from her bodily prison of Nightmare Moon. But... Later that night, a pony went missing... but he wasn't really missing. He was murdered. I found his body. It looked as if his front legs were broken, and his neck crushed... Blood stained his body and the ground he laid on..."
Hmm. Interesting. From the story Pinkie gave, I feel that this Luna isn't completely free from the shackles of Nightmare Moon. Being that this incident hadn't happened before Luna was free, I suspect that she is the one responsible. I guess I can only know for sure after tonight.
"I'm sorry for pressuring you, Pinkie. Now, what about those preparations for the festival?"
Her mane inflated again and returned to her bubbly self. She began to speak, but I just tuned her out to contemplate this information. ________________________________________________________________________________________
"What's wrong?" Hanyuu appeared.
I sighed. "I am... afraid..."
"We have been through this situation at least a hundred times. Why should this be any different?" She responded.
"That is exactly my point. The day of my death is drawing near, and I am no closer to finding a way back to Hinamizawa..."
Hanyuu perked up a little. I figured she was about to share some good news."I may have found a way to get us home. One way is, of course, for you to die and then be reborn." I didn't very much like that idea. "...but there is a problem with that plan. I have learned that the body you are using isn't yours. It belongs to a pony of this world."
"Hmm," I interjected. "That would make sense. This pony I took the form of had an accident the day before I awoke in this world."
Hanyuu continued. "Precisely. Whether she died from that accident, or she lays dormant while you control the body is unknown at the moment. But the problem with the plan, as I was saying before, if she is dormant inside of you, and if you die, she will die also. While you will be reborn, she will not. Which brings me to my next plan. I have discovered a power in this world much like one that Takano holds in our Hinamizawa. You must kill this world's holder.
"So, it's kill, or be killed... It would be unfair to that pony if she died because of my ability to be reborn..." I thought.
Then, a voice shouted, interrupting my train of thought, "HEY TWILIGHT!" It was Rainbow Dash. I have already gotten used to the fact that the ponies can barge into anybody's home uninvited, but I still didn't respond, as I am still not used to that name. "TWILIGHT! Oh wait, I forgot you still wanna be called Rika. That is so WEIRD! But, y'know, whatever. You ready to go?"
I smiled and responded as Pinkie bounced in. "Yes. It sounds like we are going to have a good time. Ni-pah!~"
"Good time? We're to have a GREAT time!" Pinkie shouted. "Well, what are you waiting for? Come on!" Then, she bounced out of the house much like she bounced in.
We walked out and started on our way to the celebration. Pinkie and Rainbow talked to each other, but I didn't pay any attention. I only thought of who is the 'Takano' of this world, so to speak... and also how to kill them... if that is what it had to come to...
"Hey egghead! What's wrong? You've been acting strange ever since the day after your accident!" Rainbow spoke to me.
I responded, "No, nothing's wrong! I'm just... thinking... I'm really glad to be in the company of friends." I looked over to Pinkie. "Ni-pah!~"
"No, see, right there! You have never said that before your accident!" Rainbow continued. "And what's the deal with wanting to be called Rika anyway? It's getting weird! Even weirder than when it started!"
Pinkie chimed in, "Dashie, don't question her like that! She'll explain everything when she wants too." Rainbow shrugged and kept on walking.
Phew. Thanks Pinkie. That really helped. You really are just like Rena...
"Looks girls, we're here!" Pinkie said. The ponies that were at the party greeted us when we arrived. It reminds me of my friends back in Hinamizawa... No. I must not think of that now. I must enjoy this festival. Or at the very least, pretend to enjoy it. We participated the many attractions the Celebration had to offer. Funny. It strangely resembles the Watanagashi festival in so many ways...
Eventually, the other ponies went off on their own, leaving just Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and myself. Then, a voice called from behind. "Pinkie Pie! Rainbow Dash! Twilight Sparkle! 'Tis always a pleasure for us to see you! How goeth things?"
Pinkie happily bowed along with Rainbow Dash and spoke, "Princess Luna! How are you? It's been a while! Ever since Nightmare Night, in fact why-"
Just then, I looked at the pony who had approached us. Immediately, I had an image of Miyo Takano stained onto my mind. I have to get out of here! I have to leave before I do something I'd regret! "If you'll excuse me," I started, "I must be going... I have... to meet..." Shoot! I have dug myself in another hole with my words! "...Fluttershy. Yes, that's it. I told her I'd meet her at one of the attractions!" Then, I ran. I ran as far away and as a fast I could from Luna as possible.
"Rika!" Pinkie called. But I didn't listen. I just kept running...
You are not a flower of the Abyss! Not in that place, don't bloom there! No, don't bloom there!
"Are you sure?" Hanyuu asked.
"Yes," I answered, out of breath, "I know it is her. Luna is the holder of the power. I can feel it."
"Well," Hanyuu replied, "What are you going to do?"
"I... I don't know..." It began to rain. "I have not been given any reason as to why I should kill her, let alone a way to kill her... This is these ponies' ruler that we are talking about! How would they feel if their benevolent ruler was found dead! All because of my own selfish desires... But, then that means the only other way home would be..."
"To die." Hanyuu finished for me.
"Yes. And in doing so, possibly killing this Twilight Sparkle that may lay dormant in this body. It's not fair!" I began to cry as the rain falls slightly harder. "Why... why must fate be so cruel?!?"
Hanyuu spoke again, "Don't worry. We'll find a way."
As she said that, I saw Pinkie Pie in distance. It cheered me up a little. But... something was strange... Her mane was not the cotton candy form that it usually is... rather it was deflated, like when she explained the murder of that one pony. She was carrying a large sack. This is not a good sign. I began to follow her. Taking many twists and turns, and also making sure that I am not seen, we came to the place where we held the party, two weeks earlier. I assume this is Pinkie's house. She walked inside as I tried to read the sign. Oddly enough, I was able to, and it read, 'Sugarcube Corner'. I walked up to the door and tried to open it. No! It's locked! Maybe I can pick the lock, just like Mion showed me in that one Hinamizawa that everything was all weird. In that one, Keiichi never even came to Hinamizawa!
But now to the task at hand. I'll revisit memories later. Hmm... Just turn it this way... then do that... And... Yes! I got it! I pushed the door open. I don't see anything of importance, but I must keep looking. Is this... a kitchen knife? Just like the expert chefs use back in Hinamizawa? They are rumored to be extremely sharp... let me see here... OUCH! I drew blood that easily? That really is sharp. Why would a bakery even need a knife like this?
No matter. I may need this however. I picked it up with my hoof, which is strange, because I didn't even know horses could pick up things like this. I attached the knife to my hip. I noticed a door slightly opened with light shining through... Odd. I quickly ran through, down a long corridor, coming to a large steel door. I could hear talking from inside. Even more odd. I pushed open the heavy steel door, and I couldn't believe my eyes.
"Oh Dashie," It was Pinkie's voice, talking to Rainbow Dash, strapped down to a torture table. "please stop squirming! Oh, your entrails will serve as the most delicious cupcake batter!"
"Why are you doing this, Pinkie?" Rainbow sobbed.
I must stop this! "Pinkie Pie!" I yelled.
Pinkie looked at me with disdain, "Oh. It's you. Why did you even come here? No matter, you will make great cupcakes as well!"
She's charging at me! I leaped out of the way just in time. She hit the door behind me. She's dazed now! It's my turn to attack! I ran up to her and kicked her across this dark room. Then, I drew the kitchen knife.
She glared at me with a look containing pure malice and hatred. But then... her eyes grew wide and she began to sob. I reattached the knife to my hip as she collapsed in my forelegs. "Rika, is that you? I'm so sorry, Rika! I'm so, so, sorry!" She began to sob even harder.
I tried to console her. "It's all right now. What is the last thing you remember?"
In between the sobs, she tried to remember, "Um, I-I was tal-talking to Luna after you ran aw-way. After she l-left, I had this desire to k-kill D-d-dashie and use her intestines as cupcake mix. Next thing know, we're here and you and-"
She began to cry more. I think I see what's going on. Luna, or rather Nightmare Moon, did something psychological to Pinkie, causing her to want to kill her friend.
Rainbow Dash spoke from the torture table, "What is going on? And why does Pinkie keep calling you Rika?"
I walk over to her and free her from her bonds. While doing so, I explain my entire story, how I'm not from here, and what I believe about Luna.
"Um," Rainbow started, "Wow. That's... wow. I'm speechless. Normally I would call you crazy, but, given the circumstances... I believe you. Now, let's get out of this creepy place. Hey Pinkie, why is this even here?"
Pinkie was just getting over her sobs, "It's for... actually, I can't remember now. Bomb shelter, maybe?"
We begin to make our way out of Sugarcube Corner. Oddly enough, Pinkie's mane had not regained it's shape. I assume the mental strain given by Nightmare Moon has taken a toll on her... and she may also be wanting to seek revenge...
The rain is pouring the hardest I've ever seen it. We begin making our way back to my, or rather, Twilight Sparkle's tree library. I figure, after what happened tonight, the least I could do is let them sleep over. Aside from the rain, there was no sound. Pinkie and Rainbow did not converse as they usually do.
Then, there was a familiar voice, "What art thou doing in this torrential rain?"
We all recognized that voice. We froze as we knew who it belonged to. Pinkie was the first to speak out. And she exploded. "WHY DID YOU MAKE ME WANT TO KILL DASHIE?!? EVEN WORSE, YOU MADE ME WANT TO USE HER AS A TASTY TREAT!"
"What? Me? Never!" Luna's voice seeped with sarcasm. "Heh, foolish earth pony. So you've figured out that Nightmare Moon isn't really gone. In fact, she never left!"
Pinkie and Rainbow gasped. But this didn't surprise me. I had it figured out from the beginning. Luna, or Nightmare Moon I should say, continued to monologue. "I was imprisoned for one thousand years by my dear sister, Celestia. Now, because of my imprisonment, I have grown stronger while she has grown weak! You may have thought the Elements of Harmony freed Luna, but it only hampered when I could show myself. But that trait is now gone! No longer am I Princess Luna! I am now fully Nightmare Moon! Such a shame, Twilight Sparkle, you had so much magic potential. I must admit, I was rather jealous when my sister wanted you to advance in your studies. You could still join me... Ah, but you wouldn't have even considered it, would you? No matter. I shall take over Equestria, and there is nothing you can do to stop me! BWAHAHAHAHA!"
Nightmare Moon began to cackle loudly. I did not wish to kill Luna before because these ponies revered her, but knowing what I do now, that reason was thrown out the window and destroyed. And she's right. I would never join her. I drew my kitchen knife and spoke, "That's it. I've heard enough."
"Oh Twilight Sparkle," She spoke, "You don't have the gall!"
I smiled. "That may be true. But... I am not Twilight Sparkle." Then, I shouted, "I AM RIKA FURUDE, OF THE FURUDE FAMILY!" I charged at her with my knife. The next couple of seconds flowed so fast. The next thing I remember, my knife was plunged deep into Nightmare Moon's chest... and then... I notice... her horn had pierced my shoulder...
"RIKA!" Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash shouted in unison. It... sounded very muffled. I looked around in a daze. I could see the distraught expressions on Pinkie's and Rainbow's face. I also saw the the life leave Nightmare Moon's eyes as the rain poured down around us...
And then, there was a bright, white flash.........
Broken pieces of time, flying about without a sound.
The light faded. I woke up, and I discovered that I'm lying a hospital bed. Argh! My shoulder hurts... really bad. I lift my arm to feel my shoulder and to my surprise, it's a hand! A human hand! Then it hit me. What just happened... was that all real?
In the next minute, all my friends walk in. Keiichi, Rena, Satoko, Mion and Shion!
Rena was the first to speak, "Oh! You are sooooo cute in that hospital bed! I'm going to take you hooooome!"
Keiichi was next. "Are you alright? You have been in a coma for two weeks! You really shouldn't ride your bike like that!" Hmm. That's just how long I was in Ponyvile... Is it possible... that I was actually there in Ponyville while in a coma here?
"Maybe." Hanyuu answered my thought.
"Now that you mention it," Rena spoke again. "every night you were in the coma, I had a really strange dream. I was this little pink horse with cotton candy hair, helping out this purple horse with a horn and a blue horse with rainbow hair and wings."
Keiichi lit up. "Me too! Except I was the blue horse you mentioned. I was even helping that purple horse with the horn and the pink horse with the cotton candy hair! What's even stranger, the purple horse called herself 'Rika'. Strange, huh?"
Rena replied, "Oh! I remember that too! That IS strange!" I smiled at this. I really had been in Ponyville. "Well," I said, "the important thing is that I'm all right and in the company of my friends! Ni-pah!~"
Maybe, Pinkie and Rainbow had believed me when I told them I was Rika was because they were influenced by Keiichi and Rena. But, what happened to them after I killed Nightmare Moon? Is the one known as Twilight Sparkle okay? I guess I can never know.
But now I'm back in Hinamizawa, I must figure out how to survive Miyo Takano...
