>in another place, at another time
>there comes a desperate pounding noise amidst the typical cacophony of voices and howling wind
>but the door of an unlit room holds fast
>muffled begging on the other side accompanies the quickly weakening blows
>it is a futile assault, of course
>if they do not meet the conditions for entry, no force will grant them purchase
>their pitiful calls for aid need not be answered
>even if they were so permitted, no action would be required of the inhabitants
>the disturbance outside will soon mend itself
>the roiling ocean of din beyond the door shall presently consume the source, leaving the room silent once more
>if nothing is done to stop its obliteration, that is
>those within are bound by obligation not to interfere
>and those without lack the power to change fate
>if the door is to open, it must be by the choice of another
>but agency carries with it the burden of responsibility
>to permit entry is to welcome a host of other choices for which your input will be integral
>so
>this is a very important decision
>as such, you must choose wisely
>does the door open?

>Yes
No

>and indeed, with a click, the door opens
>it swings inward slowly, as though pushed by a gentle breeze
>blue cloth spills forward in a flood from the room within, and wraps around the small equine form laying before it
>swaddled in velvet cloth, it gets dragged forward
>(or does the room move to meet it?)
>the door closes, the swirling madness beyond sealed off again
>and from within, a wistful, mysterious melody begins to play
>...
>very well
>the course of events has been altered by your choice
>we ask only that you take full responsibility for those you make from here on out
>after all, thou chooseth this fate of thine own free will

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk6nb6st99g
[Poem for a Crusader's Soul]

>...
>"Hello."
>your eyes creak open like they've been shut for months, a vague indigo blur beginning to seep into your vision from out of the black
>every joint and muscle in your body seems to fight you as you put all your energy into pulling yourself out of a total slump
>you blink a couple times, the fuzzy blue color reluctantly beginning to show some vague definition of shape
>not much, but some
>"Ah, indeed, we received your correspondence recently and have been awaiting further communication."
>you focus on your limbs next, just looking for any response to start with
>once you can feel them shifting, getting upright seems within the realm of possibility
>slowly, you stumble to your hooves, waiting for your vision to give you something other than blue to look at
>a reedy voice, now evolving beyond just a jumble of sounds, drags and chirps syllables like somepony is playing with a record on a turn table
>"Yes, yes, completely understandable."
>the lilting sounds of piano music reach your ears as you shake your head slowly, the voice seeming to echo around the room
>the room?
>you look around, dimly realizing that the reason you can't discern much is that you're awash in a sea of blue curtains
>"That being said, it is policy that all applicants must reach a certain level of notoriety before being reconsidered."
>a short pause, and you hold up a hoof and pull the curtains to one side
>as you do, the piano's melody wavers ever so slightly, the note trembling like a leaf on the wind
>you let the curtain drop, turning in a different direction as your ears perk to a new sound
>the light and airy voice of a singer, their wordless vocalizations stirring a strange feeling in your chest
>not quite happiness, but maybe pride?
>the word escapes you
>it feels like you're half-here
>where is here, anyway?
>"My master of course appreciates your interest in the position, and will keep you in mind going forward."
>you pull at another curtain, and are rewarded with an immediate increase in volume from the piano
>the singer seems invigorated as well, and even the sapphire light that seems to permeate this place brightens a bit
>"Is there more we may assist you with at this time?"
>you take the change to be a good sign, and push a little further through, hooves finding purchase on a deep cerulean rug
>cautiously, you poke your head out
>(it feels like "out", at least)
>and suddenly, revelation
>you can see the back of a hunched figure, sat on an overstuffed couch and bent over a thick oaken roundtable, his head barely peaking over his shoulders
>the suit gives off the unmistakable air of formality, but all you can make of the one wearing it is his bald head, sparkling like a polished gem
>that and the tips of his pointed ears that jut from his head, along with a thin beige-colored rod
>further in, a grand piano sits on a slightly elevated stage, turning almost imperceptibly slow
>on its bench you see a filly with a blue coat, probably close to your age
>er, maybe they're a colt?
>their silver mane is trimmed almost distressingly short and swept back, hidden under a flat fabric cap that's pushed up by their horn
>their eyes are closed as they play their enigmatic movement, using their wings to stabilize as they move along the row of ivory
>nearby, another pony so much like the first you can barely tell them apart, save that this one has a longer mane pulled into a bun, is sat before a microphone
>their voice quavers as they sing, their golden eyes unfocused
>you notice in addition to the cap, she's wearing a pair of blue earmuffs
>you begin to wonder how they can hear themselves sing to keep on pitch--
>"Right. If that is the case,"
>the stilted voice from before, now undeniably the figure in black, interrupts your thoughts
>"I must attend to other matters: I now have a visitor."
>there's a beep, and a white-gloved finger presses the tip of the antenna down below his shoulder, before the entire couch-and-table arrangement rotates smoothly and soundlessly to face you
>wait, no
>the singer and pianist are both much closer now
>did the whole room move?
>did you move?
>the human sitting on the couch looks up to you, his long pointed nose reminding you of a bird of prey
>his wild, bulging eyes seem to take you in from hoof to head in a single glance, a rictus grin spreading across his face
>"Ah, greetings!"
>the slender gloved fingers adjust a pocket square in his breast pocket, before extending a hand to beckon you closer
>"Welcome, visitor; it would seem introductions are in order."
>"My name is Igor. I am most pleased to make your acquaintance."
>he gives as deep a bow as his sitting position allows and then sweeps his arms out
>much to your surprise you spot another young alicorn to his right, their deep gold eyes staring directly into yours
>their expression is unreadable, but something about their gaze is a little off-putting
>his other hand gestures over towards the pair of musicians, who continue their performance
>they seem oblivious to the fact they were mentioned
>"These three are Felix, Safie, and Agatha. Like myself, they reside here in the Velvet Room."
>"It is a place that resides between mind and matter, between dream and reality."
>"However, your presence here is most unexpected. I am afraid that before we continue, we must address the matter of your arrival."
>"Please take a moment, before recollecting to the best of your ability."
>you begin to open your mouth, before you're stricken with a realization
>how exactly did you get here, again?
>the more you probe your memory, the more distressing it gets
>ponies, places, events
>it's like ten details melt away whenever you grasp onto one
>okay
>start with the basics
>your name
>that's easy, your name is...

Apple Bloom
>Scootaloo
Sweetie Belle

>of course!
>didn't even need to hesitate, your name is

-Sweet Apple Acres-
Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse

>"Scootaloo!"
"Hey, sorry I'm late!"
>you lay your scooter down on the grass and trot up the ramp to the treehouse, wiping a bead of sweat from your brow
>you'd rushed over as soon as you finished Ms. Cheerilee's homework
>normally you'd think about putting it off, but today's special
>can't let anything interfere
>so you wave up at your friends, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, still trying to catch your breath a little as you walk into the clubhouse
>the place is still a bit of a mess, but when wasn't it?
>you clear a spot at the table, pushing the tiny brushes, scissors, and tubes of paint to one side
>AB wasn't quite done painting the OZ-00MS yet, so you carefully pick it up and put it on the shelf for her to finish later
>"Alright y'all, let's go ahead'n call this meeting officially to order!"
>Apple Bloom says, banging the gavel on the self-built podium with a serious expression
>it's undercut by the small squeaking noise that comes from the impact
>you're still using the toy mallet Button had given you all after earning those tickets at the arcade
>(Cutie Mark Crusader Operation: Carpenters hadn't turned out so well, and you're still waiting for Whittle Olmy to cool off a bit before asking to use her tools again to make a real one)
>but the three of you still give it all the gravity it deserves
>which means Sweetie Belle stops rearranging the deck of cards you'd been trying to stack into a house yesterday
>you put the caps on the pink paint tube and put your forehooves on the table, now fully ready
>"First order'a business: we're all here, right?"
>you look to Sweetie and nod seriously
>she nods sharply to Apple Bloom
>and for confirmation, Bloom nods over to you
>"Right!"
>"Right!"
"Right!"
>she checks the box on the meeting agenda, smiling proudly
>looking back up, she continues
>"Second thing: Any old business?"
>you think for a few seconds before raising a hoof
"We did that class with Nurse Redheart!"
>"Oh yeah, she said we were really enthusiastic about the CPR part!"
>"Ah'm not sure that's quite what she wanted though..."
>"She couldn'ta thought we did too bad, we got lollipops at the end!"
"And gauze, too."
>"Enough fer a costume, even!"
>Applebloom smiles to herself, clearly thinking of how to fit it into her ensemble for tonight
>speaking of
"Oh yeah, Sweetie, did you get permission from your sister to finish your costume with her sewing machine?"
>"Well, no..."
>she shrugs but doesn't seem too perturbed
>"But she did say she'd help me with it!"
>you give a little hoof pump, so excited for evening to get here that your wings start to flutter
"Awesome! I got mine put together last night."
>"An' Granny said she'd help me puttin' on my spoOoOoOoky makeup 'fore we meet up!"
>you nod appreciatively, but then a sudden thought makes you perk up
"Oh, right! I narrowed down the options some, with Pinkie's help and a little scouting of my own."
>it's tough to completely hide the proud smirk you have as you trot over to the easel
>you flip the paper back, a layout of Ponyville's major streets and neighborhoods already drawn up
>the map is labeled 'Cutie Mark Crusaders Operation: Costumed Candy and Confection Collectors'
>and below it in purple you'd added 'Nightmare Night!!!' and a totally wicked drawing of Nightmare Moon
>(please excuse the crudity of the model, you didn't have time to build it to scale or paint it)
>judging by the impressed looks on Bloom and Belle's faces, it definitely passes muster
"So, first I talked with Pinkie Pie, because duh, who knows better than her what neighborhoods passed out the best candy last year?"
>you point to a blob of houses you colored in green, over near High Horse Hills
"She said the ponies in Triple-H give out the full-sized bars, but the yards are so big you have to run the whole night to get to everyone. Caballo Court, on the other hoof, is way easier to trot and they give out big bunches at each house, so you wind up getting more in the long run."
>"That is all the way 'cross town," Apple Bloom points out, "so we might not have time to stop in some of the other places we were talkin' about goin'. Haven't heard anyone at school talkin' about going there either."
>"Maybe we could go with the Riches or the Spoons? Silver said her mom got a golf kart a couple months ago."
"I thought about that, but they both said their parents are going to 'a big dumb boring party', and Silver's not allowed to borrow it on her own. She said they might be able to get out early and join us, though?"
>all three of you let out a little groan, because you know they'd probably rather be out trick or treating all night
>(also because driving a golf kart would be really cool, and you really want to know how fast those babies can go)
>but you pep up, clearing your throat and calling everyone's attention back to the map
"Second, though, I was talking to Carrot Top, and she said they were planning on going all out at the market this year!"
>you point at the area in purple, that wraps around most of the center of town
"Like, the normal stuff is still there, apple bobbing, spider throws, Zecora's magic show, but she said there were going to be all sorts of new things, too: watergun shooting galleries, ring toss, free snacks, clowns! She said there'd be a lot of clowns!"
>you think back for a second
"She was actually really focused on the clowns. And then she got this really weird look on her face, like-- oh, yeah, like that!"
>you point at Sweetie Belle, who shakes her head quickly
>maybe she was thinking about something?
>"That sounds like a barrel o' fun, like a carnival and Nightmare Night rolled into one!"
>"But we might get less candy if we go there," Sweetie almost squeaks out, "so maybe not...?"
>that's a pretty good point, you'll have to ration the candy way more to make it to Hearthswarming if you go to the stalls
"Hmmmm..."
you gesture again, but this time not to the map
>instead, you point out at the orchard itself, where you can see clothes lines with sheets draped over them tied between the trees
"And there's the maze that Big Mac and some of the other ponies have been putting together, we shouldn't forget about that!"
>normally the Amazing Maize Maze was held over near Hayseed's, but thanks to a recent Ankheg infestation, the maze would've been difficult to set up in the usual spot this year
>the Apples are pitching in to help instead, and even if it's a little haphazard, you've seen how much work they put in over the last couple days
>"That'd be super easy to get to, and if it's anything like the one last year, there's all sorts of candy stations along the way!"
>"Ah dunno, was kinda hopin' to see everyone's costumes and such, and what with everyone plannin' at the house, Ah couldn't help but see or overhear most of 'em," Apple Bloom admits
>"Not that Ah mind, there's bound to be plenty of folk come by in all sorts of get-ups!" she continues
>hmm, decisions decisions

>the three of you are bound to have fun no matter where you go
>but you'll have to choose something
>after all, Nightmare Night only comes once a year, right?
>so, where should you plan to meet up?

>Caballo Court
The Carnival of Candy
The Applabrynth

>"If'n we go ta Caballo Court, we're bound to run into ponies in all sorts of fun costumes, so ya won't hear no complaints from me!"
>Apple Bloom says after a moment's thought
>"Plus if Pinkie says it's a good spot, we can't go wrong," Sweetie agrees
"I'm hoping we can get DT and Silver out of sitting with their parents all night,"
>you admit, not wanting to show too much bias for any one idea
>but the three of you are all on the same page, so it's hard not to sound a little excited
>after all, this is Nightmare Night!
>dressing up, visiting spooky houses, getting candy, and seeing your friends and neighbors go all out in the spirit of the season!
>Apple Bloom raps the squeaky-mallet on the podium a couple times, and puts her serious face back on
>"Right, then Ah think we're all in agreement. Caballo Court, near that big ol' sign at the entrance? Six thirty? All in favor?"
>"Yeah!"
"Yay!"
>"Alright!"
>she hits it again, letting out a little giggle at the 'squeak-a' noise it makes
>maybe you don't need to hurry so much on trying to carve a wooden one to replace it
>"Should we adjourn now? Still got some time 'fore we have to head out,"
>she volunteers, looking up at the clock hung over the door
>you look at it too, doing a couple quick calculations in your head
>20 minutes to get home, another 20 to get dressed, 15 to get to the meet-up spot, plus dinner...
>hmm
>you've got some time, Bloom's right
"I'll hang out for a while, maybe we can try to finish that game of Risk?"
>Sweetie shakes her head a little sadly as she moves towards the door
>"I should get home so me and Rarity can work on my costume, but thanks!"
>"No problem, Scoots an' I'll work on our own stuff for a bit then."
>the two of you wave goodbye to Sweetie, Apple Bloom retrieving the tiny humanoid model from its shelf while you finish what Belle started, shuffling the cards a few times and setting up for a game of solitaire>"If'n we go ta Caballo Court, we're bound to run into ponies in all sorts of fun costumes, so ya won't hear no complaints from me!"
>Apple Bloom says after a moment's thought
>"Plus if Pinkie says it's a good spot, we can't go wrong," Sweetie agrees
"I'm hoping we can get DT and Silver out of sitting with their parents all night,"
>you admit, not wanting to show too much bias for any one idea
>but the three of you are all on the same page, so it's hard not to sound a little excited
>after all, this is Nightmare Night!
>dressing up, visiting spooky houses, getting candy, and seeing your friends and neighbors go all out in the spirit of the season!
>Apple Bloom raps the squeaky-mallet on the podium a couple times, and puts her serious face back on
>"Right, then Ah think we're all in agreement. Caballo Court, near that big ol' sign at the entrance? Six thirty? All in favor?"
>"Yeah!"
"Yay!"
>"Alright!"
>she hits it again, letting out a little giggle at the 'squeak-a' noise it makes
>maybe you don't need to hurry so much on trying to carve a wooden one to replace it
>"Should we adjourn now? Still got some time 'fore we have to head out,"
>she volunteers, looking up at the clock hung over the door
>you look at it too, doing a couple quick calculations in your head
>20 minutes to get home, another 20 to get dressed, 15 to get to the meet-up spot, plus dinner...
>hmm
>you've got some time, Bloom's right
"I'll hang out for a while, maybe we can try to finish that game of Risk?"
>Sweetie shakes her head a little sadly as she moves towards the door
>"I should get home so me and Rarity can work on my costume, but thanks!"
>"No problem, Scoots an' I'll work on our own stuff for a bit then."
>the two of you wave goodbye to Sweetie, Apple Bloom retrieving the tiny humanoid model from its shelf while you finish what Belle started, shuffling the cards a few times and setting up for a game of solitaire
>you pass a few minutes in silence together, the setting sun making it difficult to see the cards
>from the sounds Bloom's making, it's also tough to see the joints of the Tallgeese
>as you put the seven of hearts on the eight of clubs, a thought crosses your mind
>you look up at the clock and then out the window to the apple fields
"Wait, is Babs coming?"
>"Nah, family reunion isn't until spring, why?"
"...Just wondering."
>something about today feels a little off, but you can't quite put your hoof on it
>but you shrug it off
>strange things happen all the time in Ponyville
>can't worry about it too much, right?
>besides, whatever happens, happens
>four of spades to five of diamonds...

-Caballo Court-
Sundown

>you adjust the cap on your costume, putting on your best vicious grin
>at least, you think it's pretty vicious
>you've only seen like one wolf, and it was a timberwolf, so you're mostly going on instinct here
>but yeah, faux fur and some cloth make a killer outfit, actually
>a couple pointers from Rarity and a little thrifting and you had a good base, and everything else was just polish
>you spot the enormous sign near the subdivision, only a couple years old but painted to look old and weathered, and see Bloom and Belle standing right nearby
>the three of you had talked about it earlier, but you're still surprised by the actual results
>Apple Bloom opted for a Frankenstein's Bride costume, and Granny Smith laid the makeup on thick, because the dark shadows under her eyes, the fake stitches, and the face paint all have that theater-style overdone look
>it does look really good, though, like she just walked out of a black-and-white movie
>Sweetie is killing it too, obviously having borrowed some costume jewelry from her sister in addition to getting some help with the dress
>you can't remember which Prancian princess it was supposed to be, but judging by the red line around her neck, she must not have been one for too long
>the blood effect is pretty realistic, too, less overt but somehow more creepy since you notice more and more details as you approach
>"Heya Scoots!"
>"Scootaloo!"
"Hey girls, awesome costumes!"
>"You too! Hehe, the button eyes look so cute!"
>"An' you really got the walk down, too!"
"Haha..."
>is it a little warmer out just now, or is it you?
"Anyway! You haven't been here too long, right?"
>"Nah, just got here a couple minutes ago."
>"Here's your bag, Scootaloo!"
>Sweetie digs into her own and pulls out an empty sack, handing it over to you
>you rest it over your back, still smirking in a mix of anticipation and pride
"Alright, then! Let's get moving!"
>the three of you put your hooves together for a quick cheer
"Cutie Mark Crusaders, Candy Collectors!"
>and with that the three of you break into a sprint, eager to get in as much trick-or-treating as one night will allow
-Caballo Courts Northern Section-
Evening

>"Nightmare Night, such a fright, give me something sweet to bite!"
>you all give the usual rhyme, Ms. Roseluck playing up the tradition more than you'd have expected
>she acts terrified, peeking out from her doorway and letting out an overdone gasp
>"Oh my, a wolf, a ghost, AND a zombie!"
>she rustles around with something behind the door, before giving you all a grin and offering out a bowl of candy
>"I sure hope a treat like this will stave them off long enough for me to get back inside!"
>the three of you giggle before reaching in for a bar of candy each
>oh, nice!
>a Mega-Snap, those are like the second-best ones, after Chuckles bars
>you saw Pinkie zoom by a few minutes ago, and she was definitely on to something coming here
>(you'd have tried to say hi, but 'zoom' is the exact right word for it, you only knew it was her because the streak of motion had a pink hue on it)
"Thank you Ms. Roseluck!"
>"Yeah, thanks!"
>"Thank you very much!"
>she waves you off, going right back to pretend-scared in an instant
>"Don't thank me, silly spirits, just go haunt someone else, now!"
>and with a wink and a smile, she slips back inside
>you toss it in with the rest of your haul so far as you walk back to the road

Obtained: Mercury Bar
Obtained: 1-Googolplex Bar
Obtained: Faerie Stix
Obtained: Box of Dweebs
Obtained: Mega-Snap Bar

>a pretty sizable collection, you note
>sure, there were a couple of houses with their lights off already, and Mrs. Goldie Delicious gave you something you're not sure counts as food, never mind a treat
>but your bag is almost a quarter full of high-quality sugar-rush material
>suddenly, you feel someone push past you
>maybe "push" isn't quite the right word, as they seem to slip between you and AB like a snake, causing the coat on the back of your neck to stand on end
>"Ah, don't mind me, Medium Nice Wolf, and-- whoop! My apologies, Missus Fronkensteen!"
>you look up slowly, by now knowing to be cautious when even looking at him
>the gems and metal bits of his costume let off a dangerous glint, and his eyes glow with the unmistakable glint of mischief and madness
>and you find yourself face-to-face with the ever impressive, the long-contained, often imitated but never-duplicated...!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5txHGxJRwtQ

"Discord!"
>"Discord?"
>"Discord."
>each of you have different reactions to him, but when you notice his outfit, you're all in agreement
"Wait, what are you wearing?"
>"Oh, this little old number?"
>the draconequus gives a little spin, you have to assume so you an all admire his handiwork
>"Don't be jealous girls, I've learned the power of friendship and, oh, just couldn't wait to show it off!"
>he wipes a big floppy tear from his eye with one claw, before flicking it to the ground
>it makes a sizzling sound as you watch it eat through a chunk of Roseluck's yard
>"..."
>"Not buying it, huh?"
>his almost painful-looking grin drops after a couple seconds, before giving you his much more typical, predatory smile
>"I just figured it'd be an appropriate outfit, given the date. Maybe not my first choice of activities, but I've been told in no uncertain terms not to disturb the Queen of the Mooninites, or I'll be sent to make mochi with Jerome for the night, if you get what I'm saying."
>he nudges Sweetie in the side with his elbow, waggling his eyebrows
>you all shake your heads slowly
>"Ugh, kids these days... well, I suppose not everybody can be cultured, like yours truly."
>"Yeah, that's usually reserved fer rare diseases," you hear Apple Bloom mutter under her breath
"Aw, come on Apple Bloom, you don't think his humor's a little infectious?"
>you chuckle
>"Scoots..." Sweetie shakes her head, but she's smiling too
>either Discord doesn't hear you, though, or he's chosen to ignore it, because he just arches an eyebrow at your group
>"Well, in ANY case, I suppose it's only friendly to make the offer: care to make a trade?"
>he grips his midsection with his tail and gives it a spin, his entire top half whirling like a top as it screws open and leans back on a pair of hinges
>"I may have visited some 'different' neighborhoods before coming over here, so pick at your own risk."
>he leans back to the point his head's right-side up again and puts the world's least necessary airquotes over 'different' before gesturing at the bowlful of candy nestled in the bottom half of his body

>what do you think?
>whether they're good is anyone's guess, but he does have some unique options in there

>Trade candy with the chaos god, you know it's going to be an experience
Keep to the stuff you know that lifeforms on this planet can eat

>you look over the selection of confections Discord's offering, brushing aside a few of the stranger-looking ones you have no doubt he's looking to unload on you
>no matter what exact flavor "Homework: The Candy" has, you're sure it's not for you
>same with the box of "Bernard Bottomshire's Absolutely Every Flavor Imaginable Beans"
>the fact that there's a note on the packaging that says 'With Returning Long-Time Favorites Cadmium and Schnozzberry' doesn't really sell you on that one
>go figure
>but you do spot something that doesn't sound overly foul
"Huh, where'd you get this one?"
>you hold up a candy with loopy, almost illegibly-fancy labeling called "Never-Ending Mouthblocker"
>the draconequus peeks his head around himself, holding up a magnifying glass to look at what you're holding
>"Ah, keen eye! I found it in a place with lots of terra cotta rooves, what was the name of it...?"
>he strokes his goatee a bit, muttering some weird chant about how 'there's no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going'
>"Oh, don't worry about it, I promise it's as safe as anything local!"
>he waves it off dismissively
>"Well, for that one I'll trade youuu, let's see... no chocolate for me, I'm trying to watch my figure,"
>he says to himself, reaching blindly into your bag and rustling around with one clawed hand
>"No, no, maybe, no, UGH no,... ah, here we go!"
>Discord pulls his paw back, holding a glowing red feather in his fingers
>"Whoops, don't mind that, I meant..." he plunges his hand back in and scrounges around for a second
>"This!"
>looks like he wants the Faerie Stix you got a couple houses back
>you don't mind, the powdery ones like Dunkin' Spoonz and Faerie Stix were never your favorite anyway
>you give him a nod, and the two of you shake on it

Obtained: Never-Ending Mouthblocker
Lost: Faerie Stix

>you also spot Sweetie poking around the bowl as well
>Apple Bloom seems a little less enthusiastic about trading though
>something that unfortunately Discord picks up on immediately
>"Oh, what's wrong, Apple Blossom? Almost none of it's pear-flavored, if that's what you're worried about."
>"Apple Bloom. An' y'all know Ah don't trust ya as far as I can buck ya."
>"Doh-ho-ho, come now, are we still not over that harmless little--"
>"Don't."
>"Eesh, fine. For the record, you've no idea just how ssssssssnake-like I can be."
>he flicks a serpentine tongue at her as he rasps out the "s", before turning his attention to Sweetie
>looks like she's opted for one of those Flame Orb hard candies
>you see him whisper in her ear, and they go back and forth for a moment before she reluctantly pulls out a green tube wrapped in wax paper
>oh right, they DO still make Panzerschreck Gum
>it always loses its flavor way too fast
>whether that's a good thing is a matter of taste, but... you don't blame Sweetie for trading it off, yourself
>your trades completed, he closes himself up with a creeeeeaaaak and a slam, twirling the lollipop in his hand in place of a wand
>"Well, I won't keep you girls all night, I'm sure you've got places to be and things to do~"
>he strikes a pose, a casade of stars and lights flaring up behind him as he gives you a peace sign
>you're pretty sure that's a little emblem and some Neighponese text you see out of the corner of your eye
>"But just call me, beep me, if you want to reach me!"
>the light fades away along with his theme music as he walks away from you, humming the tune to himself
>you start to say something, but on second thought decide against it
>he's just messing with you all
>and you can't get mad at him for that
>(who are you kidding, you totally can, but getting mad at Discord for being Discord is probably the only thing crazier than the old draconequus himself)
"Are we ready to get back to it?"
>everyone agrees, so you take up leading the charge this time
>"Ah saw a whole bunch'a folks headed toward the neighborhood proper, so if we're lookin' to avoid too many crowds, we could go 'round the outside an' try to get to the south part?"
>Apple Bloom holds a hoof up to her chin as she thinks about the layout
>"But those houses are where most ponies came in from, aren't they going to start running out of candy soon? The ones with the most candy left are going to be the really scary ones..."
>Sweetie brings up a good point too
>you'll probably still be able to get to both areas before the end of the night, but what (and how much) candy you get might change depending on where you go

>what do you think?

Brave the crowds and head towards the center
>Brave the haunted houses and make your way south

>a look of intense determination crosses your face
"Let's go south. If we're right, then there's going to be some awesome houses that are probably looking to unload their candy, right?"
>Apple Bloom takes a second to think it over before agreeing with you, nodding resolutely
>"Well... okay..."
>Sweetie reluctantly agrees, adjusting the wig she's wearing a little
>you trot up and put a foreleg around her comfortingly
"Don't worry, it's just going to be a bunch of music tracks and maybe some silly masks and stuff, it can't be THAT scary."
>you reassure her, and she gives you a smile in thanks
>"Yeah, you're right! Okay, let's go!"
>Apple Bloom gives her a little hug as well, before the three of you trot off together, you and Bloom on either side of Belle
>you take a narrow side street that curves around the central hub of the neighborhood, a light mist beginning to set in now that the sun's been set for a little while
>it certainly sets the ambiance, you can't help but think, as you approach a road that winds through most of the southern part of Caballo Court

-Caballo Court, Southern Section-
Night

>"Pleeeeeease... have... a seat..."
>you hear who you're pretty sure has to be Savoir Faire, going by the accent alone
>but you don't actually see him, and that does worry you a bit
>the way to his front door is lined with a sloppy dark red stain, and it has the distinct look of something being dragged up the driveway through it
>you can also see in the dim porchlight a long brown burlap sack laying to one side of the door, covered in that same red goo on one side
>and a table, set for fine dining with a silver covered tray taking up most of the center
>lastly, on the other side of the door is a bowl of candy, perched on a tiny second table with an almost comically fancy "Free Candy" sign in front of it
>you lead the way up to the house, both Sweetie and AB hanging back just a little
>staying between the trees that line the path forward, you accidentally step in a bit of the crimson stuff, letting out a shudder as your hoof makes contact with the warm, liquidy puddle
"Eugh..."
>you steady yourself, wiping it off on the grass nearby and continuing the approach
>"Do... come forward... we'd love... to have you... for DINNER."
>he intones, the word bouncing and echoing through the misty air
>you try to keep your breathing slow, but walking up with your eyes glued on the gory-looking sack, it's really a little hard to concentrate on that
>every once in a while, you chance a look at the covered tray, not sure which one the waiter might pop out of to try and startle you
>you just know as soon as you go past there and get close enough to the bowl, he's going to jump out from one of them
>but you take a deep breath and trot past, almost squinting you're so focused on spotting the first sign of movement
>slowly you reach a hoof out for the bowl--
>"Ah, ah, ah..."
>his voice is coming from all around you
>no
>above you, you realize as you look up and notice the cobwebs with decorative spiders where his voice seems to echo from
>"You know... the rules... no dessert..."
>!
>the porch suddenly goes quiet as the grave, as a long shadow falls over the three of you
>you turn to see him drop from the overhang in a chef's apron, covered in blood and holding a butcher's knife in his muzzle
>"...until you finish your meat, my little morsels."
>his howling cackle mixes with your and Apple Bloom's confused screaming as you back away from him, all three of you scrambling for the corner of the porch as he stomps toward you
>"And now... NOW... that I have you RIGHT WHERE I WANT YOU...!"
>his psychotic laughter gives way to a pleasant chuckle and gives a nonchalant nod in the bowl's direction
>"You'd be doing me quite the favor if you'd take some candy off my hooves."
>
>
>
>you, uh
>actually forgot for a second there
>that this was just a jape
>you actually feel a little queasy as you take a hoofful of sweets
>"Oh, no no, come now, you'll want a bit more than that, surely? You know you're only the third group to come up all night!"
>"Ah can't imagine why..."
>you scoop a little more candy into your bag, Sweetie seeming almost serene as she collects her share
>"Thanks Mr. Faire."
>if it weren't for the fact that you can faintly hear her hyperventilating, you wouldn't have believed she was even surprised
>"Tell the others to pop by, when they're ready!"
>he calls after you as you all
>you nod distractedly as you walk back down the driveway

Obtained: Full-Size Chuckles Bar
Obtained: Ms. Greatbar
Obtained: Suc-Pop

>from behind you, you hear two sounds almost simultaneously
>a squeak of terror
>and a sound that can only be described as a
DOOT-DOOT
>and you see Sweetie blow right past you
>you shoot a glare over your shoulder, and spot a filly dressed as a
>skeleton?
>a clown?
>is "skeleton clown" even a real costume?
>"Er... sorry?" she appologizes, waving sheepishly and picking up the horn she'd dropped cutting across Savoire's yard
>you run to catch up with Sweetie, not that she made it too much further than the road proper
"You alright?"
>you pat her gently on the back and let her take a few wheezing breaths
>she nods but doesn't say anything, sitting down on the curb for a second
>"I think... maybe doing all the really creepy ones at the same time was..."
>she cools herself off with one of the decorative fans Rarity stuck in the dress's folds
>you see Apple Bloom come running up a second later, and all three of you take a small rest together
>"That was... wow."
>she mutters, looking into her bag of treats, giving it a hefty shake as she weighs the options in her mind
>"Ah think Ah'm about done with the spook houses now, Scoots," she admits
>oh thank Celestia
>the first couple were pretty fun, with zombies and fake lightning and stuff, but the deepening fog and the ambiance of the last couple has really been getting to you too
>Lyra's in particular, with its hands groping out the windows at you as you approached the door, really unnerved you just for how realistic some of the digits were
>"Hey there, girls."
>you look up and see a couple bipedal creatures approaching from out of the mist
>each one is dressed up in a dark black suit, but from the neck up, you can see the unmistakable outline of an equine profile
>"Scootaloo!"
>"'Eeeeey, it's our favorite chickun!"
>"She's actually a wolf this year."
>"Wow, that really threw me for a lupe!"
>none of the gentlemen in horse-masks says anything for a second, explicitly NOT laughing
>"Get it? Lupe, like lupine?"
>"Oh yeah, we got it. Didn't want it, but we got it."
>"Hey, don't hound him about it."
>"Emps, I swear to god..."
>"Don't worry, we've already made two puns, 'kay? Nine is the limit."
"Hey guys!"
>you pipe up before one of them gets too far into putting the other in a headlock
"What are you all doing out here?"
>it's tough to hear any one answer over all the others as the Arcanons all pipe up at the same time.
>"Well there was this-"
>"Hermit just got off work-"
>"-thought we'd check out-"
>"--came back from our yearly-"
>"-and then Temperance thought-"
>"-fucking Mary--"
>"-SUPER haunted--"
>"-a little too much to drink--"
>"-Tiara DEMANDED he come with-"
>"--said, 'Oatmeal? Are you crazy?'"
>they all peter out a couple seconds apart
>hmm
>you shake your head, the craziness of their squad already pushing memories of the haunted houses from your head as Sweetie and AB giggle at their antics
"That sounds… fun? Hey, did any of you see Emperor today?"
>they look back and forth at each other, plastic horse masks flopping back and forth as they exchange glances
>and then there's a chorus of flappa-flappa-flappa as they all shake their heads
>"Think he said he was working on something with Hanged Man?"
>"I know he was working on a costume, you girls haven't seen him tonight? I'd figure this would be his jam."
>you shrug, a little worry creeping into your thoughts
>"If we see him, we'll send him your way,"
>one of them gives you a reassuring thumbs up
"Thanks. We're probably going to be out a little longer, but after this I think we're going to reconvene at the clubhouse. Let him know for us?"
>"For sure."
"We appreciate it."
>you trot back and rejoin your friends as the group of men let their attention wander
>"Yo, check out that one!"
>"Dude, that's pretty spoopy for a pony haunted house."
>"Looks like something out of Dark Souls!"
>"It really doesn't, but let's check it out anyway."
>Sweetie seems to be calmed down, and Bloom looks better-rested, as the three of you take to your hooves
>"We still on fer finishin' out the night?"
>Sweetie nods in agreement
>"Yeah, sorry for kind of freaking out. I'm okay now!"
"Nothing to apologize for, we probably shouldn't have tried to do all of them in a row... sorry if we pushed too hard to get through all of them."
>"It's okay, I just needed a quick rest. Let's close this night out right!"
>she smiles and gives a little cheer, all three of you trotting towards the center of the neighborhood
>"Nightmare Night, what a fright, give me something sweet to bite!"
>you can hear some other fillies and colts just ahead as you trot into the dark of night

-Caballo Court, Central Section-
Night

>Apple Bloom leads the way down another short cul-de-sac, the three of you strolling at a leisurely pace
>you've noticed porch lights slowly beginning to wink out as the night wears on, even as more stars seem to glint through the encroaching fog
>but truth be told?
>this is kind of nice, too
>the candy isn't much to write home about, here, but you've run into a surprising number of colts and fillies from school
>Pip went by a little while ago, dressed up in a blue jump suit with some fancy yellow numbering on the back
>his squirt gun made out of pipe was a neat prop
>you noticed he didn't seem to be out with anyone else, but he reassured you that he enjoys wandering alone on Nightmare Night
>Button's costume was amazing, you had to admit, as was his mom's
>you wonder to yourself how she got those cardboard wings to light up like that, and his skull mask had these lights in the sockets that you're not sure how they glow while he's looking out of them
>but it is looking like you're getting to near the end of the night

Obtained: Fruit-by-the-Meter Roll-Up

>and that kind of sucks, because you were really hoping to--
>"Hey, what's up girls!"
>you perk up, hearing a familiar voice behind you and the tell-tale patter of hooves touching down
>Rainbow Dash leans down for a second to take off her helmet, brushing her mane back and letting out a sigh
"Rainbow Dash! Hey!"
>you run up and hug the mare, happy you got to see her with all the other stuff she was doing tonight
>she gives your wolf-hat and the mane underneath it a tousle in return, before nuzzling you back
>"Whoa! Where'd you get that stash from?"
>she sounds impressed as she looks at the three of you and your stuffed bags of candy at your sides
>"Well, we kinda took a chance on some of the houses other folks weren't goin' to, and it paid off," Apple Bloom explains
>"Scootaloo was the one that helped us push through some of the tougher ones," Sweetie chimes in, patting you on the back lightly
"It was a group effort, and you two came up with the idea."
>you blush faintly from the praise, but Dash lets out a low whistle
>"Wow, that's awesome though! I think you all might even have more than I do! Might have to check the south side again..."
>she sounds genuinely impressed, and given how Dash could probaly hit any house in town in under 10 seconds, your pride can't help but swell
"Want to join us? We're still going to hit a couple more houses before we call it a night,"
>you offer, nodding towards the other two
"Although, we were going to go by Triple-H and visit Tiara and Spoon, if that changes anything."
>she seems to weigh the options in her mind, before looking at the collection in her saddlebag
>"Mmmmm... sure, let's do it! The Riches are doing that big party on Dreary, so it's--"
>you pick up the sound of something streaking down the street like lightning, and on instinct jump out of the way
>not half a second later, you see Pinkie go flying by, and just barely make out over the sound of her rocketing past
>"Two thirty-five!"
>that doesn't mean anything to you, but you've scarcely managed to process it when Dash shouts to the dust cloud she left
>"Wha- are you serious?!"
>you cock your head to one side, confused
>"Oh, Pinkie challenged me to a candy-collecting contest. Well... kind of. Okay, maybe I challenged her, technically."
>"But she's already at 235?! She wasn't even at 200 the last time!"
>you roll your eyes, but can't help but smile nonetheless
"Well, you aren't going to beat her standing here talking to us, right?"
>she gives you an apologetic look, but you go ahead and wave her off
>you two share another quick hug, and she's already up in the air
>"Say hi to those two for me, I guess,"
>she winks at you as she takes flight, leaving a rainbow trail behind her that cuts through the fog
>you look over at the neighborhood exit that leads to the much more modern and luxurious houses in High Horse Hills
>it really is past time to see if you all can bust Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon out of their Nightmare Night party prison
>so into the night you three go, the sounds of fake lightning and real whistling wind at your backs as you sally forth
>...

-High Horse Hills?-
Late Night

>...
>it's really weird here, you note to yourself
>not the crazy-elaborate mansions with all sorts of ivory and decorations, mind
>those actually feel pretty comforting, by comparison
>it's more that the moment you crossed the threshold of the wrought-iron fence and brick entryway into the neighborhood, something has felt off
>the fog has gotten so thick you could cut it with a knife, and some of the roads look downright alien
>but the strangest thing is the sound
>you didn't even notice it, at first, with the chatting you and Apple Bloom were doing about Crusader activities for next month
>but when Sweetie pointed it out, you couldn't ignore it anymore
>things seem to echo in this neighborhood, everything from hooffalls to voices
>but none of it sounds like you expect it to
>it's like listening to a recording of yourself saying something
>there aren't that many lights on anymore, and even if you could believe that that's because people are starting to go to bed or just aren't home, it doesn't feel right
"Okay... I'm not crazy, right? This place is messed up?"
>you finally say out loud, the conversation having stifled itself in the strange atmosphere a moment ago
>you look back at Belle and Bloom for confirmation, and they both nod in agreement
>"This don't feel right, Ah've helped my sister deliver here more'n once, but Ah don't think I've seen half of these houses before tonight."
>?
>you look up at the looming mansion you're currently walking by, searching your memory for who lived there
>the building itself is one you can recall clearly
>but then you realize, you don't think you've seen anyone go into this house
>ever
>"It's more than that, haven't we been walking for a while now? Sure, it's late, but... where are all the other ponies?"
>that actually makes you slow down considerably
>wait, when DID you last pass someone in this fog?
>you definitely crossed paths with a couple fillies before you got to this neighborhood, but...
>have you seen anyone since then?
>how did you get this far before you even noticed?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmPDu-_FYR4

>...!
>you freeze in place, reaching out and grabbing your two friends before diving for the dirt!
>they start to protest, but you just motion to stay quiet and point upwards
>and a couple seconds later, your instinct proves correct
>the world goes a couple shades darker for a few seconds, and you look up to see the hazy outline of five creatures gliding across the spotlight of the full moon
>they're too far up to make out any definite features through the fog, but you'd swear they have draconic wings
>the three of you stand cautiously once they've faded into the dark of night, whispering to keep from drawing attention
>"What'n the hay was THAT?"
"Dragons? What would they be doing this far west?"
>"They looked small, for dragons..."
>"No, wait, those're Princess Luna's guards!"
>now that Apple Bloom says it out loud, she's right, that has to be who those were
>but a whole flight of them? Nothing that dangerous could be going down right now, could it?
"Wonder if they're looking for someone?"
>you muse out loud, looking around and hoping quietly to yourself that you'll see a landmark to help find your way
>what you don't expect to see, though, is a pair of ponies standing behind you, looking directly at the three of you from behind some goofy masks
>well, at least you're all not totally alone
>it's good to see someone dressed up in costume
>they start walking slowly towards you as you point them out, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle turning to face them
>"Oh! Thank Celestia, we were getting worried,"
>Sweetie says, pulling the fan from her costume and using it to cool herself under the wig and all that fabric
>"Yeah, it's been more'n a minute since... er..."
>Apple Bloom's voice falters as they trot closer, and you get a closer look at their outfits
>blocky, tough-looking armor coovers large parts of their bodies, and their manes and tails are trimmed short
>but you can't pull your eyes away from the masks they're wearing, completely encasing their heads in plated armor
>cutting through the fog are four bars of green light, all in a row, each burning in one of the masks' eyes as their ragged breaths rasp out
"Um, girls...?"
>you see the lights flash briefly as they stare you down
>simultaneously out of the corner you see a lime line of light slide from the top of Bloom's wig to the bottom of her hoof
>a split-second later, one scans Sweetie as well
>and then the green lights flicker and turn red
>that clinches it
"...RUN!"
>you see the larger of the two lurch forward, and all three of you book it!
>you keep pace with your friends, the three of you putting as much space as you can between you and the lockstep hoffalls of the masked ponies close behind
>you don't know what'll happen if those two masked ponies catch you, but you're not going to wait around and find out
>Bloom takes a hard left, and you follow her closely, Sweetie right on your heels as you sprint!
>after a few minutes of breakneck running, you chance a look behind, and though you can still see the glow of the mask eyes through the fog, they seem to periodically snap to the left, then right, like they're searching
>so you take a chance, and sprint ahead of AB, wordlessly guiding both of them across a long yard to an enormous garden hedge
>and without even hesitating, dash headlong into it, resisting the urge to let out a shout as you feel the branches snap against your weight
>a second later, you feel the enormous plant shake as Apple Bloom jumps in after you, her wig getting knocked off in the process
>and a second after that, a third rustle as Sweetie Belle jumps in too
>everyone waits quietly, pressed in on one another as you hear the thundering stomps of the two ponies stampede by
>you see one pair, then the other, of red lights sweep through the mist, but they don't even slow as they pass your hiding spot
>still, you can't all help but lay still, breathing heavily and giving those creeps plenty of time to get well away from you all
>as you're laying there, though, you feel Sweetie start shifting around, her nervous movements quickly turning into a full-on panic!
>she gets the first part of a yelp out before Bloom slaps a hoof over her mouth
>she freaks out, swatting at her dress while a lump underneath it slips this way and that, before scurrying up her side and to the collar of her outfit!
>out from under the aqua-colored cloth pops a tiny creature, no taller than your forehoof, electric-blue and black and buzzing like a mosquito!
>but you notice after a second's pause that it's actually equine in shape, its sharp legs and curled antennae reminding you of something between a Breezie and a Changeling
>it crawls up the side of Sweetie's face, earning a muffled shriek as it skitters right past her eye, before perching delicately on her horn like a tiny ballerina
>playing idly with her mane, the tiny thing looks down at you, pupil-less black eyes taking you three in with obvious curiosity
>"Welellel, howagaow didjinid youfulunou allavanaral comononmome tovufo thisigirilis hedgejeiaromafanow ogolof mitizikinine?"
>you hear her buzz something in a foreign language to you, the sounds bouncing so quickly along her tongue that you can't make out what she's trying to say
>you just shake your head, trying to pantomime that you're REALLY trying to be quiet here
>she seems to take it as a sort of game, clapping her hooves together softly and chattering at the idea
>"Ohnoropoh, aaah gamalanairaime! Mayakabaeray thisijifilis onamunarunone plaquatasanafay?"
>you shush her in irritation, a bucket of icy fear dumping over you as you faintly hear those stomping hoofsteps approaching again
>you gesture as quietly as you can that she's going to get you caught by whoever they are, and could she PLEASE be quiet? Just for a moment?
>she gets a mischievous smile on her face, which paired with her all-black eyes makes her look terrifyingly malevolent, and begins to glow even brighter
>just then, it occurs to you
>oh no
>those masked ponies can probably see her in here
>you bite your lip for a moment, before making up your mind
>as the stomping gets closer, you whisper under your breath
"When I give the word, run for it!"
>you feel Sweetie and AB shift around above you, which you assume means they agree
>the sounds get closer, they're practically right in front of the bush now
>you can't stand it anymore
"Go!"
>you all bolt from the shrub at top speed, rushing directly between the figures approaching, a high-pitched jibbering causing the bush to rustle and shake!
>you're amazed all three of you make it past, until you see part of the reason why: at the same time you made your break for freedom, something else exploded from the nearby mansion
>something huge, its enormous jaws held open in a piercing roar as it swims through the air, its long fish-like tail propelling it through the sky as its golden scales shine in the pale moonlight
>with that fight in progress, you're able to quickly slip past, the cacophony of noises and the adrenaline crashing through your veins overriding anything other than fight-or-flight
>you break for the road and then run down it, looking desperately around for any way out of this place
>it seems like every place you look, there's some new monster
>a puddle of shadows jetisons a pile of bones out of it, the black goo that threw them crawling towards it
>you hear the deep rumble of a giant's roar as living winds swirl around something fifteen stories tall, with glowing red eyes and hands made of cloud and storm
>"Scootaloo! Where are we going?!"
>you hear Sweetie yell behind you
>she's right
>you need to find a gate, or an exit, or a
>!
>a door!
>you see the mist stop like a solid wall a few feet from the door to one of the mansions, and something in your mind just knows
>that ornate blue door is your ticket out
>you don't have time to wonder why you know that, you just do
"This way! Follow me!"
>you charge, lungs on fire and muscles full of battery acid
>you can practically feel the claws of something vicious on your neck, but one last push, and--
>the moment your hoof sets foot beyond the fog, two things happen
>you hear a dismayed shriek from whatever was chasing you
>and you see an eye
>well
>to say you "see" it isn't quite right
>you comprehend it
>set against the black, an eye with a golden iris stares at you
>no, truly it stares through you
>and as it does, you feel something you know you shouldn't
>a wave of disinterest washes over you, like you've just sat through a thousand years of boring lectures
you should probably turn around and go back wherever you came from, really
>but you know, logically, if you do that, there's no way you'll make it back
but you understand that really, there's nothing there, so it's best to turn away
>nothing but a blue door
that isn't there, you must have mistaken it for something else
>it's your only way out of
you can't, though
>you blink a few times, your heart pounding out of your chest even as you fight the impulse to turn around and walk away
>the eye, the eye in your mind, continues to stare
you continue to realize that exploring in this direction is utterly pointless
>but you need to get to safety, and bring Belle and Bloom with you
you understand, however, that you are
「unwelcome」
in this place
>something warm runs down the side of your head from the ear
>but you take another step forward
>you're distantly aware of the sound of something hitting the ground to your left
it would be wise to check on them and turn away from the nothing you're so intent on seeing
>and you simultaneously know that doing that would just seal your fate
>you can't run forever, and now one of your friends is unconscious
and so you know that you must tend to them, if they are to have any hope of surviving
>no, you NEED to--
Y̶̢̛̻̋͌͐́͑̉̈͆̀̈̈́̌͑̃̃̃̈́̚͘Ǫ̶̩̣̟͈̬̉̒́̇̽͑͆̈̀͌͂͋̏̿̀Ų̵̪̺̼̳̦̦͉̼̈̓͒̽̈́̒̿̋́̐̊̆̔̔̃͒̈͘̕͠͠ͅ ̵̛̦̮̜̜͉̼̠̖̤͇̦̽͂̾̏̈́͗́̍̆̋̎̍̉̔͐̉̈́̏͝D̴̢̖̃̾̊̄͊̓̈́͌̔̔͐̄́̃͝Ơ̷̰̱̌̀̉̒͂͋̔̚ ̷̨̨̛̫̝͈̮̝͍͈̦͚͕͍̣̫̜̟̜̼̱̔̿̈̓̑͛̉͗͋͊͒̔̚͜͠ͅṈ̴̨̡͕̗̞͍̹͔̤̪͈͗̒̀́͌̃̈̈́̔̇͘̚̚O̶̡͉̗̱͖͚͈͖̫͋͌̈́̆͛͒̀̏̓̕Ť̶͍̼̹̝̖̭̱̮̳̻̟̥̣̔̇͛̈́̎͛̀̈̉̄͌̀́̔̇͋̚͘͘͜͝͠>
>
>
>you comprehend the eye focusing itself fully on you, and whatever you were thinking stops
>faintly, you wonder why the world is tilting
>it's like watching someone drop a film camera
>your vision gets fuzzy, and a little red at the bottom
>if you could just get inside, you know that you could save yourself, and save your friends
>the eye is burned into your perception
>or your memory of your perception
>it stares you down, even as your thoughts fade away into nothing
>the world is just color and noise now
>
>
>
>
>...
>the last thing you remember is the sound of blasting wind and a flash of blue rushing at you



>!
>"Ah, good. It would appear you have a strong recollection of preceding events."
>the tuxedoed man before you tents his fingers, looking pleased
>at least, you think he looks pleased, so far you've really only seen one expression on his face
>"However, as I said, your presence here is most unexpected:"
>"The Velvet Room exists between dream and reality. Between mind and matter."
>his grin widens even more, and you notice that the pianist has finished their performance, as has the singer
>"Make no mistake, however. Your current condition in no way straddles these lines. You are very truly here. How interesting."
>"Further, you are neither under contract, nor was one forged in accordance with your immanent arrival."
>you look down at the young alicorn sitting next to him, and get a slight shock
>their eyes glow with a golden hue that looks all too familiar, with the benefit of hindsight
>"For fate to guide you to this moment, your destiny must be truly extraordinary!"
>the long-nosed old man gives a wheezing laugh, waving his hand over the table
>where his hand moves, you see a set of cards fan out, all sorts of colors and designs, like they were built from the remains of several different decks
>"By way of compensation, may we offer you an examination of your journey?"
>"Since you have already so vividly examined your past, perhaps a glimpse of what may await you is prudent."
>he holds his hands out to you, offering for you to select a card
>hesitantly, you reach out and draw one from the left edge of the deck, embossed with a blue back
>with a flick of his gloved wrist, Igor bids the card to turn over
>you see...
>a tree, its boughs wrapped around each other to form a heart
>standing beneath it on either side are a man and a woman
>the sun shines down on both of them, and fruit dangles from the tree within reach of both
>"Ah, the Lovers!"
>"This card, the most immediate in your future, alludes to unions and partnerships, as well as a resolute commitment. It is a card fraught with import, and the choices it portends should not be taken lightly!"
>he nonetheless gives a gentle laugh, looking expectantly up to you to choose again
>this time, you opt for something a little to the right of center, your hoof drawing out a card with a red back this time
>Igor again gestures, and the card obediently rotates around one side, flipping over to reveal...
>?
>you see a thin, gaunt man with a skull mask, beheading a cartoonish man in a crown with a scythe
>the scene is painted in reds, blacks, and grays
>between the strange art style and the fact that it's upside down, it takes you a second to fully understand what you're looking at
>"Hmm, Death!"
>!
>"Ah, worry not, young visitor, the card known as Death is not so dreary as the name might imply."
>"Death is a card of endings, but not of the end. It instead calls to mind deep and profound change, as well as acceptance of what may come."
>"Reversal, then, is denial of such things, and resistance to them."
>"Further in your future, you may wish to ask yourself whether this Death beckons you, and whether you will answer its call."
>it seems he still expects you to draw again
>you reach forward for one of the middle-most cards, and your hoof taps one with a dark ebony border
>when the wizened old man gestures, though, the card lays limply upon the table
>tilting his head to one side, he reaches forward to touch it, picking it up between two fingers to examine it before looking from the card to you
>"Well now... this is most peculiar indeed!"
>he sounds delighted, but as you've seen, that doesn't necessarily mean much
>handing the card to you, he drums his fingertips on the edge of the blue covered table, apparently thinking hard about how to respond
>when you get the card, you immediately see the problem
>the card depicts a silhouette of a woman, surrounded at several angles by the heads of lions
>but from the stylized nature of the card, and the ambiguous outline of the woman, you can't determine if the lines from woman to lion are chains binding her, or arms reaching out to them
>you can't tell if the lions' heads are bowed towards her, or reaching for her
>"Hunger and Strength: Two cards, intertwined, which deal with savage impulse and use of power. While closely related, to describe them as either alike or opposite would be an error. For a card to be so unclear as not to resolve itself to a single depiction, your fate must be truly remarkable!"
>he pauses for a moment, long slender fingers stroking his chin pensively
>"As you continue on your journey, you may find yourself beset by choices, which will bring about a radical change, thus creating a precarious position wherein your use of strength is tested. You may find it prudent to be mindful of such events, and your handling thereof!"
>"Well, with that, I do believe your business in this room has been concluded."
>the pony sitting beside him clears their throat and speaks for the first time
>"If there is nothing further to address, I would be happy to escort you to the exit."
>the sharp tone of their voice leaves little doubt in your mind that they're less than amused with you and your visit here
>!
>you suddenly get a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach as the distance between you and the table grows before your eyes
>you look backwards and see the door sliding toward you, like gravity had shifted and your body is just now catching up
>you turn your head back towards the inhabitants, something welling up within you as thoughts run unbidden through your mind
>memories of a dream you almost forgot, of the moon looming closer to your home
>memories of a dark cage and a grating, spiteful laugh
>without thinking, you open your mouth...

I'll leave when I have some answers.
>What about my friends?
You can't just throw me out!

"What about my friends?"
>you meet the attendant's eyes with a frigid glare in return, feeling your hooves dig into the blue carpet beneath them
>their eyebrows raise practically into their cap, and you start walking toward the table, crossing the distance that had grown without your traversing it
"I don't remember them coming in, they aren't here now, and I'm sure as hay not leaving without them."
>you continue, approaching the pair and then planting yourself firmly in front of it
>rearing up, you place your forehooves on the cloth-covered surface of the table, now at eye level with Igor
"So, what happened to them?"
>Agatha actually takes a small step backwards, looking incredibly embarassed
>your gaze switches from the attendant to their master
>who of course gives you that same unchanging smile in response
>"Please, excuse Agatha's impertinance; she is, perhaps, a bit overzealous in her protectiveness."
>"However, if your concern is with your companions, you need not worry."
>"Their safety has already been guaranteed by your actions thus far; you may rest assured that upon your successful return to your home, they will accompany you."
>"In order to preserve their well-being, we have precluded them from any further activity for the time being."
>"Please understand: We are acting in the best interest of all involved."
>you... guess that'll work?
>you don't get the impression that he's lying, in any case
>"Moreover, you have exhibited both an astounding penchant for self-assertion, and a delightfully unique destiny."
>"Were a catastrophe to threaten your existence, I have no doubt you would rise to the occasion masterfully, don't you agree?"
>he addresses his question to the alicorn, who nods once after a moment's contemplation
>"Of course, it is just as well that no such danger is present for your world."
>the well-dressed proprietor of the Velvet Room clarifies
>"And yet, it is perhaps regrettable that there is no armageddon against which you might clash."
>Agatha remarks, looking a bit worried
"What's that supposed to mean?"
>you'd just as soon nothing terrible happen, all things being equal
>the two share a look that you can't really interpret
>"Allow me to speak plainly,"
>the elderly man declares, leaning forward and tenting his fingers almost conspiratorially
>"Your arrival in this room, from an entrance through which you should not have been able to pass, presents a conundrum."
>"It is the role of the Velvet Room to assist those who have or will enter into a contract with us, and yet there is no basis on which we may form such a bargain."
>Agatha lets out a small 'ahem' to draw your attention
>"And while you have all the markings of one who is to be helped, there is no threat with which you require assistance."
>Igor nods and continues her thought for her
>"As it stands now, we can offer you no aid in returning home, as doing so would directly interfere with the decisions which guide your fate. This would be considered a grave violation of a standing agreement, and would have deleterious consequences."
>they're both silent for a moment, deep in thought
>"However,"
>Agatha begins
>"However."
>Igor agrees
"However?"
>you ask, not picking up at all on what they're thinking
>"There is a way that a contract can be made."
>"Because you arrived through the Sea of Dreams, you are not by necessity tethered to only your world."
>?
>you arch your eyebrow at that
>"The swirling abyss of infinite possibilities by which you came."
>"Set amidst it are islands of existence, might-have-beens, what-ifs, and never-weres."
>Agatha interjects, before allowing Igor to continue
>"Were you to assist some these differing realities, you would then yourself be in need of aid, which we could provide."
>"However, this would carry with it a 「burden」, which you would need to assume in order to grant you agency in these worlds."
>Agatha's harsh expression softens slightly as she speaks up again
>"Your compatriots will remain safe regardless, and their choices are of course their own."
>Igor nods appreciatively at her, before turning to you again
>"And so, we must ask you:"
>"Do you agree to these terms?"
>"Will you help these alternate worlds in exchange for what aid we can offer you?"

>This is a very important decision
>you must choose wisely

Yes
No
>I have some questions...

"Hold on a sec, you didn't even tell me what 'helping alternate worlds' means!"
>you hold up a hoof to stop Igor, who leans back slightly in response
>"Ah, of course, a fair question. Consider: your world is safe, but it was not always so."
>"In times of crisis, those with sufficient will have stepped forward to dissuade the nihilistic tendencies of those in power."
>"Let us refer to them as heroes."
>Agatha's smile is just a little proud as she speaks up
>"It's within our power to assist, when the threat of self-destruction is immanent, and a hero answers the call."
>but as quickly as her smile grew, it fades
>"But in order to help, they must first answer."
>Igor leans back in, ever-grinning and ever-proper
>"If you were to agree, then, you would do well to search for those who are restrained by their own trepidation."
>"If you liberate them from the illusions plaguing them, we may in turn answer their desire to affect change."
>you think about this for a second, looking around the silent Velvet Room at its inhabitants
>your gaze gets drawn back to the large blue door at your back, and you feel a tightening in your chest

"...If I say yes, would I have to start right now?"
>Igor gives a chuckle at your question
>"If that is your wish, I suppose arrangements could be made."
>he laughs again, before shaking his head
>"However, it ill behooves you to charge in headlong. Both you and your companions would be better served by a period of recuperation."
>Agatha nods along, but seems to have less to comment about on this matter
>"I regret to say there is little more that may be revealed to one without a formal agreement."
>"It is, after all, not yet officially your place to know."

>It seems there is a limit to what you can learn from Igor and the others without accepting a contract and the accompanying burden
>do you accept the terms of the agreement?
>this is a very important decision
>you must choose wisely

>Yes
No
I still have more questions!

"...Okay."
>you take a steadying breath, steel yourself, and hold a hoof out for Igor to shake
"These ponies sound like they need help, at least as much as I do. So if it'll get me and my friends home, and help them?"
>you smile, ready for whatever comes next
"I accept."
>Igor gives a single clap, the most animated you've seen him since you first came to in his Room
>"Excellent, truly excellent!"
>he reaches a hand out and takes your hoof almost daintily, giving it the most delicate of shakes
>as he does, you feel something in his hand, which when you draw back, you realize is a small badge
>just as he's moving his hand away, you hear the other two young alicorns begin their respective performances again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGqoPQZyUsk

>the badge looks startlingly familiar, just like the emblem on your Crusader capes
>a young pony in a cape set in a heraldic shield emblem
>this one, however, is smaller, and mostly gold with black highlights
"Um... what's this?"
>Agatha floats it up with her magic and presses it against your chest
>?
>you feel a strange warmth coming from the place where it nestles in your coat
>"This is the aid we can offer, which is a necessary part of your task."
>"So long as you are a guest of the Velvet Room in this capacity, you shall have the Complex of Ego."
>"You may think of it as a badge of recognition of one's true self."
>you feel it pulse against you every couple of seconds, not to the point of distracting you, but simply reminding you it's there
>with each pulse, you feel that eerie sensation of someone's eyes on you

Obtained: Ego Complex

>you're shaken from your reverie by a small noise of something dragging on cloth
>Agatha is the one to present you with the other item, placing her hoof on the table and then lifting it away
>you see a rectangular card depicting a tri-colored shield in red, pink, and purple that exactly mirrors your cutie mark
>Igor picks it up between two fingers and offers it to you
>before he lets go of it, he tells you in his strange, meandering cadence
>"This, then, is the 「burden」 which is inextricable from your task."
>"If you are to enact meaningful change in the other existences to which you travel, you must endure the weight of responsibility which is indivisible from choice."
>"So long as the world in which you reside lacks a hero able to forge a contract, you will be obliged to stand in their place, with all of the rewards and consequences thereof."
>he holds out his free hand as if presenting his idea in physical form, his eyes narrowing due to the constant grin he wears
>"Once conferred to a resident of that existence, you will be relieved of said burden, and thus able to move freely between realities."
>at that, he finally lets go of the small rectangular object, and you take it in your hoof
>as soon as you do, though, it seems to vanish into thin air
>but although the card isn't physically on your person, a figure grows more prominent in your mind
>a form of sleek, beautiful black steel accentuated with streamlined engines and compact missile silos
>its surface crisscrossed with joints that hide a mechanical giant inside the avian shell

Obtained: Hero Complex

>"Now, with that taken care of...?"
>Agatha looks to her master cautiously
>he simply nods to show approval
>"If you don't have any further objections, it would be wise to return you to your world of origin, sooner rather than later."
>"After all, the Velvet Room wasn't built with prolonged accommodation in mind, even for its guests."
>you still sense a certain urgency to her voice, but this time tempered with... dare you call it concern?
>she trots around the table to you, walking with you to the door
"And my friends--"
>you start, but she stretches a wing out and pats your back with it gently
>"When you step outside, they will be placed in the location most reasonable for them to have been. Like yourself."
>as if on cue, the door starts to open, and you can clearly see the outline of your dresser and bed through the space between door and frame
"And what if I need to come back here?"
>she admonishes the idea, waving it away
>"Now that you are welcome, you will find your way here in times of need."
>"But truly, you should rest and recover from your escapades this night."
>as you step through the door, you feel a dull 'th-thump' against your chest
>"Rest well, and we await your next visit, honored guest."
>you turn to bid farewell to the navy-blue alicorn, but when you look back, your closet door shows no signs of supernatural activity
>as suddenly as you arrive, you feel exhaustion soak into every muscle in your body
>like you just ran a marathon
>(or at least hiked an entire neighborhood and then fled for your life from literal monsters)
>and without any further deliberation, you climb into bed
>you're practically out before your head hits the pillow, a dreamless and restful sleep overtaking you

-Palomino Apartments-
Morning

>...
>urgh
>you grumble a little, pulling your covers up further and curling up underneath them
>but between that and your costume, it's getting too warm to sleep much longer
>you start to pull down the felted wolf cap to see if you can keep the light out long enough for another five minutes of rest
>but you know you should probably just bite the bullet and get up
>"Hey."
>you hear Al's gruff voice from the other side of your bedroom door
>he knocks once, and you can actually hear him scratch his stubbled face
>"You up yet? I got work soon."
"Nnn."
>you groan, grudgingly acknowledging you're conscious
>"Wouldn't be so tired if you weren't out so late, sleepyhead..."
>you hear him mutter
>"Anyway, breakfast is on the table, don't let it get too cold."
>you hear him start to walk out before pausing and turning back around
>"Oh, and don't just eat candy for breakfast either."
>and with that, you hear him walk across the apartment, and a moment later the door opens and closes
>part of you wants to say that after last night, you have bigger things to worry about than breakfast
>but another part of you (specifically your stomach) argues that there's nothing more important than breakfast at the moment
>so you climb out of bed and then remove your costume, hanging it up in the closet you walked in from at the end of last night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmPSrxM0gZc

>when you open the bedroom door, you're greeted with the unmistakable scent of greasy fast food
>Al must've run to Hayburgers and grabbed something off the breakfast menu
>a Junior Number 3 with OJ is admittedly one of life's simple pleasures
>so you take his advice and walk over to the kitchen table, take a seat, and chow down, enjoying the savory taste of fried hay and Breakfast Sauce
>(you're pretty sure it's just a combination of two of their other sauces)
>their OJ isn't as good as fresh stuff, but it's perfectly passable
>as you munch, you can't help but remember the events of last night
>the panicked run from those ponies in the robotic looking masks
>the mantis-like miniature pony in the bush
>that giant made of clouds that was stomping around
>and now you're going to be seeing stuff like that again, soon?
>it feels like a bit much
>you put your hoof to your chest, recalling the medal that was placed there
>you can't feel the metal surface of it now, but you do feel a faint ba-bump against your chest as you remember it
>definitely not just a dream, then
>so, you can't help but wonder, when does it start?
>Igor and Agatha said when you were "recuperated", but how do you judge that?
>...
"Oh!"
>before anything else, you need to fill the girls in on what happened!
>you run over to the wall phone, picking it up and dialing Sweet Apple Acres
>you know the Apples are early risers, so odds are good they're already out and working
>but it's worth a shot...
>"Whazzat? Who's callin'?"
>you breathe a sigh of relief as Granny Smith finally picks up
"Granny! Is Apple Bloom awake? Can I talk to her?"
>"Eh? No, no, our apple room's one hundred per-cent real, who's this?"
"It's Scootaloo!"
>"No, I'M asking YOU who!"
"Scootaloo!"
>"Eh? Fruit loops? we only sell those in spring, sorry!"
>wait
>she sounds kind of far away, for being on the phone
>is she holding the phone upside down?
>"Granny, turn the phone over!"
>"Turnovers? Well, we can make a special order of 'em, but we'll need to talk to th'Cakes first!"
>she's killing you here
>ugh
>okay, uh
>maybe if you...
"Fancy, burn a cone for Rover!"
>"Wha?... Oh! Heheh, sorry 'bout that!"
>her volume spikes, and you have to hold the receiver a bit away from your ear
>but hey, progress!
"Granny, can you hear me now?"
>"Sure can li'l filly, sorry 'bout all that! Now, what was it you was lookin' fer?"
"Is Apple Bloom around?"
>"Can't imagine where else she'd be! But that filly's been tucked in 'er bed tighter'n all git out this mornin'."
>hm
>it might be better to let her rest, all things considered
>but you really need to call a meeting
"...Could you tell her when she wakes up that we're holding a meeting? Tell her it's a code blue?"
>"Sure as shootin'! Code blue, got it! Now, how many turnovers did ya want, again?"
"We'll, um, talk about it when we get there?"
>"Alrighty, be sein' ya!"
>you hang up the phone and let out a sigh of relief
>okay, at least that's--
>"SCOOTALOO!"
>you hear a frantic knocking on your door and walk over to see what all the commotion's about
"Sweetie?"
>opening it, you get tackled back inside immediately in a hug
>"Scoots! Oh thank Celestia, when I woke up I was so worried! There was that big fish monster thing, and those creepy ponies, and then we were running towards a house and I must've tripped or something, and I thought... I thought..."
>Sweetie Belle squeezes you tighter, and you give her a hug in return
>she sniffles a bit, before looking up at you
>"Are you alright? Did you hear from Apple Bloom yet? How did we get back home? Where did we--"
>you hold up a hoof, and she calms down, as the two of you get back to your hooves and trot inside
"I'm fine, and I think Apple Bloom is too. I just called, and Granny said she was still asleep, so she probably just needs some rest."
>you sit back down at the table, thinking how best to phrase the answer to her next question
"How we got back is... kind of a long story. I think we need to talk about it with AB, too, so we're going to meet up at the clubhouse. After that, we can go from there."
>she nods, seeming to calm down a touch when she realizes you have a plan
>well, the beginnings of one, at least
>anything that involves "make the rest of the plan" as one of the steps is a pretty weak plan
>but anything's better than nothing, you think
"Are you okay, though? You don't feel weird or anything, right?"
>Sweetie shakes her head, patting herself down to double-check
>"Just confused..."
>you can't blame her
>you are too, to be honest
"Don't worry, we'll figure it out. Did you eat before you came over?"
>she thinks about it for a second before shaking her head
>makes sense, she had other things on her mind
>you walk over to the pantry, opening it up and looking through it for something she can snack on
>lots of junk food, of course, but you do eventually find a quick-cook packet of oatmeal
>this one has little chunks of dehydrated apple and brown sugar dust mixed in
"Is this okay?"
>you hold the bag out for her to look at, and she gives you a thankful smile and a nod
>you dump them into a small pan and pour some water over top of them, setting them on the stove over low heat
>maybe not gourmet cuisine, but it'll do in a pinch
>as you wait for that to heat up, you take another few bites out of your rapidly cooling fast-food breakfast
>the quality goes downhill fast when it's not fresh out of the fryer
>your eyes land on the paper Al brought in this morning
"Hey... wonder if anything got published about last night?"
>you open the first section up, flipping through it searching for possible mention of property damage and strange visitors
>but the headline doesn't read "INVADERS AND MONSTERS DESTROY NEIGHBORHOOD, MANSION IN RUINS"
>it doesn't even talk about "SPOOKY FOG ENVELOPS TOWN, CREEPY MASKED PONIES ROAM THE STREETS"
>...wait, that's just Nightmare Night
>still, surely someone else saw something, right?
>"Scootaloo...?"
>the worried tone in Sweetie's voice is enough for you to immediately drop the paper
>"Where'd you get this?"
>she holds up a second paper, much thinner, but with an all-too-recognizable title: "Foal Free Press"
>but what sends your heart plummeting into your stomach is the front-page article, and a byline you were sure you'd never see again

Exposé: Treasonous Teacher Poisoning Young Minds at the Source!

Gabby Gums

Gentle breezes, blinking stars and a vibrant moon bless our town of Hypnos with a singularly beautiful view of the night we residents too often take for granted. But though there are no threats of rain in the weekly forecast according to our favorite meteorologist Winter Sky, there ARE dark storm clouds brewing on the horizon. For the source of this cold front, one need look no further than the humble schoolhouse P.S. 107, administrated and taught by one Cheers Liqueur. No simple band of lightning and thunder, this haggard mare and rumored liquor bootlegger is brewing up a storm of insurrection as baffling as it is dangerous.

According to sources close to the educator, she has been growing increasingly outspoken in her presentation of biased misinformation far out of line with both the state-approved curriculum and basic common sense. Her insistence on spreading and attempting to legitimize the spurious rumors of food shortage in the Appaloosa and Manehattan regions has long made her an easy target for ridicule, but in recent lessons, her focus seems to have turned completely from education to doom-saying:

"[They] cannot survive on less than 4 hours of sunlight, regardless of what anyone wants to tell you. It is [...] killing ponies because of the-- the SELFISHNESS of-- that is to say, I mean, the ill advisement of[...] our leaders."

Numerous studies sponsored by the Agricultural Council have repeatedly disproven the widely-spread rumor regarding plant nutrition, of course. It is this reporter's personal experience that several species of plant grow and even thrive in low-sunlight conditions, and one can't help but wonder what kind of fruits Ms. Licquer might be attempting to cultivate. (Certainly not the Vitis Vinifera, used in the manufacture of illegal substances which a close relative of hers was recently jailed for producing and selling, though curiously this particular strain DOES require the extended sunlight exposure our subject was pressing for.) However strongly she wishes they were true, Cheers' alternate facts simply don't hold water, and this reporter in particular sincerely hopes she has the good sense to quit while she's ahead.
>you let the paper flop onto the table
>hooooo boy
>"Scoots?"
>Sweetie asks nervously
>you hold up a hoof, your mind going a mile a minute as you try to make this fit with what you know
>Gabby Gums was just a pseudonym you and your friends used to... well, you aren't really proud of what you did
>there was a lot of rumor mongering, and it got you in a lot of hot water
>but you haven't used that name in forever
>heck, you haven't even written an article for the paper in years
>when was the last time the Foal Free Press even put out an issue?
>Featherweight took a break at the end of that semester, and you can't remember anyone starting a new run when the next school year started
>but the paper has today's publication date
>so someone's publishing a story under your old name
>even so, Featherweight would have had to okay the publication, right?
>that colt would never okay something this tawdry: not that anypony has much bad to say about Cheerilee anyway, but he has more integrity than to run a story about her like this
>something doesn't quite add up
>actually, a lot of things don't add up
"Hey Sweetie, could you call the Apples? If you get ahold of someone, have them tell Apple Bloom it's a Code Red now."
>"Sure! Um, but where are you going?"
>you walk to the front door, opening it and peaking out
"Damage assessment."
>you look down the street a ways, and spot what you're looking for:
>Ms. Raintree hasn't gotten her paper yet this morning, it's still sitting on the stoop in front of her apartment
>neither have a couple of your other neighbors
>you hope they won't mind just this once
>you make a break for it, running over and grabbing a couple papers from off the nearby doorsteps before sprinting back to your place
>with the door closed behind you, you flip one of the papers open, poring over each page
>sure enough, folded in at the very back of the paper is a small copy of the same Foal Free Press with the same headline
>knowing where to look now, you rifle through the others as well
>in each one, a crisp, freshy printed issue of Foal Free Press
>okay... this has to be a prank of some kind, right?
>like, the worst prank ever, but maybe
>but then how did they make enough copies for the whole town?
>"Nopony picked up, I let it ring for almost a minute."
>Sweetie informs you in a concerned tone, hovering her cooked bowl of oatmeal in front of her as she takes another bite
>you must have gotten lucky, catching Granny Smith when you did
>at least it's early enough that most people haven't gotten their paper yet
>but that's liable to change the later it gets
>a thought lingers in the back of your mind
>you don't know anypony who calls Ms. Cheerilee "Cheers" that you can think of
>maybe this is tied to that "alternate worlds" thing from last night?
>you can't decide if it'd make this better or worse if it is
>but you need to focus on getting everyone together and forming a plan, first
"Then we should go. We need to get over to Apple Bloom, check on her, and talk about how we're going to deal with this!"
>you give Sweetie a confident smile you wish you were more sincere about
>she smiles back, and you get the impression she might be faking it a little too
>but you'll fake it together, you decide, trashing your thoroughly chilled breakfast burger
>you give Sweetie a second to finish her breakfast while you grab your saddlebags from your room
>then, once you're both ready, the two of you sneak out as quietly as you can, you leading the way along the quieter streets as you head for the Apple Family Farm

-Sweet Apple Acres-
Morning

>you and Sweetie keep to a decent trot, your hurry tempered by the fact that Sweet Apple Acres is, well
>acres and acres of farmland
>as you come jogging up, you see a rustle in one of the upstairs windows of the farmhouse
>and before you actually get to the porch, Apple Bloom is already outside, running to meet you
>"Girls!"
>"Apple Bloom!"
"Apple Bloom!"
>you catch her as she grabs onto the both of you in a hug that's just a little too tight
>you can't help but feel happy just being reunited with your friends
>even so, you have to concentrate on fixing this newspaper issue!
"C'mon inside girls, Ah got a good idea what this might be about..."
>she gestures to follow her, and you and Sweetie join her in the walk to the clubhouse
>"It's the paper, right?"
>she asks in a lower voice, looking around to make sure none of her family is in earshot
>you both nod in response
"There's no way Featherweight would've published that article. He turned down one of Ruby's articles because she didn't have her citation in the right style once, there's no way he'd let someone write under that pseudonym."
>you whisper, trotting side by side with Apple Bloom
>"It ain't right."
>Apple Bloom agrees
>"And besides, how'd they get it to every house in Ponyville? That takes a whole team of ponies to do for the regular paper!"
>"No, Ah mean, it ain't right."
>the three of you trot up to the door of the clubhouse together, slipping inside as quickly as possible
>you walk in, only to see most of the benches and tables cleared off, with a couple books opened to various pages
>Apple Bloom walks over to the copy of the newspaper she has, the individual pages laid out over the table she had previously been painting her model on
>you can see a few different phrases highlighted
>"Ah had to check t'be sure, but this whole article's just wrong. Factually, Ah mean."
>she points at the book nearest you, and you look at the entry in the "Junior Farmer's Kid Dictionary" near the back that it's opened to
>huh
>"Vitis Vinifera is just grapes. Ah double-checked with my sister just t'be sure, but there ain't no laws on what ya can or can't grow, so long as it ain't on a blacklist. Which, o' course, grapes aren't."
>she points at a note next to the paper she scribled out next
>"Ain't no schools around here that use numbers fer their names, either. Ah thought it sounded kinda familiar though, so I called Babs. She said there ain't none in Manehattan that use that number."
>Apple Bloom winces slightly at that
>"Then she said Ah should probably not call 'til after 7, since her dad woke up 'cause of it."
>but she brushes it aside and continues
>"And have y'all ever heard of Hypnos? Sweetie, your sister ever ship anything there? 'Cause Ah can't remember ever hearin' of it 'fore now..."
>Sweetie thinks for a minute before confirming
>"Nope. Not that that means anything for sure."
>"So, it looks like this whole paper's a big ol' fake, if you ask me!"
>AB declares
"So... what do we do about it, though?"
>you think out loud, pondering your predicament
>"I mean, we can just tell everyone that we didn't write it, right?"
Sweetie suggests hopefully
>"But if'n they keep publishin' stories in our name, Ah dunno how long folks'll stand for it."
>Apple Bloom points out
"Yeah. I more meant, how are we going to make them stop? Because we can't let them hurt anypony with a bunch of rumors, right?"
>you chime in
>"Yeah," Apple Bloom agrees
>"Yeah!" Sweetie affirms
"Alright then. So let's..."
>you've agreed to find the author of the most recent Foal Free Press edition
>but where should you start looking?
>well, given what you know so far...

Let's find out who delivered today's papers and see if they know anything
Let's see if we can find out more about this Hypnos place
>Let's go to the school's journalism club room

"Let's go over to the school, and check the journalism club."
>you look to the girls for approval, and they both nod in agreement
>"Yeah, if they pushed out this many papers, there's no way they didn't leave some evidence behind!"
>Sweetie Belle reasons
>"And if'n nothin' else, it'll be a good place to plan our next move."
>Apple Bloom agrees
"Sounds good. Do we need anything before we head out?"
>Apple Bloom shakes her head and looks around at the mess
>"Ah imagine we're better off travelin' light anyhow, but Ah can't think of much we'd need. Ah'll grab m'saddle bags from the house and we'll go."
>you and Sweetie follow her down and over to the farmhouse
>you're kind of surprised how into this Bloom is, but it's great to have somepony who can keep a cool head when things are hectic like this
>so when she gets back downstairs, you let her take the lead as you all head towards town
>the three of you doing your best to stay out of the spotlight the whole way there

-Ponyville Schoolhouse-
Morning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyM_C95HLPA

>when you arrive at the large red schoolhouse, you say a silent thanks that it's not crowded with people who had the same idea as you
>looks like nopony decided to come to school on a Saturday, luckily
>but as you approach the building itself, something immediately strikes you as odd
>the door is left ajar
>even if Ms. Cheerilee leaves the door unlocked for ponies to come in and study, she'd never just leave the door hanging open
>you start to say something, but Bloom hushes you and motions to stay low
>you nod, creeping up to the door just behind her as you all infiltrate
>on the edge of your hearing is a knocking noise and a rhythmic cranking sound, like gears
>as you make it into the building proper, your ears perk up
>the sound's definitely coming from in the building
>other than that though, there's nothing immediately out of place that you can see
>Belle is already searching between the rows of desks for clues, and Bloom sticks by the door, keeping watch
>so you head towards door at the back of the classroom where different rooms are cordoned off for various club activities
>as you get closer, you can tell:
>that sound's definitely coming from somewhere beyond that door
>but as you pass Ms. Cheerilee's desk, the sound starts to slow, the rhythmic whirring winding down
>is there someone back there?
>you silently motion to your friends, who trot over as quietly as they can
>when they're with you, the three of you huddle near the teacher's desk
"Okay, I think we might have the culprit cornered. If we all go in at the same time--"
>"Wait, where?"
>Apple Bloom interrupts, looking around for something she might have missed
>"Wait, do you think somepony's actually here?"
>huh?
"Did you all not hear that noise?"
>they both shake their heads, giving you a worried look
"There was this chugging sound, like... like the printing press! Of course!"
>you realize suddenly
>that has to be what it was
>now that you think about it, that's definitely what the hand-cranked one sounded like
>you hop up, running over to the door
>throwing it open, you look wildly around the room
>when you do, though, all you're greeted by is a mess of papers
>you see two tightly wrapped bundles of news script next to the door, and a small pile of loose ones laying at the foot of the machine
>but nopony is in the room, unless they managed to slip between two sheets of paper somehow
>the place is just too small to hide anypony, even the desk that Diamond Tiara had moved in here wasn't large enough to conceal anypony
>and Featherweight and Shady Days helped move that out after she got ousted from the position of editor-in-chief
>Sweetie and AB poke their heads around the door frame too, as you walk inside
>you had to have just missed them, right?
>"Scootaloo... you sure you heard somethin'?"
"Pretty sure, yeah!"
>you respond back, rifling through some of the materials on the table
>all the developed photos and drafts are for the final issue of last run, though, you recognize the group picture of all the students that Shady Days snapped for the end-of-school-year party
>"Just sayin', there weren't--"
>"Girls? Found a clue!"
>Sweetie holds up a hoof, showing you a black smear on it
>she points at where she'd smudged the top paper on the loose stack in front of the machine
>which must mean it's still fresh
>a-ha!
>you look around the room for more clues, but there doesn't seem to be much else
>there's a fine layer of dust on most everything in the room
>but while you're looking through a collection of archived papers, you hear Apple Bloom remark
>"Huh... What do y'all reckon this means?"
>Apple Bloom points to a sheet of paper, its faint golden glow seeming to set it apart from so much of the other material in the room:

Editorial Club
Class of '19

Do you wish to see the world from a different perspective? Do you relish in assisting others to be the best possible version of themselves? Do you wish to expose a new and amazing side of yourself to the world? Then join this year's Editorial Club! For new and experienced members alike, the exciting hobby of revisionism is within your grasp! Sign up now to receive a badge of membership and access to the Darkroom where further developments will take place!

>there are several lines underneath it, presumably sign-up spots for the club
>but looking more closely, one student is already on the club roster
>!
>your name, in your own hoofwriting, is scrawled out
>in a short second, a few ideas click together
>this paper must have something to do with your responsibility to Igor and Agatha
>you remember them saying that your friends were free to choose their own path
>but you also remember Igor mentioning the burden you'd have to carry
>and you're sure they'd have to carry it too, if they join you in doing this
>you can't let them do that, not without knowing the consequences
>so you give a little cough
"Um, girls... I think I've got a theory about what's going on here..."
>they both turn around, surprised at that news and possibly at your name being signed to the paper
>you begin to explain your time in the Velvet Room...

"...so, yeah. I think if you sign your name, it'll be just like with me. You'll have to do whatever this 'helping other worlds' stuff consists of."
>you finish, giving a hard stare at the list
>Sweetie is standing there a little slack-jawed, and AB looks a little annoyed
>"And why didn't y'all tell us 'fore now about this?"
>she asks, sounding a little hurt
>"Yeah! We should've been there to-- I don't know, to do SOMETHING!"
>Sweetie Belle cuts in
"I didn't remember it until just now! And..."
>you hesitate a little
"I didn't want you all to worry about it, if it was something I could do myself."
>you answer, suddenly feeling a touch guilty
>Apple Bloom shakes her head to herself, giving you a little noogie before pulling you into a hug
>"C'mon Scoots, how long have we all been friends? And we ain't never let each other struggle through somethin' alone if'n we could help it."
>"Yeah, that's what the Cutie Mark Crusaders are all about!"
>they both look back at the sign-up sheet for the Editorial Club
>"You said those two asked you to do this because ponies in these 'other worlds' need help, right?"
>Sweetie asks, to be sure
>you nod in affirmation
>"Then they never shoulda bothered askin'. Like you told 'em, we help anyone that'd need it, even if they ain't from 'round here."
>Bloom smiles, reaching over and picking up a quill from the nearby table
>she scrawls her name as best she can underneath yours, before looking to Belle
>a mint green sheen covers the feather and writes out her name in loopy, cursive script
>?
>the moment she lifts the quill from the last "e", you hear a noise behind you, as the handle on the printing machine starts to turn on its own
>it makes a sputtering, clanking noise, before you see two black blobs fire out from under the roller, ricocheting off the ceiling with a metallic twang!
>Apple Bloom manages to duck just in time as one zings over her head, and Sweetie jumps back on instinct when the other clacks off the floor
>they lose their momentum on the second bounce, each clattering to the floor loudly
>your suspicions are confirmed, as the black ink covering them sloughs away to reveal a pair of gold badges
>your friends look over to you, and you just nod solemnly
>so they pick up the two chunks of metal, looking them over before pressing them over their hearts
>as they do, you feel a resonating 'th-thump' from your own
>and memories of a dark castle come flooding back, a cold and lifeless land that you all were trapped in
>the forms of a masked bandito and a powerful magician standing against a fearsome foe
>you remember black, formless creatures approaching you, bursting into strange and impossible shapes
>from the looks on their faces, your friends remember too
>but as soon as the rush of memories occurred, it's over and done again
>"Whoa..."
>"What in tarnation...?"
"...Yeah."
>a newfound understanding is formed between the three of you
>of what was, and what is
>creeeeeaaaaak...
>you hear the sound of rusted hinges, and look over to where it came from
>the paper on the wall is now affixed to a door, carved so cleanly out of the wooden wall that you can hardly believe it's real
>the overhead light stops suddenly at the outline of the door, creating an almost-black rectangular hole beyond
>faintly, you can see a red light illuminating a couple indistinguishable shapes further in
>but what you take most immediate notice of is a small photo that flutters out of the doorway and onto the floor in front of it
>the same picture of Cheerilee as was used in the article from the other world, a hastily scrawled "G.G." and today's date written in the corner of the developed photo
>it almost feels like it's taunting you at this point
>so you take point, walking forward towards the darkness as your friends walk in just behind you
>as soon as you step in, the air feels noticeably cooler, and almost damp
>everything is bathed in a crimson hue, and now that your eyes have adjusted to the lower light, you can clearly see pans and lines of string with clothespins on them
>no mistaking it, this is a darkroom for processing photos
>you can see a few still resting in the developer liquid, which are still too new to make out
>others have been hung up on the string to dry, and you can see a couple of the subjects
>a darkened street with a decorative fountain at a three-way stop
>some far-off shots of a group of ponies who appear to be camping
>a castle set against a full moon
>"Think this is more of 'Gabby Gums' work?"
>Sweetie asks, unclipping one picture delicately and floating it over to you
>you see a picture of a building with a sign over the door, depicting a mug overflowing with frothy bubbles
"I don't know... it has to be, right? If they're the ones that made the paper, this would have to be them too, I think."
>you reason
>Apple Bloom is looking at some of the pictures set in the enlargers
>she hits a button on one of them and it emits a quick snap sound
>!
>a picture begins to develop on the paper that the enlarger is pointed at, one that shows a heavily armored pony wearing sharp plate mail in profile
>unfortunately, it looks like it was bleached in places, the face, one hoof, and a large chunk of the upper left-hand corner coming out completely white
>you reach over to the next one and hit the same button, eliciting another snap
>this one develops faster than the last, but even as it starts to show up, it's impossible to tell what it is
>it's a swirl of black and red, set amidst floating chaos
>but the longer you stare at it, the more detail seems to come in, small spikes and little feathers of color that reveal themselves on closer inspection
>it even looks like the center is moving, whirling in on itself
>you get a familiar sensation in the pit of your stomach, like you're dreaming that you're falling
>and the painting grows before your eyes, drawing closer with every second
>or are you the one drawing closer to it?


-???-
???

>you are alone
>your friends have been scattered from you, and for a time, you will need to fend for yourself
>please select the boon which you will use to reunite:

>Strength of mind
Strength of heart

>you feel a dissociation as you fall into the image on the screen, reaching backwards to try and grab your friends' hooves
>but the whorl of black and red takes you before you can even speak, throwing you into a veritable hurricane
>reds and golds and blacks spin around you, a cold clamminess seeping into your skin
>a cacophony of sound assaults your ears, drowning out your confused cry as you fall through the ether
>the colors begin to shift, reds and golds giving way to blues and purples and grays as you feel the tumbling sensation begin to even out
>your vision starts to cloud over, and you suddenly see a section of black growing larger as you approach it
>you brace for impact, and just barely manage to ready yourself in time as your hooves slam into the stone floor
>your knees buckle from the impact, letting out a wince as you come down hard
>but as your vision begins to recede into the fog, you feel a
>th-thump
>and a pulse radiates out from your chest
>it surges through your legs, filling them with strength
>your head clears like a fresh breeze blew in, and your body has a surge of warmth that brings you back from the brink
>and just like that
>you've arrived
-????????-
Jail Cell

>...not in the coziest of places, though, you note
>you're standing outside of a jail cell, a pair of rusty looking manacles bolted to the far wall
>the only life inside is a small patch of moss
>all the other cells in either direction are similarly empty
>but something about the decrepit cell, walls in disrepair, with only a tiny window to see the outside world through
>it puts you on edge
>like you snuck into someplace you shouldn't have
>you can see a set of stairs at one end of the hall, the rounded doorway left open and a bit of torchlight glowing into the room you're in
>so you follow them upwards, careful not to make any noise as you do so
>you look both ways as you come up the stairs, not entirely sure what to expect of this "new world"
>so far, from what you can tell, it's colder than what you're used to
>everything has a kind of clamminess to it, but you mostly chalk that up to being in some kind of stone building
>but you haven't seen any ponies yet, so you don't know if that's the only difference
>a sudden thought hits you:
>can you understand ponies from another world?
>are there even ponies here?
>what if you wound up in a world where everyone is a cat instead, would you get turned into a cat?
>what if--
>"Ugh, 'Hoof, I swear, if I hear you talk about her ONE more time...!"
>what if you get caught by somepony in someplace you're not supposed to be?
>you duck back into the stairwell, hiding behind the door and listening as best you can from your place in the shadows
>you can hear, amidst their talking, the rattle of metal on metal as they walk
>"C'mon, Wane, you're telling me you seriously don't think she's even kind of cute?"
>"I think you're solidly not in her wheelhouse, for a number of reasons."
>oh great, adult gossip
>you roll your eyes
>"She's in the MC, you're not going to make much headway hitting on her at the pub."
>"Yeah, well... it doesn't hurt to try, though. Worst thing she'll say is no."
>"She's already said no. Emphatically. And repeatedly."
>"Buuuuut, she's going to say yes this time. I've got a plan. And I'm headed down to the pub to put it in action."
>...
>"Want to join me?"
>"I shouldn't, and neither should you. Curfew, remember?"
>you hear a scratching noise that you would guess is pen on paper, and more rattling as they start to trot away
>as they wander off, you chance a peak from your hiding spot
>you can't see much, other than thick, dark plates and a shock of gold mane on one guard as they exit
>but at least you've confirmed they are equine
>and whether you wanted to or not, you've learned some are kind of obsessive?
>yeah, no thanks
>with the way clear, you step out of the shadows, hopping up on one of the chairs to look at what they were writing
>looks like a log book?
>you peruse through a few pages, and see a lot of different ponies' names and times scribbled out
"Wait..."
>you flip back a page, reading the list again
>in doing so, you spot a familiar name amongst several you don't
"Why is Zecora's name on this?"
>you flip the book back to its original page and set it back where it was
>is Zecora a part of this guard group, maybe?
>you must be someplace close to where she lives, if her name is written down here
>is this some spooky version of Twilight's castle, then?
>and this is her version of a visitor's book?
>you ponder this as you sneak closer to the door you saw those two ponies go through
>it leads to a much steeper, narrower, and longer staircase than the one you came up through...
>you hope this is a good idea
>how are you supposed to find these ponies with "trepidation"?
>...
>you guess hiding from ponies is probably kind of counter to your goal, now that you think about it
>?
>you pause, ear twitching as you detect somepony coming up the stairs
>somepony, you determine, wearing that same platemail
>okay, so you said you were going to not just hide from everyone
>but this is still kind of an uncomfortable place to get confronted by a bunch of guards
>you spot an orange glow as you hurry down the staircase, deciding at the last second to slip out onto that landing
>hopefully they're not paying too close attention...
>you plaster yourself against the wall that's only visible going downstairs, holding your breath
>three black-armored guards trot in perfect unison up the stairs past the landing, not even bothering with a sidelong glance
>phew
>you step away from the side of the wall you're pressed against, looking around for the first time
>it kind of looks like... a storage room, you'd guess?
>there are a few larger crates stacked in one corner of the room, as well as a few long rods you can't really tell the function of
>most of the room, however, is taken up with a trio of huge windows to the night sky, all three reaching down to the floor like a door into nothingness
"Wow..."
>you trot over hesitantly to the leftmost window, peeking over the edge cautiously...
>below you, stretching out in every direction, is a sea of trees, running right up to a sturdy stone wall
>you're easily several stories up, judging from the roofs of the buildings below
>you must be in some sort of castle, secluded in the woods...
>you can just barely spot some ponies milling about in the town within the castle walls
>further up, you spy the full moon peeking through the clouds
>the craters and shadows on its surface give it a forboding appearance, like a unicorn looking sidelong at you
>"It's a heck of a view, huh, squirt?"
"Yeah..."
>!
>a pair of magenta eyes glint from underneath you, pouncing up the wall beneath the window as you scramble backwards!
>you see, almost soundlessly, a black helmet draws itself up and over the point where floor and wall connect
>a pony with a blue coat and covered in dark plate crawls inside, a teal eye inset in her chestplate
>her leathery wings spread so wide they touch either side of the portal
>wait, that voice, those eyes--
"...Rainbow Dash?!"
>your voice cracks with relief, as you see your honorary big sister pull herself to standing position
>she gives you one of those proud grins you've gotten so used to seeing, dusting off a hoof against a section of plate in a silent gesture of
>yeah, I AM that cool
>"Surprised you decided to come up here, of all places,"
>she shrugs casually, looking around with one eyebrow raised
>"you get a little lost?"
>you chuckle nervously, scratching the back of your head
"I... I guess you could say that, yeah."
>you're not sure how you'd explain what really happened, but that's certainly one way of putting it
>she gives a kind of disappointed sigh, approaching you with her wings out and raised
>oh, right!
"Wait, what happened to your wings?"
>the question actually stops her in her tracks, blinking in disbelief for a second before letting out a snort of barely-contained amusement
>"Pfft... Hahaha! Are you serious?"
>she giggles, giving them a single flap that brings her back on her hind hooves, the wind actually strong enough to scoot you a couple inches back
>"Well, you must be out of it, so let's take care of you, huh? Last thing we'd want is for you just walking around the Princess' castle."
>the princess?
>you've only gone the once on a field trip, but you know for certain this isn't Canterlot
>her new look is really cool, but...
>you're not so sure you like it
>and when you meet her eyes, you see a predatory shine in them, the slit pupils focused on you almost hungrily
>it all sets the coat on the back of your neck on end
>but when you start backing away as she approaches, all of her joy evaporates like a drop of water on the surface of the sun
>"Look... just stop. If you step out of this room without a set of manacles, you're not looking at a slap on the wrist like last time."
>she sneers as she closes in on you
"Rainbow Dash...?"
>"They'll throw the book at you, and I'll personally be there to watch it happen."
>!
>she strikes a pose that splays her wings and puts her athletic form on display, forgoing any sense of subtlety as she circles to position herself between you and the exit
>"Now, intruder, lay down and surrender. You're officially under arrest,"
>'again', she mutters under her breath
>"by order of the Elite Lunar Guard!"
>and with that, she pounces at you, flying just slightly to your left in anticipation of your dash for the door!
>you duck under the diving strike, more on instinct than thanks to any formal training
>but Rainbow Dash lets her limbs absorb the force of her attack as she lands against the wall, before springing back and releasing it in a concentrated kick!
"Agh!"
>you feel a hoof plant itself in between your shoulder blades, and let out an involuntary cry of pain as it connects, driving the air from your lungs!
>the sheer force sends you sprawling, rolling over yourself from the strike as you struggle to pull yourself upright
>"Did you not hear me, you insolent little shit?! Lay! down!"
>she barks, leaping into the air before using the force of her wings' downbeat to try and press you flat against the floor
>but as you're trying to stand back up, the assault instead sends you scrambling for purchase, grasping futilely at the smooth stonework under your hooves as you feel yourself scooting ever closer towards the edge of one of the huge doorways into the void
>you manage to just barely bring yourself back to standing as the bat-ified version of your honorary big sis steps closer
"Rainbow Dash, please... don't do this! This isn't who you are!"
>your vision blurs a little as you stand against her, mind racing for a way to fix this problem before it spirals even further out of hand
>but before you can come up with the words, something lurking over her shoulder catches your attention
>th-thump
>the pulse of the medal against your chest seems to strengthen the presence of two pin-pricks set against the flickering torchlight
>and when Rainbow Dash speaks, you can hear overlaid on top of it a gruff voice, feminine but unmistakably hardened

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYoG7ebGI34

>"What? Don't you know who I am? What world are you living in, that you think I'd betray an order from the Princess?"
>a grey fog settles in the room, seeming to sap the oranges and blues and purples from the scene
>but as it does, the black outline of a figure astride RD's back grows more prominent, like a clear silhouette cut out of the surrounding atmosphere with a knife
>the longer she talks, the stronger the voice becomes, Rainbow Dash's own voice almost seeming to fade into the background as it speaks over her
>no... through her
>"The Elite Royal Guard exists for one purpose: to fulfill the will of our all-powerful ruler, Nightmare Moon! Who do you think you are, whelp? Defying me is to defy her!"
>another gust slams against you as you skid backwards another couple feet, your hooves only half-perched on solid ground anymore
>but something about what she said
>no, what IT said
>sparks a fire in you
>and when you look up, it's no longer with hope or despair in your eyes, but determination
"Really...?"
>you huff, some illogical part of your brain latching onto her boast about her loyalty
>it makes your blood boil, even thinking about it:
"That's what you think of yourself-- no, what you think of HER?!"
>you shout back at the thing attached to her, the humanoid figure over her shoulder actually bracing for a split-second as a pulse of some mysterious energy radiates out from you
>you can see it more clearly, now, even as the haze seems to obscure Rainbow Dash herself, some sort of armored figure sitting so heavily upon RD's back that she seems to struggle underneath it
>the constant pulsing beat of your heart as you take a step back toward you is rushing in your ears
>each beat seems to distort the very world around you, overlaying two different scenes
>in one, you see Rainbow Bat, confident in her strength and position, leering down at you from above
>in the other, you see your Rainbow Dash, the one you remember, a sister and a friend, not even trying to hide her proud grin
>in your mind's eye, you see the two of them overlaid on top of each other, like two films intercut on the same reel
>but they both, in your heart, ring true
>as she comes closer, you feel hope clashing with fear inside you
>feelings you recognize and those you don't
>something Igor said echoes in your memory...
>"So long as the world in which you reside lacks a hero able to forge a contract..."
>"You will be obliged to stand in their place, with all the rewards and consequences thereof."
>could that mean what you think it does?

>...
>an anchor of your 「true self」 has been called into question:
>which is the truer Rainbow Dash?
>the one before you?
>or the one you remember?
>...put another way
>do you cling to the vestiges of your past?
>or accept the gravity of your current situation?
>this is an important decision
>you must choose wisely

>The Rainbow Dash I know wouldn't just blindly follow what someone tells her!
If this Rainbow Dash just follows strength... I'll show her what real strength is!

"The Rainbow Dash I know wouldn't just follow someone because they're strong... she wouldn't just grovel before someone she doesn't believe in!"
>you rage at the dark figure as it approaches
"I'll remind you what it's like to be the real Rainbow Dash!"
>you spy something in the corner of your vision
>a blue card floats gently down from the sky, twirling in a graceful spin as it descends
>perfect, this is your chance!
"Per... SONA!"
>your wings buzz as you leap up, delivering a spinning kick to the card that shatters it into blue dust!

>!!!

>the moment the card shatters, you feel a searing pain light your skull on fire!
"Aaagh!"
>you can't contain a shout of agony as you land roughly, forelegs collapsing and sending you sprawling to the floor!
>there's an echoed cry as a form coalesces in front of you
>like the scream of an engine through the sky, but far too close, and far too loud
>a pitch-black jet appears in front of you, its engine smoldering as you take in the extent of its damage from your prone position on the floor
>it lets out a cry that reminds you of metal grinding against metal, a jagged hole torn in one wing, exposing a damaged mechanical arm underneath
>you wince, barely able to keep your sight focused, as the black figure lets out a grunt
>"So this is the strength of self-determination, is it?"
>it rasps, climbing off of Rainbow Dash
>the moment its feet touch ground, you see everything freeze solid in the gray haze, even RD's breathing
>the fire from the torches on the wall hold like they were painted there
>"Do you imagine yourself to be a savior? Such insolence... this world already has one of those. And I serve her with loyalty in response!"
>it steps methodically towards you, closing the distance at a leisurely pace, even as its stance suggests a battle-hardened readiness
>"This is what an obedient soldier looks like..."
>it practically spits, before halting and flexing an arm
>as it does, the dark sheen over its skin bubbles and writhes, before layered segments of armor burst out of it from within!
>the effect ripples across its humanoid body, random sections of its skin erupting violently as metal plates explode outward, forming a crude skeleton of red-and-gold samurai armor that shifts and slides, interwoven with its unworldly black flesh
>its glowing eyes narrow, as it flexes the muscles in its hand, a bent metal rod extending from either side of its wrist with a sickening spurt of ichor
>it's followed a second later with a pair of tendons that whip around the rods, pulling them taut into a bow-like shape as the thing resumes its stride towards you
>the other hand snaps and splinters, before melding into one long, thick piece of metal, a sword half as tall as the thing weilding it
"Nngh..."
>you wince, tears streaming from your eyes, stumbling and failing to get back upright as the thing approaches, each finger of its bowed hand elongating and growing into a vicious-looking arrow
>are you seriously going to let this thing take you out?
>the engines on your persona sputter and rev weakly
>it's all you can just to stand
>'You'll never beat her like this,'
>a voice in your head rumbles, sounding almost disappointed
>but what exactly does it want you to do?
>what even CAN you do, right now?
>'Hmph. To think this is what you see of yourself. A mere imitation of the genuine article.'
>your persona crumbles as the dark samurai watches on, and you're able to sense it smirking malevolently despite its lack of any real facial features
>'Very well, then... if this is all you can muster, then it seems you'll die exactly as you lived:'
>'In the shadow of another's greatness.'
>the last bits of your persona wither away into the sky, leaving only a handful of steps between you and the weaponized shadow-creature
"No... I won't...!"
>you cough weakly, feeling something warm run down your muzzle
>"Oh, I'm afraid so, betrayer. This is where you die. For the Crown!"
>it raises its sword overhead, before slashing straight down for your skull!
"I wasn't talking to you."
>you growl hoarsely, meeting the shadow creature's glowing eyes with your own half-lidded ones
>a rectangle of blue light glints back into existence above your head, flashes, and shatters once more
>and the moment it does, a fist nearly as huge as the the samurai itself swings in from the misty ceiling, connecting with the monster and sending it flying horizontally!
>it smashes against the far wall, the force of the blow flattening it for a second
>no... you feel the tempest of wind against your back as it hammers into the thing, a flurry of blows popping against the thing's armor as it's embedded deep into the stone by a jackhammer of consecutive strikes!
>you feel the pain recede, like someone had been squeezing you and building the pressure in your skull and they'd finally let go
>and when you look up, you see a statuesque man towering over you, bronze skin contrasting with the long orange feathers sprouting from his wrists
>they form sharp, angular gauntlets that extend well past the elbow, his bare chest covered only with a brown tunic and some downy purple feathers at the collar
>from the legs down he resembles a bird, great clawed feet hanging in the air as he floats, arms outstretched, behind you
>you spy a single pale eye glint at you as you hear the rumbling voice in your head
>'So, you accept that you will never be the one you hold so dear?'
>you nod slowly
>'And that I shall in turn be no pale shade of another.'
>you hear the shadow clatter noisily to the ground and turn your attention back to it
"...Yeah. I'm not Rainbow Dash. This version of her, or any other."
"I'm me. And you're me, too."
>you square up, a little worse for the wear but ready to fight for your life as the shadow before you snarls and springs to its feet
"Let's show this thing what we can do... Hraesvelgr Ego!"

>"Such blatant disregard..."
>the shadow seethes, it's muscles coiling in on it as it tenses and then throws itself to it's feet
>"What right do you have to defy Her will?!"
>it bellows, pointing its gruesome bow hand at you before its index finger launches forward!
>you hold up your foreleg in defense and the gigantic arm of your persona follows suit, the feathers on his arm splaying out to cushion the blow
>you feel the phantom pain of the strike sting in your skin, but it's dulled by your persona's guard
>you shake your arm a bit and manage to dislodge the iron bolt from Hraesvelgr's arm, the black metal piece clattering to the floor
"Why are you so gung-ho to follow everything she says?"
>you ask back, as the thing knocks another finger-arrow and pulls the sinewy strip of flesh taut to fire a second round
>"She is the wisest, the strongest, and the greatest! The weak were made to obey the strong... so obey my order to lay down, and I'll reward you with the mercy of a swift death!"
>you swipe out in front of you as the second bolt launches, and your hoof smashes through the card
>the giant eagle-man hybrid appears above you and swings both arms down and forward in a calamitous clap!
>the force sends a surge of wind over your shoulder, knocking the bolt aside easily and continuing through to hammer against the shadow thing's armor
>its heels drag against the floor until they're nearly back in the indent formed from your first strike
>but before it gets wedged back into place, you hear it roar, a surge of strength seemingly rippling through its muscles as it grabs onto either side of the wall!
>"RAAAAAGH! You will STOP THAT this instant!"
>you see its glowing eyes turn red, before a crimson mask appears, the demonic features materializing like paper burning in reverse
>the samurai swings wildly at the air with its enormous sword, before letting out a more feral snarl and hunching forward as it circles you...


Scootaloo:
HP - Full
SP - High

>the shadow samurai writhes in its skin, leading you into a counterclockwise circle as you aim to keep it in front of you
>it halts, then lunges forward at you
>but rather than an attack, it lets out a primal roar, the weapons on its arms taking on a dangerous golden sheen!
>it's just instinct, but you feel a deadly potential emanating from its weaponry now
>best to keep your distance, then...
>you smash your card with another forward swipe, and your muscled protector points a hand at the samurai
>tensing his wrist, you see a single feather turn from orange to deep purple on his forearm
>he plucks it with his other hand, and throws it forward, the size of the feather growing as it flies!
>the feather crunches against the shadow's armor, embedding itself in its shoulder like an oversized javelin!
>but as the deep purple coloration starts to drain from the top of the feather, the creature's gilded sword hacks it off at the base, leaving only a small broken nub sticking out from where arm meets body
>you see it let out ragged breath as its masked face glows with warmth, a puff of black smoke with burning embers jetting from its mouth as it debates its next move...

Scootaloo:
HP - High
SP - High

>if that thing's attacks are more dangerous, you reason, it's best to keep yourself in good condition in case it manages a solid hit
>you notice that since its mask went on, it hasn't said a word
>maybe it can't speak the way it is now?
>or maybe it's just too focused on the fight to try and flaunt its supposed superiority over you...
>you reach forward to use your persona again, but in a sudden burst, it leaps forward and fires an arrow at the ground behind it!
>the golden bolt pierces deep into the floor below, the force propelling the samurai forward suddenly with its sword angled at eye level!
>you jump back and left as your wings buzz, trying to put enough distance between you and it
>but the slash connects, and you let out a hiss as you feel your shoulder blossom with the pain of a long, thin cut
>it surprises you that it doesn't hurt more, though, with the shimmering gold sheen on the surface of the blade
>you land well enough that you can immediately spin and break your card in another hoofstrike without losing momentum
"Hraesvelgr Ego! Help me out!"
>you implore your persona
>but the battlefield seems eerily quiet in the wake of your cry
>even the savage shadow seems a bit confused, looking around warily for some sign of your persona
>when it can't detect any, it lets out a series of short hacking noises you might mistake for a laugh, before charging forward--
>WAAARK!
>before it can reach you, a huge avian head breeches the ground between you and it, beak crunching down and consuming the thing whole as it dives back beneath the earth!
>you hear some muffled grunts of exertion, and the sound of a beak snapping open and shut...
>with each clicking noise, you feel some of your strength returning, the cut on your foreleg not quite healing completely before you hear a final-sounding
>KAWH!
>and the samurai shoots out of the hole the bird's head had cleaved, covered in some translucent liquid, the floor reforming of its own accord
>it puffs with rage for a second time, the glow on its mask now casting its own red-orange light as the spittle on its face sizzles and evaporates in the heat, a large black plume of ember-filled smoke now rolling out of its mouth
>it's hard to tell by its posture, but you seem to be whittling it down...

Scootaloo:
HP - High
SP - Medium High

>this thing just doesn't want to give up...!
>you see it notch another finger-bolt, the single smooth motion of loading and firing at you so casually that you barely register it's happening
>you try to jump aside, but the attack flies faster than your eyes can track it, the pain dulled once again by Hraesvelgr Ego's quick guard and reflected on your own body
>but this is just the opening you were looking for!
>you rear up on your back hooves and smash your card to the ground, your enormous bird-person persona not even fading from his block before he rematerializes to grab a deep purple feather from his arm
>the javelin-sized feather jams into the samurai figure's thigh, but the toxin within works faster this time, the color leaking out of it in an instant and turning the feather bone white!
>you see the dark samurai struggle to remove the missile, its pulls getting more and more desperate until eventually the feather goes flying from its hands, clattering across the room!
>you can see its eyes jittering behind its mask as it takes strained breaths, but it seems in control of itself enough to stagger forward...
>the jaws of its mask creak more open and it lets out a scream, equal parts rage and fear, that flings searing embers all over you!
>you brace for an incoming blow, but the black smoke and red ashes flow over you and then...
>dissipate?
>you were expecting some impact, or damage, or something
>it isn't until you resume your vigilant circling that you notice every movement stings and leaves your skin feeling raw...

Scootaloo (Burned):
HP - High Medium
SP - Medium High

>you see it stagger slightly as it charges at you, the panic clear in its actions as it starts to move in for a sword slash
>but the withering glare you give it, even as your skin lights up with pain, makes it halt in its tracks!
>it makes to charge in again, but that hesitation was the moment you needed, and you take out your frustration on it in a pique of anger
"Come on! Why won't you just, go, DOWN?!"
>you grit your teeth and muscle through the pain, smashing your card into tiny pieces
>the blow comes from above this time, Hraesvelgr's fist crashing through the ceiling with his index finger outstretched, swathed in green twisting wind as it pins the rampaging samurai face-down to the ground!
>the cacophony of armor rattling against itself rings through the room as the multitude of blows from the wind press against its back, until the cyclone slowly dissipates and the gargantuan bronze finger makes contact
>at the moment it does, you hear a sharp CRACK as the mask it wears shatters and falls away, revealing a craven and cowardly pair of eyes brimming with tears
>"Please... please, I beg you, show me mercy! I surrender, I am your willing slave, your word is my command! Spare me, and I swear my complete fealty...!"
>you suck down a few well-earned breaths of fresh air, the color starting to fade in on the edges of the room as the shadow grovels before you
>it wouldn't take more than a thought to put an end to this thing, and it caused you more than a little trouble
>but on the other hand... it came from this world's Rainbow Dash
>it's something that seems tied to her, that influences her
>what will happen to her if you destroy it?
>is it safe to let it remain a part of her, driving her like this?
>it appears you have a choice to make...

>Show it mercy
Destroy it

>you scowl at the thing pinned under your persona's finger, walking right up to it and staring down at it from above
>you reel back, and it flinches as your hoof comes rushing down--
>WAP
>you swat it lightly on the back of the skull, shaking your head with a bit of disdain
"Jeez, just... stop, alright?"
>you let the pressure up just slightly, and the black-skinned creature scrambles to a prostrate position before you
>"Ma'am...?"
>you let out a dry chuckle as you gesture to your own body, a few puncture wounds and more than a couple singed patches of coat still lingering from your fight
"What're you bowing for? Just because you couldn't beat me doesn't mean you're not strong..."
>you explain, wincing slightly as you sit next to it and point over at the stone-still Rainbow Dash
"That's what I was saying before: I know, uh... well, I know MY Rainbow Dash, and she'd never just sell out."
"But that's not because she's stronger, or smarter, or faster, or better than anyone."
>you think for a second on how best to phrase it
"It's because she's courageous enough to stand on the side of right, even if the whole world is standing against her."
"So... don't just be loyal to whoever's in charge, okay? Be loyal to yourself, too."
>"..."
>the shadow sits in stunned silence as the flames from the torches start to slowly start dancing again
>it seems like reality is starting to set in and encroach on this weird extra-temporal space, as the shadow-like creature rises to its feet
>"Loyal to oneself... hm. Maybe..."
>as it approaches Rainbow Dash, the hardened metal of its armor gives way to a more elegant robe, its beautifully painted face seeming to peek through the pool of black that covered it as it looks back at you
>"I suppose I'll have to try that."
>it says in a more feminine voice, giving you a wry smile before turning back to the batlike pony and disappearing in a flash of light that sends the whole world back into motion
>"Urgh... why do I..."
>you see the grizzled pony put a hoof up to her head, massaging her temple in confusion
>"!"
>when she spots you, her eyes immediately narrow, and she opens her mouth to say something
>but as she does, you notice a glint in her eyes as she takes you in, as if for the first time
>appraising you not like an opponent, but like a pony
>you hear her mutter something under her breath, but can't make out most of it
>she still wears the hardened gaze of a guardspony, but something about it is softer now
>and she looks cautiously at the exit to the night sky as well as the staircase before trotting stoically over to the boxes in one corner, shifting them aside with a sort of rigid motion
>it actually kind of weirds you out, the way she seems to be pointedly keeping you out of her field of vision
>"Huh,"
>she says out loud, not once looking in your direction as she pushes the same box in a couple different directions
>"I would've sworn I saw somepony in here when I was coming in."
>...oh
>you cautiously back up towards the stairway, looking down the narrow passage before casting one more glance at her
>well, at some version of your honorary sister, anyway
>as you slip into the darker stairwell, you hear her say just a bit too loudly
>"Well, if they were here, I just hope they don't escape through the West Corridor, we don't have enough guards patrolling there to keep a close watch on those exits."
>she never moves from her space even as you sneak away, but you'd swear she was watching you just out of the periphery
>ears listening for the sounds of your fading footsteps


Meanwhile...

>...
>oooooh, that hurts
>you wince as you close your eyes tighter, the throbbing pain in your head making you want to slip back into unconsciousness to avoid it altogether
>but even as you pull the rich black covers around you, you recognize something isn't right
>you open one eye just a crack, taking in the various blobs and dark forms of the room you're in
>...wait a minute...
>you fling the covers off of you in a panic, scrambling out of the enormous bed and to your hooves
>where
>wait, what
>no, who
>you look around, trying to pinpoint where you are
>this isn't the clubroom, it's nowhere in the school, and it's DEFINITELY not home!
>you try to shake the confusion out of your head and nearly topple over, a sudden rush of nausea washing over you as your horn throbs with pain
>urgh...
>okay, okay, you can handle this, you just have to take a deep breath, and think...
>there was the schoolhouse, where you and your friends were investigating, that much makes sense
>and then there was the... the newspaper?
>but you also remember a summons
>which, you shouldn't have gotten, that doesn't track at all
>you remember being scared to press on, but if you didn't, you'd definitely have been in hot water
>it was your responsibility to make sure it got fixed
>so this was the only choice, right?
>ugh, but none of this is making sense!
>you resolve to forget about it for now, looking around the room first
>it seems like a pretty normal bedroom, with a vanity and a dry sink, a small closet, a bedside table with some faintly glowing blue flowers in a vase
>nothing particularly bizarre
>well, except when you look up the vaulted ceilings are ridiculously high
>so, you have to be inside some sort of huge structure then?
>unless it's like the Boutique where it's just one tall building, but even then your sister keeps old designs and dress forms she's not using up there
>no, this is some kind of castle or something, you're sure
>alright, well, no matter what, you know you need to meet up with your friends, and unless you fell unconscious in the middle of a game of hide-and-seek, they're not going to be here
>so you push the door open and trot down the hallway, the eerie blue light glowing from the sconces in the wall casting a kind of sickly pallor over the wall hangings
>looking them over, the tapestries themselves aren't much better, beautifully made but with dark and oppressive colors broken up only by small accents of pearly white depictions of the phases of the moon
>the far wall has long thin windows that let slivers of moonlight in, and as you pass by them you can see the top half of the moon peeking over the trees that sway and flow like water in an ever-changing wind
>...how did you get to this place?
>and why were you invited as an "honored guest"?
>for some reason, that phrase echoes like a chime in your head
>it sounds absolutely right, and yet uncomfortably wrong at the same time
>as you make it to the end of the hall, you can hear what sounds like a low, rhythmic, rumbling pulsing from one of the doorways
>the very last doorway, actually, raised slightly above the others by a short series of steps
>one of the two large oaken doors is cracked ever so slightly, making just the barest allowance for that noise to escape
>it seems to be the middle of the night, so you can't imagine too many other ponies are around
>and nopony could fault you for being just a bit concerned, it almost sounds like a lion or some other creature growling
>...
>your curiosity fights with your prudence as you debate whether or not to take a peek...

>See what you can see through the crack in the door
Mind your own business, there's more important things to deal with now

>...a small peek couldn't hurt, you tell yourself
>tactically, it's the smart decision, so you know what potential threats might come after you!
>the curiosity is killing you, too, but that's purely secondary of course
>you walk up the thin section of fabric covering the stairs, careful to tread lightly on each step
>you even hold your breath slightly as you approach the blackened entryway
>carefully, you lean your head against the fully closed door, peeking in and waiting for your vision to adjust to the darker room within
>the first thing you spot is a large, arched window, much wider than the ones you passed in the hall, mostly obscured by a purple drapery
>it lets the faintest amount of moonlight in, so you can spy some of the other things in the room, at least in silhouette
>it's a spacious area, but almost brutal in its simplicity
>there aren't much in the way of decorations, a small table with wrought-iron legs sitting in one corner, unused
>you can see a spot where a painting used to hang, the discoloration of the wall a dead giveaway dispite the lack of any other evidence
>there are shards of something glittery on the humongous rug that most of the room is laid out on top of
>the ceiling seems domed, much like the room you woke up in but on a larger scale
>and you can spy four thick posts that hold a canopy over the focal point of the room:
>a huge bed overflowing with pillows in navy and black, curtained on all sides with a sheer purple fabric
>as another rumbling noise rolls out of the room, though, you see something flicker
>not in the sort of ephemeral way that candles flicker, or the torches just behind you
>but like somepony playing with the light switch
>except, instead of light, it's a sort of gray filter, paradoxically lighting up the room as it strains to maintain itself
>and every time the world flashes gray, you get a glimpse of something enormous jutting from the center of the bed
>like a gnarled black tree, it arcs and twists back and forth as it rises and its trunk thickens
>you can see branches bunched roughly against the night sky painting on the ceiling
>but despite its old and withered state, the thing that catches your eye when the world flashes next time is a trio of misshapen, rotting fruit, one each in aqua, orange, and red
>they hang low enough to bend the canopy of the bed, for the split-second before they disappear back into nothingness as the world returns to color
>what exactly are you looking at, here?
>maybe the next time it flashes you'll get a clearer look?
>you try to nudge a tiny bit more of your head through the gap, your curiosity driving you to investigate just a little further
>when the color drops out again, sure enough, you can make out the shapes of three more withered fruit higher up
>you lean your head in further to get a better vantage point--
>crrrrrreak...
>the hinge on the door complains ever so slightly as the opening widens to accomodate you, and you barely hold back a shriek as the tree you're looking at ignites in bright golden flame!
>it consumes the entire room in an instant, yellow tongues of fire leaping along the branches and consuming the bed in a blaze that seems almost too bright to look at
>then just as quickly, the world plunges back into darkness, the pale glow of the moon revealing only still, shadowy forms once more
>no, wait, that's not quite true
>you notice the sound of fabric shuffling, before a pony raises their head above the pile of bedding
>their silhouette revealing a long, spiralling horn
>and you can see a thin blue line of color as their eye opens ever so slightly
>you feel your breath catch in your chest, like you'd just been dunked in ice water--
>and a hoof wraps around your mouth before you're dragged out of the doorway, the entire door coated in a pale blue light as it slides silently closed
>"Ahem."
>the noise from behind you is muted, deliberately barely above a whisper, but carrying with it all the stern consequence of a parent who caught their foal with a hoof in the cookie jar
>or, you realize as you turn your head to reveal your discoverer and accidental savior
>a sister catching their sibling snooping around
>she stays completely silent, but her expression says it plain as day:
>'Just what do you have to say for yourself, missy?'

>...
>well?