The Watcher
*A little tip: The dialogue will use italics when something is being thought/ conversation in their head, and no italics when it’s being said aloud. I couldn’t think of a different way to differentiate them, so try not to get lost .
Operation Raven
File: 6
Time Dedicated: 8y 6m 4d
Name: Wisp (Last name unavailable )
Age: 18
City: Baltimare
Info: A very weird case. Discovered after incident in school, he’s a laughing-stock of the organization. Finding himself into problems is in his nature. The boss seems to find him important though, because Wisp has around the clock surveillance. To me, he seems like a nutcase, but maybe there’s something I’m missing.

Suspicion Level: 6

(Two Years before surveillance)

“What do you want to play now?” The young colt asked.

“Why don’t we go take a break? I’m tired,” The reply came.

“We didn’t even do anything. We should go play with the others,” Another said.

“I don’t like the others. We should go ruin their game, it’ll be fun,” A third said.

“That’s not cool, they’re just having fun. We should do the same thing,” The final reply came.

“You guys can’t make up your minds, can you?” The young colt asked.

“Nope ,” came the replies.

“Well, why don’t I ask the parents? Maybe they’ll know what we can do,” The young colt said.

The colt got off the ground and walked over to where the mothers and fathers were watching their children play. He walked specifically to the brighter colored parents he called his own. Reaching up, he tapped them on the side to get their attention.

“We can’t decide on what to do. What do you two think?” The colt asked his parents.

“Well Wisp, why don’t you and your friends play with the others,” His mother said, forcing a smile.

“But some of my friends don’t want to play with them. What else could I do?” Wisp asked.

“Why don’t you split up and do what you want to do?” His father said.

“Because we never split up, we’re really good friends,” Wisp said.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something then, just do what you think is best,” His mother said.

“Thanks,” Wisp said, walking back to the corner of the room he’d been sitting in.

“Don’t you think he’s too old to have imaginary friends? This isn’t normal for most colts,” His father said.

“It’s his way of dealing with stress, and I told you we shouldn’t have brought him here, he’s only getting more stressed out,” His mother said.

“But look at him… he’s talking to himself in the corner away from everypony . I think we need to explain that his friends aren’t real, and he should make new ones,” His father said.

“There’s nothing wrong with him, and if you want to argue about this, then we’ll ask about it at the next checkup. But the doctor’s only going to say the same thing as I did,” The mother said.

“There’s something severely wrong with this child,” The doctor said, looking at the chart floating in front of him.

“See, I told you. If you just listened to me, we could have solved this a long time ago,” The father said to his wife next to him. They were waiting outside of Wisp’s room, after they had taken some tests on the colt.

“Actually, it’s better that you left him be. Any more traumas could have made things worse… He’s had this for a while now, maybe three years at least. I can’t believe we didn’t notice this until today,” The doctor said.

“So, what’s wrong with him?” The father asked.

“He’s mentally unstable. Most ponies keep their emotions in check and know when to let them out. He can’t do that. Instead, he has different personas inside that have minds of their own . They do communicate to each other, but by what he’s told me, they don’t always get along,” The doctor said.

“So, his imaginary friends… aren’t imaginary… or friends?” The mother asked.

“I’m afraid not, it’s called Multiple Personality Disorder , and as long as he learns to control it, he could recover with time,” the doctor said.

“How long could this take?” The father asked.

“Years, possibly. We’ll watch his progress, just make sure that he understands that it isn’t normal,” The doctor said.

“Thank you doctor,” The mother said.

“It’s my job, just call if you notice anything else different about him. We need to make sure we have all the details,” The doctor said.

With that, they took Wisp and went home. After a brief explanation of what was wrong with him, they sent him to bed for school the next day. It wasn’t until he was lying in bed, that they came back. He welcomed them in, for comfort.

“Ha, they called you the crazy one? They haven’t even seen what I could do,” One of the voice said in his head.

“I’m not crazy, I’ll get better eventually,” Wisp whispered.

“Getting better is too much work; can’t you just relax and let it happen?” Another voice said.

“If the four of you could let me get some sleep, we can talk about this tomorrow,” Wisp said.

“We always talk and have fun in your dreams, why would you want to get rid of us? That’s not very cool,” Another voice said.

“I’ll get looked at badly in school if the kids find out I’m crazy,” Wisp said.

“But you’re not crazy. You’re just better than the others,” A voice said.

“Well… I do like having friends to talk to…” Wisp said.

“Yeah, we’re your friends! You’d never get rid of us, because we’re awesome,” A voice said.

“Yeah! I don’t care what they say ; I’m going to keep you four . Now quiet, I’m trying to get some sleep,” Wisp said.

Following his orders, the four voices turned themselves off and let him drift into dreamland. They didn’t have to wait long before he was dreaming. In the dream, the five of them looking very identical besides hairstyles were sitting in a circular room. They discussed further during the dream, but Wisp wouldn’t remember much of what was said.

(One day before surveillance)

“Hey look, it’s that kid that talks to himself,” Whispered a young colt to another peer.

“He’s a freak, and he has no friends,” The peer replied.

“Let’s go remind him why,” The young colt said.

“That sounds like fun,” the peer said.

The pair strode up to the unsuspecting Wisp who was walking through the hoofball field. He’d been looking at the ground, but the shadows casted over him gave him plenty warning.

“Hey, what are you doing?” The oldest of the pair asked.

“Just walking, why?” Wisp asked, oblivious to the menacing looks they were giving him.

“You’re walking alone, where’s your friends?” The youngest asked.

The pair snickered at Wisp’s facial expression. He turned from an interested smile to a frown. The way his hair was being held changed as well. The normal three clumps of hair that spread in front of his face shortened slightly. His mouth seemed to get smaller and he looked down and away from the pair.

“I don’t have any. I mean, I do… but they aren’t normal,” Wisp said, softer than he ever talked.

“We’ll be your friends,” The youngest of the pair said.

“R-Really?” Wisp asked, his face slowly starting to change again.

“Nope, why would we ever be friends with somepony like you?” The olde st of the pair said.

Wisp felt his facial expression harden. He could tell mockery when he heard it, and this didn’t sound very different. A group started to form around them, made up of other students. Wisp felt his hair start to lengthen again. It was a slight change, but he felt it. He looked up into the eyes of the pair in front of him.

“I don’t need friends when I’ve got family,” Wisp whispered loud enough for them to hear.

“Aw, are you talking about your imaginary friends? I bet they could sure do a number on us. It’s a good thing they’re not real, isn’t it?” The oldest said.

Wisp felt his blood run cold. The group around them was now growing in size. All eyes were on him, and he wasn’t going to let down. Wisp closed his eyes for a second, and what he saw when he opened them changed.

Wisp could see a foggy visual of the hoofball field. It’s like he was watching this through somepony else’s eyes. In a way he was, but not like he thought. Wisp watched as his body also moved without his command, and experimentally moved his hooves.

Wisp saw it coming, but the pair didn’t. They weren’t prepared for consequences, and were taken down in a single kick to the face. Wisp wasted no time when he kicked the oldest in the gut.

“If you ever try to mess with my friend again, you’ll have to deal with me,” Wisp’s body said.

Wisp saw their heads bobbing up and down, and felt a rush of heat in his body. The foggy view faded away, and he had control of his limbs again. He looked down at himself, and didn’t notice the pair stand up and sprint to the school building. The rest of the crowd was cheering him on, but he didn’t hear them. Instead, he heard the voices inside him .

“See that, I’ve got your back,” Wisp heard.

“Did you have to be so violent? You didn’t have to do that,” Another voice said.

“As long as they leave us alone…” a different voice said.

“What… what happened?” Wisp asked himself quietly.

“Way to stand up to them. Name’s Dew , nice to meet you,” A voice said from behind him.

Wisp turned to the voice. A mare slightly taller than him was smiling. She had long red hair, and a grey coat. Her eyes matched her hair, and the smile gave him a warm feeling inside.

“Um, hi. I’m Wisp,” Wisp said.

“I’m new here, do you think you can show me around?” Dew asked .

“Y-yeah…” Wisp felt something inside him bubble up. But it was gone as fast as it came.

“Ooh, you’ve got a crush. Isn’t it the best feeling ever?”

“Disgusting, I can’t believe he’d be this weak,”

“It’s not that bad. He seems to enjoy it ,”

Wisp walked the new girl to the building. The crowd parted away and left the scene. Only one bystander remained. He wrote something down on his notepad and walked away. His figure disappeared into the shadows of a nearby tree.

(Five years later )

“Wisp, where are you going?” His mother asked.

“I’m going with Dew to watch a play ,” Wisp said.

“Okay then, just don’t be out too long,” His mother replied.

Wisp went through the door and out onto the street. He navigated his way over to where Dew’s house was located. The streets were silent and the air was starting to chill. The early night added to the fall weather. He didn’t mind though, as he walked up to Dew’s house. Her door opened before he made it all the way. Dew came out, her hair glistening off the moon’s glow . She smiled and walked up to him.

“So Wisp, you ready to go watch the play?” Dew asked.

“O-of course…” Wisp found it hard to talk while he was around her.

“I guess I’ll have to do this. Honestly Wisp, you need to learn how to be romantic,”

“I can be romantic…” Wisp whispered under his breath. Dew must have noticed, because her smile widened.

“Talking to yourself again? That’s what I like most about you, Wisp,” Dew said.

Wisp felt his blood turn cold once again. It was starting to feel natural to him now. His vision became brighter, and distorted in a weird way. He could still make out Dew’s smiling face though.

“Do you want to know what I like most about you?” Wisp asked.

“Yes, tell me,” Dew said.

“It’s the way you find the best in everything. Your smile will always bring a smile to my face, and your laugh is the sweetest I’ve ever heard,” Wisp said.

“You’re the best,” Dew said.

“I’m gonna puke,”

“That’s not very cool,”

“Could you guys shut up? I’m trying to hear what they’re saying,” Wisp said to the others.

“We should get going, the play is going to start any minute,” Dew said.

“Minutes last forever when I’m with you ,” Wisp said.

“But seriously, enough with the sweet talk,” Wisp said, agreeing with his other persona.

“Fine,” Wisp said aloud.

“Let’s get going, I’ll show you where it is,” Dew said.

“This is so boring, how much longer until we can go ?”

“It hasn’t started yet ,”

“Bullshit, I’m not sitting through another fucking play ,”

“Yes you are, and you’re going to like it,” Wisp said.

“Just be glad this isn’t a romantic comedy like last time. This one has some fight scenes in it,” Wisp said.

“There you go again, talking to yourself. Sometimes I wonder what really goes on in that head of yours,” Dew said, from beside Wisp.

“Could you guys shut up while you’re in control, people already think I’m crazy, I don’t want my marefriend to think so too,” Wisp said.

“She already does,”

“It’s cool bro, she doesn’t mind,”

“Maybe that’s the only reason she likes you? Think about that, now let’s ditch her and do something that isn’t watch ing a three hour play ,”

“Shh, it’s starting,” Wisp said.
The curtains split apart, and the scene was shown to the audience. It was the interior of a castle dining room. The gold lined curtains and tablecloth showed wealth and power. Sitting at the dining table, was a single pony. The crown on his head and the jeweled clothes he wore showed his position. The king had his head lowered at the food in front of him. In entered two servants. They had a look of worry that caused the king confusion.

“Your Highness, you are in danger. They’ve declared war on us like you predicted. We must get you somewhere safe. Their forces will be here soon,” One of the servants said.

“It’s quite alright. I will watch this war from here. It is my fault that innocent civilians are fighting, and if they lose I will lose with them,” The king said, sadness in his voice.

“But what a pointless battle it will be. They risk their lives so you can live. Will you let that go to waste?” The other servant said.

“I stand by my decision. I will fight with my soldiers, and if we lose, so be it. Tell the council of my decision,” The king said, a frown entering his face.

“Yes, your highness,” The servants said in unison.

The two servants left the king alone in the room. Or at least, it looked alone. From the corner of the stage, one of the shadows moved. The king turned towards the motion and sighed. A dark figure formed itself when it left the darkness. What the audience could only see of it, was the dark hair and light coat. A wicked smile plastered his face, and his eyes were cold.

“A dime a dozen, that’s what you kings are,” The shadow said.

“Maybe, but you don’t know how much the civilians respect my word,” The king said.

“No, I don’t. But I do know… that your word isn’t worth a thing,” The shadow said.

“I already agreed to the deal, what else do you want?” The king asked.

“Well you see… that deal wasn’t very fair on our part. I’m here to make sure we get what we deserve,” The shadow said.

The king didn’t say a word as he fell forward and clutched his stomach. His face was contorted in pain as the shadowy pony walked up to him.

“Next time, don’t double cross us,” The shadow said.

The lights dimmed as the shadowy figure disappeared into the darkness. The scene ended, and the cast prepared for the next scene. Wisp had to admit, the acting was spot on and the plot was devious. He actually enjoyed the performance for once. Dew must have been thinking about him when she chose this play.

The king’s actor had a few more parts in the play, like the hero, and Wisp could tell he’d been practicing. His facial expressions and dialogue looked relaxed and not like he was acting. He didn’t see anypony that looked like the shadowy figure after the first part, but he liked the ominous feeling he got from him.

“Have to admit, this isn’t bad,”

“It’s cool, lots of awesome scenes,”

“Makes me sleepy,”

“Well, I like the actors. They seem like nice ponies, and know what they’re doing,” Wisp said

“I was thinking the same thing,” Wisp said.

“You’re talking to yourself again,” Dew said, nudging Wisp.

“Sorry about that, but what do you think of the play?” Wisp asked.

“It’s alright, I especially like the actors like you said. The Hero character looks like a professional,” Dew said.
“They’re all professionals,”

“That’s what makes this play so cool,”

The play continued in many other scenes, and lasted slightly longer than the three hours they anticipated. The play continued with more death scenes and ended when the hero devised that the killer was one of the servants. In fact, right before the curtain closed, the shadowy figure returned and ended the hero’s life. The moral was to not follow accusations without reason. This twist actually made Wisp think about the story more than usual.

The actors, excluding the shadowy figure, returned on stage and bowed to the audience. They received a standing ovation, with the king character in the center of the actors. Wisp felt the warmth return to him when his body yawned. His vision cleared, and he leaned on his seat to balance himself.

“The actors will be free for any questions or autographs momentarily,” The announcer said.

“Do you think we can stay for an autograph?” Dew asked.

“Yeah sure, I just hope it doesn’t take too long,” Wisp said.

(One hour later)

“I’m so tired…”

“Lines aren’t cool ,”

“This is what you get when you’re the last in line,”

“Look at the bright side, we’re next,”

Wisp looked at Dew, who was having trouble staying awake. The other pony in line was just finishing some questions. Wisp stepped up and pushed Dew forward slightly so she’d wake up. He looked towards the face of the main actor. Wisp could tell that he was sleep deprived, by the bags under his eyes, and the way he was swaying slightly.

“So, what could I do for you two?” The actor asked.

Wisp shook Dew softly and let her speak first.

“We’d like some autographs. You did a great job today,” Dew said.

“Why thank you Madame. Your kind words mean so much to me,” The actor said.

“No, you must hear that all the time. I’ve seen a lot of plays, and you did exceptionally well,” Dew said.

“Well if somepony as beautiful as you will compliment me, I should do the same,” The actor said.

“Oh, a true gentlemen,” Dew giggled at this.

“My name is Sebastian Danio, it is a pleasure to meet you,” Sebastian said.

“My name’s Dew, and this is my coltfriend Wisp, he liked your performance too,” Dew said.

It was at this point that Wisp started to piece together what he was hearing. His lack of sleep from going to plays at night had started to affect him. Wisp decided to join in before Sebastian had any ideas.

“Yeah, I liked the part when you… um, did that thing… and said that line,” Wisp said, trying to get his thoughts together.

“Yeah that was my favorite part to play,” Sebastian said, humoring him.

“So, about those autographs?” Wisp asked.

“Yes, yes. Would you like a photo or a signature on something you brought?” Sebastian asked.

“We didn’t bring anything, could we get a photo?” Dew asked.

“Would that be a face or body shot?” Sebastian asked.

“Face will be fine, it’ll help me recognize you if you’re in other plays,” Dew said.

“I could always do both for you, Madame,” Sebastian said.

“Just get on with the autograph,” Wisp said.

“Don’t need to be so rude Wisp, you should learn some manners from your friend here,” Sebastian said.

“I don’t need a lesson in manners; can we just get our autograph so we can go?” Wisp asked.

Wisp was starting to regret coming for an autograph. He was ready for a nice long sleep and Sebastian was dragging this on. If it wasn’t for Dew, Wisp would have walked away. On the other hoof , he did wait in line for an hour, and he was getting his autograph.

“Very well, here you go,” Sebastian handed them each one of his signed pictures. “When you look at this, I’ll be thinking of you Madame,” Sebastian said, to which Dew giggled again.

“She already has a coltfriend, stop there before you go too far,” Wisp said, feeling jealous.

“Wisp, it’s alright,” Dew said.

“Yes, listen to the Madame, she understands. Sometimes stallions such as myself get lonely. If only there was somepony there to help me. Somepony with beauty such as yourself,” Sebastian said, to Dew.

“Lay off her, I’m warning you,” Wisp said, feeling something cold boil inside him.

“What would somepony like you do to stop me? It’s her decision if she wants to be with a strong and handsome stallion such as myself. If she wants to be with me, then you can’t stop her,” Sebastian said, narrowing his eyes.

“Actually, I’m quite alright with-,” Dew started before Wisp interrupted.

“You’re just an egotistic asshole who gets what he wants. But Dew isn’t available, and you need to deal with that,” Wisp said, feeling a coldness wash over him.

“And who’s going to stop me?” Sebastian said, a smirk on his face.

Wisp didn’t take his eyes off Sebastian as they fogged over. His body turned cold and a smile appeared on his face. Suddenly, Wisp lowered his head and his hair started to grow out. A small chuckle came out, and when he raised his head, his eyes were twisted into a demonic oval.

“Me,” Wisp said, his voice clear and sharp, a slight tinge of anger mixed in as well.

Before Sebastian had time to take in the change, Wisp lashed out his hoof. He had deadly accuracy that landed square on the nose. Sebastian gave a cry of pain as he reared back. Wisp sent his other hoof into the side of Sebastian’s face. He was sent into a wall, but Wisp wasn’t done yet.
“Don’t you think he’s going too far?”

“Sebastian deserves it, he wasn’t acting very cool,”

“I’ll let him have another few seconds,” Wisp said, aware that this could easily get him in trouble.

Wisp ignored the protests of Dew as he sent kicks to the body of Sebastian. Sebastian gave grunts of pain and tried to say something, but he was cut off by a hoof to the neck. His face had blood drops on it, and he was trying to get oxygen that was getting cut off by Wisp. He looked into the face of what used to be Wisp.
“Okay, I think that’s enough,” Wisp said.

“Like hell it is,” Wisp said, taking his hoof of Sebastian’s throat.
Wisp tried to get back in control, but he felt like there was a wall stopping him. He kept pushing but the Wisp that was in control wasn’t budging. He wrapped his wings around Sebastian’s head and picked him up . He used his front hooves and drove his knees into Sebastian’s stomach. A demonic laugh left him as Sebastian stopped moving. He let his unconscious body fall to the ground.
“Wisp, what did you do?” Dew screamed into his ear.

“That was more fun tha n I thought it would be. You should really let me do this some more sometime,” Wisp said to himself, letting his body be controlled by the original wisp again.

Wisp felt the heat return to him and his eyes were no longer foggy. Wisp could feel a lot of heat on his face, and felt liquid start to come down his eye. He looked to the body of Sebastian first and then to Dew. Something in her face changed then, and there was a look of fear. She took a step back, and Wisp brought a hoof to his face.

Wisp touched the liquid and pulled his hoof back, he examined his hoof to find the red blood covering it. He felt it dripping from his nose too, and tried to speak.

“I- I may have-,” Wisp started.

Wisp didn’t get a chance to finish before Dew turned and ran. She dropped her autograph on the way out and Wisp stopped to pick it up. He put it in his bag and then continued to follow Dew . He lost track of where she ran though, and stopped. He turned to a nearby mirror and looked at his reflection. He saw the blood coming from his eyes and nose. It looked like he just lost a fight, when in reality, he won.

Wisp stepped back and went back the way he came. He found his way to the exit, and gave one last look to Sebastian who was still passed out. He was glad that they were the last in line, because there wasn’t anyone to witness what he did …er what his other self did.

Wisp decided that he’d have to give them names. He didn’t want to explain to any police that Wisp incapacitated an innocent actor. He still had no regrets, but he was curious why he didn’t take control when he wanted. It was supposed to in theory, but he didn’t try it until today.

Wisp left the theatre and walked into the cold of the night. He felt a yawn coming on, and let his body turn cold. His vision glazed over and he stopped for a second. Then, his body continued walking . He continued down the street at a slow pace. Pausing only slightly outside of Dew’s house, he continued.

When he made it to his house, he walked in without saying a word to his parents. Something passed through their faces, but he didn’t stop to ask. He walked upstairs and laid on his bed. He spent a good few seconds looking at the ceiling before he fell asleep. Figures danced in his head during his dream. The figures had voices. These voices got louder.

“You know you went too far,” Wisp said.

“You didn’t stop me, so it’s not my fault,”

“Did you have to hit his face? That’s all he cared about,”

“Can you guys shut up, I’m trying to sleep,”

“You’re already asleep, dumbass,”

“I tried to stop you, but I couldn’t. Why?” Wisp asked, ignoring the others.

“I felt you trying, but I wasn’t going to stop because you didn’t want to go too far, that’s all I’m about. You should have learned that a long time ago,”

“I did, and I don’t blame you for being yourself, none of you. I just can’t understand how I’m supposed to explain this to anyone. Dew’s going to tell other ponies, and my parents saw that blood on me. They’re probably going to storm into my room any second and ask questions,” Wisp said. He felt like he hit a wall.

“Calm down, just be cool about this. We’ll work out the details, you can just relax,”

“Yeah, let us deal with the problem. We made this mess, let us clean it up,”

“I don’t want to clean while I sleep…”

“Shut up,”

“This is why I’m always caught in the middle. You four can’t get along, and I’m the one who has to make things right in the end,” Wisp said.

“We get along ; you just don’t see it like we do,”

“Yeah, I’m cool with them, even the crazy bastard has his good times,”

“I don’t have a choice…”

“Shut the fuck up! I’m trying to sleep ,” Came a surprising voice in the back.

Wisp made a mental note not to get on that guy’s angry side. Then he thought about what he heard them confess. The one that always looks at the good side would normally be forgiving, but the others…

The side that always used cool, didn’t seem affected by the different mixtures of personalities. Although his crazier side said he didn’t have a choice, the way he said it sounded like he didn’t mean it. And the last one… he’s normally passive and lets them be themselves. Maybe there was something he was missing. Maybe… they were actually getting along. He just always saw the bickering as infighting, but perhaps it was brotherly love?
“So-,” Wisp started.

“Shh!”

In the days that followed, the actor never said a word. Dew disappeared, although Wisp heard word that she had moved with her father. He didn’t care; she probably needed some time to think. He gave her time, and more. In the next three years, he took medication that helped him remain calm and supposedly helped his mental state recover.

After the incident, he no longer had any moments when it became out of control. They always had their nightly talks, and he started to warm up to the idea of them staying. Of course, he grew up with them, but now he felt like they were his family.

When he turned eighteen, his parents received a letter saying that he was officially cured, and that he could resume a normal life. Wisp knew otherwise, and so did the doctor. Wisp took the opportunity to follow a lead he had on Dew. He heard she had moved somewhere in Griffon Kingdom, and decided he’d use his new rights to move out.

His parents gave a heartwarming goodbye, and he almost didn’t want to go. Dew was his excuse to anyone that asked why he was leaving. In fact, his other personalities just wanted a change in scenery. They took a vote, something they did often on tough decisions nowadays. Wisp was the only one who wanted to stay, the others wanted to go. It was majority vote, so now he was boarding the train destined to Griffmany .

Wisp was about to step on, until he saw something in the corner of his eye. It was a market stand. He looked at the watch in the station, and found he had a good ten minutes before departure. Stepping away, he walked over to the stand. Looking for a souvenir from his town, he found lots of random knick knacks.

When he was about to turn away, he caught the market seller watching him. He raised an eyebrow, and the market seller did the same. Then, the market seller spoke, a raspy voice left his throat.

“Is there anything you like? My collections often bring joy to everypony who stop by,” The pony said.

“They’re all unique, but I was expecting something a little different,” Wisp said.

“Well if different is what you seek, take a gander at this pair,” The pony said, pulling something from underneath the stall.
“It’s junk,”

“Not very colorful,”

“Doesn’t look very cool,”

“Get back on the train, and take a nap in that,”

Wisp looked down at the cloak that the market seller showed him. He felt the fabric and the gold lining on the sides. He was still smiling as he took out his bits. The market seller shook his head, and smiled.

“How much?” Wisp asked, ready for a high amount.

“No cost,” The pony said.

“Huh? Did you say no cost?” Wisp asked, confusion clear on his face.

“Correct, my stall is only to unite ponies with something they truly enjoy. Your reaction to seeing this set was enough for me to know it was meant for you,” The pony said.

“So, it’s free…?” Wisp asked, still unsure.

“Take the set and go, your train is waiting,” The pony said.

Wisp reached out to grab the cloak, when he realized that it was a set. Next to the cloak was a mask. He noticed the part missing from the bottom, where it didn’t cover his snout. The holes where his eyes would normally be weren’t horizontal, it was turned 90 degrees. There was a stripe on each eye that met the top and bottom of the mask. What he noticed most was the room on top for a horn he didn’t possess. He pushed the mask back and reached for the cloak. The market seller put his hoof on Wisp’s. The market seller looked into his eyes and said his next words.

“It’s a set, you need to take both,” The pony said.

“That’s alright, I only want the cloak,” Wisp said, trying to explain.

“Both or nothing,” The pony said.

“I only want the cloak,”

“You’re going to take both,”

“I don’t want both,”

“What do you have against a mask?”

“What do you have against it?”

“Take them both,”

“Take your hoof off mine,”

“Are you going to take both?”

“No,”

“It’s good to be honest,”

“Yeah, and I’m not taking the mask,” Wisp said.

“Then you’re not getting the cloak,”

“How much for just the cloak?

“A free mask, can you afford that?”

“Yes,”

“Then take it,”

“No,”

“What if I throw in some candy?”

“Okay,”

“I don’t have candy,”

“Then fuck you,”

“Why don’t you just throw it away after you walk away from here?”

“Why don’t you throw it away right now?”

“Because it’s my ancestors, I got it in his will, and I’m making sure this set goes to a good home,”

“I don’t have a home right now,”

“All the more reason you need a mask,”

“Can a mask get me a home?”

“It can help you keep one,”

“Then I’ll take it ,”

“Okay then, have a nice day,”

The market seller took her hoof off Wisp’s and watched him closely. Wisp grabbed the cloak and put it on. He took the mask off the counter and looked at the inside. Inscribed on the inside were two words.
The Watcher
Wisp put it over his face. He heard the click that the mask made. It stayed on his face when he pulled away, and he turned to his train. Suddenly, the train was fading in and out. The world moved and shuddered while he held still. His head started to throb, and his heart was pulsating irregularly. He felt like he was going to be sick.

His eyes started to burn, but the images continued to change. It was turning black and white, and there were voices. Different voices. They sounded harsh… one sounded peaceful. The others were yelling. Wisp grasped his head as the train suddenly vanished and he was left looking at empty space. The colors came back, and he struggled to stay up. He looked up to find the train was back. Stepping on, he found a seat and held his head.

Turning to a nearby clock, he realized that his conversation with the market seller lasted longer than ten minutes. He also realized the market seller was gone, replaced with an empty stall. He would have stood to leave, if the train hadn’t already started to depart. Suddenly he heard a voice, dark and emotionless in his head.

“It’s for the best…”

Wisp felt himself lightheaded and passed out. Before he closed his eyes, they changed. He saw the water cover his vision, although he could still see clearly. It wasn’t the first time, and he was used to seeing through these different views. The other occupants didn’t notice, as Wisp raised his head and leaned back. The front of his mane now stood up instead of down. The edges of his mane still fell down, but his face was now clearly visible. A short chuckle escaped his mouth. He looked out the window to watch the time go by.

“Well that was weird,”

“I’ve done weirder,”

“Now I can chill and be cool…” Wisp said, not loud enough for the other occupants to hear.

Wisp couldn’t understand what just happened. He thought of any possibilities, and what he came up with was that he has going crazy. Not having a choice in letting the persona take over, he let himself drift into space. He didn’t realize anything wrong, letting the tracks on the train help him think.

Suddenly, the persona looked out the window, his hoof covering his face from the sun. Instead of the docks that he was expecting to see, there was only rolling hills. The sun was also on the wrong side of the train. Wisp turned to one of the passengers next to him.

“Isn’t this the train going to Griffmany?” Wisp asked.

“No, this train is headed to Ponyville. Did you board the wrong train?” The passenger asked.

“No, Ponyville’s cool. I was just wondering,” Wisp said, before turning back out the window.

“We’re on the wrong train? Maybe we should tell somepony,”

“Too much work, let’s just go to Ponyville,”

“Now we don’t have to see that mare again, good riddance,” Seconds passed before anything else was thought.

“Why are you so quiet?”

“I was just… thinking. I heard something before I let him take control…” Wisp said.

“We all heard it, you just need to chill and let things happen,” Wisp said softly.
“Maybe I just need a rest… let me take control again when we get there, I don’t want any of you to make a bad impression,” Wisp said.

“I’m sorry, did you say something?” The passenger asked.

“No, no… just chilling by myself,” Wisp said.

“I think you’re going to have a hard time with that,”

“He’ll do fine, he’s always found a way to hide us, if you need us, don’t be scared to ask,”

“Just leave me alone, I haven’t been getting much sleep lately…”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Wisp said.

The train slowed down, it’s momentum slowed to a crawl. Then, the horn blew on top and the doors unlocked themselves. Passengers started to stand up and exit, but Wisp waited for the aisle to clear. He finally stood up and stretched his limbs. Then he gave a good smile to the window before his face changed. The hair that had been up now fell down. His eyes were no longer were water-streaked. He blinked his eyes a few times to adjust .

Following the crowd that was leaving him behind, he climbed off the train. Looking around, he saw the town around him. Aside from the few buildings that centered him, he noticed the wildlife too. Green grass and trees everywhere he looked. Walking in a random direction, he decided that he should look for a place to stay.

Following a dirt road, he walked by houses and stores. He noticed one store in particular that looked like it was edible. Feeling his stomach growl, he decided that he should get something to eat first. Walking up, he opened the door and stepped inside. When he got to the counter, he waited for the pink pony to finish talking to one of the customers. She turned to him and her face lit up.

“Um, excuse me, can I-,”

“Oh, you must be new here! My name’s Pinkie Pie, and I’m glad to meet you. Well, I’m glad to meet every pony, but you’re new, so that makes it extra special. Do you want to meet new ponies? I can show you around. Oh you’re going to love it here in Ponyville, especially when you get to know everypony like I do,” Pinkie said, giving him a wide smile.

“Actually, I just came for-,”

“Oh, I know, since you’re new, you probably need a place to stay. If you want you could stay here with me . I just need to clear it up with the Cakes, and then you’re set. Don’t worry, they wouldn’t leave a new pony on the streets, that’s not like the ponies here in Ponyville. We’re all friendly and helpful, even to strange ponies with masks . So, can I show you to your room?” Pinkie asked.

“Uh… sure? Thanks, but can I also buy a-,”

“It’s free, I mean what kind of host would I be if I made you pay for staying here? No, you just follow me while I show you where you’ll be staying. Don’t worry, I already cleared it up with the Cakes , so you can relax here until I get the town to come meet you,” Pinkie said, leading him up the stairs.

Wisp followed, but he had so many questions to ask, and not enough time, that he just didn’t even try to ask.

“Your room’s upstairs, next to mine. Yours doesn’t have a window, but it’s bigger than mine. Maybe we can trade if you want a window. Although, mine is pink, so I don’t think you’d enjoy it too much. What kind of color do you want your room to be? Maybe a blue or red? Ooh, what’s your favorite color, mine’s pink if you didn’t already get that,” Pinkie said.

“It’s blue, but I wanted-,”

“That’s a great color; you know my friend is blue. Well, she’s actually more of a cyan blue, but her mane is a rainbow, so that gives it a more blue look . I guess it also gives it more red and yellow and green, but that must count for something, right?” Pinkie asked.

“Sure…” Wisp said, giving up on trying to talk.

“Well, here’s your room, come down when you get unpacked, and I’ll take you into town to start meeting my friends,” Pinkie said.

“How many friends is that?” Wisp asked.

“The whole town are my friends, silly,” Pinkie said.

“Oh… wait… I don’t have anything to unpack-,” Wisp looked down at his hooves at the suitcase resting against them. The figure that was Pinkie was gone, and Wisp was left with his mouth open looking around him. He closed his eyes and then opened them, but it wasn’t a dream.
“I like her already…”

“She’s nice,”

“Too energetic…”

“She was pretty cool if you ask me…”

“I guess I’ll unpack then…” Wisp said, taking the suitcase with him into the room and closing the door behind him. He looked at the bed that was missing some bed sheets. Immediately, he opened his suitcase, and sure enough. There was a bed sheet placed on top, blue stripes covering it. The rest of the suitcase had blue curtains for a window he didn’t have, and blue tablecloths that he put randomly in the room. At the bottom was a card that he put on his bedside table.

“Time to go see if I can get some answers…” Wisp said, opening the door and going downstairs. He noticed that Pinkie was waiting at the bottom, another smile on her face. Wisp felt one going to his own face, but he forced it back.

“So, want to go see my friends? I bet they can’t wait to meet you Wisp,” Pinkie said.

“Yeah sure I-, Wait… how do you know my name?” Wisp asked, suddenly confused.

“I know all of my friends’ names, silly. We are friends... aren’t we?” Pinkie asked, her smile slightly lessening.

“Say yes, or I’ll fucking make you,”

“Don’t make her sad, she just wants another friend,”

“Be cool, don’t you want her as a friend? Friends make you cooler, ”

“If you say no, can you go back upstairs and sleep?”

“Majority vote, bitch,”

“Yeah, of course. I hope I can make friends with your other friends too,” Wisp said.

“Ooh, that’s great! I just hope you can get along with all of them, like I do. Maybe we should get started. Let’s start at the town square, my Pinkie Sense is telling me that something’s going to happen there. Race you!” Pinkie said, rushing out the door. Wisp didn’t have a chance, and instead galloped as fast as he could.

“Pinkie Sense?” Wisp asked himself as he galloped.

Wisp finally caught up with her. She was walking now, and she noticed him catch up. She gave him a big smile as he caught his breath.

“We’re close now, I can feel it. And I can smell it, and hear it, and I see it too!” Pinkie said.

“Great…” Wisp said, looking up. Suddenly, he stopped, and he saw Pinkie stop too. He noticed the ponies in front of him. For a second everything stopped, all he heard was the voices.

“Those masks…”

“Those cloaks…”

“Those clouds…”

“Can’t you think about anything other than sleeping?”

“This is cool, it’s like we’re in a play,”

“It’s not any play I’ve ever seen,” Wisp said.

“Me either, but I know all of these actors, they’re my friends… most of them,” Pinkie said.

“Most? Then who are the others?” Wisp asked, thinking about what his personas were talking about. He looked around at the others, nothing was registering though.

Author's Note

Personas and internal conflict. This is a chapter I had fun writing, although most of it was while I was drowsy, so excuse some possible errors. But my editor should find them all, so don’t worry . My editor couldn’t tell which personas were talking at certain points, and I had a good laugh at that.
Next Time: The Fifth Mask, A Blank Slate.