Chronicles of Paradise Damned

This is the prequel to No Way Out. The events of this story take place two years before the events of the prologue of No Way Out.*****

Desert Wind was walking. No, wandering he liked to call it. Some called him a wanderer. Most called him a nomad. One pony had even called him out of his mind. But, he was definitely not out of his mind. He was truly a wanderer, roamer of the lands without a permanent home in sight. He always had planned destinations to reach before his next adventure. He did not have a Cutie Mark as most he met did. He was light tan with sienna brown hair and sand colored eyes. On this certain day he was in the middle of traveling to one of his destinations when he stumbled upon Ponyville.

"Ummm. I think I took a wrong turn.", He mumbled to himself. He looked around. The streets were quiet but a house was burning close by. Why was that? Kitchen fire? Accident? Arson? From the direction of the house, a pink pony came trotting down the walk, charred and blackened, with glee on her face. She trotted all the way up to Desert, who in turn, backed up a little.

"HI!", she trilled jubilantly.

"Hi?", Desert responded. He was a little crept out by this pony. For one she seemed to be the arsonist. And two, she kept searching his body.

"My name is Pinkie Pie! And you are!?", she asked. Her eyes sparkled. She had a sick grin that told a story on its own.

"Lost, confused, crept out, and leaving.", Desert returned. He began to turn around but was stopped by Pinkie stepping in front of him.

"Oh don't leave. The fun hasn't even started yet!", She said, blocking Desert from leaving.

"Please let me go. I have somewhere to be. I made a wrong turn somewhere, so just step aside, and let me pass through without interruption.", Desert said. He finally pushed Pinkie to the side and continued walking out towards his destination.

"But why would you want to leave?", She asked, skipping beside him gleefully.

"Because I have no doubt that you are deranged. Don't you have unfinished business?", Desert answered, looking in the direction of the half burnt down house.

"Their number was drawn. Once someone's number is drawn, there is no stopping their imminent demise.", Pinkie retorted coldly. Desert stopped and turned to face Pinkie.

"I have no idea what the hell you are talking about. Just leave me out of it, okay?", Desert said. He turned around once more and continued on his path of destiny.

Pinkie stood there confused. "He does not want to play with me willingly. We will have to force him then!", she mumbled. She reached inside the pack on her back and took out a cloth and a bottle with a liquid in it. She dampened the cloth with the contents of the bottle. She then put the bottle away. She snuck up behind Desert, completely unaware that he was being followed. She raised the cloth and prepared to jump. She jumped and got Desert perfectly, covering his mouth and nose completely. He began to struggle but blacked out after a few seconds. He dropped to the ground. The great and wise Desert had been chloroformed.

*****

A few days passed by with no real events. Desert had awoken in a house, sleeping on a couch. Pinkie was at a table nearby, watching him. He introduced himself and told Pinkie of his predicament. She didn't seem to care that much. When he was strong enough to walk, she took him on a tour of the town. Three days he slept in her house, each night awoken by screams of terror from her. She was friendly enough, and very pleasing to listen to. She had all kinds of stories to tell from when she was younger, whether they were sad or happy, funny or serious. She killed one during that time, leaving Desert alone. He was compelled not to leave. He wanted to learn more about Pinkie. She was quite confusing. She returned an hour later tired, sick, and traumatized. Then one night, she chloroformed him once more while he was wandering the town.

*****

When Desert awoke, he found himself in a basement of sorts. He was locked on a medical bed, strapped in at all hooves. He

felt a twang of pain in his right, front leg. On it, the number 110 had been carved.

"Oh great! Now my clock is ticking.", he retorted to no one. Or so he thought. He looked front and center. And that is when he saw her. She was sitting on a chair, front two legs folded on the table in front of her. She smiled and got up, pushing the chair back in when she got up. "Pinkie Pie. What exactly have you done or are planning to do to me?", Desert asked her.

"Nothing yet. I simply need you asleep so I could carve your number in. So, I took drastic measures.", she responded blandly.

"You call this drastic? I call this capture. You couldn't have just done it while I slept? I would have been able to take the pain.", Desert retorted. She began to say something but stopped. Her face turned angry.

"You cheat Pinkie!", she spat.

"Well then I guess it is 1 to nothing. Zilch.", Desert said with triumph.

"Gahhh! Well then, it is time for a play date!", she smiled. Desert began to panic. What was she going to do with him? She walked up to him. Their eyes locked. "Lift up your head.", she commanded.

"Nope."

"One more chance."

"Yo no lo creo." (Spanish for I don't think so.)

"Fine. Then I will have to force you."

Pinkie slid a metal bar under Desert's head. She began to push down on the bar using her hooves. The bar split in the middle, pushing Desert up with it. She kept on pushing down. Soon they came close as to almost touching snouts. Pinkie stared for a second. Her eyes began to brighten. Then she shook her head. She jumped off the bar and got a collar off a table. She silently put it around Desert's neck. When she had tightened it, she began to nuzzle a little bit of the leather. Then she backed off, satisfied with her work. Desert knew at that moment what it was. It was a proximity shock collar. Step out of range and you were zapped. Pinkie then unlocked his bindings.

"There!", she said gleefully.

Desert considered his options. In all horrible truth, there weren't that many. He could try to grab the proximity lace off Pinkie's neck and bolt. No, she would have some fail safe for that. He could try and rip off the collar on something. Bad idea. He would either hurt himself or get hurt by Pinkie. Badly. So what else!? Desert was almost on an epiphany when Pinkie began walking up the steps. Desert followed quickly behind her, not wanting to get shocked by his own stupidity. At the top of the steps, he collapsed, exhausted. When he couldn't get up, Pinkie half dragged, half carried him to the couch. He climbed up and lay flat. He let out a groan as his muscles cried out in pain.

"Don't worry. It is a side effect of the chloroform I use, if it is used too much. I would not let my companions die so peacefully.", she stated. Desert looked up at her. His vision was becoming blurry and double. Pinkie noticed his weird behavior and got him water. He gulped it down. It seemed to negate the effects and he felt better, for the time being.

"Thank you."

"It is time to get down to business. The number 62 has been drawn. We must start our work."

"Wait a second. You think I am actually going to help you!?"

"Not willingly no. But it seems you have no choice." Pinkie flicked her eyes to the collar.

"Well, crap! It looks like its me 0 and you 1, huh."

"Pinkie always wins in the end!", she said with a smile.

"Great. Now, business you said?"

"Right! The number 62 has been drawn. Their fate has been sealed."

"So when do we start?"

"Now! Follow me!"

Pinkie walked out of the house and Desert followed her. They arrived at what seemed to be one of the towns center areas. Pinkie found a table and sat. Desert stood by and watched. After a while, an orange pony with braided yellow hair and a stetson walked by. Pinkie reacted excitedly to this.

"Aha! Number 62! Applejack!", Pinkie said happily.

"Wait a second, you know her!?", Desert spat.

"Of course! She is my friend. Or so she thinks."

"WHAT! You are going to kill your friend! What kind of crazed pony are you! I have heard of mass murder, but not like this!"

"Oh, you are so naive. Everyone has a number. Even the handsome stallions.", Pinkie grinned. She winked at Desert.

"Even me, who you just met."

"I have a number too! It just has never been drawn."

"I highly doubt that."

Pinkie held up her front right leg. On it, the number 1 was carved.

"See?"

"Okay, you got me. But, when do we start? We are still just sitting here."

"I must think of how to kill her."

"You? You have to think of a way to kill somepony?"

"Shut up! I am forming together a plan."

Silence. Such a pitiful thing at times. Pinkie's face lit up after a moment.

"Aha!"

"What did you come up with?"

"You will see, soon enough." Pinkie smiled and watched as Applejack bought something from a vendor.

"What do we do now?"

"Now, we go home. We put our plan into action!" She reached over and pulled off the collar from Desert's neck.

"You took it off."

"Of course! Roam around! Be free! But be back at home before sunset. If you aren't, I will find you. And you don't want to know what I will do to you if I find you, which I will."

"I understand."

"Good." Pinkie got up and walked off. Desert was about to do the same when somepony tapped his shoulder. He looked to his left. A purple unicorn stood there. Her face was kind, her expression grave.

"Watch your back around her. She will exploit you and your weaknesses.", said the mare.

"Thanks for the advice. My name is Desert Wind. And yours?", Desert asked kindly.

"Twilight Sparkle. But just call me Twilight. I know Pinkie more than anyone else. She is dangerous. I just want to make sure that you are at least safe."

"Thank you. It might help. But in the mean time, I am going to find some peace and quiet.", Desert responded politely. Twilight smiled at him. He smiled back. Then he walked off, in search of a place to think thoughts and channel his anger.

Sunset had fallen and Desert arrived at Pinkie's home. He knocked and she answered.

"Right on time! Come in!", she said cheerily.

"Yeah. Here I am.", Desert said tiredly. He walked in and Pinkie closed the door behind him. She walked past him towards a counter. She reached into a cabinet and pulled out a bottle and two glasses. "Is that...Wine?", Desert asked, curiosity visible on his face.

"Yes.", Pinkie said admittedly. "It helps me focus before I have to do something. My mind wanders too much. And after the accident...", She said. Desert looked worriedly into her eyes.

"What happened?", he asked softly.

"I don't want to talk about it. I let my mind wander. It led to a mistake. Just don't ask, please.", Pinkie moaned.

"It is fine.", Desert soothed. Pinkie smiled. She raised her glass.

"To a night of free experience!", she said happily. Desert raised his glass. Then they drank. All was silent for some time. During that time, Pinkie appeared to be deep in thought. Then she looked at Desert, tears in her eyes. She walked over to him. She put her head on his shoulder and began to cry. Desert couldn't stand to see her crying. No, he could! No! What was going on!? He couldn't possibly be attracted to her, right? Right!? He ran his hoof through her mane.

"What? Why are you crying?", he asked.

"I am so tired of all of the ridicule! Everyone thinks that I am the life of the town, but they don't understand me! They don't understand the prison that is is called my brain. They just...think...", Pinkie cried. She then buried herself further into Desert's mane. Desert pushed her back, gently but firmly. She stared into his eyes, tears spilling onto the floor. Desert tried the only thing that he could think of. He leaned forward and kissed Pinkie. Her eyes widened, but then closed as she calmed. She opened her eyes once more, now shining with happiness. She backed up, blushing.

"I am so sorry. I couldn't think of anything better to do. I just couldn't stand to see you crying. It...disturbs me. It makes me remember my past.", Desert apologized.

"D-Don't worry about it. Y-you did wh-what you thought w-was right.", Pinkie breathed. She was slightly swaying, and her eyes were darting around. But then, a knock resounded from the door. Pinkie shot bolt upright, fear in her eyes. Then she settled down and walked to the door. She opened it to see a yellow pegasus with pink hair. She had kind and caring blue eyes.

"Hi Pinkie. You wanted me?", she asked.

"Yes Fluttershy! I need you to deliver something. I need you to deliver it to Applebloom. And quickly! Tell her it is from an anonymous source.", Pinkie explained. As Fluttershy absorbed this information, Pinkie grabbed an envelope from a desk top near the door. She handed it Fluttershy, who put it in a sack. Fluttershy smiled.

"Bye Pinkie.", she said, and then she flew off to where ever this Applebloom lived. Pinkie shut the door.

"No death? No killing or torture? I thought that's what you are all about.", Desert asked.

"Oh there will be death. Trust me. Now, we must rest. We have a long day tomorrow.", Pinkie said sternly. Desert walked toward the couch and laid down upon it. Pinkie gave him one last look before climbing stairs to the bedroom. Or at least, Desert thought it was the bedroom. Whatever. A question for another day. He closed his eyes and went to sleep.

"A-Applebloom! What has gotten inta' you!?", Applejack cried.

"Don't you dare lie! We are a proud family! How could you ruin us!?", Applebloom screamed. Applebloom had Applejack against a wall. Applebloom had a dagger in her mouth, and she skillfully twisted and twitched it around without cutting her self.

"I don't know what you are talkin' bout'.", Applejack moaned.

"I saw the letters! Don't you deny them!", Applebloom shouted. She took the knife out of her mouth.

The letters. How did she get them? Oh no. This was bad.

"We can reason this okay? Just put the knife down, and we will talk bout' this.", Applejack soothed, face showing genuine honesty.

"There is no reasoning to be had. You have disgraced the family name. Now, your time is up.", Applebloom sneered. She jabbed the knife straight into Applejack's stomach, causing a burst of blood. Applejack screamed. Big Mac was watching this happen. "How could she do this to us!?", he thought. She deserved the death she was receiving. Applebloom thrust the knife upwards, tearing open Applejack's stomach. Applejack screamed again. Applebloom silenced her with a quick slit of the throat. Applejack struggled for breath for a few seconds. Then, she slumped, lying in a pool of her own blood and internals. Applebloom stood back, admiring her work. She closed Applejack's eyes.

"We must move the body.", Big Mac said. Applebloom looked at him and nodded. Together they dragged Applejack's limp body outside. Big Mac dug a shallow hole into the ground. They dumped the body inside.

"I hope where ever you go, you are not punished. You deserved what you got, but no more. Sleep well. 'Sister'.", Applebloom spat. They covered the hole and cleaned up the blood. No one found out about the death. Applejack had traveled away. Forever.

*****

Twilight was asleep in bed when she felt the pain. It happened quickly and suddenly, jerking her from her sleep. She felt as if a knife had been plunged into her stomach. She stifled a scream. Then pain ripped through her body as the "knife" moved upwards. Then she couldn't breathe. And finally, it was over. Twilight sat sucking in air. Another had died. Yet, only she was going to know about it. The name of the deceased came to her.

"Applejack.", she cried softly. She fell to sleep, her dreams plagued with that of being buried alive.

*****

Desert awoke at the sound of a small hoof-fall to his left. He opened his eyes and watched as Pinkie sat down near him. She didn't notice that he was awake. She began to talk to herself.

"But if his number is drawn... Of course not! Why would I do that!? You saw it! He has some small affection for me. That doesn't mean anything! He kissed me! Now why would he do that? Oh! Of course now you don't have anything to say! You are afraid of him, aren't you? You are afraid that he will stop you! I can't bear it anymore! Rose, I will say this once. Get. Out. Of. My. HEAD!", Pinkie said. She shook her head and walked up to Desert. She sat down next to him and put her head on his chest. "I won't let her hurt you. Even if it means I die. I will keep you from her. She will kill you. I know it."

"You worry about me. You worry that this Rose will kill me. But who is she?", Desert asked. Pinkie jumped.

"H-How much d-did y-you hear?", Pinkie asked timidly.

"All of it.", Desert responded. Pinkie sighed.

"I don't know who she is. I don't even know if she is real. But, she wants you dead. And I worry for you. Every time I go near you I fear that she will take over and kill you.", Pinkie cried softly. Desert pulled her onto the couch. She laid down beside him.

"Don't worry for me. I would be better off dead. I have too much on my mind to even begin to explain.", Desert stated. Pinkie gasped.

"Don't say those things about yourself. There are ponies out there that might still want you alive, like your family and friends.", she said.

"Those people are unimportant to me. I was an outlier of my kind.", Desert responded. There was a silence for some time.

"Have you ever felt fear?", Pinkie asked.

Desert thought. He remembered all the death. He remembered all the fires and screaming. He remember those creatures, dark and evil in the black night. He remembered the panic when there was blood but no bodies, yet their friends were still there. He remembered Cactus Bloom saying her final words, dying in a corner with her chest torn open. He remembered as he and the filly ran for their lives. He remembered looking back and seeing nothing he remembered. So had Desert ever felt fear. The answer was a definite yes.

"I...no.", Desert

"There is deception in your eyes.", Pinkie noted.

"I have never felt fear, but, I have been lonely for some time.", Desert said.

"Which is why you should go back to your family. You are much better off at home.", Pinkie said looking into Desert's eyes.

"A long time ago maybe, but they are gone now. I am alone and unwanted.", Desert sighed.

"So-So you are the last I am guessing? Of your kind?", Pinkie asked sadly.

"No. There is one other. But I don't know where she could have gone. I will tell you my story another time. You need to sleep. I hear you toss and turn at night. It is obvious that you dream very horribly when you sleep.", Desert said sternly.

"I can't! She will hurt me! She will torture me!", Pinkie cried.

"She won't. I will make sure she doesn't.", Desert soothed. Pinkie studied Desert's eyes. Then she got off the couch and walked up to her room. Desert had to calm her only once that night.

*****

When Desert awoke in the morning, the house seemed deserted. Nothing stirred and there was no light on. He checked upstairs and Pinkie was gone. Where could she have went off to? Wait! She had the underground lab area. He hadn't checked there yet. The sight he saw when he descended the stairs made him jump. Pinkie was passed out on the "watching" table. But, it wasn't this that made him jump. The thing that made him jump was the fact that she had a huge gash down her back and blood was dripping out her mouth. He ran over to her.

"Pinkie! Wake up!", he cried. She was still alive, per the fact she was still breathing. She opened her eyes, which were pale. Her skin had taken on a ghastly white hue.

"I must die.", she said weakly, "It is the only way to stop her."

"No, you mustn't!", Desert countered.

"Tell them," Pinkie let out a hacking cough and spit out blood before she continued. "Tell them that the nightmare is over. No more will people disappear from the town over night."

"What did you do!?", Desert asked.

"Why would I tell you? I don't want to live.", Pinkie breathed.

"Pinkie!"

"I..." She sighed. "I used Prednisone. I then crushed it and mixed it with water and arsenic. The ultimate killer. In five minutes, I will lose feeling of all my extremities. In ten, my internal organs will shut down. By the twelve minute mark, I will be nothing but a corpse. For the better."

"Jesus Christ! Pinkie, why!?", Desert asked.

"Because I must kill Rose! She won't stop until ponies die! I must take care of her, by taking care of myself.", Pinkie explained weakly.

"But I care for you! Pinkie, don't do this. I...need you. You are helping me find my path. You are leading me to where I belong. Even though it has been only a few days, I already feel that we can help each other.", Desert said. He held one of Pinkie's hooves in his. "How did you get the poison into your body?"

"Via syringe. On the floor to my left.", Pinkie said. Her voice was weaker already. Desert found it and got straight to work. He may have been a traveler, but his kind had been masters of medicine. He had started learning when he was three, so he knew much at this point. He cleaned the syringe with uncanny precision. He then proceeded to find all sorts of pills and liquids. But there was one missing. Five minutes had passed. Still no luck. His search became frantic. He just couldn't find it! Ten minutes. He gave up and sat with Pinkie. He brushed the hair out of her eyes. They watched each other, waiting for the time to come. Pinkie closed her eyes and Desert pulled her closer. Her body was thin and light. She was surely dead. One minute. Then something crazy happened. Pinkie shot up, color returning to her body and eyes. But, her eyes had changed color. They were now a very dark, navy-ish blue.

"NO! The host will not die!", she said. Her voice had changed too. It sounded somewhat deeper. She began to float out of Desert's hooves. She started convulsing in the air. Her body glowed and a liquid began to flow out of the gash on her back. All of it was deposited into a beaker. Then the gash closed up and healed over, leaving nothing but a light mark. Then her eyes changed back to normal and she crashed to the floor, missing the table by an inch. Desert picked her up and set her down on a chair. Her eyes fluttered open, as if to adjust to the light. Then she screamed and hit the table.

"Damn! She just won't let me die! She is just too powerful!", she growled.

"She saved your life.", Desert pointed out.

"For her sake only. If she could go into another body, she would have let me die.", Pinkie responded.

"You mustn't give up Pinkie. We will find a way to get her out of your mind. Just come up, I will get you some water.", Desert said softly. Pinkie looked at him for a few seconds, then got shakily to her hooves. She walked slowly up the stairs, taking each step gingerly. Desert didn't know for sure, but he thought that she might have done more damage than Rose could repair. That stuff was deadly and absolutely destroyed the body. When she got to the top she collapsed, and had to be helped up by Desert. He half carried, half dragged her to the table and made her sit down. He then got her a glass of water. She took a sip and then looked at him.

"We must continue killing. It is the only way I can keep Rose at bay. She enjoys the death. It...pleases her.", Pinkie said.

"We shall do what we can then. It seems like we don't have a choice. And I am not letting you die by the hands of some infernal entity.", Desert said. "You hear that Rose? You are not going to take the life of this innocent mare. I will do what you bid, even if it means killing, so long as you leave your hands off Pinkie, understand!?"

Desert heard a voice in his head. It was that of Rose.

Oh, I understand. But don't blame me if you die trying to punish me. I am more powerful than you think. Just you wait. Once I am free, you can snuggle with this piece of trash all you want, in hell!

Then the voice was gone.

"I must draw another number!", Pinkie exclaimed, getting up. She collapsed once more. Desert helped her onto the chair again.

"Oh no you don't. You are too weak right now. What you need is rest. Tomorrow, okay? Rose, don't push her. She destroyed everything in her body. She is too weak to be out and about. Let her rest and try to heal her. We will kill tomorrow. Be patient.", Desert commanded.

Pinkie started to argue, but then stopped herself. She sighed and got shakily to her feet again. Desert helped her up the stairs and to her bed. She lay down upon it, and fell almost instantly to sleep. Good. With that done, Desert would find that Twilight mare. She might be able to help him in destroying Rose. He left the house, closing the door behind him.

*****

It was a crisp, early morning, but Twilight was already about. But she wasn't doing anything much. She was simply enjoying the quiet calm of the morning. It sure beat those terrible dreams. Applebloom walked around the corner and up to Twilight. Her face was very grave and serious.

"You know about what we did?", she asked coldly.

"The fact that you murdered your own sister? Yes.", Twilight scoffed.

"She betrayed our family! She deserved to die! I will come for you if I even hear one peep about my sister. Everyone is going to be convinced that she left. Do I have your word? Or do I have to kill you too?", Applebloom asked.

"My lips are sealed. Trust me. There are much worse things that I have seen. Now, run along. Get your speech ready. A different story will never work.", Twilight said sweetly. Applebloom growled and walked off. Desert walked out of the shadows, unnoticed by Twilight.

"And that was about?", he asked nicely. Twilight jumped and turned around, horn blazing. When she saw it was Desert she calmed slightly.

"My! You scared the life out of me!", Twilight breathed.

"That wasn't the answer to my question.", Desert said coldly. Twilight thought the mean pony thing was an act. But then she saw his eyes. There was no joking behind them, not even the slightest hint.

"Nothing!", she blurted out. Desert approached Twilight and backed her against a wall. He had at least a foot on her, and she doubted that her magic would work on him. His mind was filled with secrets, things never to be taught or learned again.

"Oh really? That filly looked really pissed at you. And you tell me it's nothing.", Desert said mockingly. He had Twilight blocked, no escaping.

"I know when someone dies. I feel their pain. Then I dream about where they are buried. That filly was Applebloom. Last night, she killed her sister, Applejack.", Twilight said after a pause. There was fear, regret, shame, and sadness all expressed on her face. Desert became puzzled. He backed up and gave Twilight some space. She walked forward, watching Desert carefully.

"When did this start?", he asked. His tone was soft again, but his face was still stone.

"About a year ago. Pinkie's first kill. It was messy. Blood everywhere. But, she didn't hide the body. She was almost caught. But she escaped. But I caught her. She admitted she had done the murder. She said that she didn't have a choice. I believed her only because she was telling the truth. I secretly used magic to test her, and she wasn't lying about having no choice. So, I let her go, with a warning of course. I didn't expect her to continue. That's when I saw the change. She told me about something in her head. Something named Rose Red. She told me that this Rose thing enjoyed the pain and suffering of others. Pinkie told me she feared for her life. This Rose thing was destroying her from the inside out. Pinkie had once been exciting and lively. But soon, she drew back from the crowd. She would disappear into her house for days on end. And then the murders became more organized. Cleaner and more stealthy at that. And now you have come along. So that is a year's worth of death put into a paragraph for you.", Twilight said weakly. Desert was looking at her in a way that made Twilight feel like her insides had turned into ice. She turned and began to walk away.

"You hide something from me.", Desert growled. Twilight froze in place. Static and chills ran through her body. She turned back. Desert had one hoof raised and pointed at her. Black fire was blazing along the length of the leg. Yeah, secrets never to be learned or taught again. Twilight reluctantly walked back to Desert.

"Yes. I do hide something from you. But maybe because it is personal.", Twilight retorted.

"Pinkie tried to kill her self this morning."

"What!?", Twilight cried.

"Oh, did I forget to mention that? She put drugs and poison inside her body. She basically ate away at everything in her body. This Rose thing? It saved her. But only for the purpose of more death. Now, I suggest you tell me what you are hiding, or I might have to go through that all over again. And, the death will continue.", Desert spat.

"I...uh...it's hard to explain...I just don't think...", Twilight started. She sighed. "Pinkie doesn't see things normally."

"Excuse me?"

"Her brain. It processes at a speed incomparable to anything. She can visualize everything before hand. Then she goes in, commits the murder, hides the body, what's left of it anyway, cleans up, and is gone before a scream can even be heard."

"So what you are telling me is that Pinkie can see a murder in her mind and then commit it, detail for detail, step-by-step, with no flaws? And no chance of being caught?"

"Exactly. There is no evidence, therefore, no proof towards the murder and the suspect. If you planned on telling someone official, scratch that off your list. You will never find the evidence necessary without you yourself being convicted."

"Damn."

"Damn is correct. But there is a way that might be able to stop her."

"What is that?"

"Get as close to her as possible. Learn how this Rose functions. Try to block her out."

*****

Pinkie lie awake in her bed. Rose would not let her sleep. She kept her up using all kinds of methods. When one began to fail, another was used. It was driving Pinkie insane. But wasn't she already insane? No, that was Rose. But it sure felt as if she were the victim. Actually, if one put thought into it, Pinkie was the victim. She was prey to Schizophrenia. She was sure of it. Just some second personality that was just now showing. There was no entity. There was no Rose. Just a tortured and disturbed mind.

"Let's talk!", Rose said gleefully.

"Shut up Rose. I am trying to sleep. Can you just lay off the annoyance?"

"Not until I am strong enough to take over your body. Your mind is too strong right now. But soon..."

"I literally destroyed my body trying to get rid of you. Could you at least let me sleep and you try to heal my wounds? The faster you do that, the faster the killing starts."

"But that would be no fun! I am enjoying our time together! It is letting me get in touch with my inner bitch. And your inner annoyance. And your innards."

Pinkie felt a bolt of pain shoot through her body. It originated from her lungs.

"Damn it Rose! Just leave me the hell alone!"

"The time is nearing. Master will be called upon soon. Then destruction shall rain from the sky and erupt from the ground. All shall worship HIM or die by HIS hands."

"What kind of nonsense are you speaking?", Pinkie asked. But then all was silent. Rose was focused on something else. Pinkie finally went to sleep. She dreamed about a hooded Desert sitting in the dusk, flames arising from his hooves.

*****

Desert had begun to wander the town. It had been exactly four hours since he had talked to Twilight. And already, things seemed to be getting heavy in the air. He could see it and feel it. Parents followed their children everywhere they went. Loners constantly watched their backs. Groups stayed close together. Dark alley ways and corners were avoided. It seemed as if Pinkie was more noticed than she originally thought. Everyone kept their eyes sharp, their ears held up and pricked. The disappearances had finally been noticed. Or had they always been noticed? He had to ask Twilight about this previous kill, this Applejack. He had seen behavior like this before. Usually after a well noted pony disappeared or died. It was panic. This Applejack had to have been well known to have caused this.

"It's amazing, isn't it?", inquired a voice to Desert's left. He looked at the voice. The owner was a tall black pony. Literally black other than his eyes, which were a disturbing, yet beautiful, gold. This pony also had a large scythe on his back.

"And you are?", Desert asked.

"Unnamed.", replied the pony. Desert felt a shiver go down his spine. This pony looked a lot like the creatures that destroyed his entire race.

"You call this panic amazing?", Desert asked.

"Of course. All it takes is a pinch of death, a crazed pony, and some paranoia. The perfect storm.", he responded.

"It is true. But this is a different kind of panic. This is neither panic over death, nor panic over life. This is panic over the unknown. They finally know something is wrong. But it seems as if it is too late to do anything about it. They don't know why these ponies keep disappearing. And if they don't know...", Desert started.

"Then the panic will continue.", the pony finished. "Exactly."

"All of this caused by something in Pinkie's head. Something called Rose Red. The look in her eyes tells me she thinks it's a hallucination of some sort, but I know differently. There is something in her head. Something that is going to destroy her.", Desert said coldly.

"Your knowledge serves you well Wanderer.", the pony said, chuckling.

"What did you just call me? How could you know that name? Very few have ever called me that.", Desert growled.

"I know many things, just as you do Wanderer. I am all around you, inside every home, on every bed, in every corner. You know me quite well actually. Your memory will come to you later, you and I both know it. But for now, you are on your own. Goodbye, Wanderer. All the best of luck to you!", the pony said. Then he was gone. Like a trick of the light. He was there and then he wasn't. Desert looked back at the town below. He saw Twilight talking fervently with another pony, who was white and had styled purple hair. He saw a mother scream and pick her child up just before he entered an alleyway. This town was in a lot of danger. And Desert was the only one who could stop it. One problem. How?

*****

It was a matter of when Pinkie's defenses fell, Twilight thought. She was walking home, for night had fallen and the cold was beginning to seep in. This Rose Red timed each murder in times where Pinkie seemed weakest or defenseless. Each murder was mechanically perfect, never leaving a trace. So how were they, Desert and her, going to stop it.

"Why? Why now? It was so calm here. This isn't Discord, and it can't possibly be any kind of disease. I just need answers.", Twilight thought aloud. She heard leaves crunch behind her and she spun around, horn blazing. She saw two hooded figures following her. How long had they been there? "Hello?"

"Come with us, and maybe we won't kill this one here.", said the hooded figure on the right. The two figures separated and let a third figure through. It stepped into the light. It was Big Mac! He was cut and had lacerations on his back. He was shackled to the point where he could only shamble.

"Don't do what they say. I killed my sister, yes. I deserve to die.", Big Mac said quietly.

"No. You are not going to die. I will do what they ask. No one else is dying.", Twilight responded strongly. She walked in front of the hooded creatures and past Big Mac. Then she heard Big Mac grunt and she turned around in time to see him fling himself onto one of the hooded things. The force of the blow knocked the hood and cloak of the creature. It was a black, horse looking thing, with spikes down each leg and red eyes, mane, and tail. It growled.

"Oh you little bastard. You are going to wish you didn't do that!", it screamed. It swung a hoof and hit Big Mac directly in the snout. In return, Big Mac leaned and started to crush the things face. It seemed he was winning when the other charged and hit him in the chest. He was sent flying into a tree. Twilight flinched when she heard a few bones break. The uncloaked one stood up and shook his head. "Serves you right, you worthless son of a bitch."

"You...you...", Twilight began, tears beginning to stream down her face.

"Killed him? So what. He was worthless. No matter. We only used him to get to you Twilight, or should I say, Dreamer.", said the cloaked one.

"No! NO! He...he can't be dead!", Twilight cried. She galloped over to him and listened to his heart. Nothing. She turned to the creatures. Her eyes began to glow. Her mouth opened and the air began to crackle around them.

"Master was correct.", said the uncloaked one.

"She is Chosen.", said the other. They both kneeled. Then everything went white.

*****

Pinkie awoke from her sleep when a bright flash caught her vision. She looked to the source, which seemed to have originated from around Twilight's home. She climbed out of bed and walked down the stairs. Desert was already up and waiting. He seemed to be very loyal for reasons Pinkie didn't know. Together, they exited the house and walked to where the flash had come from. Others were staring out of their windows at the duo, wondering what they could be doing.

*****

"She is breathing, but hardly.", said a masculine voice.

"What do we do!?", asked another voice, feminine this time. Twilight heard a sigh.

"I know! You see that tree? Give me two of the leaves. Then pick one of those red flowers.", explained the masculine voice. Twilight heard something get up and gallop off. She felt something against her chest. Then two hooves gripped her temples and pressed. Twilight felt pain but couldn't scream. She only twitched her leg. She heard something galloping back.

"Got them!", panted the feminine voice. Twilight heard leaves being crushed. Then she heard the sound of something blowing on something. After that, the strong smell of mint and the tangy smell of lime and oranges filled her head. Her eyes fluttered open. She saw Pinkie watching her with worry. Desert was at her side, his face as serious as ever. When Pinkie saw Twilight's eyes open, she squealed in delight. She kissed Desert on the neck, who in turn, turned away, most likely blushing.

"It worked. I still got it.", Desert said softly.

"It worked! I can't thank you more than I already have!", Pinkie trilled. She helped Twilight up.

"Thank you, so much.", Twilight said shakily. Her head pounded and her body ached, but still there was one feeling that was clear. She had a feeling of trust for Desert. This Desert was much different than the one who had threatened her earlier that day. She felt...no, she didn't. She couldn't feel that. At least not yet. Thinking about that feeling brought her back to another problem. Big Mac. "Desert! You have to help Big Mac!"

"Who?", Desert asked. He turned back to Twilight for explanation, but then needed none. He saw half of the limp body against an oak. Upon closer inspection, the body was intact, but the spine and neck were broken. This Big Mac had lived for no more than ten seconds after impact before he died. The back was the first to break, paralyzing him. Then the neck broke shortly after from shock, killing him.

"Is there anything we can do?", Pinkie asked.

"Please Desert.", Twilight cried. Desert looked deep into those shockingly stunning violet eyes. He sighed.

"Let me see what I can do.", he replied.

"Thank you. As long as you try, I am happy.", Twilight said, hope in her voice. Desert inspected the broken bones. Four broken vertebrae, a broken neck, and a broken clavicle. Desert knew what to do, but the ingredients were difficult to find. He began to second guess himself when he saw the ingredients everywhere around him. It seemed like the surprises never ended. He collected them and crushed them. All he needed was water. But there was none around.

"Crap. I only need water.", Desert thought aloud.

"I think I can help.", Twilight said. Her horn began to glow and the materials in his hoofs turned into paste. Perfect.

"Thank you.", Desert replied. He rubbed the paste into Big Mac's skin. He found a tough stick and sliced a small part of Big Mac's back open. Twilight held back her anger. Desert knew what he was doing. Desert then proceeded to rub in small bits of dirt accompanied by some tulip. After a few seconds, Big Mac groaned. He shot upwards and yelped.

"OW! What the hell!?", he cried out. When he saw Desert he jumped a little bit. "Wh-who are you?"

"It's fine Big Mac. He healed you.", Twilight said, galloping over to him. She nuzzled him. "That was brave of you to do that."

"No need. And I was fine, thank you.", Big Mac said softly.

"Your back was fractured in four places, and your neck had snapped twice. You were dead before you knew what hit you.", Desert said, rolling his eyes.

"Oh.", Big Mac replied. A shiver visibly went down his body. "Thank you for healing me. It kind of hurt."

"Don't mention it. It seems that this one has some passion for you.", Desert said, chuckling. He looked at Twilight.

"I...", Twilight began. Then she looked away and blushed. Big Mac cracked a small smile. Pinkie nudged Desert.

"I have to sleep more. I still feel horrible.", she said softly. Desert nodded and they both walked away, leaving Big Mac and Twilight alone.

"You didn't need to risk your life for me.", Twilight said softly once Pinkie and Desert were out of earshot.

"I didn't need to. But I didn't want those things to lay their hooves on you. I didn't even want to think about what they would do to you.", Big Mac replied.

"I...don't know how to respond to that.", Twilight said. She chuckled a little bit.

"And I can't tell you how to respond."

Then Twilight did the one thing she could think of. She bent her head upwards and kissed Big Mac on the cheek. He started and blushed a little at this. Twilight blushed even harder. It was so weird! "Why did I do that?", she thought, "He is older than me!" Then, Spike raced into view, eyes showing visible worry.

"What the hell was that?", he asked.

"Nothing. Nothing at all.", Twilight replied, stealthily smiling at Big Mac.

*****

"We must kill tonight!", Pinkie said, panicking.

"No! You are too weak!", Desert replied. Pinkie looked Desert in the eye.

"I can't hold her back any longer."

Desert sighed. "Okay, fine. Rose you win. So who do we kill."

"Someone who has answers."

*****

The unicorn gasped for air once more. She was black and had red hair and eyes. Not like the creatures though. This was real.

"Are you ready to tell me?", Pinkie asked. Her voice was husky. They had been torturing this pony for almost an hour. She was strong and still had not broken.

"Please just tell us. It hurts me as much as it hurts you to do this.", Desert said. The pony, named Red Velvet according to Pinkie, looked at him and spat in his face. Desert looked at Pinkie and nodded. Pinkie flipped a switch. Red Velvet was dunked back into the tank of water, and the vise around her chest tightened. For the first time, Desert heard bones breaking. Red Velvet coughed out some blood, and then proceeded to try and gasp for air. Pinkie brought her up once more.

"You crazy bitch! You are killing me!", Red Velvet cried.

"I know.", Pinkie said, annoyance creeping into her voice. "Tell me now, and I let you live. Last chance. Any later and you still die."

"So you are giving me freedom?", Red Velvet asked.

"Give me the information now, and you will be free. Next time, I let you live, but you go back to prison where you belong. Any later, you will die anyway.", Pinkie explained coldly.

"Fine. I will tell you what I know. Rose Red is real for starters. And she is a killer. Obviously you can tell that too. But, she doesn't have a weakness. She is ruthless and will obey orders she is given. I don't know who this Master is, but I am pretty sure he or she has a lot of power. They would need it to control Rose. One more thing. Desert, you are the key to unlocking the mystery. You will find out soon how. I don't even know.", Red Velvet explained. Pinkie nodded and flipped the switch. Red Velvet screeched as she fell. The vise gripped even tighter and she drowned faster. Desert knocked Pinkie aside and brought Red Velvet back up. Her face was a bloody mess, but she was still alive. Desert made the vise loosen its grip enough so that Red Velvet tumbled out and onto the ground.

"What the hell Pinkie!?", Desert asked.

"I was destroying evidence along with an undeserving soul.", Pinkie responded. Desert slammed his hooves down on Red Velvet's chest a few times. After the fourth hit, Red Velvet coughed up bloody water. She gasped for air.

"Thank you.", she said weakly. Then she slowly got up and walked away. Pinkie watched her go, hatred in her eyes. When Red Velvet was gone, she turned towards Desert. Her eyes had gone navy blue again.

"Crap.", was the only thing Desert could utter before Rose launched her self at him.

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO DO THINGS LIKE THAT! THOSE THINGS ARE EXACTLY THE THINGS THAT ARE GOING PISS ME OFF!", Rose yelled. She had pinned Desert down. Desert planted two hooves on Pinkie's chest. All of a sudden, Pinkie/Rose began to shiver uncontrollably. The color drained very quickly from her body.

"And I told you not to hurt Pinkie. And you are doing that right now by overworking her tired body.", Desert growled. Pinkie/Rose fell off Desert's hooves. The spots where his hooves had been were as blue as water. Desert put a hoof on Pinkie's chest and all of the color came back to Pinkie. She coughed and breathed heavily. Her eyes had returned to their normal light blue.

"T-Thank-k You.", she said, trembling. Desert helped her up.

"I am sorry that I had to do that. I prefer not to do those things.", Desert said sarcastically, but nicely also.

"She took over right as you flipped the switch. I didn't even have a chance to fight.", Pinkie said. She looked down and began to cry a little.

"Don't cry. Everything is going to be fine.", Desert said calmly. He lifted Pinkie's head up. Her eyes shone from the tears. "Terror and Pain go together. Alone they are horrible, together, they are hell. But, they are easily put down. Think of all of the times you and your friends did something courageous or nice. Think about all of the times you have saved the town, from what you tell me." Pinkie's eyes began to dry and she smiled.

"That meant a lot to me.", Pinkie said. She walked over to the tub of water and kicked it. It tipped and dumped its contents on her. Her hair was flattened against her, and she uttered a curse under her breath. She beckoned for Desert to follow her. Desert followed her out of the building, not looking back.

*****

Twilight was sitting up in her bed. She was breathing very heavily. The past hour had been utter hell. She had felt as if she was drowning, but being crushed at the same time. But, this time it didn't end suddenly. It stayed and faded slowly. Someone had lived. They lived and escaped without dying. This was new. And it meant that Desert was most likely succeeding in blocking out Rose. This was good, and it was progress. But it was in no way over. The death was going to continue. And so was her pain.

*****

Rarity was asleep when there was a knock on her door. But, she wasn't alone. Another pony got up from a chair. It trotted over to the door and opened it. No light was shed on the pony. A smaller pony stood there. She was drenched. She was black and had red eyes, mane, and tail.

"Thank Celestia! (I don't know what they say. Don't hate if I got it wrong.)", she said. She embraced the other pony, who stumbled back a little bit.

"Whoa! Okay. Um. You are so excited why?", asked the pony. She sounded feminine.

"That crazy bitch tried to kill me. I told her what I knew. But she almost killed me again. Then this other...handsome stallion saved me.", Red Velvet cried. A little gleam entered her eye when she spoke the last sentence.

"I wish I could help you, but I have no idea what you are talking about.", replied the pony. She pushed Red Velvet off.

"Can I stay here? I don't feel safe anymore.", asked Red Velvet.

"Rarity is going to be pissed, but sure. Who are you again?", asked the pony.

"My name is Red Velvet. I just survived the death of all. Beware thy who has eyes red as blood and soul dark as night, for the arrival has begun."

*****

"What exactly are these again?", Desert asked. He was carrying large logs on his back. Pinkie was in front of him, carrying one. They were walking through a forest. The logs were light, and they seemed to talk to Desert.

"They are Mentalasee (Men-ta-lA-see) logs. I will explain later.", Pinkie responded. She lead Desert to a clearing. She put down her log and walked into the forest again. She reappeared with small sticks and twigs while Desert put down his two logs. She arranged the logs in a parallel pattern, then arranged the sticks and twigs in various patterns on the outside of the logs. She produced two rocks, which she hit together to make a spark. Old fashioned, but it seemed all of this was ritual based. A fire started on one of the sticks, and it slowly spread to the logs. Pinkie walked back to Desert. "Follow me. You will regret it if you don't." Desert followed Pinkie to about 20 feet away from the logs. There Pinkie stopped.

"Why are we out building a bonfire?", Desert asked.

"It is no regular bonfire. This is Mentalasse. It has certain affects on you, depending on your distance away. Too close, and our memory would be wiped. Too far, and we wake up completely changed. Now, at our distance, it lifts guilt.", Pinkie explained.

"So, we feel the fire, and our guilt is gone?", Desert asked.

"Exactly. It helps. Guilt comes after some point or another. Guilt is something Rose despises. So she forced me into the habit of burning Mentalasee. Soon you become hooked, like a drug. It becomes hard to go a single night without burning it. But, it still helps with guilt.", Pinkie said. Then, the slow moving fire finally hit the Mentalasee. The logs caught so fast there was a fireball. Desert instantly felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He couldn't help but smile. It was like he had been drugged. But he did feel a weight on his shoulder. Pinkie had scooted closer to him and had begun to lean on him. It was at that moment that Desert knew he couldn't deny something. It was something that had been there from near the beginning. Something that had grown over the past few days. Something that he wanted to believe wasn't true, but finally could deny no longer. He had fallen in love with Pinkie. Slowly but surely, step by step, he had fallen for this mare. And he liked it that way. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. She gasped slightly in surprise, then nuzzled Desert. He had to find a way to save the town. Now not for just the population, but for the future of him and Pinkie.