Ponyville Shimmers

Chapters

Chapter 1: First Day
Chapter 2: First Sight
Chapter 3: The Actual Race
Chapter 4: Pinkie's Party Cannon
Chapter 5: Spikes Trip
Chapter 6: Applejack?!
Chapter 7: The Outsider
Chapter 8: Lost and Found
Chapter 9: Inconception

Chapter 1: First Day

Chapter 1:

Gray Storm had just gotten off the train, he was holding two saddle bags of all his belongings that he had left from his move. Gray was a tall grey coloured pegasus with a long dark brown mane. As he was leaving the station he could see the ponies from the train meeting with families, friends, or other relatives. He made his way through the crowd casually. He did not plan on meeting anypony. What family he had lived very far away and he hardly saw them. The small group of friends he had, he left back in Manehattan. Gray wanted a change and get away from the city. As he was walking he noticed the beautiful landscape surrounding Ponyville and admired the lush green hills in the far distance. The air was clean and smelt fresh, every breath felt as if it could add five years to any pony's life. Gray could only smile at the gorgeous land. It was nothing like what he was used to, the smoggy air and pavement surrounding him in the big city. There he couldn’t even imagine a place with beauty of this magnitude. This was never ending peace, a true heaven on earth.

He had started to make his way to his new home while looking around the small town. Gray's house was on the outer side of Ponyville. His new home was a normal cottage right off of the shore of a lake north of Sweet Apple Acres. Gray wanted to be as far away from town as he possibly could. He figured that his music might disturb other ponies around him so he choose something distant. Besides being that far out it would be even quieter with no neighbors.

Gray got to a dirt path that led straight to his cottage. He could’ve flown there but wanted to enjoy the Ponyville countryside on the ground. There were lots of hills on both sides of the path, covered with flowers and trees. It was completely silent with the exception of the birds chirping in nearby trees and the buzzing of bees. He continued on his path when he heard a tree branch snap behind him. He stopped and quickly turned around. No one. He shrugged and let out a sigh and turned back around. All he could see were two giant blue eyes inches away from his. “Ahhh!!" he yelled as he nearly jumped out of his hide. He shot into the air flapping his wings. A pink mare was standing below him looking up with a giant smile on her face.

“Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! What's your name??" she said enthusiastically.

“What?" Gray said trying to catch his breath.

“I saw you walking and I've never seen you before and I know everypony in Ponyville and I mean every everypony!!" She looked up at his cutie mark. "OOooooooo Is that a guitar?"

"What? Yes? Why are you asking so many questions??" Gray had never been as confused in his life as he was now.

Another pony came stumbling through the bushes. It was a dark blue unicorn stallion with a black and white theatre arts comedy mask for a cutie mark and a long auburn coloured mane.

“Pinkie, what are you doing? I turned around for one second and you were gone?"

He noticed Gray hovering in front of her.

“Who is that?" The dark blue stallion said pointing a hoof at him.

Gray landed back onto the ground.

“My name is Gray Storm, I just moved here. I was just walking along to my new home when she jumped out of nowhere and almost gave me a heart attack."

"I saw you walking all alone with no friends and I didn’t recognize you so that meant you were new and that you had no friends so I wanted to come welcome you to Ponyville" she had a gigantic smile on her face.

“I’m sorry, Pinkie is super friendly. She didn’t mean to scare you like that haha. My name is Improv, her coltfriend." He stuck his hoof out to Storm with a smile.

Storm shook his hoof smiling back, “nice to meet you guys.”

“Sooo what brings you to Ponyville Storm?" Pinkie asked.

“Well I just got done touring with my band, I wanted to take a break, and unwind in the countryside. I am originally from Cloudsdale but, we finished our last show in Manehattan." He answered

“Oooooooo, how interesting!" Pinkie exclaimed.

“What are you guys doing out here?"

“Me and Impy were having a picnic!" Pinkie said

Storm was trying not to laugh. “Impy?"

“Yeah that’s what I call Improv" she began to rub his cheeks with both of her hooves. “He’s my little Impy!"

Storm couldn’t hold it, he busted out laughing. It didn’t seem to bother Improv at all. He still was smiling.

“Yes, that's what she calls me haha"

They were all laughing.

“Ha, well I hope every other pony here is as nice as you guys are.”

Pinkie gasped! “Oh my gosh! We need to introduce Storm to everypony else!!"

“Your right they’d love to meet him!"

All of a sudden they were interrupted by a rainbow bolting over their heads, in the sky, led by a bright cerulean pegasus. Storm was in awe by the speed she passed by them.

“Hey there’s Rainbow" Improv said.

"Rainbow Daaaaasssh!!!!" Pinkie called out to her.

Rainbow kept flying without even turning around.

“Huh she must have not have heard me" Pinkie said with a smile while Improv and Storm were rubbing their ears in pain.

“She’s probably still upset about what happened with Soarin." Improv said.

“Yeah she has been acting a little funky lately." Pinkie agreed, “We should make her a cake!” She jumped into the air grinning. Improv chuckled.

Storm decided not to ask about it. It wasn’t any of his business.

It was quiet for a moment, then quickly interrupted by Pinkie. She grabbed Storms hoof and started dragging him back towards town.

“Come on lets go introduce you to everypony!!!" She had a huge smile on her face. Gray’s hooves left straight tracks in the ground.

Storm took his hoof back. “I’m sorry I would like to. I really would, but I am really tired from my trip and am ready to get home. Maybe another time?"

“Yeah Pinkie, let Storm get settled in, he hasn't even been home. Besides we have a picnic to finish"

Pinkie smiled. “Okie dokie lokie!! See you later alligator!" She began bouncing away back to their picnic set.

Storm and Improv laughed.

“Well it was nice meeting you. If you ever get bored or need somepony to hang with let us know, were always trying to find ways to have fun." Improv shook his hoof again.

Storm smiled, “Definitely, I’ll see you around."

Improv went to follow Pinkie. Storm turned and continued his way home.

“Haha," He laughed to himself. “Impy hahaha."

Finally he could see his cottage. It was about sunset by now. The sun was reflecting off of the water behind it. All he could see was the silhouette of his cottage. It was two stories tall and had a big patio on the second story. He pushed the door open. All of his furniture had been moved in accordingly and his home was perfectly the way he wanted it. He put his bags down by the door and went to his room. Everything was perfectly clean and in one piece. He was hoping that the movers hadn't broken anything. He went back downstairs to the kitchen, to see if his cider was there. He opened it up and there they were, the fridge was stocked. He grabbed a bottle and walked out to his patio. He sat down to watch the sunset and so he could relax and think. He could smell the scent of water in the air. His patio had a magnificent view of the lake. For the first time in a long time, Storm really felt relaxed and at peace. But for some reason the thought of that mare racing past them earlier nudged its way into his head. She was really fast, he thought. He had never seen a pony move that fast before, and she seemed to be flying with ease and not even trying.

It was night now. Storm had gone through five bottles of cider and decided it was time to go to bed. He got up and stumbled his way upstairs and into bed.

Rainbow was sitting on top of a cloud, heartbroken. Earlier that week Soarin had broken up with her. He said that they were growing apart and she didn't understand how. She was still upset. She was left in the dark.... alone. She didn't want to talk to anypony about it, which was making it worse for her. She hated to be alone. But she also hated the idea of letting another pony into her problems. It was too much though. She had to go to somepony. The only one she knew, without a doubt, that would tell her the truth and what she need to hear was Applejack. The flight on the way over could also maybe help her relax.

She was up high in the clouds getting near Sweet Apple Acres. She could see AJ's barn. Dash was about to call her name when she noticed she with another pony. She couldn't tell who it was, she had hid behind a cloud to remain unnoticed. She then dug a hole through the center of it so she could take a peek. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened when she had realized that the pony she was with was a stallion. It was Soarin.... Rainbow rolled over onto her back and put her hoof over her chest. She had begun to tear up and her heart was racing. She turned back over to look again and she saw them hugging. Soarin then leaned in and gave Applejack a kiss on the cheek. Rainbow was in tears and felt like she had a shard of glass wedged into her stomach. “How could she do this to me" Rainbow thought to herself. “She’s my best friend and she knew that Soarin and I just split up." “How could he be with my best friend?" She couldn’t think straight. The cloud she was on was soaked in her tears. She looked back down and saw Soarin flying away. Rainbow had to leave. She didn’t know where to go but she couldn't stay there.

Rainbow bolted towards the top of a mountain in the distance. As she was flying, she heard Pinkie yelling her name at the top of her lungs. As she passed by she saw her, Improv and a grey pony she’s never seen before. She couldn't stop, she wouldn't. She kept going without even turning her head to acknowledge Pinkie. She would probably think she didn't hear her, even though that wasn't possible.

Chapter 2: First Sight

Chapter 2:

It’s been a day since Storm first arrived in Ponyville. He had been just hanging around the house relaxing. He went to check his mail, there had been a mailmare around earlier that day, so he wanted to see if he had gotten anything. He opened his mailbox and there was one envelope. It was pink and completely obvious who it was from, Pinkie pie. He went back into his house to open it. As soon as he tore part of the envelope he was hit in the face by a barrage of confetti. Storm was confused. He didn't understand how it was possible for that to happen. He pulled out the card and looked inside but there was nothing. He opened the card and it was an invitation to a party at Sugar Cube Corner later that day.

The invitation said it was at 9 o’clock. He was flying. It was nice to fly again for him, he hadn’t flown in days. At least not any real distances. He was too tired to do much in these last couple days from his move. He spent most of his time relaxing or reading. This party was actually exactly what he needed to get out of his slump. He had arrived. Storm was confused though. All the lights in Sugar Cube Corner were off and the place seemed to be closed. It was very dark and there didn’t seem to be anypony around. He walked up to the front door and there was a sign on it. “Use the back door." It said. Storm flew around back and opened the door. He scratched his head. There was a staircase going down to what would be the basement. There was one light at the top of the stairs by the door, but it faded into a dark abyss down the stairs. He was unsure if he should proceed, he didn’t want to break in or anything. He wasn't late, He was perfectly on time. But he didn’t want to be rude and not show up. He started down the steps slowly, watching his every step. It was getting darker and harder to see. He reached the bottom of the staircase. It was cold and the air was moist. A bright light suddenly came on in front of him. It only lit up a small portion of the room. Storm shielded his eyes, trying to adjust. He realized standing in front of him was Pinkie. She had big smile on her face.

“You’re here!!!" Pinkie said happily.

Storm looked around. “Pinkie? What are you doing here alone in the dark?"

Pinkie kept smiling, “I’m not alone..."

Suddenly the room was fully lit up and confetti rained from the ceiling.

Bells, whistles, and kazoos were going off. Storm looked around him and he was surrounded by what seemed to be half of Ponyville. They were all cheering. The room was decorated with banners that said welcome on them, and there was a table with a very large cake on it.

Pinkie walked up to him, "are you surprised!"

Storm was smiling, "haha yeah, for a second there I thought you were going to kill me haha."

Pinkie had a very confused look on her face and turn her head sideways, " what??!! Why would I do that???"

“I don’t know everything seemed like something from a horror story."

Pinkie smiled again, “oooooooooo I love stories."

Improv came walking up, “Everypony! This is Gray Storm!"

Everypony walked up to shake his hoof and greet him. He felt very welcome, everypony was kind and friendly.

“Storm!" He heard Pinkie’s voice behind him. “These are my bestest friends in the whole wide world!!" Storm turned around and saw her standing next to four ponies and a baby dragon. “This is Applejack, this is Rarity, this is Fluttershy, this is spike, and this is Twilight!" Storm had realized that recognized Twilight. She was a princess. Storm bowed without saying anything. Twilight stepped forward and said " Oh no, its fine you don't have to bow." He looked up. “I’m not even wearing my crown." Storm stood back up and smiled.

“Nice to meet you I am Twilight Sparkle." She said sticking out her hoof.

Storm shook her hoof, " Nice to meet you too your majesty"

She laughed. “Please, just Twilight is fine"

Another pony walked up, she was gorgeous. “My name is Rarity, charmed"

"I'm Spike, Twilights assistant."

“And my name is Applejack, nice to meetcha feller." She grabbed his hoof and shook it rapidly. “We here in Ponyville love makin' new friends."

She let go of his hoof. “It’s nice to meet all of you too," Storm said with a smile.

“Fluttershy ain't ya gonna introduce yerself?"

The yellow pony was standing behind the rest of them and had her pink hair covering her face. They all stepped aside so that he could see her. She looked up, but quickly looked back down.

Twilight stepped in front him. “Oh, don’t mind her, she’s just really shy. She’s really nice once you get to know her."

“Oh, it's alright." Storm smiled.

“Hey Pinkie where's Rainbow Dash? Did you forget to invite her?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie was stuffing her face with a giant piece of cake.

“Of course I invited her silly. I went to her house to invite her but she wasn't home, so I left her an invitation in her mailbox"

Twilight’s expression changed. “Oh poor Rainbow she must still be upset over Soarin. Have any of you guys seen or talked to her?"

Twilight looked over at the rest of them they all shook their heads.

“The poor darling, I'm sure she just wants to be left alone." Rarity said with a sense of gloom.

It was silent for a second.

“Well let’s not ruin Storm’s first party here in Ponyville with our troubles. Anypony up for apple bobbing?" Twilight said trying to lighten up the mood.

The night went on and the party continued. They played lots of games and ate lots of cake. After the party was over, Gray said bye to all of his new friends and everypony went home. As he flew away he could hear Pinkie say to the others, “We should do this again soon!”

Storm decided to take a nice flight around Ponyville. It was very cool outside, there was a steady breeze that felt like it cleansed you coat as it went passed you. The view of the sky was beautiful. The stars in the night sky were like nothing he had ever seen before, it was like he was looking straight into space. It was a perfect night for a leisurely flight.

Gray flew high into the sky. He was busting through clouds, doing loops and other tricks. He looked down and realized that he was over the Everfree and next to a very tall mountain. He looked to the top and shot towards it going as fast as he could. Bursting through cloud after cloud as he increased altitude. He finally reached the top. There was a small semi-flat area with some trees at the peak of the mountain. He landed on it and looked to Ponyville. He could just about see all of Equestria. It was the perfect view of Ponyville, the moon lit up the whole town. Storm took a deep breathe, closed his eyes and smiled.

“Who are you!?" A voice said sternly behind him

Storm jumped into the air. Flapping his wings he turned around. Rainbow Dash was standing a couple yards in front him. He stopped hovering and placed his hooves back on the dirt. She had an angry look on her face.

“I’m-”

“What are you doing here? Are you spying on me?" Rainbow questioned him as he flew closer. Storm started to get annoyed.

“I’m not spying. I didn’t know anypony was up here"

It was quiet. After a few seconds Rainbow's expression changed.

"I remember you. I saw you talking to Pinkie and Improv the other day." She spoke in a calmer tone.

"Yes that was me. We saw you speeding past us like the wind and Pinkie almost made me deaf when she called your name."

Rainbow looked down at the ground. She remembered that she had completely ignored Pinkie that day. She was silent

“You know your friends have been very worried about you. They said they haven’t talked to you in days."

Rainbow looked back up and said. “Tell them I'm fine....."

She began to fly away. Something in Storm urged him to stop her from leaving.

“Wait!"

Rainbow stopped and looked back at him.

He couldn't think of what to say. She looked at him curiously.

“Y-you were moving really fast the other day. I've never seen a pegasus move as fast as you were with as much ease and control."

She smiled and landed in front of him. He could actually see her now. Her blue coat and rainbow mane, she was beautiful. But what caught Storms attention the most was her stunning eyes, he was lost in them. The bright cerise surrounding her pupil was dazzling

“I’m the greatest flyer in all of Equestria, Haven't you heard?" She said in a smug and enthusiastic tone. He was still adrift and obscured in her eyes.

“I have heard of you." Storm couldn't help but smile." You’re the only pegasus to ever perform a sonic rainboom"

“Yep, that's me." Rainbow said pointing her hoof at herself.

“I bet I'm faster....." Storm said looking off into the sky.

Rainbow instantly busted out laughing. She was rolling on the ground.

“Hahaha You really think you’re faster than me!!" She was in tears. “Yeah right!!"

“Ill prove it to you." Gray said in a confident tone, “let’s race"

She stopped laughing, “You’re kidding? Fine then, you’re on!"

Chapter 3: The Actual Race

Chapter 3:

"Alright were going to race from here to the next mountain over." Storm said.

They were both standing at the edge of the cliff ready for take off

"No problem!" Rainbow fixed her eyes on the finish line.

"Alright we go on three." He said.

"One"

"Two"

"Three!!"

They both kicked off the mountainside leaving a large dirt cloud behind them. They were neck and neck, and already a quarter of the way there. They were both flying extremely fast. They were getting to the half mark. Storm looked over at her and she looked back and smiled eagerly. She then doubled her speed and shot forward like a bullet out of a gun. She was not even trying. Storm reached the finish line. Rainbow was sitting there waiting for him.

"Hah, what did I tell you? What made you think you could beat me?" Rainbow said in a braggish tone.

Storm was catching his breath. "I didn't, I knew I would lose."

Rainbow looked very confused. "Wha- why did you challenge me to a race then?" Putting a hoof in the air.

"I don't know, maybe I thought it would cheer you up" Storm was looking at the ground still catching his breath. Rainbow didn’t say anything. He looked up and she was actually smiling.

"Thank you," she said.

There was a moment of silence. Rainbow yawned, "Well, I'm beat. I'm gonna go home and get some rest. You ever wanna lose again come find me." She softly hit him on the shoulder.

"Haha sure." Storm chuckled.

Rainbow waved to him then flew away. He was tired as well. He started to fly home. He was flying over the Everfree forest and could see his house in sight. Suddenly his eye caught something. There was a flash of a yellow light down over in the woods not far from him. Storm was curious, but he knew that he should not be in the Everfree at night. He hovered closer to where he saw the flash. There was nothing in sight, but he could hear rustling down below him. He dared not to fly down to check it out. Storm came to his senses, ignored it, and continued on home.

It's been a couple days since then. Storm had been just hanging with Improv and Pinkie. Sometimes they'd go swimming at the lake by his house or sometimes Storm had them over for some sweet apple cider. Improv always laughed at the fact that somehow Storm's fridge was always stocked with it. "How do you get this? It’s not even cider season!!" he said. Storm would always answer with, "haha, I told you I know a guy," and they all would laugh.

Today, Storm was sitting around bored. Improv and Pinkie had went to Manehattan for a couple of days. Improv had gotten the lead role for Hamlet and Pinkie always loved to see him act when she could. Improv's special talent was acting, and he was great at it. He was also very good at making everypony laugh, which why him and Pinkie were a perfect match. He was really humble and didn’t ever let things bother him, he hardly ever got mad or upset.

Storm decided to go to Twilights library and see what books they had. He didn't read too much, but needed something to pass time. He landed on her porch and knocked on the door. It swung open, Spike stood there holding it.

"Hey Spike, what’s up?" Storm said.

Spike shrugged, "Eh, nothin much. Just got done cleaning the library"

"Oh, well I was wondering if I could check out a book or two"

Spike smiled, "Sure, come on in"

Storm walked in and looked around. “Where’s Twilight?"

“She’s upstairs talking to Rainbow Dash. She seemed really down in the dumps. I think this actually the first time I've seen her in a few days."

"Oh." Storm was a little surprised, but he was also glad. Everyone was worried about her. "Well that’s good."

“So, anything I can help you find?" Spike said.

"What do you recommend?" Storm hadn't actually the slightest clue to what he had in mind.

“Well the Daring Doo books are really good." Spike said walking over to the shelf. “We don't have too many right now though. Rainbow has most of them."

Storm grinned. "I've only read the first one. I never got a chance to read any others."

"Well luckily for you we have an extra copy of the second book." Spike handed it to him.

"Daring Doo and the Griffon's Goblet." Storm read the title out loud. "Sounds cool."

"It is..."

An all too familiar voice came from behind Storm. He turned around. Rainbow was hovering on the other side of the room and Twilight was walking down the stairs behind her and noticed him.

"Hi Storm, what are you doing here?" Twilight said.

Spike interrupted. "He's here to check out some books."

Twilights face light up with joy. “Really?! Which book did you get?" She trotted over to him and pulled the book out of his wing with her magic.

"Oooo Daring Doo, one of my favorites." She handed the book back to him.

“Anyway Twilight, I’ll catch you later” Rainbow started to head towards the door.

"Where are you going Dash?" Twilight said.

"I don’t know I was probably going to fly around a bit..." Rainbow answered in a very neutral tone.

"Oh" Twilight thought for a minute then looked over at Storm, then back at Rainbow Dash. She had a very... peculiar look on her face. “Hmm..." Twilight thought. At this point Rainbow had stopped and everyone was looking at her very confused.

Twilight suddenly had a huge smile on her face. “Rainbow! Why don't you take Storm to Scratch’s record store? If he's not doing anything."

“There’s a record store in Ponyville?!" Storm said.

"Yeah." Rainbow was confused. "Why?"

"Don't you think it will be fun?"

Rainbow landed and sat for a second. She looked over at Storm and Twilight who had a giant smile on her face.

"... I guess it could be fun" she said in a confused tone.

“Then it's settled!" Twilight smiled.

"Are you guys coming?" Rainbow asked

"Oh no, we can't Spike and I have..... A lot of cleaning up to do." As she said that a whole book shelf mysteriously fell over, followed by Spike yelling. "Come on!!!"

"Alright then..." Rainbow said. "Let’s go." She flew out of the room.

"See you guys later!" Storm put the book in his saddlebag and flew after Rainbow.

Storm and Rainbow were flying over Ponyville. It was another beautiful summer day.

"Sooo..... How far is this place?" Storm said trying to strike up a conversation.

"Not far, but it’s pretty much on the other side of Ponyville" Rainbow answered.

"Oh."

"What are you doing in Ponyville?" She asked.

"Well, I wanted to get away from the city life. My band is on a break and I wanted to move somewhere quiet."

"Oh, that’s pretty cool." Her tone changed, it was a little more bliss.

"So what do you do?" He asked.

"I'm the leader of the weather team here, but some day I'm going to become the captain of the Wonderbolts!" Her tone had completely changed by now, it was enthusiastic.

Storm grinned, “I guess I could see that."

Rainbow smiled. “Here we are"

The two of them went in and looked around. Thirty minutes passed by and they came walking out again.

"I can’t believe you already have most of everything that was in there." Rainbow said.

"Heh yeah... so what should we do now?" Storm looked at Rainbow and smiled. She looked at him and looked like she was about to smile back, but quickly went dull. She began to hover in front of him.

"I think I'm going to head home. See ya." She said as she began to fly away.

"Wait!" Storm stopped he had realized this was the second time he had done this. She turned and looked at him.

"I want a rematch!" He exclaimed.

"Wha? Really?" She said. Storm flew up to her height.

"Yeah I couldn't see the other night.... and was tired." He said.

Rainbow busted out laughing... again. Storm was having the worst case of Deja vu.

"You’ll never beat me!" Rainbow exclaimed. "But I'll humor you."

"Fine, Where to?" Gray said.

Rainbow Dash looked around Ponyville. "How about from here to the top of town square?"

"Sure let’s go!" Storm said. “We’ll start from the ground in front of the record store." They both landed on the ground side by side.

"Ok this time I say when we go" Rainbow said.

They were both lined up. Both on the edge of takeoff.

"Ready..."

"Get set..."

"Gooo!"

Rainbow was in the lead. Storm was not far back. He looked up at her and once again she seemed to be having no trouble beating him. He had to try harder. He started to gain on her, but it was no use. They both passed town square and stopped.

"Ha! What did I tell you! I'm the fastest flier in all of Equestria!" She said. "You will never beat me in a race."

Storm caught his breath. "Swear I tried that time."

"It's alright. No pony can out fly me!"

Rainbow was ecstatic. She only seemed so happy when she races and wins.

"Yeah I guess your right" He said with a smile.

"You had enough for today? Haha or do you want to lose again?" Rainbow said poking her hoof at his muzzle with a smile.

Storm backed up. "Ha yeah. I guess I could try again another day."

She laughed again. "Haha… and lose."

"Maybe! You never know I might win!" He said poking her back.

"Like that'll ever happen!" Rainbow pushed his hoof off.

They both looked at each over and laughed.

"We should hang out more... I mean, I'm new here and don't have really any friends I can fly with. If you want to anyway...” Storm said.

Rainbow's face changed. It was a little uncertain. "Maybe....." A couple seconds past and she went back to being happy again and smiled. "We'll see..."

He was a little doubtful for a second, but was reassured by her smile.

"See ya!" Rainbow flew away abruptly.

Storm smiled. He knew it wasn't the last time he would see her.

Chapter 4: Pinkie's Party Cannon

Chapter 4:

Storm was lying in bed when he heard a knock on his door. He got up slowly and tiredly as the knocks continued. He finally got to the bottom of the stairs and over to the door. The knocks were more frequent by this point... and more annoying. Storm opened the door to see Pinkie standing in front of him. She was still waving her hand back and forth as if she was still knocking. Her head was turned around and she was facing Improv with a big grin on her face. Improv had a confused look until he noticed Storm had answered.

He Smiled, “Hey Storm! Were back from Manehattan!"

Pinkie stopped her hoof and turned around to look at him. “Did you miss us!!!?” She shouted in a very high pitched voice and gave him a hug nearly choking him.

“Heh, yeah. I really didn’t have much to do without you guys around." Storm said. Pinkie let him go. “How was the show?"

“It was FUNERIFIC!!!" Pinkie exclaimed jumping into the air. “Impy was amazing!"

Storm giggled a little, Improv looked at him and shook his head with a smile

“It was great, we got a standing ovation. Everything went smoothly until the end..." Improv chuckled.

“What happened?" Storm asked.

“The play was so great and everyone loved it so much! I thought that everyone would want to celebrate with a party!" Pinkie said.

“Pinkie set off her party cannon in the middle of a crowded theatre." Improv lost his bananas and rolled on the ground laughing.

Storms face lit up and busted out laughing with him. Pinkie joined in as well.

“T-then what happened?" Storm could barely breathe.

"Well, when the pink smoke finally disappeared everypony in the entire theatre was covered in streamers and confetti. I grabbed Pinkie and got out as fast as we could haha."

“Yeah! I didn't even get any cake! Not a single slice!" Pinkie yelled hysterically.

They all laughed for a couple more minutes. “So what did you do while we were gone, drink apple cider and sleep?" Improv said jokingly.

“Ha, no. I’ll have you know I read a couple books in between my naps." Storm matched his sarcasm. They both laughed. “No I did read a lot and just hung out, relaxing. I did see Rainbow Dash again."

Pinkie smiled, "oooooo when?"

“It was a day ago. We hung out for a little bit and raced again" Storm said.

“You lost again too, didn't you." Improv said with a smile.

“Yeah yeah yeah, I lost again. I don't think anyone’s faster than that pony." Storm chuckled.

“That’s cool." Improv replied. “Well, I'm starved. We were originally going to come over to ask if you wanted to have lunch with us."

“Umm... sure," Storm looked around and shrugged. “I haven't eaten, so why not? But, do you mind meeting me there I need to clean up a little bit."

“Okie dokie, we'll see you there!" Pinkie said

“Yeah sue that’s alright with us,” said Improv. They both turned around and started to head towards town. Storm went back inside.

Storm washed his mane and brushed his teeth. He dried his mane and left. It was another beautiful day in Ponyville. There was a very slight breeze. Storm started to fly, his hoofs were just off the ground when he ran into something and came crashing down. “What the?"

“Don’t you ever watch where you’re flying?" A raspy voice said above him.

He knew it.

“Don’t you know better not to sneak up on somepony?" Storm answered jokingly and looked up to see Dash hovering above him.

“Pssh you should be looking where going in the first place bird brain." She laughed.

Storm smiled and got up. “What are you doing here anyway?"

A slightly nervous look came upon Rainbow's face. “Uh... you know... I was in the area and..."

Storm laughed.

“What?!" She shouted.

“Haha, it’s nothing." Storm hovered up to her. “I was going to have lunch with Pinkie and Improv. You should come with us."

Dash looked down at her stomach as it growled. "eehhyeah I could go for some grub right about now." She smiled.

“Awesome! Let’s go." Storm flew towards town and Rainbow followed.

They were both flying over Ponyville. The sun was shining and everypony was outside enjoying the peaceful day. It seemed as though all of Ponyville was outside in town. It was another "One of those days," Gray Storm thought to himself. He had grown to love this town. He didn't want to leave, but there was something missing. He couldn't just sit around doing nothing all day.

"Where are we meeting Pinkie and Improv?" Rainbow asked.

Gray suddenly stopped. "Umm... yeah I forgot to ask where we would be eating..."

Rainbow gave him an irate look. "You didn't ask them where y’all were meeting?" She said plainly.

Storm shrugged, “eheh I guess not." He looked down and around, "hey we can just look for them. How hard can it be?"

She rolled her eyes. “This is going to take forever." She said throwing her hoofs in the air.

"They're right there..." Storm was pointing his hoof below them. Improv and Pinkie were sitting at a table.

"Dashie!" Pinkie jumped from the table into the air and hugged Rainbow, pulling her down to the ground.

Improv and Storm laughed. Pinkie was still holding onto Rainbow. "Uh Pinkie. You can let go now you’re hurting me," she smiled. Storm landed and sat at the table.

"Sorry we took so long," He said. Pinkie let go of Rainbow and they sat down. “I never asked where we were going… heh.”

"We actually just got here. You don’t live in the closest cottage in Ponyville you know." Improv chuckled. "I didn't expect you to show with Dash though."

"Now that Dashie is here we can have QUADROUPLE fun!" Pinkie exclaimed.

The four of them laughed. A waiter soon came to their table to take their orders. Once they ordered their food, they talked for a while and Pinkie told some jokes.

After everyone had gotten their food and ate they decided to hang out around Ponyville. They wanted to go to Sugar Cube Corner for some desert. They were making their way across town when they noticed two earth ponies arguing. They were yelling at each other. Other ponies passing by turned their heads to look. Improv, Rainbow, Storm, and Pinkie stopped and listened.

"I don't need you!" One pony said.

"Well I don’t need you either!"

The two ponies seemed to be in a relationship together. Pinkie looked concerned. She bounced over to them.

"Hey you two! Turn those frowns upside down!" She said ecstatically with a smile.

They both looked at her with an expression of pure anger.

"Don't tell us what to do!!" One of them yelled at her.

Pinkies face changed she frowned and looked as if she was about to cry. She looked at the ground. Improv saw what happened and quickly became angry. He started to make his way over but before he could get there Rainbow Dash flew past him. She shoved the pony away from Pinkie.

"What is your problem? You don't talk to my friends that way!" Rainbow yelled in his face.

"My problem?! My problem is all of you!" He turned around and ran off.

"You better run!" Rainbow said.

The mare that he was arguing with stomped away without a word. Rainbow turned around and saw Improv with his arm around Pinkie and Storm standing by them. Pinkie wasn't crying but she looked sad. She flew back over to them.

"Why was he so mean?" Pinkie said. Improv was hugging her.

"It's ok Pinkie," he said. "Their gone now."

Rainbow put her hoof on her shoulder. She looked over at Storm who was looking the direction the stallion went. He looked like he was thinking. Rainbow wondered what was on his mind, but didn't say anything, she wanted to make sure Pinkie was alright. Improv looked at Pinkie and smiled.

"Let’s go some cupcakes, that'll cheer you up."

Pinkie smiled and they started back towards Sugar Cube Corner. Rainbow and Storm stood as they walked away. She looked over at him.

"What was that?" Rainbow asked.

"I don't know what was wrong with those ponies," Storm shrugged.

"No, you had a weird look on your face. Did you know them or something?!" Rainbow seemed kind of angry.

"No, I didn't know them." Storm he looked away.

Rainbow was aggravated. "Then what was it?"

"They both had something really odd about them... I can't put my hoof on it." Storm looked back her with a concerned expression and she calmed down and began to understand. "They seemed to have… I don’t know… A kind of evil look. I don’t know.”

Rainbow walked over to him. “Maybe they were both just having a really bad day. I've seen those two around here before, but I've never met them. They could have always been mean."

Rainbow was smiling at him. He couldn't help but smile back.

"Come on. Pinkie and Improv are waiting for us." Rainbow flew towards Sugar Cube Corner.

Storm was still standing there. He was smiling and watching her fly away. He was thinking to himself. Anytime he saw her happy, it made him happy. Storm pushed off the ground into the air to follow her.

Storm and Rainbow walked into Sugar Cube Corner and could only see Pinkie chewing on a cupcake with another in her hoof.

She had turned back to her normal self again and she was overjoyed again. Improv was standing next to her also holding a cupcake. Rainbow had noticed there was a giant plate of them stacked. She quickly flew over to get one before they were all gone.

"Mmmmm." Pinkie said eating the next cupcake in one whole bite. Improv laughed as he took another bite.

Storm smiled. "That didn't take long," he walked over to the front counter where they were standing. "I'm glad to see you feeling better Pinkie."

"Impy told me cupcakes were the best medicine and he was right!" She said as she stuffed another one into her face.

Storm tried to hold in his laughter. He looked over at Rainbow and she was trying to cover her mouth, also trying not to laugh. Improv noticed them and said "C'mon guys it's not that funny." They couldn't hold it in anymore. Rainbow was rolling on the floor laughing and Storm was laughing so hard he was tearing up.

"Impy you’re so smart!" Pinkie hugged and kissed him on the cheek. Storm and Rainbow finally stopped laughing.

"So what are we going to do now guys?" Improv asked.

They all looked at each other. "What are we going to do?" Storm echoed.

"Wweeeeell first! We should finish all of these cupcakes!" Pinkie said as she grabbed the whole plate of and slid them all into her mouth, eating them in one bite. She then bolted over to the door. "Then we should go play!"

"Play?" Rainbow asked.

Pinkie ran over to her and was 2 inches away from her. "Games! You silly filly!" Everyone looked at her oddly.

"LET'S GO!" Pinkie yelled as she sprinted out of the front door. They all looked at each other and shrugged.

"Well I guess we'll just have to follow her." Improv said as he started for the door.

They all walked outside and saw Pinkie in a nearby field. They walked over to her and noticed that she was holding a ball.

Rainbow and Storm were hovering above. "Where'd you get the ball Pinkie Pie?" He asked.

"Don't you know?! I have balls hidden all over Ponyville in case of ball emergencies!" She said.

"Wat…" Storm was befuddled

Rainbow whispered to him. "Dude don't question it. It's Pinkie Pie remember."

Storm nodded, still confused.

"So what do you have planned for us Pinkie?" Improv asked.

"Hmmm. We should play keep away!" She said.

"Awesome!" Rainbow said. "Okay, I got it, Pegasi versus... uh... You two!"

"Wait a minute," Storm interrupted. "That wouldn't exactly be fair Dash." He said pointing at their wings.

"Oh yeah heheh." She said rubbing her head.

Improv raised his hoof in the air. "I got it. Mares versus Stallions!"

"Yeah!"

"Sounds SUPER FUN!!"

"You guys are going down! We get the ball first!"

Pinkie threw the ball to Rainbow and Storm tried to intercept it but missed. Two ponies were on the ground and two in the air. They played for an hour or two. Improv was exhausted and out of breathe. "Ok girls, you win," he layed down on his back.

"Hah yeah." Storm said as he landed.

Pinkie jumped into the air. "YYaaaayyy! We win Dashie!" She exclaimed.

"Aww come on you whimps!" Rainbow said holding the ball. "You guys didn't even get the ball once!"

"Yeah it's impossible to get that thing away from you two. You’re too fast and she’s…. Well she’s Pinkie." Storm laughed. "Besides it's getting too dark to see."

Improv caught his breathe. "Yeah, I think I've had enough fun for today."

"Ghuahhh!" Pinkie gasped. "How can you have ENOUGH fun?!" She jumped on him.

"Ah," Improv said, "I take that back. With you the fun never ends" He smiled.

"Aawww. You’re so sweet Impy." She said.

"You guys are so corny" Rainbow said.

They all laughed. "Yeah guys, think I'm ready to call it a day." Storm said.

"Alright well, I guess we'll be seein ya." Improv said. He and Pinkie started walking.

"See you later!!" said Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow and Storm were left. She was still hovering overhead.

"I guess I'm gonna go home then." Rainbow said.

"Would you mind if I flew with you home?" Storm flew up to her.

Rainbow smirked. "I thought you were tired?"

"Well I have some energy left." He said with a smile. "Can't race you this time though, haha."

"Psshh, we both know how that would end Gray Storm." Rainbow teased. “But I guess that's ok."

Storm laughed. She started to fly away and he followed her.

"Oh yeah, you can just call me Storm. I don't like to be called Gray. I like storm better haha." He said.

Rainbow laughed, "Sure"

It was nighttime by now. Just about everypony in Ponyville had gone to sleep. It was a cool night, quiet, and still. A light breeze carried itself though the air. They both flew over Ponyville. Storm was looking down at the town's square.

"I love this place." Storm said.

"What?" Asked Rainbow.

"I love this town. It's so peaceful. I hope I never have to leave."

"Oh, yeah Ponyville is an amazing place but sometimes I do miss living Cloudsdale. Nothing compares to living high up in the sky." She said.

"Yeah, but nothing compares to the peace down here either."

"True."

"Where do you live anyways?" He asked.

"We're almost there. You can't miss it. It's a cloud mansion."

"What! A cloud mansion!?" Storm was amazed. "How did you get that in Ponyville?"

Rainbow chuckled, "Ha, I built it. We Pegasi can shape the clouds in case you forgot." She said sarcastically.

"Haha yeah. That's awesome though." Storm said in excitement.

They flew a little longer until they were on the outside of town. Storm looked at her house in amazement.

"Here we are! Home sweet home." She said with both hoofs over her head.

"Your house is awesome." Storm said.

"Haha well my house has to match my awesomeness!" Rainbow said braggingly.

Storm laughed, "haha yeah." He looked over at her and she was looking at him. He looked into her eyes.

"Rainbow, you know you have beautiful eyes?"

She blushed and quickly looked away.

"Today was really fun," Storm said. "I really like hanging out with you dash."

She didn't say anything. She sat still looking down. Storm didn't know what else to say.

"Well I guess I'll see you later. At least I hope I will..." Storm said as he turned to leave.

"Wait"

He turned around. She flew up and looked right at him. The moon was glaring off of her eyes.

"Thank you," she said.

"Your-" Storm was interrupted. She kissed him on the cheek and quickly flew into her house saying “Goodnight." as she flew away.

Storm put his hoof up to his cheek and smiled. He then turned around and flew home.

Lights flashed. A pony was in the dark forest. He was looking around. Lights were pulsating around him. The howls of Timberwolves were heard all around. A figure appeared in front of him. "Who’s there!!? Show yourself!!" He yelled. He was then lifted into the air and thrown against a nearby tree. He didn’t move… nor was he breathing…

Chapter 5: Spikes Trip

Chapter 5:

BANG! Gray opened his eyes. He was in bed. Rays of sunlight were shining into his room through small openings in the curtains. BANG! BANG! The sound was heard again. Someone was knocking on his door. He got out of bed, his feathers ruffled and his mane messy. Gray walked downstairs as the banging continued. "Alright already," he said annoyed. "It's too early for this," he thought to himself. Storm got to the door and swung it open.

"It's about time you answered."

Storm covered his eyes as they adjusted to the sunlight and his vision faded from a blur.

"I had a feeling you were asleep, you sure do look like you have been! Haha"

He could finally see the dark blue pony in front of him. Storm sighed, "Why did I know it would be you Improv?"

Improv laughed, "It’s always me, isn’t it?"

Gray looked around. "Wait? Where's Pinkie?" he looked up. "She isn’t on my roof is she?"

"Hahaha, no actually." Improv chuckled. "She’s actually right behind you!"

Storm quickly turned around to find nobody there.

He began to laugh, "Haha fooled you! She’s hanging out with the rest of the girls. They were going to have a picnic or something of the sort. I didn't feel like being a 7th wheel, so I decided to come see what you were up to. By the looks of it you’re not doing much."

"Hehe, yeah." Storm said scratching his head.

Suddenly a bright blue light exploded and quickly disappeared along with Improv in front of Gray. He looked around and he was nowhere to be seen.

"So you gonna offer me a bottle of cider or what?" Improv said.

Gray Storm turned around only to see him sitting on his couch. "How'd you do that?"

"You think Twilight is the only one that can teleport? Haha"

Storm closed the door and flew to the kitchen and got them some cider. He tossed him the bottle with his wing, then sat down on the recliner across from him.

"One of these days your gonna tell me where you get this cider during off season. This is some good stuff too." Improv joked.

Storm smiled, “Sureee."

They both took a drink. "So what happened last night?" Improv asked with a smirk.

"What? What do you mean?"

"Last night after Pinkie and I left. You and Rainbow? Remember?" Improv gave him a funny confused look.

"Ooooohh yeah," he took a drink. "We both went home."

Improv smiled, "aaaannndddd?"

"Well, I flew with her home."

"Aha! I knew it," Imrpov exclaimed joyfully.

"What?"

"Then what happened?" Improv was ecstatic.

"Weeellll," Storm began, "she did kiss me on the cheek before zooming into her house." He smiled.

Improv suddenly jumped into the air spilling his cider. "I knew it! Haha." Storm was confused.

"Knew what?"

"Haha Pinkie owes me 3 bits!!" Improv laughed.

"What!?" Storm was mega confused.

Improv finally stopped dancing. "Oh, Pinkie and I made a bet that something between you and Rainbow would happen that night as we walked home. She thought that Dash had not gotten over Soarin yet, and that you two would just part ways. I bet that something would happen, as in if you two hung out more and talked or something."

Storm didn't know what to say, but he was still confused.

"Come on, it's not that big of a deal. Pinkie and I make bets all the time, it’s a little game we play." Impov said.

"I mean... that’s ok, it doesn’t bother me. What I'm wondering is how you knew something was going to happen?" Storm asked with a hoof up.

He smiled. "Oh that's easy. We had a really fun time yesterday. I could tell she was too. It's the happiest I've seen her in a while."

"Oh, that makes sense." Storm said. "But why did you get so excited over 3 bits?"

"Have you met Pinkie? She wins everything! I've only won one other time. Don't ever play checkers with her ughhh! There’s no beating that mare." They both laughed.

"They both whooped us yesterday too. I think it’s the same with Rainbow, I can't win a single race with her. She beats me by a long shot." Gray said.

Improv looked at him funny. "Really?"

"What?"

"You actually thought you could beat Rainbow dash in a race?"

"Well I mean I tried bu-"

"No," Improv interrupted with a smile. "No one can beat her. She is the fastest pony in Equestria! Haven't you heard? Haha."

Storm laughed, "haha yeah, I witnessed it first hoof."

"Just wait until you see her do a Sonic Rainboom. You'll freak out." Improv said.

They both sat for a minute. Gray had noticed the spilt cider and pointed at it. "You’re cleaning that up," he said.

Improv looked back at it. "Oops, sorry." He laughed and lifted the bottle into the air with his magic then cleaned up the mess. "You do have a lot in common though." Improv said as he put the towel he used on the counter in the kitchen. "Pinkie says your personalities mesh well."

"Hmm," Storm said as finished his cider.

Storm walked into the kitchen to throw the empty bottle away.

"Alright then! Let’s go" Improv said joyfully.

"Go where?" Storm looked at him.

"I have no idea! Come on get cleaned up, fix your mane and feathers!" Improv exclaimed.

"Uh, okay I guess..." Storm flew upstairs leaving a couple feathers behind him.

Storm came back downstairs all cleaned up and feathers straight. They went out of his door outside and started down the path to Ponyville. Storm was flying next to Improv.

"Where are we going?" He asked.

"Ummm I don't know," Improv laughed. "Got any ideas?"

Storm thought, "Hmm, well I'm actually kind of hungry. What about you?"

Improv looked up at him. "You know what, yeah. I could eat."

"Alright cool," Storm said excitingly.

They both arrived in town and started heading towards the restaurant where they ate last time with Pinkie and Dash. There was a crowd of ponies standing near the edge of town. They were all talking and some of them shrieked in terror. Some of them looked like they were running for cover

Improv noticed what was going on. "What in Celestia's name is going on over there?" He pointed his hoof.

Storm looked over and he could see Rarity, "I don't know but Rarity is over there." He flew towards her direction and Improv followed.

"What's going on Rarity?" Improv said pointing a hoof at the rest of the crowd. She noticed him and Storm coming towards them and ran over to meet them.

"Oh it's terrible! Some poor pony was found.... DEAD!" She had a look of terror upon her face. Both Improv and Gray's eyes widened.

"WHAT! WHERE!" Storm said. Improv was speechless.

"Zecora found them in the Everfree. They think it was Timberwolves. This is just awful," Rarity said. Gray flew higher so that he could see. Twilight was carrying the pony with her magic. It was covered by a blanket so that nopony would see. Rainbow was flying in front of her clearing a way through the crowd. Storm flew over to them.

"Where's Pinkie!" Improv said urgently.

“And Fluttershy?” Storm asked.

"They both got scared and went to Sugar Cube Corner to wait for us to sort this gassly mess out." Rarity turned her head to look at Twilight. "Their fine, Fluttershy was deeply shaken up by the matter though." She turned back. Imrpov was gone.

"Move it! You guys aren't making this easy for us!" Rainbow Dash shouted at the agitated crowd. Some of them were still frightened and in shock.

Storm flew up to Twilight. "Do you know who this is?" He said she looked over at him with a very grim look. "Is that Applejack! Where is she?"

"Applejack's fine, she’s at Sweet Apple Acres. She needed to work and didn't come to meet us." Twilight turned back to watch where she was going. "I'm not sure who this is, but we need to get him to the hospital as quickly as we can." Rarity had also just caught up to them.

Storm was relieved. "Here, I'll take him. You shouldn't have to do this your highness." Storm flew under the stallion's body and lifted it with his back, then flew over the crowd before anyone could say anything.

Gray was flying in the air, the hospital was in sight. He was trying to fly as smoothly as possible, he did not want to drop him

"Hey! I could've carried him too ya know."

Rainbow had flown in front of him. "I know you could have. Neither of you should do this. Do you happen to know who this pony is?" Storm asked. She looked down and didn't say anything.

"What? Who is this?" He questioned. She looked up at him.

"It's....that pony from yesterday..... The one who snapped at Pinkie." She said with a frown.

His eyes widened. "Really?!" Gray looked back at the body. "Do you know what he was doing?"

Rainbow shook her head. "No. We were all enjoying our picnic when Zecora came running up to tell Twilight. Fluttershy got really REALLY scared and sped off with Pinkie following."

They had both made to the front of the hospital and went through the front door. The nurse at the front desk saw them and yelled for a doctor. Three of them came rushing over. "What happened!" they asked. "We don't know we found him like this," Rainbow answered. Two of the nurses came out with a gurney where Gray layed him down softly, They all rushed him off quickly. "Princess Twilight should be here soon," He said to one of the doctors. Rainbow and Storm walked out of the hospital.

"What do we do now?" She asked.

"I don't know. Should we go find Pinkie and Fluttershy? Or should we wait for Twilight?" Gray said.

Rainbow flew up. "I think we should go check on Fluttershy and Pinkie. Twilight and Rarity have this covered. We'll meet up with them later." She flew towards Sugar Cube Corner and Gray followed.

"What do you think happened to him?" He asked.

Dash looked at Storm, "I'm not sure. Some thought it was Timberwolves, but it didn't really look like it. He looked like he was beaten up. Badly...”

"Who could have beaten him up? I mean that bad? Who would do something like that?"

"I don't know" Rainbow shrugged.

They got to Sugar Cube Corner and Mrs. Cake was behind the front desk. "Where's Pinkie and Fluttershy?" Rainbow asked her. She pointed upstairs. "They are in Pinkies room. Improv is here too." She seemed shaken up as well and looked like she was getting ready to close the shop. "Improv?" Storm thought to himself, "When did he get here?" They both flew up the stairway and to Pinkie's door and Rainbow knocked then opened the door.

"Guys are you in here?" She said.

They both walked in. Improv and Pinkie where sitting next to each other. Improv had his arm around her. She looked terrified.

"Hey guys, you alright Pinkie Pie?" Rainbow said walking up to them.

"I'm okay. It's just when I heard what Zecora found it scared me. And when I saw Fluttershy run away I wanted to follow her so she wouldn't be alone." Pinkie replied.

Storm looked around. "Where is Fluttershy anyway?"

"She hid under the bed when she heard y’all coming up stairs." Improv said, "Fluttershy its ok you can come out."

Gray looked under the bed and saw her shaking. Rainbow stuck her hoof under towards her. "It's just us, don't worry," Dash said. She took her hoof and crawled out of under the bed.

"Thank goodness it's you guys." She said before sitting down by Pinkie and Improv.

They all sat in Pinkies room for a couple of minutes just hanging out. Gray went downstairs and brought up cupcakes for everypony and it seemed to cheer them all up.

Storm took a bite out of his cupcake. "When did you get here Improv?"

"As soon as Rarity told me where Pinkie was I came straight here to check on her and Fluttershy." He said with a cupcake in his mouth. "Ran here going Pinkie speed," he laughed.

Pinkie and Gray laughed.

They were all enjoying their tasty sweets when the door busted open. Fluttershy quickly flew under the bed again. Spike came running in, "Pinkie Pie Fluttersh-" He was cut off as he tripped and fell smacking his face on the floor.

"Oh no, Spike, are you alright?" Improv said helping him up with his magic. Spike stood up and looked like he was seeing stars then he shook his head around.

"I'm fine," he said wiping dust from his knees. "Twilight sent me to find you guys she needs you at the hospital ASAP!" They all looked at each other.

The six of them arrived at the hospital. Rarity was standing at the entrance. "Thank heavens you all made it!" She said her expression changed when she looked around. "Spike dear? Where is Applejack?"

Spike walked up shrugging, "I went to the farm and Big Mac said she wasn't there."

Rarity gave him a puzzled look. "Well, we will just have to ask Twilight," she turned around and started for the door. Everyone followed except for Rainbow. Storm noticed and stopped.

"What's the matter dash?" He asked. She was standing looking down at the ground with an odd look on her face. She remained quiet and motionless.

Gray took a step forward and tilted his head, "Dash?" She looked back up and put on a smile.

"Oh it's nothing..." She said, "C’mon I'm sure the others are waiting for us." She then flew through the hospital doors leaving Storm behind. He looked around then flew in behind her.

Storm flew into the ER where everyone was waiting.

"Great, Gray your here. Thanks for helping me back there," Twilight said. "Now where is AJ?" She stood looking around.

"Uhhh Twilight, I forgot to mention that she wasn't at Sweet Apple Acres when I got there." Spike said twiddling his thumbs.

"What? Really? She said she had work at the farm. Where is that pony?" She said in slightly irritated voice. "Have any of you see her at all?"

Everypony shook their head. "I haven't seen her all day," Pinkie said with a little frown.

"Well I guess we will have to continue without her. I'm sure she was just out in the orchard somewhere." Twilight said. "What I brought you all here for is very important. The doctors have told me that there is no chance that Timberwolves could have been the cause of this. They have told me that this have had to be done by something else. What could have done this? Or WHO?"

They were all surprised and trying to think of who could have done it.

"I am completely unsure Twilight," Rarity said.

"Yeah Twilight neither me nor Pinkie know anything that could have." Improv said.

They all sat in silence for a minute. Storm looked around the hospital. There wasn't much going on. Ponyville was usually very peaceful and accidents hardly ever happened. As far as he could see there was only a couple other patients in the building.

"Well then, I will be calling a town meeting at city hall. Spike will you let the Mayor know please, and tell her to gather everypony together," Twilight said.

"Sure no problem Twilight." Spike turned and headed for the exit.

"I need all of you to be on the lookout for anything suspicious. If you see anything out of the ordinary please let me know," She said. Rainbow flew over everyone and in front of Twilight.

"Actually Twi that reminds me. The other day when we saw this pony he was arguing with another mare. But we haven't seen her around anywhere either."

Twilight put a hoof to her chin and thought. "Hmm, we’ll have to look for her at the meeting. She could know something about all of this. In the meantime, everypony stay indoors and also be on the lookout for the pony you four saw," Twilight went for the door. "I will be writing a letter to Princess Celestia letting her know what has happened and giving everything more thought."

"Twilight, if you don't mind I could assist you?" Rarity said.

"Sure. Thanks Rarity." She said with a smile. They all went back outside in front of the hospital. "Everyone be safe. If you can, look for Applejack. She must know at once," said Twilight. She and Rarity began to walk to the library. Leaving only Pinkie Pie, Dash, Improv, Gray Storm, and Fluttershy.

"What are we gonna do now guys?" Gray said, "Should we look for AJ or the other mare?" They all looked at him.

"I think we should look for Applejack. I'm little worried about her," Improv replied

Fluttershy lowered her head, "I say we hiiidde," she said quietly.

"I say we look for the other mare!" Rainbow dash said loudly, "we need to get to the bottom of this!" She was in the air hovering above everyone.

Improv thought, "Hmmm. What if Pinkie and I look for Applejack and you guys look for that mare?"

"B-but I d-don’t want tooo. I'm too scared..." Fluttershy said quivering in fear. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"I think its good idea," Storm said. "Fluttershy you could go help Twilight and Rarity in the library? Would you wanna do that? That way you wouldn't be alone."

She looked up at him, "I guess that would be okay."

"Great! Then we'll fly you there," Rainbow Dash said Pushing her across the dirt leaving a trail. "C'mon Fluttershy." Pinkie, Improv and Storm laughed. Fluttershy finally got up to fly.

"Okay guys, we’ll see you later. Good luck." Improv said. He and Pinkie started walking off. They could hear their voices trailing off in the distance. "Dang I still haven't gotten anything to eat. Do you think the Apples will have any apple pie? I could really go for some." Sounds of Pinkie licking her lips and drooling could be heard, "mmmm apple pie." "Oh yeah, you owe me three bits." "WHAT!?........"

Gray laughed to himself he watched them walking away.

"Hey you comin or what??" Rainbow yelled out him. He turned around quickly, "Yeah." Storm said smiling as he flew to catch up to them.

Chapter 6: Applejack?!

Storm and Rainbow Dash were flying over Ponyville. The cool air was passing through his mane. The town was quiet and everyone seemed to have locked themselves in their homes. Everything was a peaceful, welcoming mask over what was going on. What was a peaceful town full of content ponies was now a ghost town. Storm looked over at Dash. The usual brave and adventurous look that she normally wore was faded. She looked as if she was angry and focused, but there was also a look of fear as well. He didn’t know what to think. Everything felt like it wasn’t real to him. How could something like this happen in Ponyville? It was like a dream… or a nightmare. He looked down at the ground where ponies normally would be but there was no one.

They had no idea where to start. Everypony was locked away in their homes in fear of their lives. They knocked on a couple doors and kept getting the same result. Ponies would stay silent or tell them to go away. Some of the other Pegasi had even left to be safe in the sky in Cloudsdale. He almost wanted to do the same, but he didn’t want to leave his friends and he certainly couldn’t ditch Rainbow.

Rainbow stopped. “It’s no use! No pony is going to talk to us or even come out!” She complained.

“What should we do then?” Storm asked.

Rainbow thought for a second then sighed and let herself fall onto a nearby cloud. “Ugh… I don’t know.” She rolled over on her stomach and looked down at Ponyville. “We’re never going to find her. She might not even be here in town anymore…” She looked like she had completely given up.

Storm landed and sat next to her. “Why don’t we catch up Pinkie and Improv at Sweet Apple Acres?” He said with a smile.

She gave him an odd look then looked back down as if she was scanning the town. “You go ahead… I’m gonna keep looking.”

“But you said yourself, it’s no use. You’re not going to get anything done here. Besides, Applejack may know something,” Gray said.

“No…” Rainbow looked at him. Her face was full of anger and pain. She almost looked as if she was about to cry. It was quiet for a second as they sat looking at each other. Storm was confused and speechless.

“Dash...”

She looked back down at Ponyville. Gray put his hoof on her shoulder.

“Dash…What’s wrong?” She pulled away.

“Dash talk to me.”

“I’m not going to Sweat Apple Acres,” she finally said.

“Why not?” He asked.

“I… I just can’t.” She sat up with her back to him.

He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t understand why she was acting this way. What could’ve been so bad at Sweet Apple Acres to make her…upset?

“Why can’t you go? Don’t you want to make sure AJ is ok?” Storm walked over and sat to the right of her at the edge of the cloud. He could see tears in her eyes and she continued to look down. It was hard for Storm to see her that way. She looked as if all of the color in her mane was about to fade out.

Storm suddenly wrapped his wing around her. She didn’t say anything or move for a second. She then leaned onto him and he put his arms around her. She looked up at him, eyes red and full of tears. Then she hugged him back, buried her face into his shoulder and began to cry. She squeezed him tightly, almost enough to hurt. Storm didn’t move. He didn’t know what to say. He just held her quietly as she wept.

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Improv and Pinkie Pie arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. They both looked around. It seemed to be deserted. Applebloom, Granny Smith, and Big Mac were nowhere to be seen. The farm was quiet, something was wrong.

“Where is everypony?” Pinkie said. “Aaaapplleejaaacckk!” She yelled, but the only reply she got back was her own voice echoing in the distance.

“Hmm where could they be?” Improv said.

Pinkie looked over at him and smiled. “Well let’s check the barn!” She said with enthusiasm. She then bounced over to it. It was about 60 yards away. Improv followed her cautiously. Something was wrong and he could feel it. When they got to the barn they both heard voices coming from inside.

Pinkie got excited, “There’s Applejack!” She went to open the door when Improv stopped her.

“SShh,” he said. “Hold on a sec Pinkie, don’t open the door yet.” She nodded.

He cracked the door open with his magic, just enough to see through. The voices were now louder and understandable. Pinkie climbed onto his back so that they could both see.

“Why are you doin this big sis?”

Improv and Pinkies eyes widened. There they saw Applejack. She had ropes around the rest of her family. She was finishing tying Applebloom’s.

“Shut up!!” Applejack yelled.

Applebloom had tears in her eyes. Granny Smith had a black bag covering her head and wasn’t moving. Big Mac had his mouth tied shut with a piece of fabric of some sort. He was trying to scream at the top of his lungs and trying to break the ropes. It was no use. He squirmed around and his yells could not be made into words.

“You all have been a nuisance long enough and I’m not going to have it any longer!” Applejack yelled in Big Mac’s face before kicking him in his side. He became quiet. Applebloom was shaking. She looked terrified. Applejack walked over to her and put a tie over her mouth, then a bag like the one on Granny Smith.

Pinkie jumped off of Improv’s back, and looked very scared and confused. Improv looked over at her and looked back through the door.

He walked over to her. “What is happening?!” Improv whispered. Pinkie didn’t say anything. Improv went back to look again. It was quiet. He looked all around the barn and Applejack was nowhere to be found.

“BAM!!” The barn door slammed open hitting Improv. It sent him flying back and hitting the ground hard. Pinkie sprinted over to him.

“Immppyyy!” She yelled. Improv slowly opened his eyes and could see Applejack standing in front of them.

“You made a terrible mistake coming here…” She said.

Improv slowly got up. He struggled a little bit but finally managed. He could hardly stand and Pinkie had noticed he now had a black eye.

“Applejack. What did you to your family?!” He said.

“I’m not done yet” AJ said back with a sinister look in her eyes.

“What’s wrong with you Applejack?” Pinkie said with a voice of hurt.

Improv had noticed she wasn’t speaking with her normal accent.

“And why are you talking like that?!” Improv called out.

Applejack began to step towards them, “What do you mean? Ah always talk like this, yall are crazy.” She let out a small laugh. “Nothins a matter I feel just fine I reckon.” She said very sarcastically. She was getting closer to them. They took a step back and then she stopped.

“Why yall backin up? Pinkie Pie, come give yer best friend a hug.” She said in her normal voice with a hoof stretched out.

Pinkie hid behind Improv and said nothing.

He voice reverted back. “No? I thought we were friends?” She put her hoof back down. “You know that’s no way to treat a friend of yours. I guess I’ll have you put you with the rest of them…” Applejack now had an insane look on her face and was smiling.

“The rest of who?!” Improv said.

“Haha, you’ll see…” She replied evilly.

Applejack began to walk toward the again. “Make this easy for yourselves and get in the barn.”

Improv and Pinkie began to pace back. “NO! We’re not going anywhere!” Improv yelled.

“Suit yourself then, we’ll do this the hard way…” She then began to run at them. Before they could do anything she had already reached them. She rammed into Improv knocking him to the side, and tackled pinkie to the ground.

She stood over her and Pinkie cowered in fear. “This would have been a lot easier if you would have just did what I told you to!” Applejack screamed. She lifted her hind legs and was about to kick her when Improv shot a powerful green beam at her. Applejack flew away and hit the dirt.

“STAY AWAY FROM HER!!” Improv yelled loudly his eyes were glowing green.

It was quiet. Improv ran over to Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie, are you alright?” He said. She laid on the ground shaking with her eyes closed. “Pinkie?” Improv said. Her eyes opened and she could see his eyes glowing before they slowly faded back to their normal color. She through her arms around him.

Improv helped her stand up. They both looked where Applejack was. There was a thick cloud of smoke surrounding her. They couldn’t see her through it. Improv slowly walked closer until he could see the silhouette of her body. Then the smoke cleared… Applejack was gone. Laying in her place was... a changeling…

Chapter 7: The Outsider

Chapter 7:

Dust clouds were being kicked up behind them as Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were running for Sweet Apple Acres.

“Pinkie, are you sure Improv is alright with that changeling?” Twilight said looking over.

“Oh sure! Impy has everything in control, dooonnn’t worry.” Pinkie replied with a hint of enthusiasm. Twilight nodded.

“What could one of those dreadful “Things” be doing here in Ponyville?” Said Rarity.

“I’m not sure. For all we know it could be the one behind the murder! Remember girls, it can change into anypony it wants. Don’t let it trick you. We may get there and see Improv, but it won’t be him…” Twilight looked over at Pinkie. She had a worried look.

“I’m sure he has everything under control.” Twilight smiled at Pinkie Pie to reassure her.

“We also must find our dear friend Applejack, I do hope she is alright. Pinkie Pie, you said that the changeling had told you that there were “others”?”

She nodded, “mm hmm. I didn’t see her in the barn with the rest of the Apples, but we didn’t check anywhere else.”

“I really hope she’s not hurt.” Twilight was fearing the worst to come.

“Applejack is tough dear, I don’t think she’d let some creature keep her down.” Rarity said with optimism. She had complete faith in her friend, who she could always count on.

The barn was in sight and they had finally reached the center of Sweet Apple Acres. They could all see Improv standing in the doorway. He noticed them and started trotting towards them.

They stopped in front of each other. “I’m glad you guys finally-” Improv was cut off when Pinkie jumped in front of him.

“WHAT’S MY FAVOURITE COLOR!!?” She yelled. The other all looked at her.

Improv looked confused, “Uhh what?” He said scratching his head.

“ANSWER THE QUESTION!” She said angrily.

“Pink!” Improv answered.

“That one was too easy. Hmm” Pinkie Pie thought. “What did you get me for my birthday last year?!”

“Another party cannon”

Pinkie squinted her eyes and looked closer at him. It was silent for moment, until she threw her arms around him with big smile on her face.

“It is yoouuuu!” She was nearly choking him as he hugged her back.

“Improv,” Twilight said, “is everyone alright?”

Pinkie let go of him, “yes, everyone is fine.” Improv walked toward the barn and everyone followed. “We were unsure about Granny Smith at first. She wasn’t moving, but after we got the ropes off her hoofs and the bag off her head, she seemed to just have woken up from a nap. Hah, she seemed to have no idea what was going on. Applebloom is still pretty shook up and Big Mac is fine. But that just leaves one thing though… Where is Applejack?”

They had just reached the barn and could see the Apples sitting next to each other. Big Mac his arm around Applebloom who looked very frightened. Twilight trotted over to them.

“Thank goodness you’re all alright, I was worried about all of you.” She smiled

“Yes yes, we’re just fine. We’re more worried about Applejack and her whereabouts.” Said Granny Smith.

“We are getting to the bottom of this and we will find her. Wherever she may be I’m sure she is alright.” Twilight looked concerned, “Applejack is tough.” She said nodding to Rarity.

“Well we should check all over Sweet Apple Acres! That monster was doin something in the basement. It wouldn’t let us go down there. It was pretending to be our sister and told us not to go down there. I heard strange sounds comin from down there earlier and went to check it out and it attacked me, tied us all up and brought us here. There’s no tellin what it woulda done if yall didn’t show up.” Big Mac said, he seemed very angry.

“The basement you say? We should check there Twilight” said Rarity.

“Yes we should-”

All they could hear was rustling and struggling coming from behind a bale of hay.

“What in Celestia’s name is that?” Twilight exclaimed.

“Umm, I guess it woke up?” Improv said. Everyone looked at him except for Fluttershy who hid behind Twilight.

“It’s still alive?!” Rarity gasped.

They all slowly walked around the hay bail. As they turned to the corner they all could see the changeling rolling around trying to get out of the ropes that held it.

“HEY!” Twilight yelled. It stopped. She lifted it up with her magic and turned the changeling towards her. They all remained silent. The changeling opened its eyes. They were deep and dark green. There were no pupils or irises. Its eyes were a green abyss. Its fangs where showing outside of its mouth and it sat quietly still.

“What did you do with our friend!? And why are you here!?” Twilight yelled at it.

The creature smiled and turned into a clone of her. “What did you do with our friend?” It taunted her.

Twilight became angry. “I’m not here to play games!”

The changeling morphed into Applejack, “NIETHER AM I…” It said in a low demonic voice.

Everyone stood still and said nothing in fear. Pinkie hid behind Improv. She normally wasn’t afraid of changelings but this one was getting to her. He turned around to comfort her. She looked up at Improv and could see the changeling looking at them. It then took Improv’s form and looked right at her and smiled evilly. She screamed and ran away, out of sight of the changeling. Improv turned back around and it changed into Pinkie and began to laugh sinisterly.

“Shut up! You monster!” Improv yelled.

It stopped laughing and changed back into its normal form.

“Well, I have been called many things in my short life. But never a monster…”

Everyone jumped back and twilight dropped it. The changeling hit the floor with a thud.

“Ugh. I can’t say I didn’t miss the ground but you didn’t have to drop me like that. Now that I’m back on solid ground, please remove these ropes so that I may KILL all of you.” It smiled innocently.

“Ah! Did it just talk!” exclaimed Rarity.

“Yes I did. And it’s she not it. I also have a name, it’s Gemini.” She said looking at Rarity in disgust. “Now that we’ve all met, we’re friends! Yay! Now please take these awful ropes off. This is no way to treat a friend” It looked over at Improv.

“Those ropes aren’t going anywhere. What did you do with Applejack?!” He said.

“Yeah, where’s my sister!” Big mac stomped his hoof.

“I’m right here sugar cube.” She was now changed into Applejack and was looking right into Big Mac’s eyes.

Big Mac became full of anger. He ran over to her and was about to kick her in the stomach when twilight stopped him.

“Big Mac NO! She trying to make you angry. It’s what she wants.” Big Mac stood straight up and stormed out of the barn.

Gemini began to laugh again. “You’re going to tell us where Applejack is right now!! No games!” Yelled Twilight.

She quickly changed into Pinkie again. “Awww, but I like games…”

Improv eyes became green and he began to tighten the ropes around the changeling with his magic. She began to laugh and scream in pain at the same time as it became harder for her to breathe. Everypony looked at him. His eyes were burning green and his face full of rage.

“Improv!” Twilight yelled.

He let go of the rope and started breathing hard, gasping for air. He looked like he could barely stand. Improv looked around at everyone who was looking back at him. “I’m going to find Pinkie…” He ran out of the barn before anyone could say anything.

“For the last time! Tell us where Applejack is!” Twilight stomped her hoof. Gemini was still trying to catch her breath.

“She is in the last place I left her of course. In the dark, where her fears come to a reality and she is tortured by them. She is lost in her nightmares and being cast into an oblivion.” Gemini tilted her head, looking at twilight, she closed her eyes and turned into the form of Rainbow Dash and had a look of gloom and emptiness. Twilight didn’t understand why she was taking Dash’s appearance or even why she was acting the way she was. It began to get to her and she started to feel upset, seeing her friend so… drained. Gemini started to fade out Rainbow’s six colors of her mane, then slowly turned back into herself. Twilight looked very troubled and turned away. Gemini smirked and looked over at Rarity. She had a very puzzled look. Gemini turned into Sweetie Belle and Rarity tried to ignore her. She noticed now that she was smaller, that she could slip out of the ropes and escape. Both Rarity and Twilight were looking away. Gemini slowly started to shake free of the ropes. They slid off and she transformed into herself.

She then leaped into the air revealing her sharp fangs ready to sink them into Twilights neck. Rarity heard Gemini and quickly turned around pushing Twilight out of the way with her magic. Gemini missed and landed on the barn floor. She hissed at Rarity and bolted out of the window. Twilight got up and they both ran out of the barn. Improv, Pinkie, Fluttershy and the Apples were standing outside. “What’s going on?” Improv said as they ran passed them. Twilight and Rarity looked around the barn and at the orchard. Gemini had gotten away…

“Twilight?”

Everyone stood around them with questioning faces.

“Rarity, you and everyone else stay here and look for Applejack. Improv I need you to come with me…” Twilight looked over at him, “Gemini broke free and we must find her as soon as possible!”

Everyone gasped and Fluttershy hid under Big Mac shaking.

“What?! How?!” Improv said.

“I don’t know, but we need to go now. Come on!” Twilight flapped her wings and ascended into the air. She began to fly towards the orchard. Improv turned to look at Pinkie. Before he could say anything she suffocated him with a big hug.

“See ya when you get back Impy! Down have too much fun without me ok?” Improv hugged her back. He was unsure. That changeling was dangerous. He was able to stop it earlier, but this time, it knows what Improv is capable of and will be more cautious next time. He was afraid of getting hurt. He was afraid of not coming back…

Pinkie looked at him with her usual giant smile. It reassured him. He tried to smile back at her, but was still troubled with his thoughts.

“Improv! Come on” Twilight yelled in the distance.

He turned and ran towards her as quickly as he could. Everyone watched as they disappeared into the orchard.

“I hope they catch that “thing”” Rarity said.

“Oh I’m sure they will. Impy is great at hide and seek!” Pinkie said cheerfully.

“Pinkie dear, that thing wants to kill them. I saw it with my own two eyes try to sink its teeth into Twilight. I stopped it.”

Pinkie looked down at the ground and frowned. Rarity realized was she said and instantly felt demeaned. She walked over and put her hoof on Pinkie Pie’s shoulder.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine. Our friends are vigorous and high spirited.” Rarity smiled. Pinkie gave her a small smile back. “Now we must look for our friend Applejack. I am worried about her.”

Big Mac walked over to them. “I went down to the basement and tried openin’ the door but it was locked. I even tried kicking it open, but it wouldn’t budge. I was sure that would’ve done it.”

“Let’s take a look at it then shall we?” Rarity began to trot toward the house. They all followed and went inside.

They reached the stairs down to the basement. They were made of wood, looked very old and had cracks in them. Rarity took a step down and heard a loud squeak. Fluttershy, who was standing behind Big Mac, got scared and jumped into the air.

“Oh Fluttershy, It’s just stairs nothing to be afrai-” As Rarity spoke she noticed a big spider on the step below her and screamed, “eww eww. A spider!! Eeeeeeeekk, somepony do something!”

Big Mac casually walked down and kicked the spider away. He looked at Rarity, shrugged and continued down. Pinkie hoped down the steps past Rarity. She stood still for moment and then followed. Fluttershy stayed at the top of the stairs.

They reached the bottom. The door looked perfectly fine. Everypony expected hoof prints in it from Big Mac. However the wall around the door had cracks running all through it. Pinkie put her hoof on the door knob and tried to turn it. The knob wouldn’t move, not even a hair. It was almost as if it were frozen.

Pinkie rubbed her head “huh that’s weird usually when I turn door knobs, they open. Ssssstraaanngeee.”

“Let me try,” said Rarity. She tried to turn it with her magic.

“BAM!”

Rarity flew back and hit the stairs. The door then glowed a transparent yellow and then faded away slowly.

“Are you alright Rarity?” Pinkie said. She and Big Mac helped her up.

“Yes I am fine.” She said rubbing her back. “Did you both see that though? That light?” She walked over and touch her hoof to the door. “I think there was a spell put on this door.”

They both looked at her. “How we goin to open it then?” Big Mac asked.

Rarity thought for a moment, “Hmm, I think I have an idea. Stand back”

Pinkie Pie and Big Mac took a step back. Rarity’s horn began to glow bright purple. Stepped closer to the door and leaned her head forward touching her horn to it. The door began to spark and the magic between her and it was flashing. The light was nearly blinding. Big Mac and Pinkie covered their eyes. All they could hear was the sound of electricity spiking.

“SLAM!!!” The door flew off of its hinges and hit the floor.

There was no light coming from the basement.

“Wow Rarity! I didn’t know you could do that!” Pinkie said.

“I didn’t either.” She said touching a hoof to her horn.

They couldn’t see anything ahead of them. There was pitch black hole where the door used to be. Rarity lit up her horn and Pinkie took a flashlight out of her mane.

The basement was larger than Pinkie and Rarity thought it would be. They had never been down here before. They split up, Big Mac followed Pinkie to the left and Rarity went to the right.

“Applejack!? Are you down here?” Pinkie called out.

Rarity kept moving forward. “Applejack?” She said softly. She was turning her head left and right looking around. She could see some boxes and what looked like a couple sacks of potatoes. She then tripped over something then fell. She looked down to see what she tripped over. It was bulky and didn’t move when she kicked it.

It was a pony!

She screamed and started crawling backwards. “Rarity?” She heard Big Mac say her name across the room. She then heard hoof steps getting near her. She quickly looked around her trying to see where they were coming from. She got up and began to run away but was stopped when she ran into something that sent her back to the floor knocking her horn’s light out. She looked up shaking in fear for her life. She lit her horn up again so that she could see again. Pinkie and Big Mac came running up behind her. Pinkie shined her light forward at her. Rarity was breathing heavily. “Rarity are you-”

Pinkie raised the light. They were all silent and motionless. Her eyes were pale white and she wasn’t blinking. Applejack was standing in front of them, perfectly still. She looked to be still breathing. She wasn’t moving nor did she even look over at them acknowledging them. She looked very skinny as if she hadn’t eaten in days and her ribs were apparent. Her cheek bones could also be seen. Her fur was filthy and had patches of dirt in it. Applejack looked exhausted. She looked as if she was about to start rotting away.

With tears beginning to fill her eyes, only Pinkie could speak

“…Applejack?”

Chapter 8: Lost and Found

Chapter 8:

Twilight was flying overhead Improv. They were moving quickly through the orchard. She looked left and right scanning the rows of apple trees. She knew they’d better hurry, it was getting late and the sun was setting. There was no possible way they could find Gemini in the dark. For all they knew she could have went back to Ponyville and changed into another pony. They might never find her… Twilight looked down at Improv, and began to think of the odd magic he had displayed earlier. As well as the unusual anger. Improv had never been like this before.

“Improv!” Twilight swooped down in front of him.

He stopped, “Did you see it?” He looked around. “Why are we stopping?”

“No. Earlier, when we were in the barn, what was the strange magic you used? It wasn’t… you…” Twilight looked him in the eye.

“Strange magic?”

“Yes! Your eyes glowed green and you went crazy. What was that about? Have you been practicing dark magic?!”

Improv looked down at the ground before him and sighed. “It’s a condition…”

Twilight’s questioning look had now subsided. “What kind of condition is that?”

“I don’t know. When I’m under a lot of stress I… lose control over my magic… I don’t know what it is, or why I’m this way.” Improv looked back at her. “It hasn’t happened for a long time. I don’t think I can remember the last time, it’s been so long. Nothing has upset me enough to have any problems with it. That’s partially why I moved here, since it’s so quiet and peaceful. Keeping me… relaxed”

There was a brief moment of silence between the two of them, until Twilight spoke.

“Have you tried doing anything about it? How come I’ve never read or heard of anything like this?”

“When I was a filly I had to get treatments for it. Doctors had never seen anything like it. A condition such as mine is unheard of…”

Twilight thought for a moment. “Does anypony else know about this? Does Pinkie-”

“No” Improv interrupted her. “I haven’t told anypony”

“Why not? I think some of our friends deserve to know. Don’t you think Pinkie Pie does? I certainly do…” Twilight said with a concerned look.

Improv was silent.

Twilight began flapping her wings and ascending. “We need to continue our search. We’re losing daylight and can’t let her get away.” She then flew back into the direction they were going before.

Improv stood still, thinking for a moment. He didn’t know what to think. His head was clouded. Improv didn’t know what he could do. He wished that he could control his “condition” but he didn’t know how, if even possible. What will others think?

He whipped his head around quickly. There was someone coming. Cracking sticks and rustling bushes was all he could hear. He looked back to see if Twilight was anywhere to be seen, but she was gone. Improv quickly jumped back, lowering his horn, and waited for whatever it was to come out. He began to charge his magic, until a head poked out of the bushes.

“Fluttershy?” Improv said, “What are you doing here?”

She looked worried. “Improv! Come quick! We found AppleJack!” She walked closer to him.

“Really!? How did you catch up to us so fast?” He held his hoof up in question.

“I flew?” She said innocently sketching one wing out.

“Oh, right. Well we need to tell Twilight then!” Improv turned around and yelled. “Twilight come back!” His voice echoed off in the distance.

“Improv, I forgot to tell you something?”

He turned around and before he could say anything something hit him in the face sending him backward.

“I lied”

He put his hoof over his nose as his eyes began to water. He could feel blood begin to come out. He looked up and saw Gemini standing in front of him. His eyes widened.

She jumped into the air flapping her wings and shot toward him. He jumped out of the way before she could get to him. Gemini bounced back to strike again but was blocked by his magic. She then repeatedly took swings at him as he blocked every hit with a magic barrier. Improv took steps back as she was rushing him. He kept himself from being hit until he backed up into a tree and lost concentration. Her final hit shattered the barrier hitting him once more in the face.

Improv rolled onto the ground. Before he could try to get up she kicked him again leaving him unconscious. Gemini stood up straight and walked around his body until she could see his throat. She knelt down to his ear.

“Don’t worry your friends won’t miss you, I’ll keep them company… for now”

She smiled revealing her fangs. Before she could do anything she heard flapping wings and quickly looked up.

BANG!

She was knocked onto her back. Gemini sprung back up to her feet. On the ground ahead of her, Gray landed.

“You? I remember you from that stupid party.” She said rubbing her cheek. “I should have dealt with you when I had the chance, I guess there’s no better time than now”

Rainbow Dash came flying up behind him. “What’s going on?!” she said.

“Oh you brought a friend? How delightful! Two birds with one stone I suppose.” Gemini smiled, “Hey! I have an idea! Let’s be friends! Come on! We can hug it out!” She changed into Pinkie Pie and giggled innocently, “Heehee, I love hugs!”

Rainbow pointed her hoof at Gemini, “You’re sick!!” She began to bolt toward her but Storm jumped into the air grabbing her tail with his mouth, bringing her to a dead stop.

“Wait! That’s just what she wants, to get us apart and single us out.” She looked at him, said nothing, and then looked back at Gemini who was chuckling.

“Well then. What’s it going to be? You just going to stand there?”

Storm sprinted toward her. Right before he could reach her she leapt into the air preparing to strike. He rolled onto his back sliding underneath her and kicked his hind legs up as hard as he could. Before his hoofs pressed into her torso she managed to sink one of her fangs into his front leg. His hoofs jammed into her stomach forcing her fang to drag through his skin, slicing it open.

“ahh,” Storm winced in pain.

Gemini flew into the air and was caught by a flying kick from Rainbow Dash. Shooting her into the trunk an apple tree. She slammed against it and fell straight down to the base.

She got up slowly and hissed at Rainbow. Gray rolled back over to his hoofs and struggled to get up. Dash looked over at him and noticed the wound on his leg. Blood was running down it quickly. He forced himself to stand straight up almost falling. She hastily flew over to him to keep him from falling.

“ahh. dam this hurts.” He said looking at her with an odd grin and snicker.

Gemini began to charge towards them. They didn’t know what to do. Storm could hardly move. She made it about half way to them before a bright light shot out of the sky striking and stopping her in her tracks. She was instantly frozen. Rainbow Dash and Gray Storm looked at her then up into the air.

“Twilight!” Rainbow yelled.

“Thank Celestia you’re here…” Gray could barely utter the words. He began to fade… He was losing alot of blood.

“Storm? Are you ok?” Twilight landed in front of them.

“He was cut pretty badly by her.” Rainbow said. She was now holding him up, keeping him from falling to the ground.

“I’ll be fine heh, I’m ok I swear. Help Improv he’s not looking so good.” Gray smiled. They both looked at Improv laying on the ground, and he began moving. Twilight ran over to him

“Improv! Are you ok?!” He rubbed his head.

“Ugh, yeah I think so, but my head hurts like no other.” She helped him up.

Gray became heavier. His legs were becoming limp. “You alright there?” Raibow said to him.

“Yeah…” Storm began to close his eyes.

“We need to get him to the hospital or he’s going to bleed out… and die.” Twilight said.

Gray was trying to use every ounce of energy he had left, but it wasn’t enough to get a single word out. He opened his eyes and everything became blurry and distorted. He closed his eyes and the last thing her heard was Rainbow’s voice, “Hurry! We don’t have much time!”

Chapter 9: Inconception

-beep-

"huh?"

-beep-

"what is that annoying noise?"

-beep-

"And why is it so dark?"

-beep-

"Ok, It's too dark to see, this annoying beeping won't quit, and I have no clue where I am.... Ugh.."

-beep-

"Seriously?" A strange voice came from behind him

"Huh? Who's there?" The beeping began to trail off in the distance.

"Your really going to just sit there and do nothing?"

The voice sounded confused.

"Who are you?" He asked.

"Answer the question Gray Storm." Said the voice.

"How do you know my name!?"

"I know all of my subjects one way or another..."

Suddenly the pitch black darkness turned into a blinding white that pierced Gray"s eyes. He stretched out his left wing to shade his face.

"Geez, alittle warning would've been nice"

As his eyes adjusted to the light, he could see multiple figures standing around him.

"I'm going to guess it's Princess Luna"

His vision came into focus and he lowered his wing. His prediction was correct, although, there where six copies of her standing around him in a hexagonal shape.

"Why are there six of you?" He asked as he twisted his head around.

"I can step into any of my subject's dreams but I cannot alter the way they perceive me."

"So I am dreaming!" Gray exclaimed.

"Your not surprised?" Princess Luna asked.

"No not really, How often do you just find yourself in an empty place like this when your awake?" Storm questioned.

"Hmm, a valid point."

"Seriously though, can I talk to just one of you? This is weird."

"That is up to only you."

"Hmm," Gray thought. He closed his eyes for a moment then opened them. Luna was nowhere to be scene.

"Umm, Princess?"

"Turn around."

Gray turned around and saw her standing as she was before.

"Why did you move behind me?" He questioned.

"I was never in front of you."

"But-"

Luna cut him off

"You see me as you want to see me in your own mind."

"Oh I see."

Gray thought for a moment then smiled.

"So then if I imagined you wearing a giant clown costume with a rainbow wig...." He closed his eyes then looked up at her.

"Bahahahahahaha!" Storm fell to the ground laughing. Luna was not amused. She stood wearing a polka dotted outfit, red and white makeup on her face, and a wig.

"Ugh," she sighed. "You can do whatever you please and this is what you come up with?"

Her seriousness only made it worse and He continued to laugh.

"You've obviously been spending to much time with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie."

Gray began to stop. "Hah, what's that supposed to mean?"

"Nevermind that, You don't exactly show any concern for your current state. You were literally sitting still before I made my presence known."

"Well I figured that there wasn't much to do, so I decided to just hang out and wait."

"Wait for what exactly?"

"I don't know?" He chuckled, "Something to happen?"

"And?.." Luna asked.

"And something did, so me 2 and you 0." He exclaimed with a smile

"What? This isn't competition?-" Luna shook her head, "Ugh. No, we don't have time for this."

"But we do have time for top hats and monocles..." Storm said trying to hold in a laugh.

"What?" Luna was baffled.

She was now wearing a top hat, a monocle, and a fancy suit

Gray snickered, "Should I give you a mustache to match?"

Princess Luna became angry, "GRAY STORM! YOU WILL STOP THIS NONSENSE IMMEDIATELY!"

He stopped laughing instantly and it was quiet for a moment. She was giving him a very annoyed look and they stood in silence.

"Ok..... I'm sorry you highness." He looked down.

"Gray Storm why are you here?" She asked.

"I.... I don't know..... I can't remember..." He said with a puzzled expression. "I'm asleep of course, but why are you here?"

"I'm here to wake you up....." Luna's voice echoed and she started fading in front of him.

"Princess Luna wait!"

-beep-

She disappeared and the whole world began to shake and black cracks began to appear around Storm

-beep-

"Ugh this is so cliche. My mind couldn't think of any other way to end this dream." He thought to himself.

-beep-

The floor came out of under him and he fell.

-beep-

"Ghuahh!" Gray inhaled as he woke up.

He quickly sat up and looked around. The room he was in was dark but there was one lamp sitting on a desk to the right of him. Then on the left were some machines beeping. He was in a hospital bed. Gray looked up and could see a bag full of blood next to him. It had a long tube coming from it that led into his arm.

He sighed, "Where is everyone?"

He looked outside the window it was night.

"Hello?"

He tried to get up but as soon as he tried to move scorching pain shot up his leg.

"AAhhhhh!"

He lifted his blanket and saw gauze wrapped around it and then remembered what happened.....