Envy, Greed, and Ignorance

by Crimson Obsidian

Rating: teen
Tags: Tragedy, Slice of Life, Dark, Sad
Length: 7683

Realization that the ponies of Equestria are not as good, as they can be.

Crimson Prodigy suddenly realizes the faults that are continuously growing in Equestria. He writes a statement on his Truth and Ideals. He presents it at a young writers event. How will the crowd react? How will he deal with the cause and effect? Only time and his dreams will tell.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-14 17:40:50 UTC

Chapter #1: Confusion Without Resolve

It has been only several seconds, but it felt like several minutes. That amateur writer Crimson Prodigy had stated his statement, at Writing is Potential. This event is a monthly activity, that was held on the first of every month. It was founded and hosted by Princess Twilight Sparkle in the Canterlot Gardens, to promote young writers, and to help others unlock the locked potential of Literature. It was a simple Thursday noon, and it would turn into something not so simple.

Crimson Prodigy didn't expect the reaction he got, in fact he expected little reaction. Like plenty of others, the Princess would simply come up to the stage, after each statement, say something nice, and call up for the next. Some ponies got a round of applause, along with a more generous statement by Twilight. While other simply got nothing, but a few hushed statements from the crowd, the Princess would smile at them, and call up for the next.

Crimson Prodigy got confused faces from everypony. He looked over at Princess Twilight, and she appeared to be in deep thought. He spotted Princess Luna in the back row, she had attended the event each month since it began, 17 months ago . He couldn't see her full face, but she was definitely crying. Crimson stepped away from the mic, and was about to head off stage when Twilight stopped him. He was sure she was upset with him, but her face seemed to be emotionless.

"What makes you think this?" asked Twilight.

Crimson knew exactly what to say if it ever came to this. He always thought ahead, and carefully planned out every major decision to the worst case scenario. A lot of his Ponyville neighbors, and what little friends he had, always thought he was too paranoid. Each time he responded, with a smile and said. "It's better to be prepared for something and not need it, then not to be prepared for something and need it."

Crimson simply responded. "I grew up in a small town called Ponyville, where everypony is a friendly face, and is happy to help those in need. At the age of of 13 i was able to get a steady stream of income, from plenty of local jobs, and found a small 2 bedroom house at the South-Western edge of town. I bought it, all it needed was a bit of renovation. About a year later, i became the adoptive father of a filly, who's mother died. Just after giving birth, she went into cardiac arrest. Trillium pushed the filly into my hooves, and told me to take her. I lost a friend that day. About 2 years after that, i decided to go on a small personal tour to see what bigger communities, such as Manehatten, and Canterlot were like." said Crimson.

"What i found was a complete shock to me. Things like Ignorance, Envy, and Greed, manifested themselves there. I knew that shortly after i arrived, it was almost like it was everypony for themselves. While there was groups of ponies on top, that did not share their well-being with those who are not as fortunate. I was back-stabbed multiple times, before i just completely disconnected with these communities, and returned home. It was like, the moment i arrived there i was being used by others greed, treated lesser for my more of a farming community origins, and i could tell that ponies who were not as fortunate as me, were getting upset with me for simply being there, and now 3 years later. I've finally decided to do something about it" said Crimson with even more firmness in his voice.

"There is not a doubt in my mind, that at the rate our civilization is expanding, although it would likely not be in my life time, but never the less, this will exist almost in every community. I state this now in hopes of other ponies realizing that, we may be on this path, and at the end is something alien and horrible. I a state this now in the audience of two Princesses who are a shining beacon of light to me. In the hopes that they may realize this too. I state what I've just stated, like when a judge slams his or hers hammer down, to add emphasis on my truths and ideals." said Crimson calmly, ending the climax with light note.

Crimson Prodigy glanced back to where Luna had been sitting, and noticed she was no longer there. Instead he noticed her high above the Canterlot Garden, on the balcony of Princess Celestia's quarters, and was speaking with her elder sister. "This can't be bad. Why had it hit Luna so hard?" said Crimson under his breath. Crimson Prodigy suddenly realized that he had struck a nerve, and could be in trouble he did not anticipate.

"I understand why you believe this. I to, noticed this while i was helping my friend Rarity in Manehatten two years back. In the end i didn't think anything of it, but with this statement you just made... you've made believe as well. That we are indeed on this path." said Princess Twilight Sparkle.

"I hope that is also the reason for Princess Luna's breakdown, and why she is currently talking to her sister." said Crimson. He ended that using his Unicorn Magi to project an arrow pointing towards the two speaking.

Twilight looked up, and saw the two speaking. Luna had a tone in her voice, like she was crying, and Celestia had a comforting and understanding tone. "I didn't expect that." Twilight Sparkle thought to herself. She turned towards Crimson, who had a worried look on his face. "I'm sure she is fine." said the lavender princess with a forced smile.

"I do hope you're right." said Crimson Prodigy.

"Take the next train back to Ponyville, and simply continue on with your usual. If anything important involving you comes up, i'll be sure to notify you." said Twilight with a comforting smile.

"Yes my princess, right away." said Crimson with an ending royal bow. Crimson hurried to the train platform, and managed to make it with only 3 minutes to spare. He paid is 5 bit fee, and boarded to Ponyville. It was an hour long trip. When the pure blood red stallion arrived, he immediately headed home, to get out of this irritating clothing, hopped into bed, and drifted of.

Almost immediately Crimson drifted off to sleep, he found himself in a dream, which is a rare occurrence , since he usually never remembers such trivial things. He was in a grassy field, but everything was extremely vivid, like he was actually there. Memories of the cities he had visited, and his truths and ideals shot into him, like a thousands knives hitting is mind, and eyes at once. This completely blurred everything, it scared him, and he did not understand. All of a sudden, he was surrounded by faces, emotionless, and it was like they were piercing into his soul. Then everything set ablaze, and the stench of burnt flesh, and fur hit him. Crimson awoke coughing, with tears streaming from his eyes. He could still smell the horrid scent.

"What the fuck just happened?" Crimson thought to himself. The disturbed pony got outta bed, and headed off to take a shower. He looked at the clock, and noticed it was  7 PM, and had been sleeping for 5 hours. "Guess 'll be spending the night under the stars" Crimson said out loud. Crimson spent an hour in the shower, hot water hitting him. He was simply, in deep thought. Crimson was really confused about the recent disturbing event.

After he dried himself off, he decided to make himself a nice tomato soup, while the whole time just thinking about the dream, "What had it meant? Why was it so disturbing? I rarely have dreams, and when i do they are nice. Maybe Luna had something to do with this? She was a dream walker." thought the Crimson.

There was a knock at the door. "Come in!" shouted Crimson. Petunia burst into the kitchen hugged her adoptive father. With Charcoal Flank following behind. "How was your day Petunia?" asked Prodigy.

"It was fun! Ms. Cheerly taught us about how to shop smart and handle bits properly! Charcoal brought me to the park, and taught me how to fly a kite! Plus we saw Princess Luna!" the excited filly shouted. Crimson smiled, and put his daughter down.

"You really saw the princess?" asked Crimson.

"Yes we did. She was sitting under one of the Great Oaks, and appeared to thinking deeply about something." said the Charcoal.

Crimson mentally cringed at the thought. Had he really affected her this much? He started to worry that she might lash out at him. Crimson corrected the previous thought knowing that his benevolent ruler would not go to those lengths. "It was probably about what i stated at the young writers event. After i read my truth and ideal, the whole crowd had confused faces, and Princess Luna was in the back crying, plus Princess Twilight was in really deep though." said Crimson.

"Wow! You made the Luna cry? You should be more worried about yourself right now. She could smite you, or banish you." said Charcoal with concern.

"Don't be ridiculous! She is a benevolent ruler, and Celestia or Twilight would never allow such a thing. Why does the common pony always have the weirdest thoughts on how they would get punished by royalty?" said Crimson with annoyance in his voice.

"I guess you're right on that, and coming from the paranoid type too. Well i'll be heading off!" said Charcoal with a smile. Crimson got up, levitated 15 bits into his saddlebag, and gave a small wave.

"Now don't give your father a hard time, he has been through a lot today." Charcoal said to Petunia."

"That's an understatement." said Crimson under his breathe. Crimson turned to his daughter. Levitated her to a chair, and set a warmed bowl of soup down. "Eat up, and when you're done, take a bath, then head off to bed. Daddy had important business he needs to attend to. I'll likely be out all night." said the Prodigy with a smile.

"You got it daddy! I won't let you down!" shouted Petunia, who then gave a salute.

"You've never let me down." said Crimson. He got up, and headed out for walk. He has a visit to make with his parents. Hopefully they understand just as well as Twilight did.

Crimson trotted to the center of town, and made a right heading North, until he arrived at a classical, but new age designed home. He approached the door, and knocked three times with his left hoof. "Just a minute!" shouted a voice within. The lock was fumbled with, and the door opened revealing his mother.

"Crimson! what are you doing here?" asked his mother.

"Is dad home? It's important." asked Prodigy.

"Lava Plume? Who is at the door?" asked Aillious.

"It's Crimson!' shouted Plume. His mother smiled at him, and gestured him to enter. Crimson nodded, smiled back, and walked past her, into the kitchen.

"Well? what are ya waiting for? Have a seat!" shouted Aillious. Crimson sat down, looking embarrassed. Lava Plume sat across from his father, making Crimson uncomfortably in the center.

"Is this about Petunia?" asked his mother.

"No. It's about that young writers event i went to." said Prodigy. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He could feel the shakes coming on, from the anxiety.

"How did it go? Was it bad or good?" asked Aillious.

"I'm not sure. It happened so fast, right after i stated my statement, everypony in the crowd was confused. Princess Luna was crying in the back, and Twilight Sparkle was in deep thought." said Crimson. His parent's mouths dropped in shock.

"You made Luna cry?" asked Lava Plume. Her eyes widened in fear.

"A-a-are you gonna be alright? Did Twilight say anything to you?" asked Aillious, who had started stuttering.

"She told me to take the next train back to Ponyville, and that if anything serious happened, that she would notify me." responded Crimson. Not even his hired Foalsitter had this kinda reaction, an he was always the worrying type, he cared for others greatly.

"I'll be fine. We have 3 very benevolent rulers, and they wouldn't allow harm to come to other ponies from this incident. Stop with the worries, i'll be fine." Crimson Prodigy stated again.

"Yeah... i guess your right." his parents responded both at the same time.

"Thank you for understanding, i'll be off. I'm gonna go over to the park, and rest under the stars." said Crimson with assurance in his voice. He then got up, and left. He headed Southward down the street, and made right. When he arrived at the park, he went over to the Great Oak, rolled over onto his back, and looked up at the night sky. He admired it for it's beauty, and drifted into his thoughts.

The smell from that horrid dream, still lingered in his nose. Crimson was beginning to doubt if it was ever gonna go away. The images were burned into his mind, and he knew that he was gonna remember this for the rest of his days. He suddenly felt sleep overtake him again. He tried to fight it, but he was out in 10 seconds.

Once again, he was dreaming. Except this time it was immediately the emotionless faces. They all once again, burst into flames. The smell did not hit his nose though. Instead the horrid sight changed back into the grassy field, everything was still extremely vivid. He saw himself and his daughter playing. Petunia was on a swing, and he was pushing her.

"Higher daddy! Higher!" shouted Petunia in glee.

"Safety first my dear filly, never can be to careful." responded Crimson.

"Oh! Stop being such a bore daddy." said Petunia with irritation in her voice.

Crimson watched the two. When he heard a sob coming from behind him. He shot around, and saw his parents crying over a casket. The scene immediately turned to a service, and he was surrounded by mourning ponies. He didn't recognize this, thinking it was the funeral for his friend Trillium. He approached the casket, and looked inside. Shock hit him, as he saw himself lying there in the casket in such a peace and tranquil state. All of a sudden everypony started to scream. The screams were deafening, and just like that. They all burst into flames, including his deceased self. That smell hit him again.

Crimson Prodigy awoke in the morning, once again hacking, and tears streaming from his eyes. "Not again!" shouted Crimson. The sun was breaching the horizon, and he was stiff. "Well... That's what i get for falling asleep on my back, and on a hard surface." Crimson said to himself. He also was now thoroughly disturbed. Crimson got up, stretched, and sighed. He walked back home, and returned any greetings that went his way, with a nod and a smile. He was not beaming what so ever on the inside.

Chapter #2: Plague of Dreams

Crimson was walking to his house when he was stopped by Twilight. He looked into her eyes, and noticed she was scared. "Crimson... have you had any startling visions in the last day?" asked Twilight. Crimson, who was already confused, was even more so now. He shifted, as he was uncomfortable about the topic.

"Yes i have Princess Twilight." responded Prodigy, with a bow. Twilight's fear that was in her eyes, now turned into horror, it spread like a wildfire across her face. "I'm mostly confused about the two last dreams I've had. I have no idea what they mean." said Crimson.

The horror on Twilight's face was now mixed with shock. "These were dreams? I only got visions, like a daydream. Same thing with Luna." responded Twilight. Her voice was rough, as if she was doing some very heavy coughing. Twilight's eyes looked like she had been crying.

"Yes... the first time i awoke in a grassy field, it beautiful and vivid. Then the memories of the cities i visited, and what i stated, came back to me. They stabbed me in my mind, and soul. I was then surrounded by those emotionless faces, but just quickly as they appeared, they burst into flames, and the horrible stench of burning flesh, and fur hit me. The second time, i was in that same grassy field, but i saw myself pushing my daughter on a swing.I heard sobbing from behind me, there was my parents hanging over a casket, at a service, and plenty of other ponies, that were mourning ones passing. I looked into the casket, and was shocked to see myself. Then they all screamed, and burst into flames, including my dead self. That same stench hitting me. Both times i woke up coughing and eyes streaming.

"Me and Luna only got the burning part, and the stench. We recognized your face, in the casket, as well as your parents. I then immediately teleported here." said Twilight. The shock and horror started receding from her face. "Luna actually followed you back and was gonna congratulate you about what you said. She felt a lot of feelings, and that is why she is crying, but she flew back as fast as she could, after she had that vision. Worried that Celestia wouldn't understand, she spoke to me about it. She was hysterical! She was scared. Luna then noticed my facial expression, and realized i had seen the same thing. After the second time, i knew i couldn't be a coincidence. All three of us was there, and i believe what you said was the catalyst, and you just confirmed my suspicions, that you are the cause of this. Although what it means... i do not know." responded Twilight.

"You and Luna are immortal Alicorns. It may have something to do with your magically super charged bodies, along with me being a above average skilled Unicorn." said Crimson. A look of understanding crossed Twilight's face.

"You may be subconsciously communicating your thoughts to us, by using your above average skill, and magical charge. Magic does work in mysterious ways. Plus I've seen weirder things, that magic has caused." responded Twilight.

Crimson went into deep thought. Could he really be doing this subconsciously? Why would his subconscious even be creating these nightmares, and why would it use his magic to project them? The answer created more questions then answers. Crimson shook the thought of his head, and smile towards Twilight. "Oh i'm sure it's just a phase, and if i'm actually doing this with my magic... if i was able to figure it out myself. I could use it to communicate over a large distance,but if it does get worse, and even more confusing... then there is something that must be done about it." said Crimson, with glee.

Crimson walked closer to Twilight, and put her into a comforting embrace. Twilight was taken a little back by this. She didn't expect this kind of reaction. She smiled at him. "I guess only time will tell. In the meantime i'll stay positive, just like you." said Twilight. She trotted off to her home, with more of a "happy" pace in her step.

Crimson Prodigy continued walking, he passed by Sugar Cube corner, and noticed they just opened. He trotted in, and went up to the counter. Good thing Pinkie Pie was attending it. He needed her to do something important. "Hi Crimson! What kind of muffin do you want? Or maybe a cupcake, how bout a breakfast sandwich." asked Pinkie Pie, who was bouncing up and down.

"I'll take two Morning Glory muffins, and two breakfast sandwiches." responded Prodigy.

"Coming right up! was there anything else?" asked Pinkie.

"Yes actually, i need you to find Twilight, and cheer her up. That is only if she is feeling down, if she is busy researching something, then just leave it be." responded Crimson. Pinkie Pie's grew confused.

"Why? What happened?" asked Pinkie.

"It's more of a personal reason, but if Twilight wants to tell you, i'm OK with that." Pinkie's face grew back into a smile.

"Oh i get it! Something happened between you two, and Twilight might be feeling down. OK, no problem at all Mr. Prodigy." Pinkie shouted with glee. Pinkie bounced into the kitchen, and a few minutes later returned with the order. "That will be 6 bits." said Pinkie. Crimson levitated 6 bits outta his saddlebag, and headed back home.

He walked into the kitchen, and set breakfast down on the table. Petunia was just coming down the stairs. She perked up right away, at the sight of the meal. "Daddy, you didn't have to get me breakfast, i'm five years old. I can take care of myself." said Petunia proudly. She never the less sat down an began eating. Crimson was really proud of his daughter. He was a good father, and the lot of the town folks knew it.

Crimson sat down, and began eating. The little Earth Pony filly, looked like she had questions weighing on her mind. "Well... out with." said Crimson.

"Where did you go last night?" asked Petunia.

"I went to see grandma and grandpa. I needed to talk to them, about what happened at the writers event. I think i should tell you as well." Crimson explained the event to his daughter, the dreams, including the incident with Twilight and Luna. She was taken back by what her father just sad. Crimson knew she could handle it. About a year ago, she asked about her mother, and he had no choice but to tell her. She was crying for hours, but in two weeks, she had seemed to have gotten over it. This confused Crimson, but he could remember the event like it was yesterday.

Crimson was in the kitchen making breakfast for his daughter, she was waiting at the table patiently, and obviously had something bothering her. "What is the matter Petunia? asked Prodigy.

"Umm... daddy... why don't i have a mother, like the rest of the kids at school? asked Petunia. Crimson smile had turned into a frown, and he knew there was no point in keeping it from her. He braced himself for a lot of emotions from himself, and his daughter.

Crimson walked over to his daughter, and sat down next to her. "Petunia... you don't have a mother because, she passed away giving birth to you. Her name was Trillium, and she was my closest friend. I was there at her passing, in the delivery room. She somehow knew what was going to happen, and told me to take care of you, as if you were my own." responded Crimson. It still hurt to talk about it. He knew his daughter understood what he meant. He made sure she knew, at an early age.

Streams of tears, started running down her face. It destroyed him, to see his daughter like this. "I-i-i-if mommy was your friend, then you are not my real father." Petunia managed to say through all the pain.

"Yes that is true." responded Crimson. He wrapped his daughter in a comforting embrace. Petunia pushed him back.

"Then where is my real father?" asked Petunia, still crying. Crimson soon regretted teaching his daughter, so much about life and how things worked, at such an early age.

"Vanguard was killed, saving Trillium, and Berry Sweet, from a collapsing building. He supported the structure, as long as he could, so they could escape. Petunia was crying even more now. She hugged her father.

"I guess that means i'm adopted, but i still have you, and you will always be my father." said Petunia, her tears dying down a bit. Crimson was shocked at the mental strain his daughter is going under, and how well she was handling it.

"I will never abandon you, dearest child. I will always be your father." responded Crimson. They were crying, and hugging each other for what seemed like hours. Tomorrow morning, he woke up shocked. His daughter was ready to go to school. He simply ignored her reasons, and took her anyways.

"Are you OK?" asked Petunia.

"I'm fine for now, but if this does pick up, i'm sure the three of us can find a solution." responded Crimson. He went over and hugged Petunia. "Well... off to school." said Prodigy.

Crimson walked his daughter to school, as he did every time. When he was not around, Charcoal Flank filled in. Upon arrival, Ms. Cheerly stopped the two. She bent down to eye level with Petunia. "Head on in, and take a seat. I need to speak with your father in private." said Cheerly. Petunia headed on in, knowing it was rude to ask why.

Cheerly walked with Crimson, they were at the swing set, when she spoke up. "I have an important matter to discuss with you. It's about your daughter." said Cheerly, her tone serious.

"What is going on Cheerly? Has my daughter wronged somepony?" asked Crimson. His expression growing into a serious look.

"No! none of that. It's about her grades, she excels far past any student I've taught. She is extremely smart, and is able to understand the most complex things, with exceptional speed. She has aced, almost everything I've thrown at her. Crimson smiled, and jumped up in joy.

"That's my girl!" shouted Crimson. Cheerly face grew a forced smile. "Is there something wrong with that?" asked Crimson. Noticing the forced smile, and the still serious expression on the teachers face.

"The end of the school year is arriving. By this time, her knowledge will likely exceed my current skills. I will no longer be your daughters teacher." responded Ms. Cheerly. Crimson smile grew even wider. "She will pass, her basic education for children of that age. I've written a letter of recommendation, to Princess Twilight. She has agreed, to educate your daughter further. All she needs is your approval." said Cheerly.

"Wow! I'm very proud of Petunia, although the decision is up to her, if she wants to be educated by Twilight. I will talk to her about it at supper. Thank you for being a great teacher, and bringing this to my attention. I'm honored to have such a smart filly." responded Crimson.

"No problem, and thank you for giving me such a bright student." Cheerly said with glee. The serious expression had left her face, and she was now beaming. On that Que, they shook hooves, and Crimson returned home. he wanted to see if he could figure out, if he is in fact, magically communicating his dreams. In the end he hopes he will be able to use this as long range communication.

Chapter #3: Knowledge is Power

Crimson Prodigy headed off to the schoolhouse, to pick Petunia up. He had much more step in his trot. He had made a nice casserole, with brown sugared steamed carrots, as a base; chopped apples, for a cover, squash and eggplant for a filler. It should be done within the hour, and it was his way of congratulating his daughter, on her most successful education. First he had to stop by Sugar Cube Corner, and pick up desert.

He trotted into the shop, and was greeted by Pinkie Pie. "Hi again!" shouted Pinkie. Who looked like she had a very enjoyable day. "Twilight is fine, if you're wondering. She was looking, at a bunch of spell books, so i decided not to bother her." said Pinkie.

"Thank you for the update Pinkie. I'm here to order a dozen different cupcakes, doesn't matter what flavor. Just surprise me." responded Crimson.

"Sure thing! I'll be right back!" Pinkie responded with glee, and bounced into the kitchen. She returned a minute later, with a box of a dozen. "That will be 12 bits." said Pinkie. Crimson levitated the bits outta his saddlebag, and paid. He trotted out with the cupcakes, and levitated them, while trotting to school. He arrived to see his daughter waiting for him.

Petunia galloped up to him. "Hi dad!" shouted Petunia. "What are the cupcakes for?" asked Petunia. She jumped up on his back.

Crimson smiled. "They are for celebration, on your success in your education." responded Prodigy.

"have i really been doing good in school?" asked Petunia. Her smile widened.

"You've aced almost everything, and your education surpasses Ms. Cheerly's skill. When the school year ends, you'll be done here. I'm more then proud of you. You've never let me down, and you're the best filly a father could ever ask for." said Crimson. Petunia hugged his neck, while on his back. she hit a soft spot, causing him to wince slightly.

"What if i want to keep learning? What will i do then?" asked Petunia. She got a worried look on her face. Crimson expected this of her. He knew his daughter loved learning.

"We will talk about that over supper." responded Crimson. He trotted back home, even with the filly still on his back. He didn't mind, she deserved it.

They entered the house to find Luna sitting at their kitchen table. Crimson nearly dropped the cupcakes, he was still levitating. Luna had also pulled the casserole out of the oven, and it was cooling on the stove top. Crimson levitated Petunia, and sat her down, and he set the cupcakes down on the table. He bowed to the Princess.

"Sorry for the intrusion, but i was waiting outside, when i smelt the casserole starting to overcook." said Luna. She smiled at him, and she looked like she has answers for what has been happening.

"No problem at all Princess Luna." responded Prodigy. "Is it safe to assume you're here about the dreams? Would you like to have dinner with us, while we speak?" Luna's smile grew wider, at the prospect of trying ones cooking, other than the chef's at the Castle.

"Yes on both your questions. I have answers for the vision, and dream incidents. I also would like to try something different. Crimson, got out 3 plates, and 3 sets of silverware, along with 2 wine glasses, and a normal glass. He levitated a bottle of Red Wine outta the cupboard; filled the two wine glasses, and filled the normal glass with juice. He then magically cut the casserole, and put the servings on each plate. He did all of this in one single swoop of Telekinesis, and set the table.

"Twilight was right about your skill with magic. You are very talented." said Luna.

Petunia who was quiet the whole time, burst out laughing. "Princess! That is my daddy's usual! That's only the surface of what he can do!" shouted Petunia with glee. Crimson looked away, embarrassed.

"I'm probably more powerful then Twilight, before she was an Alicorn. I doubt she could teleport to Canterlot, and back as a Unicorn." said Crimson. He regained his composure. Luna's mouth dropped.

"You can teleport to Canterlot, and back?" asked Luna.

"Of course he can! He's just loaded with magic!' shouted Petunia.

"Why didn't you do so, when you went to Canterlot the other day?" asked Luna.

"It takes a lot of magic, and i needed the energy for when i was gonna be up on stage. I took the train back, due to the fact i wanted some time to think, about the event that happened. " said Crimson.

"I understand fully." responded Luna. She began eating, and her wise widened at the first bite. "Not only are you a powerful Unicorn, but also an amazing cook!" shouted Luna, unknowingly in her royal voice.

"Actually... it doesn't  take much to make a decent meal. All you need is the right know how, and know how to spice things properly. Very rudimentary things." responded Crimson. "Besides... my daughter is worth it." said Crimson. He sat down and began eating. Petunia had already cleared her plate.

They both continued eating for a minutes. Luna broke the silence. "About the recent incidents. I have answers for you." said Luna. is it OK if your daughter hears them?" asked Luna.

"No problem at all, she knows already. I don't keep secrets from my family or friends.' responded Prodigy. "What did you find out?" asked Crimson.

"They are in fact being projected magically. I've got a solution to stop that projection. As for the dreams themselves, i cannot do anything about that. All i my years of dream walking, and i still come across distress i cannot stop." responded Luna. Crimson smiled, and took a cupcake outta box, and gave it to Petunia. "It's a simple spell that is casted onto the one affected, but i do not wish to do so, to myself. My curiosity has gotten the best of me. I will continue monitoring these dreams." said Luna.

"Assuming they continue." said Crimson.

"Yes... assuming they continue." stated Luna. There was a moment of silence between the two.

Petunia piped up. "AWKWARD!" she shouted with glee. The three burst out laughing.

"Your daughter is really something." said Luna.

"That brings me around to the next topic." said Crimson. he turned towards Petunia. "As you know, Ms. Cheerly cannot teach you further, so this school year will be your last with her."said Crimson.

"Yeah.... i know. What will i do now?" asked Petunia. Her smile started to fade.

Crimson walked over to his daughter. "Princess Twilight Sparkle, has agreed to educate you further. If you want to, that is." responded Crimson. He looked back at Luna, who was positively beaming at the thought. She was in a house with a powerful,smart Unicorn; who was also one of the best adoptive fathers she has ever seen. His daughter is one of the smartest, and understanding filly's that she has ever seen at this age. If not the most. She was honored to be in their presence, and to be treated as an equal. She had quite the story to tell, when she see's her big sister next.

Petunia literally launched from her seat, and was around her daddy's neck in a quarter of a seconds. "Thank you daddy, thank you Cheerly, and thank you Twilight!" yelled Petunia. Crimson expected no less of his daughter.

"I'll speak to her about it in the morning. In the meantime, go and take a shower." said Crimson. Petunia happily trotted off.

He was finally alone with Luna. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?" asked Crimson. Luna's face turned from happiness, to a serious one.

"I'm positive. I've taught Twilight the spell, but i'm not to sure if she is going to use it. She is just as curious and interested as me. In the end, i hope we can make something outta this." responded Luna.

"Assuming it continues." said Crimson with a smile.

"Yes... assuming." responded Luna. Luna got up, and headed to the front door. "Well i'll be going now. I'm gonna talk to my sister about this. Congratulations on your daughters success, and thank you for the fine meal." said Luna. Her smile returned, and she took off towards Canterlot.

Chapter #4: New Developments

It had been a few hours after the most welcoming supper, that Crimson has ever had with anypony, besides his daughter. Not to mention this one was with Princess Luna. Petunia was upstairs sleeping. He didn't need to worry too much about her. She can take care of herself fully, and actually doesn't need Charcoal to foalsit her. The only reason he was still her foalsitter was because, Petunia enjoyed him a lot, almost treating him as a second father, and Crimson could afford to pay him. This Pegasus didn't have many skills, and he did a bad job on the weather. Soo Crimson decided to keep him, and pay him accordingly.

Crimson took a quick ten minute shower, and headed off to the bar. He had looked in saddlebag, and found only 37 bits. He was starting to get a little too shy on bits, and his OCD prevented him from ever not being able to pay the water bill, municipal and federal taxes. He needed to get some working done, and hopefully he made at the minimal of twenty bits, by next week Wednesday. The bar was always the best spot to find work.

When he arrived at the Ye Old Pub, he was greeted by Berry Sweet, who was currently attending the bar. "Looking for work?" asked Berry Sweet. Crimson smiled at the bar keeper.

"Yes i am Berry Sweet." said Crimson. "Do you got any leads?" asked Crimson.

"You are in luck, they are going to start construction on new home, at the northern edge of town, but first they need somepony to knock it down. Crimson smiled at the prospect of demolishing a home. "Also The Mayor, was the one who posted the job. She is in the back, over by the stage." said Berry Sweet.

Crimson Prodigy walked over to The Mayor. She looked up, and had a confused look on her face, then it turned to realization. "Of course the most powerful Unicorn, in the town (besides Twilight), would the love the opportunity to test his skill, and power." said The Mayor.

"How much is they pay?" asked Crimson.

"Thirty bits for the a group job, but since i'll be hiring you. It'll be 10 bits, since you can easily tear it down." responded The Mayor.

"Fine by me." said Crimson. The two shook on it.

"Tomorrow midday, at 167 Huckle Berry Trot." said the Mayor.

"I'll be there, and i hope you are there to see my hoof work." responded Crimson. He trotted out, and went back home. He needed the extra sleep, if he was gonna tear down a four bedroom house.

Crimson found himself once again, sitting at his kitchen table. He was eating his third cupcake, and believed he needed the extra comfort. He was about to fall asleep again, Crimson was curios, but afraid. He had never went through such terrible nightmares, not since he failed to save Vanguard.

He reluctantly went to his bedroom, and just lied there, awaiting sleep to overtake him. About fifteen minutes later it did. He tried to resist, but knew it was pointless.

Crimson awoke in the same scene as before. He was in that grassy field, and saw himself pushing his daughter on the swing. He turned around to see some sort of portal that showed the service scene. Crimson turned away, and awaited for something different. Prodigy was waiting for what seemed like hours. Just watching himself pushing his daughter at the swing set. Then it stopped, like everything stopped. It was like he was in a still picture. The scent of a swamp hit his nose, and the scene switched to what appeared to be the Everfree Forest.

He recognized the path he was on, and started heading towards Ponyville. About a few minutes later, he heard a scream, a scream he recognized. Crimson Prodigy turned around, and started galloping towards his daughter's voice. He heard the howls of Timber Wolves, but ignored them. The screaming stopped, and he arrived in a clearing. There in the middle, was his daughter's barely recognizable corpse. Crimson immediately burst into tears, he failed as a father, he failed Trillium, and he failed Vanguard. He looked up in shock, to see his daughter's corpse get up and stare at him. The right eye hanging out of the socket, her entrails dangling from her belly, and her face that had been crushed by the jaws of a Timber Wolf.

She appeared to smile at him, and gimped over. He couldn't run, he couldn't move, and he was frozen in fear. She hugged him, covering him in sickening body fluids, and looked directly at him. Just then, she started to scream, and she burst into flames. This time though, the flames spread to his body, and the pain was unbearable. The scent of his, and his daughters flesh burning hit his nose, and he blacked out.

Crimson awoke in his bed. He was screaming. His body was in shock, pain was in ever loin, and his nose was bleeding. He was coughing violently, and blacked out again.

Crimson didn't dream though. He awoke once more to his daughter violently shaking him,and screaming at him to wake up. Crimson shot up in bed. Petunia was balling. "Are you OK daddy?" asked Petunia, tears streaming from her eyes. "I heard you screaming and coughing, and got here as fast as i could!" shouted Petunia. "Sweet Celestia! Your nose is bleeding, and your eyes are very bloodshot!" yelled Petunia in shock.

"I'm not fine Petunia, this dream was the worst yet. I'm more worried about Princess Luna, she would of experienced the same thing" responded Crimson, in an extremely coarse voice.

"What happened in the dream daddy?" asked Petunia, who was crying more.

"I don't wish to tell you." responded Crimson.

"But...but, you've never kept secrets from me! Not since the you told me the truth about my parents!" shouted an enraged Petunia. She began hitting him on his chest.

Crimson restrained his daughter with magic. "This severity of this dream is something you shouldn't know about. All you need to know, is that i saw you die, and i'm gonna leave it at that. No more questions Petunia." said Crimson with a very serious tone.

"Oh....OK dad. I don't really want to know anymore." responded Petunia glumly.

"Good, i'm glad you understand." said Prodigy. Crimson got up, and went down stairs, his daughter accompanying him. He grabbed a glass of water using his telekinesis. He looked at the clock. It was 9 morning, and the sun wasn't up. Realization suddenly hit him. His glass dropped, shattering on the floor.

"Celestia must have experienced it too. Either that, or Luna turned into Nightmare Moon again." said Petunia.

"I highly doubt Luna would have turned into nightmare moon again." responded Crimson. "Petunia... we are going to Canterlot." said Crimson. A magical energy radiating from Prodigy, engulfed them both, and they were swept away on a teleportation spell.

Crimson and Petunia reappeared in front of the castle. "Just where i wanted to go." muttered Crimson.

"It's so big, and beautiful!' shouted Petunia with glee. Crimson levitated Petunia on his back, and headed up to the castle entry hall. They were met by royal guards before they could enter.

"Stop right there!" shouted one of the guards. "State your business!" shouted another.

"What has happened to Celestia?" asked Prodigy.

"We don't know, her chamber doors are shut tight with magic, and Princess Luna is working on breaking the seal." responded another guard.

"I do know something." said Crimson. All three guards raised an eyebrow. "I have been subconsciously communicating my dreams magically, but these dreams are like every fear you've ever had came true. I believe Princess Celestia has managed to pick them up, along with Princess Twilight, and Princess Luna." said Crimson, in an elevated tone.

The guards were taken aback by this. They didn't really understand what was going on. "Right this way, we'll lead you to her chambers." said the second guard. A crowd had started to appear at the front of the castle.

Crimson and Petunia were lead into the Entrance Hall, and lead up a long flight of stairs. They reached the top, to find Luna concentrating on breaking the seal. The guards left them in privacy.

Petunia decided before Crimson could. She trotted up to Luna, and hugged her. Luna's eyes shot ope, and her concentration broke.

Luna looked down confused, and noticed Crimson standing at the staircase. He was smiling, at the productivity of his daughter. Luna's confused face turned into a frown "That dream you had, apparently you see the whole thing when you're sleeping. I'm not to sure what is going on Crimson, but it can't be for the best. Celestia must have been experiencing them the whole time as well.

As if on Que, Celestia's doors flung open, and what they saw was horrific. There she was, Princess of the Sun, loved an praised by all. Her beauty radiating through the land, but this Celestia had been reduced to nothing. Her mane was not flowing, her eyes were even more bloodshot than Crimson's, her nose was dripping blood, and she was covered in burns.

Prologue

"Envy, greed and ignorance. These three things are the main fault of pony kind. For these three faults  fuel hatred, jealousy, and selfishness. To be pure, and to love and accept, you must shun the three faults. Practice blocking these faults, and eventually you'll be able to do it subconsciously. With this ability in hoof, you can do great things for Equinity (...) for the World! Push yourself to be free of hatred, jealousy, and selfishness, and you will transcend above those who aren't, and you will be able to create beauty as well as benevolence itself. With this beauty and benevolence, you will feel better about yourself, others will be kinder to you, and accept you for what you've become, for they know that you are something they want to be, and may never be. With that thought, bring forth the courage to spread this word of truth, and self purification. You will shower the meaning of Equinity, with your pure waters of love and acceptance. For it only takes, is the will of one Stallion or Mare to help the Ponies of Equestria realize they are not as good as they could be. Put this through your thoughts, your dreams, and your imagination. In the end, you've realize that you have succeeded, and you will leave this world at your death bed knowing you've helped keep the meaning of Equinty pure and strong!"