Chapters The life in Equestria had become quite predictable for our heroes, Twilight is still trying to get used to being a princess, Rainbow Dash takes care of the weather above Ponyville and is working on her flying skills to impress the Wonderbolts even more than she already did, Rarity has become known for her incredible designs all over Equestria although more often than not works overtime to finish her orders, Applejack like always is hard working at Sweet Apple Acres together with her family,
Fluttershy looks after the woodland critters day in, day out, and of course Pinkie Pie does whatever she feels like doing, also it became harder to make anypony laugh.
The only noticeable change is the more depressed mood of the citizens of Ponyville over the last few weeks, there were much less smiles on the ponies faces than usual.
Twilight’s suspicion about this weird occurrence grew more and more with each passing day.
She just knew that this can’t be an normal phenomenon, so she decided to write a letter to princess Celestia to ask if she knew anything about this or at least had an idea what was going on.
As soon as Celestia´s answer came in Twilight read it:
Here in Canterlot happens the same thing, when I’m right all of Equestria is in great danger come to me we have to discuss what we want to do now, bring your friends along, I also invited Cadence and Shining Armor.
That wasn´t quite the answer Twilight hoped for but soon she will know more and so she and her friends went to Canterlot.
On the train to canterlot
Spike looked out the window of the train sighed and asked
"Was it always so foggy up here? I mean I know we are passing through mountains but still… I can´t even see Ponyville from here."
With a questioning look on her face Twilight glances over to Rainbow Dash, she noticed and responded
"What? We pegasai have nothing to do with this, the weather factory hasn´t announced any thick fog."
"You sure you didn´t just slept when they announced it?" Applejack asked Rainbow with a smirk on her face.
"Oh come on, I take my job serious! You should know what a hard worker I am Applejack!"
"Oh boy this will be a long train ride" Twilight thought to herself.
Meanwhile in the throne room of Celestia
Celestia is talking to a cloaked figure.
"I hope you are wrong but if you are right then we need to be prepared..."
The figure interrupts the princess.
"My princess as I told you there is nothing we can do from here, our only hope is that the harbinger of harmony are strong enough for this task."
Celestia stares outside the large stained glass window.
"I guess we just need to have faith in them."Her look changed to a troubled expression and said quietly to herself "How can I have faith in them when I even doubt that I could stand such an ordeal."
"Finally! We are out of that train." Rainbow said while stretching her legs.
"It would have been much more pleasant when you and Applejack hadn´t yelled at each other the whole time."Rarity spoke.
"Rarity please not you too, this is not the time or place for fighting!" Twilight said with an angry look on her face."Lets just go to the castle!"
The friends arrive at the castle and are immediately guided to the throne room, where Celestia already awaits them.
"Princess Celestia!“ Everypony bowed before her
"It´s nice to see all...but why haven´t you brought Pinkie Pie along with you?"
Our heroes turn around "but she was with us in the train!"
"maybe she just got herself something to eat" Fluttershy said questioning.
"I doubt that." The strange figure spoke as he entered the throne room alongside princess Luna.
The young ponies have a puzzled look on their faces.
Who might that strange pony be they ask themselves.
Luna walks up to Celestia.
"Sister our guest told me there was a way I can help them on their journey."
"But Luna I don´t want to lose you again… I couldn´t bear the guild if something happens to you."
"Don´t worry my princes your sister will be safe she wont go directly into the other world, she can use her ability of interacting in dreams to help them from here."
Rainbow Dash interrupts the three standing before the throne.
"HELLO don´t ignore us! What do you mean with Pinkie´s not getting herself something to eat?! Do you know where she is?! And who are you anyways? I wanna know what’s going on!"
"Well yes, forgive me my manners bearer of loyalty. Princess is it all right with you if I instruct them?"
Celestia nods.
"Well you probably noticed already the change in behavior of the normal ponies, that’s one of the things this menace brings with it. The sudden disappearance of your friend also means that we don´t have much time before we have to make our first step or everything will be lost."
"What is this “menace” you are talking about?" Twilight steps forward while asking.
"Oh right you need to know what you have to fight it, well… how do I put it? All your desires, your thoughts, wishes,… your worst fears,… the things you hide from everyone else, it all exists in some kind of “dream”-world it isn´t dangerous on its own but somehow this world became more powerful and is leaking into this world.“
"So we have to fight against a manifested dream?" Rarity says in a pert manner.
"To keep it simple… yes, but there are a few problems first: You can´t enter this world whenever you want, there are only specific timeframes you can enter. Second: the world changes depending on who was dragged into it and the thoughts of the outside world about that person and third: there are some nasty things in this world and they react more violently then normal so there will be some tough fights ahead of you."
" Well I´m taking my leave now I have to prepare some things for the mission, come to the mirror room when you are ready bearer of harmony." With that the cloaked pony heads for the exit.
The ponies are left in confusion the first who speaks up is Rainbow Dash
"Ok am I the only one who thinks this guy is fishy? I mean come on this whole thing about sounds like a bad fan fiction of daring do!"
Fluttershy whimpers "It really sounded scary and don´t get me started on the fighting part."
"I don’t know about y´all but this guy seems as trustworthy as a worm in an applebox."
"Applejack is right someone who doesn´t even show is face to us is not leaving a good first impression"Rarity replied.
"Enough!" Luna yelled at the ponies, her sudden outburst even startled Celestia.
"I will also assist you so if you can´t trust him at least trust me!"
Twilight finally spoke up."We will trust you Luna because you are our friend, but beforehand I want to know who this pony is."
Instead of Luna Celestia replied
"Understandable he first arrived here when the behavior of everypony started to change, he said he could help and explained to me everything he just told you, I didn´t believe him at first, but the situation only got worse so I requested him to show me this other world… and he did, what I saw was terrible, so when what he said is right and this other world tries to creep into our then we can´t take any chances."
"Why is he wearing this cloak and it seemed he was also wearing some kind of mask."
"I was wondering about this too, he told me he just doesn´t like to show himself and this mask was something like an air cleaner I think he called it a gasmask."
"And gave he his name to you?"
"Oh yes he said we could call him Hunk."
"Now my little ponies go into the mirror room, we cannot afford to lose anymore time."
Celestia smiles at the ponys as they walk out the great door Luna follows behind, Twilight turnd her head back to get one last glimpse of Celestia whose smile has distorted into a sad, nearly grieving expression.
Upon arriving in the room where the mirror stands the ponies are met once again with the strange expressionless mask that sits upon the face of this pony shrouded in mysteries.
"So then, are you ready to travel into the other world and rescue your friend?"He asked in a joyful tone.
"We don´t have much of a choice do we?" Twilight answerd.
"Luna will stay here and will function as a connection between this world and the other world, she will be able to communicate with you, I however will accompany you directly, believe me you don´t want to get lost in there."
"Well then into the mirror we go!“
Luna waves a goodbye as they enter into the unknown through the mirror.
"..ilight…hey…wake up..Hey Twilight come-on we need to go"
Twilight opens her eyes and sees Fluttershy leaning over her, Fluttershy begins to smile at the site of Twilight finally waking up and starring right into her eyes.
Twilight gets up on her hooves and observes her surroundings and thinks to herself
"This looks like Ponyville or at least what I can see looks like it this fog is really dense" She starts to walk towards something that seems to be her library "Fluttershy where are the others?"
"I´m sorry Twilight I don´t know, you were the only one I found so far."
Twilight mumbled quietly to herself "this can´t be a good sign." She tries to open the door to her library, but no such luck, its locked.
"Well" she sighed "We better start looking for the others, this place makes me feel uneasy."
As the two of them roam the deserted streets they are surprised by a loud explosion nearby.
"What the hay was that?!"
They stare into the direction the sound came from. Through the dense fog they can make out the silhouette of a pony coming their way.
"It must be one of our friends!" Fluttershy charges toward the figure.
"Hey Fluttershy, wait!"
Twilight starts to run after her but comes to an abrupt halt. Fluttershy cowers for the now close up pony, Twilight is shocked, the coat of the pony is tainted with dirt, brownish stains that seem to be dried blood, on the hairless parts the visible rotten skin is only held together with some loose stiches. The head which looks like it been sewed together from different ponies slowly comes closer to the terrified whimpering Fluttershy. One empty eye socket and one blank eye stare into her eyes, it opens its decaying mouth and lets out a deep gurgling sound. Twilight finally comes to her senses.
"Fluttershy RUN!“
Twilight levitates a nearby trashcan and throws it at the vile creature. The impact force slams the creature to the ground. The two mares run along the road hoping that this monstrosity won’t follow them. Right as Fluttershy runs around a corner, *BAM!* she falls to the floor rubbing her head and looks up.
"Applejack I’m so glad to see you."
"Me too but no time talk sugar cube, Rarity hurry this way! I found Fluttershy and Twilight!"
Rarity instantly runs into them, panicked, with heavy breaths she gasps.
"It´s right behind us we need to keep going!"
Applejack helps Fluttershy onto her hooves.
Twilight mumbled "not another of this monsters." All four of them begin to run into the only way they haven´t been yet.
Twilight tries to think of a plan on how to escape when suddenly her thoughts are interrupted by a voice.
"Do you like my fluffy puffy friends?“giggle“ I made them myself, if you like I can make you one of your own, but you need to bring me the materials."
Laughter echoes in her head "WHO ARE YOU!" Twilight yells into the nothingness of thick fog in front of them. The others turn to her.
"Twilight what´s the matter?"
"Do you want to attract these things to us?! Keep quiet!"Rarity has an earnest look on her face.
"Don´t tell me you didn’t hear that voice" Twilight asks nervously.
"What voice" the others responded.
"Twilight honey, I think this place is getting to you." Applejack says while giving Twilight a hug.
"No I didn´t imagine this! It sounded like pinkies voice… but…" Before she can finish her sentence the voice pops back into her head.
"Oh don´t worry Twilight I believe you that you hear crazy pinkie voices in your head" she lets out a manically laugh before she continues speaking.
"How does it feel to be alone Twilight? Everypony hates you, you know that right?"
"No that’s not true!" Twilight shouts.
"Really? Look at them look at your “friends” imagine what they must be thinking right now?"
Twilight looks up and is met with distorted faces of her friends, twitching wildly in an abnormal manner.
"See? They hate your guts so much they look like they bitten into a nice fresh lemon, HAHAHAHAHA but don´t worry I am your friend forever Twilight"
"Twilight come to your senses!" Applejack slaps Twilight.
"What no why do you hate me so much?"Twilight sobs and nearly begins to cry.
"Oh shucks sugar cube why should we hate you?"
"Because you said so just now!" Twilight responds while tears are streaming down her face.
Rarity interferes "Darling you just where running with this strange blank look in your eyes."
"You mean this was just an illusion?" Twilight begins to smile while saying so. Fluttershy cuddles Twilight and whispers to her
"You know our real feelings, we love you and we always will."
Right as the mood lightens up a clapping sound fills the air.
*clap clap clap* "that’s so beautiful I think I begin to cry. Oh I have an idea how about a nice Party? I even invite some of my friends! They are “dying” to meet you."
"You´re threats don´t scare us!" The group shout with newfound bravery.
"In that case I should try harder. Lets play a little game of hide and seek, shall we? You even get a surprise when you find me! Muahahahaha"
As soon as the pinkie like voice finishes it becomes night.
Twilight and Rarity lighten up their horns only to reveal even more of these monsters closing in on them from all directions.
"Oh no this is bad."Fluttershy mutters, when a sudden shockwave followed by a loud bang throws a whole bunch of the monsters into the air.
"Come this way! Fast!" a slightly familiar voice sounds trough the new opening, the mares run to the voice in hope of safety.
"Twilight thank Celestia you are ok."
"That voice, is that…Spike?!"
The little purple dragon runs up to Twilight, feeling so much joy in his tiny heart. Standing behind him is the mysterious pony with his coat and mask on.
"Hunk good to see you’re all right" Twilight said.
"Thanks nice to see you are all safe to, well kinda we should get moving."
Spike swings himself on Twilight´s back and the five ponies start running seeing the monsters behind them getting closer.
Guided through the dark only by the dim shimmer of the unicorns horns they arrive at a building that resembles Sugar Cube Corner in a twisted way.
Upon entering a disgusting smell of rotten flesh and blood fills the air.
The room is decorated with streamers made of dried entrails, colorfully painted skulls sitting on shelves, meat hooks dangling from the ceiling, some of them have pierced chunks of meat on them.
The sight these poor ponies have to witness really isn´t a pleasant one.
On the other side of the room is a wooden door with the words "do not enter" written on it.
"Looks like there’s only one way to go." Twilight says while looking at her friends. Fluttershy looks like she is close to a mental breakdown, as does Rarity. Twilight speaks up to encourage the others.
"We will end this here and now! We will make this thing, whatever it is pay for what it has done to us so far! We will save Pinkie Pie, find Rainbow Dash and get the hay out of here! Together!"
Spike is the first to agree," Yes we can do it!"
then Applejack," Up until now we have overcome any obstacle!"
Rarity looked much healthier now and began to speak." I will make this thing pay for forcing me through this nightmarish place! Let’s buck it right in the face!"
Fluttershy simply nods.
Twilight gazes over to Hunk, even so she can´t see his face she has the feeling he was smiling at her.
The six open the door, which leads downstairs, they begin to walk down.
Upon descending the seemingly endless stairs loud shouts echoe along the narrow space.
"Pinkie this isn´t you, you have to fight it! The others will be here soon and safe us."
"This is Rainbow Dash´s voice!"Twilight says and quickens her pace.
As they arrive at the bottom of the stairs, they are met with a gruesome, sickening sight.
Rainbow Dash is strapped to an iron table having multiple bleeding cuts and bruises, Pinkie Pie is sitting in the middle of the room, her head lowered repeating
"No this is not true you are not me this can´t be." over and over again. In front of her stands another Pinkie Pie but her mane has nothing from the fluffiness of the real Pinkie, instead it´s straight, her coat is a darker shade of pink. She has an insane menacing look in her eyes, her smile, manically. She stares at the new ponies standing at the entrance.
"Hihihi our new guests have finally arrived now the party can get started."
"What have you done to our friends you false Pinkie?!" Twilight shouts at the pink pony.
"Please call me by our real name, Pinkamena Diane Pie is the name, I will carve it into your chests so you won´t forget it hehehe. But first why don´t you all taste some of my cupcakes? They are to die for! Hihihi."
Pinkamena points over to a table made out of skin and bones with 6 cupcakes on top.
"No don´t eat them they are made out of ponies!" Rainbow screams.
"We didn´t intent to." Applejack says to her as she walks to the operation table she stops abruptly as a scalpel is thrown into her direction.
"Not so fast now that you all are gathered here I don’t have to endure this unfunny thing on the floor and the loudmouth over there any longer."She points to Rainbow Dash.
"So Pinkie don´t you have something to tell to your friends?" Pinkamena says while her smirk becomes more of a grin. Pinkie still sobbing answers to her.
"No you are not me not one bit, I nether would do things like this, YOU HEAR ME?! YOU…ARE…NOT…MEEEEE!!!"
With this sudden outburst of emotions Pinkie surprised everyone in the room.
Pinkamena begins to laugh "hahaha yes that’s what I wanted to hear now I just have to kill you all and then I can take your place in the real world wuahahaha."
Pinkamena takes a scalpel from a desk standing beside her and starts walking to the now unconscious Pinkie Pie, as suddenly *Bash* the hind legs of a certain blue pony dashes against the cheek of Pinkamena.
"Ouch that kinda hurt." She looks over to the side from where the hit came from, only to see that Rainbow was freed by her friends. "Well" she says "Don´t you have any manners? You should wait your turn, I have enough time to play with all of you. Though, maybe I should have paid more attention to you guys, hmpf doesn´t matter if you insist I will have fun with you first."
Pinkamena charges at Rainbow, but Applejack interferes and kicks her so hard that Pinkamena hits the wall behind her.
"Really you just making me more angry, let’s make this fight more fair."
Pinkamena claps her hooves together. Suddenly patched up ponies fall from the ceiling, groaning and howling.
"Behold! My latest creation, I know he´s late to the party but please don´t give him the “cold” shoulder."
A gate on the far end of the room opens and an enormous creature steps out of it. It looks like a tall stallion, but with spiderlike legs, the torso upright, attached to it are four legs in two different colors, the head, too small to fit this body, is bare bone on the one side the other looks rotten with flesh just pressed against it. The creature drags a giant meat hook on a chain along with it.
Twilight gulps. "What to do?"
Hunk yells "I will distract the big one, just focus on Pinkamena, you have to defeat her at all cost!"
Applejack and Rarity are holding off the normal sized monsters, meanwhile Fluttershy and Rainbow fly around Pinkamena, hitting her every time they pass her so she can´t pick up any sort of weapon.
Hunk jumps around dodging every attack the monster delivers. As for Twilight she concentrates. Focusing all her magical energy into one final blast. The beam she produces yield such power everybody, even the big monster, is pushed against the walls of the large room.
The dust is settling revealing a still standing Pinkamena right at the spot the beam hit the ground.
"What she´s still standing?" Twilight questioned while gasping for air from exhaustion
All the monsters around are also just standing around not trying to attack.
Hunk gets over to the now conscious, but weak Pinkie Pie and speaks to her.
"You have to accept the dark part of you only then this will end."
Pinkie gives a simple nod and talks to her other self.
"I know you are a part of me, a part I wish I could forget, but I felt like you back when I was just an itty bitty twinkie pinkie, I felt hurt and alone, I wished bad things would happen to other ponies, so in a way you are me. Know what? Let us be friends ok?" Pinkie smiles at her other self and hugs it, on which upon it disintegrates into small glowing dust.
"So is it over?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"Yes for now it is. Let´s get out of here" Hunk responds
"Hey can you hear me?" Luna’s voice questions in an anxious tone.
"Luna can you get us out of here?" Hunk questions back.
"Finally you can hear me, what a relief, yes I will get you out just one second."
A bright light envelopes the ponies and with it a feeling of accomplishment.
Twilight walks back into Pinkie´s room.
"Oh you didn´t just scare away Hunk did you?" Applejack questions her.
"No one tells me what to do neither him nor you! You understand me?!" Twilight is breathing heavy.
"My dear it seems you don´t feel so good." Rarity says.
"So you are siding with him? Screw you guys I am out of here!"
Twilight slams the door behind her shut.
Pinkie is puzzled, "Twilight seems a little bit on edge."
Some uneventful days pass and neither Twilight nor Hunk has been seen since that day in the infirmary. Pinkie feels a lot better and is able to leave the hospital.
She decides to go back to Ponyville like the others and doing her routine until she is needed again.
She bounces through the streets of Ponyville greeting and smiling at everypony she meets along the way, but nopony returns the smile, or for that matter, even looks at her.
"Oh no, did the others tell them what I´ve done? No Pinkie silly they wouldn´t do that, or would they? I mean sure Applejack is the most honest pony around but telling secrets is not her way of handling things like this, or is it?"
Pinkie´s mind wanders off to thoughts about betrayal and deceive. She stops her happy bouncing and starts walking as plain as everypony around her, head down and a frown, her hair becomes straight once again. She drags herself to Sugar Cube Corner, upon entering she is greeted with an familiar voice.
"Pinkie there you are!" A white stallion receives her.
"Hunk? What do you want here? Just leave me alone."
"You don´t look so good, dammit what happened?"
Pinkie answers gloomy "If you really wanna know follow me to my room; I feel groggy, I need my bed."
Hunk follows quietly upstairs.
Pinkie opens her room door and slams herself on the bed. Hunk closes the door slowly behind him.
"So what happened to you?" He asks.
She answers loudly, "I tell you! I can´t believe the others told whole Ponyville what I told you guys back in the infirmary. That´s what happened."
Hunk´s eyes become narrow, he raises an eyebrow in disbelief." Are you sure your friends would do something like that?"
"What other explanation is there, if not this one."
"Well, it also could be that it´s time again and the fog comes back and with it the bad feelings for example."
"Oh, right the fog thingy, I forgot," – Hunk is speechless- "are you seri…, how can you of all people forget?!" – He puts his hoof on his face –"
"Now that this is out of the way how about some cupcakes?"
With a poof comes her fluffy, adorable mane and tail back.
"Pinkie by all means, this is hardly the time for baking."
"Come on making cupcakes doesn´t take that long, besides it would make me even happier than I already am, can you imagine that; I bet you also will feel waaaaaaay better," –OK! Hunk clears his throat –"I mean fine, whatever makes you happy."
And so both of them go downstairs into the kitchen.
"Okay Pinkie just to clarify things; I have no idea how to make cupcakes."
"Don´t worry Hunkie I´ll show you. ~ All you have to do is take a cup of flour, add it to the mix~…
Bing "The cupcakes are ready!" It echoes through the empty rooms of Sugar Cube Corner.
"Finally, I hope they turned out fine, at least."
"Here just taste one." She pulls down his face mask and puts a fresh, hot cupcake complete with her hoof in Hunk´s mouth.
"Tastes really good, but now back to business,"-Pinkie looks at him eagerly-"The reason I came to you in the first place; I wanted to talk to you about my theory about personies."
"Personies sounds funny, but you better discuss theories with Twilight, she´s the smart one."
"No, this is something only you can proof, or at least at the moment; I need you to come with me into the other world."
"Okie dokie lokie."
"Wow that was easy." Hunk says impressed about himself.
"But before that let us go and visit Fluttershy; I really want to see her since she hasn´t come to visit me in the infirmary."
"Well, if you insist, lead the way."
Hunk and Pinkie soon arrive at Fluttershy´s cottage. The Everfree Forest looks more threatening today than usual, the fog swells through the tightly packed trees, it feels as if it can swallow you whole. A little bit distressed Hunk knocks at the door.
"Fluttershyyy are you home?" Pinkie shouts exited "I´m coming in!" Pinkie tosses open the door and bounces through.
The ground level is barren and vacant, Animal-food is scattered all over the floor. The bunny Angel comes scampering down the stairs, he looks sickly and desperait.
"Oh hi Angel have you seen Fluttershy?"
Angel points at a calendar.
"What is it? Is Fluttershy on vacation?"
"I don´t think that’s what he wants to tell us Pinkie. Little bunny show me what you want to tell us."
Angel points again eagerly at a certain day on the calendar.
"This date was three days ago. What happened there?"
Angel covers himself with a blanket.
"Oh oh oh, me pick me I know it!"
Pinkie seems as if she is about to explode and a loud outburst fills the room.
"Three days ago Fluttershy went into the Everfree Forest to find Zecora so she can get medicine to make you feel better, but she didn´t return and you searched for her but couldn´t find her and now we came to assume that she was taken into the other world by the fog!"
Angel and Hunk look at her, mouth wide open from astonishment. Pinkie takes deep breaths.
"Ahem is that correct Angel?"
Hunk gazes over to the white bunny, which just nods.
Pinkie still processing what she just said.
"Wait Fluttershy is in the other world?! Hunk hurry we need to go after her!"
"Not so fast Pinkie, we have to get the others, we probably wouldn´t stand a chance against this foe with just the two of us."
Pinkie gallops with a devilish speed to Rarity´s Boutique.
Hunk shouts after her. "Ok I will go and get Applejack then."
Aj, Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow and Hunk meet up at the train station.
"Where´s Twilight and Spike?" Rainbow asks
"We haven´t seen her since that day in the infirmary." Rarity says impatient.
Aj adds "last I heard she was seen going into the Everfree Forest."
"Then we have to go without them, we don´t have the time for a search mission, we are already late as it is."
The train comes in with a loud squeak. As soon as it comes to a halt, the five ponies get on. To pass the time they chat with one another.
"Hey Dashie how are your wings doing?"
Rainbow answers with pride, "As good as new, the docs really did a great job."
Meanwhile Applejack and Rarity are talking to Hunk.
"I hope Twily doesn´t do something stupid, I´m not somepony who talks about others behind their backs, but if good o´l Twilight behaves like the one time we didn´t took her problems about being tardy serious, I´ fear for her safety."
"Before I forget about it I made you guys something,"-Hunk grabs in his bag and pulls out some gasmasks, each marked with a cutiemark,-" last time we went into the other world I noticed all of you had a hard time seeing where you were going, so I figured I make you some of these. It should diminish the fog, also I´m not sure if Miss Twilight’s behavior might be caused by the exposure to the fog."
"I really don´t think so darling, all of us were exposed to the fog and the rest of us si feeling just fine. Rarity interjects. "But if you insist I will wear mine my cutiemark really looks good on this." She giggles.
"I would really appreciate that, it’s better to be safe than sorry."
The rest of the ride has a pressing atmosphere to it.
The five go straight to Celestia.
"Your Highness Fluttershy has disappeared, there is a good case to believe she has been brought into the other world. I suggest we start immediately."
Celestia is bewildered, "Just you five?" She thinks for a moment. "You probably know what you get yourself into so go ahead. Luna go with them!" Celestia commands in a displeased voice.
"Yes my sister." Luna is obviously frightened by her sister’s voice.
Dash and Aj looking at each other "What was that all about?"
Luna interrupts. "Please don´t hold it against her she is just under a lot of pressure at the moment."
Hunks speaks in a comforting tone. "This time the communication should work just fine, so don´t worry."
Luna gives him a weary smile.
The ponies put on their masks and enter the mirror.
The five ponies finding themselves in an eerie forest like area.
It is dark and quiet, only the bright moon hovering above their heads illuminates the surroundings.
"Luna here, can you hear me?"
Applejack answers, "Yep we can hear you."
"I sense a strong presence near you, but I can pin it down exactly, so just be careful when you proceed."
They start walking along a slender dirt road. The woods remind of the Everfree Forest. The further they go the darker it becomes.
Rarity ignites her horn,"Hunk you are a unicorn too, so help us with some light here."
Hunk does has he is told and his horn also begins to glow. When a sudden voice discomforts the ponies.
"Buh-hu afraid of the dark? What are you, six years old? Pathetic little ponies."
Rainbow is cowering,"Fluttershy is that you? Cut that and just come out ok?" She speaks in a shaky voice.
"What´s the matter “Rainbow-Crash”?"- She laughs self-satisfied -"I won´t come out, I´m fed up with you always telling me what to do, while you think "Oh little Fluttershy never complains, she would do anything for us, she is so dump." "You know what´s dump? Your faces!"
"Oh boy, this was kinda mean, but at least she isn´t attacking us directly."
"Don´t jinx it Dashie." Pinkie says while turning around.
"Hey don´t you also feel a bit, strange?" Rarity asks the others.
"Well duh, we are in a creepy dark forest, of course it feels strange."Pinkie responds.
"No I mean like someone or something is watching us."
Hunk looks around, "Luna do you can sense something?"
"The presence from before seems to be closing in on you but I still cannot say for certain what it is."
"Ok inform us as soon as you notice a change."
"Understood."
Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Hunk keep walking along.
Hunk asks, "Pinkie now that we are in the other world, how do you feel? I mean is there any change compared to the normal world?"
"Now that you mention it, no not really."
"Not even a little bit?"
"Nope."
"How can that be? Was I wrong all along?" Hunk mumbles to himself.
Hunk looks behind him."Ahem Pinkie?"
"Yes?"
"Where are the others?"
Pinkie also turns around. "WHAT?!"
Hunk who becomes extremely nervous looks around. "No no no no this is bad, Luna can you hear me? Luna? Hello?!"
Pinkie tries to comfort him. "Don´t overreact so much Hunkie, I bet their fine."
"Yeah I guess you’re right they can look after themselves, they are some strong independent
Mares."
Right as Hunk is about to thank Pinkie a long, thin, black tentacle comes out of the dark with an incredible speed.
"Pinkie watch out!"
The tentacle nearly reaches Pinkie when a sudden bright glow emerges from her body. It repels the attacker which returns back into the darkness of the woods.
"Ui that felt funny" Pinkie giggles
Hunk, overly excited, "Wow that was great! And it proofs my theory!" He jumps up and down "I was right I was right all along! Haha take this sister I knew it would work!"
"Hunk are you feeling alright?" Pinkie asks with slight concern.
"Yes I do, indeed I feel better than I ever felt before, but you are right back to work."
Fluttershys taunting voice emerges from the blackness surrounding them.
"Oh you think this will stop my servant? You don´t even know what you meek, worthless lowlifes are up against! Your little friends are already mine. What makes you think you two can beat me? You will wander around in darkness for all eternity!"
With an arrogant laughter the voice vanishes as fast as it appeared.
A light starts to shine from the distance.
"Hunk, Pinkie can you hear me?"
"Luna? Yes we hear you."
"I couldn´t reach you for a moment, glad to hear you are ok; I did however locate the others, I project my power onto their location, hope you can see it."
"Yes we can see it, thanks Luna you are a big help."
"You´re welcome."
The two run towards the light and arrive at a small cottage.
"Don´t you think it´s strange that she didn´t try to prevent us from getting here?" Hunk asks suspecting something might just jump at them.
"Maybe she thinks it would be nice to reunite us with our friends before killing us." Pinkie smiles.
"Wow that definitely raised my spirits." Hunk says sarcastically.
"Anyway let us enter."
The door opens smoothly and a regal décor is revealed, wall-hangings along the wide hallway, neatly arranged paintings of Fluttershy as princess are well lit by golden candlesticks.
"Uhi it´s much bigger on the inside." Pinkie says impressed.
At the end of the hallway is a set of double doors painted in red and gold.
As Hunk and Pinkie approach them they open by themselves.
"Ah Celestia´s pawns I started to wonder if you will even make it here." Fluttershy says sitting on a throne matching the colors of the door, sitting beside her is the real Fluttershy starring blank into nothing.
Pinkie yells at her. "Hey you big meany where are our friends?"
Fluttershy answers arrogant. "That’s not how you address a princess, you filthy earthpony, but in my vast grace I shall grant you your wish to see them again, my loyal subject will bring you to them. Slendermane come here!"
A tall white pony with no facial features, no hair, wearing a black suit with a red tie on a white shirt, appears before Hunk and Pinkie.
"Hold on a second you just let us go to our friends? And we shouldn´t assume this is a trap? Come on, what´s the catch?" Hunk says.
While doing so a feeling of nausea and a strong headache overcome him, along with dizziness.
"Pinkie are you feeling this too?" He´s stammering. He looks over to see Pinkie already lies on the ground.
Short after he passes out too.
Upon awakening Hunk finds himself trapped in a tiny prison cell, his hind leg is cuffed to the wall with a solid iron chain. He looks trough the prison bars and sees he is in a round structure with many cells.
"Hunk are you finally awake"- Rarity asks- "I´m here in the cell right beside yours."
She waves her hoof through the bars.
"By Celestia, is everypony imprisoned here?"
A collective "Yes" follows in respond.
Hunk tries to use his magic but to no avail.
Rainbow says sardonic, "Great idea genius, don´t you think Rarity tried this as soon as we were brought here?"
"Dash!" Aj shouts "It´s not his fault we are stuck here."
"Then who´s is it?" Dash replied.
The sound of approaching footsteps silences the imprisoned ponies.
Fluttershy comes into the round structure, she drags a bunny on a leash behind.
"I bet you are all wondering what I´m going to do with you. You know this disobedient bunny just didn´t want to follow my orders although all I asked of him was to kill his friends. And for this high treason he deserves nothing but death!”- As soon as she finished speaking, she spins him around, slams him on the ground and crushes his little chest with one of her hoofs.-"Now there are two options concerning you, first you could be good prisoners and just starve to death like I planned for you, or you could try to escape but then I will do things much worse to you, than I did to this bunny."
With a maniacal laugh she leaves the room.
"What in tarnation was that?" Applejack asks no one in particular.
Rarity stays calm, "I think we all agree that we have better things to do than starving to death, so anypony has a plan?"
All of them trying to think of a possible escape plan.
"So we can´t use magic, but Pinkie you can try to use your persony power, I saw you do it in the forest so maybe it works now as well." Hunk attempts to hide is desperation.
"Ok I´ll try." Pinkie concentrates like she never did before and there it is! The bright glow surrounds her.
A sudden raging fire melts down all the bars, the rest of the group holds their front legs in front of their faces as the fire charges towards them.
Rainbow Dash dares to take a glimpse and realizes, "Hey guys the fire, it just goes around us."
Praises for Pinkie are following, "That was awesome Pinkie!", "Simply magnificent", "Good one Pinkie Pie".
The moment of joy is ended as Slendermane teleports into the room right in front of the only just freed ponies.
As soon as he arrived the unbearable headache and dizziness overcomes the heroes.
And as fast as it has come, it vanished. A dim pink glow covers them. They all look over to Pinkie who is still focusing.
"Hay yeah Pinkie conjures a protective spell, now I show him what "Painbow Death" can do!"
Rainbow Dash flies with a vast speed in Slendermanes direction, whereupon he teleports himself to the other side of Rainbow, she crashes into the wall.
Slendermane exposes his tentacles eight in number. He slashes with them in all directions in an attempt to get a hold on someone, but the protective shell withstands his attacks.
With their now working magic Hunk and Rarity holding the tentacles of Slendermane in place, so Rainbow, who recovered from her crash, and Aj can kick them off.
Now only four of his tentacles remain he breaks free and lashes with them at Rarity, the combined force of all four arms is strong enough to break through the protection spell.
Rarity gets thrown back, but Aj is able to cut off two of the remaining slender arms. Hunk holds the last two in place and Rainbow uses this opportunity to break them.
Even so Slendermane has no face you can clearly see his anger. He teleports himself away.
Rainbow responds to his disappearance with a loud, "Yes! We are so awesome!"
Pinkie Pie is completely exhausted. "Just go on without me, you have to save Fluttershy, I will follow short after."
The others nod at her and start running up the staircase.
While running up the stairs they hear Fluttershy talking to her other self.
"It is true, sometimes I wish everyone would just listen to me and do what I tell them, but I am happy the way I am. My friends are always there for me and I love taking care of the critters."
The other Fluttershy responds in an confused tone.
"No this isn´t supposed to end this way! No pony should possess the inner strength to resist us without help!"
"So maybe I am the first but it does not change the way I feel about you, my friends, or anyone else."
"Fine you win."
The others reach the main hall just in time to witness how the other Fluttershy disintegrates.
"You did this all by yourself ?!" Rainbow shouts slightly disappointed.
"After I saw you all coming for me I had no doubt that you really care about me." Fluttershy gives them a kind smile.
Luna´s voice appears, "I assume you are finished then?"
"Yes we are." Says Fluttershy.
Pinkie nearly reaches the top of the stairs when all of them are teleported out of the other world.
The great and powerful arcana
"Thou really did it Fluttershy." Luna welcomes them.
"Thank you princess Luna, but I wouldn´t be able to do it without my friends."
One of the royal guards comes running into the room.
"Princess Luna I´ve been send to tell you, you may send the explorers right to Celestia, as soon as they come back."
The guard looks up. "Oh they´ve already returned, that´s good, Celestia wants to see you immediately."
Upon arriving in Celestia´s throne room she gives Hunk an angry stare, but discards it quickly as her view slides over the others.
"Let us go into the war room where no pony else is listening."
To their surprise they see Trixie is already waiting in the room.
Celestia explains, "Trixie here told me she has some information that might be important and she needs to talk to you."
Everypony sits down and listens what Trixie has to say.
"As I wandered from town to town I heard some strange rumors about Ponyville and the close by areas," – Rainbow interrupts her,” come to the point already!”- Trixie looks over to her but doesn´t say anything about it.
"So as I was about to say, after hearing about that I wanted to see for myself if the rumors are true, on my way Spike approached me and told me to deliver a message to a pony named Hunk. He said he can´t deliver the message himself because he has to keep an eye on Twilight."
Aj asks, "What does the message contain?"
"Hunk your suspicions were correct, after some investigation regarding big cities like Fillydelphia and Manehatten, I found out about some kind of doomsday cult. They call themselves adventus nihilum, they are easy recognizable, they all wear black cloaks."
"And that’s the end of the message." Trixie states.
Rainbow is taken aback. "He didn´t say anything about what this crazy cult does?"
"Nope he didn´t."
Rarity questions Trixie. "And we shall believe you came all the way here just to tell us this? He could have just send a letter to Celestia like always, what is the real reason you came in person?"
"You really shouldn´t doubt me I´m just trying to help, but you are partly right.
I didn´t lie about the message but in fact Spike told me about the ordeal you all went through and asked me if I know something that could help. And indeed I sto… I mean I borrowed a book from the royal library about things like arcana’s and how to identify them."
Hunk is curios. "Arcana the secret of the true self, that could indeed help in the other world."
"So do you want me, the great and powerful Trixie, to use my ability to tell your arcana?" Trixie smiles, feeling superior.
Luna says, "as long as it does not hurt us and Hunk thinks it is a worthy cause I agree."
Trixie nods to Luna and begins, "Very well let us begin!" She takes out some cards, spreads them across the table, close her eyes and focuses. "The Arcana is the means by which all is revealed..."
"Pinkie Pie."-She pulls out one card-"The star it's a strong card, one that gives hope to those on the ground below. It shines in times of need. But, eventually, it is destined to fall to the earth and disappear. Nether less the hopefulness and joy you experience although helpful to others may lead to your own demise."
"Applejack."- She pulls another card-“Strength, only with strength can one endure suffering and torment, morality, the strong power of self-control, courage, your fortitude in the face of danger is unbeaten. But you have to be careful about the energy that is about to be unleashed out of the desire to be recognized."
"Rainbow Dash." "The chariot, one of life's greatest blessings is the freedom to pursue one's goals. Victory, conquest, self-assertion, control, war and command. Your wish to achieve your goals can overshadow everything else and your failures may make the ones closest to you pay for it."
"Rarity." -She shows the card titled fortune- "Alongside time exists fate, the bearer of cruelty luck is varying, fortunes and opportunities, all that goes up will come down and reverse. You may try to seize your own destiny, thus you will be involved in making a choice of the outmost importance."
"Fluttershy." "The priestess. The silent voice within one's heart whispers the most profound wisdom.
You possess untapped power, though you may be shy and quiet many rely on you, but they might fall into dependency, your power contains great disaster, if not used deliberately."
"Hunk." – She takes the tower card. -"Pride preceding the fall. If you continue your way you will walk to your own ironic demise. Doom and disaster will befall you. Arrogant you´ve fallen from grace and history shall repeat itself if you won´t change."
"Celestia." Empress, Celebrate life's grandeur...its brilliance...its magnificence…
You bring forth prosperity, abundance, fertility maintaining peace like the ideal mother. You rule with authority and wisdom. But do not carry the weight all of your own or you will crumble beneath it."
"Luna." –The moon card is drawn- "Inspiration, dreams, fantasy, illusions, subconsciousness, fear and madness. You sense things without being told about them. Portraying your fears and faults onto others, troubled with accepting yourself."
"And although Spike and Twilight aren´t here I remember their personality enough to peace their arcanas together."
"Spike. He is the hanged man. In the face of disaster lies the opportunity for renewal.
Self-sacrifice for the sake of enlightenment, the bindings that makes one free, paradoxes and hanging between heaven and earth. He needs to take the time necessary to reflect over his upcoming actions."
"Twilight." "The hierophant is her card. It is indeed a precious gift to understand the forces that guides oneself. A symbol of education, authority, conservatism, obedience to rules and relationship with the divine. Wise and logical she faces what lies ahead, but her greatest fear is her own past, if she is not able to overcome this obstacle she won´t come far."
Trixie is pleased with herself. "That was quite a monolog, wasn´t it?" She giggles.
"And in which way exactly does it help us to know this arcana stuff?" Rainbow is looking at the ceiling.
Hunk answers. "Knowing ones true self, the basic guideline that lies within, will help you defeating your other self in the other world. And upon understanding you will be able to bring the power of your persony under your direct control."
"The great and powerful Trixie will leave you now. We will see us soon."
Fluttershy informs the remaining ponies, "I hate to be a bother but I´m really tired and would like to go to sleep."
Hunk leaps up from his chair, "That reminds me of something. Princess Celestia do you have a big room you could spare? Because I really think we all should share a room."
The mares stare at him in shock and disbelieve.
"You think what?!" Rarity yells at him
"Oh don´t get me wrong, just listen I have my doubts that the fog is taking the people away, I believe someone uses the fog to cover his actions. And so the safest way would be if all stay as close together as possible, maybe then we can catch whatever it is in the act."
Celestia faces the group. "It would indeed be saver for them to stay together since the bearer of harmony are the only ones taken to the other world so far. However I will not allow a stallion to sleep in the same room as mares so Hunk, you are going to get a room for yourself. Understood?"
Hunk responds. "Of course princess." He bows and faces the others.
"You should finish things you might still have to do, just be sure to be back before nightfall."
The mares walk out the door. Hunk sighs, turns his head towards Celestia, she gives him again a distrusting look, upon which he walks out the door.
He is shown his new room across the mares’ room.
Hunk opens his door and walks straight up to his bed, as the sound of a closing door startles him.
"Who´s there!" He shouts while turning around.
"Tse tse tse, already hitting on the mares, from your looks I mistook you for somepony with a better taste in mares."
Hunk faces a blue unicorn with a silver mane and tail. "Trixie? What are you doing here?"
"I came here to be alone with you. The great and powerful Trixie just wants to tell you how much she loves you."-She comes closer to Hunk and twines her front hoofs around his neck-
Hunk stutters nervously, "Are you sure I mean I don´t really know you and…"
Before he can finish his sentence Trixie laughs.
"Haha I´m just teasing you, Trixie has come here to tell you the rest of the message, Spike gave me."
She hands Hunk a paper scroll, still laughing to herself.
Hunk reads the scroll, "Hunk I hope you are the one reading this lines. Twilight’s behavior worsens from day to day sometimes she locks herself in a room and talks to herself and I´m assuming the worst. However she kept forcing me to send letters to the princess regarding lies about you. One that I was able to read said, "Hunk is the one responsible for the fog." And another said, “He also kidnaps the poor ponies, so he can rescue them and is treated as a hero.” I mean this are lies right? I have faith in you so good luck my friend."
"That explains the evil stare Celestia gave me. Thank you Trixie for giving me this."
"The great and helpful Trixie is glad to help such a good looking stallion."
"Are you teasing me again?" Hunk says annoyed
"Who knows?" -Trixie shrugs- "Anyway Trixie will be on her way then, see you handsome."
She walks out the door. Hunk looks out the window. He didn´t notice that it already got dark outside. He decides to go and check on the mares´, just in case.
"Girls are you in there?"
He opens the door.
"AAAhhhh!" A loud scream deafening his ears. The lights flash on and blind him and then he is getting hit by… pillows. His sight and hearing return and he sees, Rarity, Fluttershy, Aj, Rainbow, and Pinkie all lying in bed.
Pinkie says, "That was an awesome imitation of a banshee there Rarity. Hunk do you wanna join our slumber party?"
"No way he stay´s here, he leaves, now!" Rarity yells.
"I just wanted to see if you all are here and I can see all of you, so I´ll be gone now. Sleep tight."
Hunk is wondering why he didn´t meet any guards on the way, "I will address this issue tomorrow." He thinks to himself, while deciding to take a cold shower before going to bed.
Hunk is woken up by a loud knocking on the door.
"Hunk are you in there we are coming in!" A deep voice shouts through the door.
The door flies open and six royal guards charge in.
Hunk is baffled. "Hey what´s going on?"
"Resistance is futile, surrender and follow us quietly."
"What? I don´t understand." Hunk is trying to explain himself.
"You are going to be in custody until the case is solved."
"Custody what did I do?"
"You know what you did!" A young looking guard says to him.
The guards escort him along the hallways, they come across the mares´ room in front are many guards as are inside.
Along the way Hunk sees Fluttershy in a crowd standing in the palace entrance and she is trying to tell Hunk something but the guards in front of her which shout, "Stay back! Back I said!" Drown out any sound that comes from her.
The guards with Hunk in tow enter the throne room.
Celestia sits up and begins her speech.
"Hunk you are the prime suspect regarding the disappearance of Rarity the unicorn. You will be held in custody until the investigations are completed and enough evidences are found for a trial.
Do not resist or you only will make your situation worse. You will be able to tell your version of the story in court. Now begone!"
The guards pull Hunk away before he can even say anything and lead him down into the dungeon, where they lock him up in a cell.
"I didn´t do anything to Rarity! I´m innocent you have to believe me!2
The guard replies mocking. "Yeah sure, that’s what everypony says." And walks away laughing.
Hunk starts thinking about what happened.
"Rarity disappeared, last time I saw her was yesternight. That means it must have happened after 10 p.m. and before, when was I woken up, around 7 a.m. I think, that lets a timeframe of nine hours. Urgh that doesn´t bring me any further. It makes me want to tear my hair out!"
He walks up and down in his small cell. He bangs his head against the bars in frustration. As he opens his eyes his gaze falls upon a little purple dragon.
"Spike?! What are you doing here? I thought you were with Twilight."
"In fact I still am, we arrived here this morning."
"I´m so glad you are here Spike, finally some trustworthy soul. I need you to go to the room of Rarity and the others, look around and report me everything you find."
"Eye eye, just one question. You didn´t kidnap Rarity did you?"
"Spike my friend if so would I ask you to help me find evidence to proof my innocence?"
"Yes you´re right. I´m on my way! See you later."
Spike runs back upstairs unnoticed by any of the guards.
Hour after hour pass without any visitors. When Hunk overhears a nearby conversation.
"Why is nopony allowed to see him?"
"We don´t get paid for asking questions, well at least most of the time." He laughs
"I´m serious here, isn´t it strange that especially none of the harmony wielders are allowed. I mean they probably have some questions for him."
The guards are walking out of hearing range.
"psst hey Hunk."
"Spike? Where were you?"
"I had to wait for a gap in their patrol way."
"You are awesome! So what did you find out?"
"I only can report what I saw, so the bed in which Rarity slept was all rumpled, the windows were locked from the inside, according to the guards the door was unlocked and no signs of forced entry anywhere."
"Mh that is quite the mystery, but wait! Tell me about the furniture."
"There was the big bed Rarity slept in, four more beds, a wardrobe, a dresser, some chairs, a mirror and a bookshelf. That’s all."
The sound of the guards comes closer.
"I better get going, sorry I wasn´t able to find out more Hunk."
"Don´t worry you already were a big help my friend."
Hunk winks at Spike who runs in the opposite direction of the guards.
Hunk repeats everything Spike told him in his mind.
"The big bed in the middle, maybe under it? No probably not. The smaller beds? Nothing I can think of. In the wardrobe that would be silly, dresser, chairs, bookshelf, mirror, mirror…Mirror! That might be it! If “She” is able to use non magical mirrors that would explain it. I have to state this theory at the court."
One day passes and the trial is about to start.
Hunk is brought to the courthouse.
Celestia will act as the judge.
"The trial against Hunk is about to begin, everypony be quiet. Hunk will be his own defensive lawyer. The prosecutor is princess Twilight Sparkle. Miss Sparkle I call you into the witness stand."
Twilight gets up from her bench and walks over to the stand.
"Miss Sparkle you claim to know for sure that the defendant is the one responsible for the disappearance of Rarity, please confirm your testimony." Celestia says in a sober tone.
"Your Honor, I know from a reliable source that “Hunk” is not who he claims to be. In fact his origin lies within the realm known as “the other world”. His real name is Tuxedo Masquerade and he is the one who brought the fog into our world and now he uses the elements of harmony to smoothen out his mistakes."
Celestia interrupts. "With all due respect princess Sparkle but this trial is about the disappearance of Rarity not the source of the fog or false identity."
"Yes you´re right your highness, I may have not seen him directly as he did it, but fact is he was the one who showed and brought us into the other world. Luna is the only other pony who knows, thanks to “Hunk”, and who would believe that your own dear sister, Princess Luna, would do such a thing?"
"Miss Sparkle, your so called evidence are nothing but wild speculations. Do you have any actual proof of him being the culprit?"
"Aehm, no no I don´t."
"Well then you are dismissed Ms. Sparkle."
Twilight walks back over to her bench.
"Hunk now is your chance to defend yourself."
Hunk goes to witness stand.
"Your Honor, I was asleep all night long until the royal guards woke me up."
"Do you have any witnesses for your claim?"
"No I don´t, but think I know who the real culprit is!"
Celestia looks surprised. "Really? Tell us I´m curious about it."
"The truth is, Twilight is partially right, my true name, the one given to me is Tuxedo Masquerade, I do indeed come from the other world, but I am not responsible for the kidnappings! In fact I have reason to believe that my sister is the one behind all this. The mirror, in the room Ms. Rarity stayed, functioned as a portal. I know what you all think, "that’s just an ordinary mirror no magic and stuff." Though it is true that I am only able to open a gate to the other world via a magic mirror, my sister, Diamond Secret, on the other hand is far more powerful than me. She even might be able to open a portal through ordinary objects with a reflective surface."
Celestia looks down on him. "Well even so this sound more obscure than Twilights accusation I have no other choice to bring in a verdict of non-guilty due to lack of evidence. The proceeding is closed. You are free to go, for now."
Celestia seems disappointed and gives Twilight a furious stare.
Hunk is forced out the courtroom. Outside are Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Applejack already waiting.
Hunk says sadly, "I guess you are all waiting for Twilight?"
Pinkie bounces up to him. "No silly, we are waiting for you. We have to save Rarity!"
Hunks eyes widen from joy.
"Besides lately, Twilight seems a few apples short in her head. Ever since she came here she was just talking to herself and wouldn´t let any of us near her." Aj adds.
Luna comes out of the courthouse.
"If you want to go through the mirror I think you could need my help right?"
She smiles at the group and all of them charge to the mirror room.
Love and pain, a dark descent
Hunk, Rainbow, Aj, Fluttershy and Pinkie enter the mirror.
They arrive before a crystalline palace, reflecting the moonlight and splits it into all colors of the rainbow.
"This place looks actually nice." Rainbow says while starring at the structure.
"Luna here, don´t let the appearance of this place fool you, I sense some strong individuals inside that building, Luna over and out."
Everypony puts on its equipment and they head for the entrance.
Upon entering through the main door they are faced with a golden floor and outstanding furnishings.
Rainbow Dash asks. "Hey do you think we can take some of this and sell it in Equestria?"
Applejack slaps her against the head. "Tell me you were kidding. We are no thieves."
"Of course! I was just kidding." Rainbow laughs embarrassed.
The conversation is interrupted by Rarity´s voice.
*spank* "Yes! Ah! More!" *spank* "Mh my friends have arrived maybe they can please me!"
Aj raises an eyebrow. "Seriously? Is this what I think it is?"
"I´m glad Spike isn´t here, he probably would get unconscious." Rainbow laughs
"Uh uh uh, maybe we should get him." Pinkie says eagerly.
Luna suddenly speaks up. "You know… Spike is here and he… can see and hear you through the mirror."
The ponies inside the other world gulp.
"We just had some fun Spike that’s all." Aj responds.
They start walking down the golden floor, when Rarity speaks again.
"I simply can´t wait for you to arrive here. It is so much fun! No pony judges you here,*spank* oh there comes the whip, oh yes! All these formalities, always playing the innocent, noble one. You know I have desires too! And so have you, even so you may not be aware of them at the moment. Muahaha, oh I will speak to you later, there comes the gag!"
With a bright red face the ponies keep walking.
"I can hardly breathe under this mask." Fluttershy says and pulling her gasmask off.
She sniffs around and all of the sudden, she gets aroused by the sweet scent.
"Oh I can´t wait to join Rarity, even to think of it makes me…"
Applejack puts her hoof over her mouth and laughs awkwardly.
"Yes I can´t wait either to get Rarity outa here. Hehe."
Aj puts Fluttershy´s gasmask back onto her face.
The awkward noises of Rarity getting pleasured continues.
Hunk begins to talk to distract himself.
"Hey Luna aehm how is Spike doing? Is he still watching us?"
Luna answers laughing. "He became unconscious just like you said he would." She can´t stop laughing.
Hunk thinks to himself, "At least one of us has fun."
They finally arrive in a big hall with purple wallpaper in the middle is a round stage with a pole, on which Rarity is chained.
The other Rarity walks up along a catwalk, wearing a corset, a whip in her hoof, and scars all over her body, the most notable is the one over her eye.
"Aww now I Lil´Miss Rarity will show you the pleasure of pain, the only true kind of love!"
She lashes at Rainbow Dash. "Ouch! Stop it!"
Pinkie begins to cast her protection spell. Upon which lil´ miss Rarity responds.
"Oh why avoiding the magnificent joy of pain caused by such a wonderful mare like myself?"
Hunk conjures little magical crystals and tosses them at Ms. Rarity.
They puncture her right in the chest.
"Oh yes! That’s the spirit. More please MORE!"
Rainbow Dash flies at full speed at her and knocks her over.
"Looks like you looking for an experience that´s a little more intense Dashie?"
She throws knifes from backstage at Rainbow Dash. She is barely able to dodge them.
Applejack jumps on the stage and holds Ms. Rarity down.
"Ahahaha! Enjoying yourself Aj?"
She kicks Applejack off and laughs.
"You ain´t seen nothing´ yet!"
Chains with sharp blades shoot out of little holes in the walls. They wiggle around, breaking through Pinkie´s protection spell and making it hard to reach Ms. Rarity.
They inflict many small but bleeding cuts on the ponies.
Fluttershy concentrates and a yellow light shrouds the wounded ponies and her wounds are immediately closed.
Lil´ Miss Rarity seems angry. "What? I dealt all that exquisite pain and you´re still not satisfied? What finicky guests. You might as well die, then!"
A blinding light is outgoing from her. Followed by a shockwave that throws the ponies at the walls.
Ms. Rarity laughs and walks up on the chained Rarity.
"So don´t you want to admit that this was distinguished fun?"
"No I´d never..."
Ms. Rarity smiles. "Of course you would say that. It´s embarrassing to be seen by your friends like that right?"
Pinkie says to Hunk. "No matter what we do she seems invincible."
Hunk responds, "There has to be some way."
All of a sudden Spike falls from the ceiling.
All Eyes turn towards him.
"That´s it! Rarity would never behave like this!"
Ms. Rarity answers in an ironic tone.
"Oh and you think you know her better than I do? Mummy will show you what Rarity really feels."
Ms. Rarity ribcage cracks and a grotesque monster jumps out of it. Claws instead of hoofs, buttons instead of eyes, razor-sharp teeth, dashing right at Spike.
Everything is in slow motion for him.
"No I am so useless, there has to be something I can do. It cannot end like this!"
An incredible heat is outgoing from the little purple dragon.
"I HAVE TO PROTECT MY FRIENDS!"
An enormous explosion arises from the stage.
As the sight returns to the ponies they see Ms. Rarity and Spike, lying on their backs.
*Pant, pant* "did I do it?"
The ponies pull themselves together and free Rarity.
She turns towards her other self.
"I might be still a little bit dizzy, but what I learned so far is that I have to accept you. So yeah you are right sometimes I feel like I have too much responsibility. Looking after my little sister, spending time with my friends and of course keeping things ticking over. I often feel like I can´t be myself and it really drives me mad sometimes, but still I am who I am so let´s live in harmony."
Rarity reaches her hoof to her other self, who accepts and reaches for Rarity´s hoof.
They melt into one Rarity.
"Luna here. It is not over yet, I sense a strong presence approaching you, get ready!"
*Clap clap clap* "Such selflessness, really touching little Spike."
A dragon, looking like Spike but bigger, appears in the room.
"What do you think to accomplish by helping those ponies? You are a dragon and a special kind at that."
The group, completely exhausted, faces the evil Spike.
"If you want him you have to get through us!" Rainbow threatens him, despite the fact that she barely can stand straight.
"Oh don´t worry I´m not here to fight you, at least not now. I am here to give Spike an ultimatum. I bring you the offer to join us, you don´t have to accept right now"-He grins-" We give you some time to think about it, because the only other option is to die like the rest."
With this he simply walks away.
"Ok I had enough of this place! Luna get us outa here." Aj says eagerly to leave this place.
Luna embraces the returning ponies. "You did it once again."
Celestia enters the room. "Am I interrupting anything?"
Luna coughs once and places herself beside her sister.
"As I can see you brought Rarity back, still I think you owe us some answers “Hunk”. I will see you all tomorrow morning in the war room. You too Luna."
Celestia walks out while mumbling to herself.
Rainbow flies closer to Luna. "I know the royal affairs aren’t my business but why is Celestia so grumpy?"
Luna sighs. "She asked me to keep it under wraps, but when I can´t trust you guys who can I trust? In the beginning as Celestia was alerted by Twilight´s letter, regarding the fog and strange behavior of the people, Celestia wrote back that Twilight and you all should come to her, but she also mentioned that she invited Shining Armor and Cadence , but the two never arrived and we haven’t heard from them either.
Now is it up to my sister to take care of the royal business in the Crystal Empire. And she cuts Twilight so much slack, despite her unusual manners, because she thinks Twilight might have found out about it. Anyway it´s already late you better get some sleep, today was a stressful day after all."
After a visit by the doctor, to get their minor injuries patched up, they go to their rooms. The rest of the night proceeds without any occurrences.
The next morning, everypony who was requested by Celestia has gathered in the war room.
She speaks loud and clear. "Thank you for coming here so early in the morning. Let us begin the session."
"Hunk is it true that you real name is Tuxedo Masquerade?"
"Yes princess it is true."
"Well then we will address you with this name from now on if that is fine with you."
"To be honest your majesty I prefer my nickname Hunk."
"Fine as you wish. Next question, what exactly did Twilight mean, as she said you are from the other world."
"I am not absolutely sure myself, I mean I know I come from the other world. I arrived here together with the fog, as he appeared the first time. Since then, all I´m trying to do is to get my memories back and find the truth."
"If you lost your memory, how comes that you were able to tell us so much about the events that took place here?"
"I don´t know. Something just drove me to you princess and everything I said about the world were merely fragments I was able to remember."
"You repeatedly mentioned a sister of yours. Who is she?"
"Her name is Diamond Secret, she and I were the only ones in the other world as far as I can remember. But above all I remember her vast power, she is much more powerful than me. I also assume that she is the one responsible for all this."
"Why do you think she is the cause of this?"
"She always was a little bit “strange” the only thing I can think of is how she yelled at me, I don´t even know why, or what that fight was about."
Hunk holds his head. "Oh what a terrible headache."
Celestia looks concerned. "Are you all right?"
"Yes I’m fine, please continue."
"Very well let us jump to some more recent events. Why is the fog and the wave of depression that comes along with it not going away since you rescued Pinkie Pie?"
"It is indeed strange, after Pinkies rescue was everything fine, but after Fluttershy had nothing changed and when I look outside the window, well saving Rarity didn´t do much either.
Quite the opposite seems to be the case. Come to think of it, Spike did some research for me and found something out about a cult. What was it called? A right adventus nihilum, I bet they have something to do with this."
"Indeed did my intelligence agency also report about this cult, so they haven´t done anything illegal for now. Ok next question. Why is it that only the elements of harmony are targeted and nopony else?"
"If I have to take a guess, I probably would say, besides their popularity, they hold a strong power, so maybe my sister needs that power for something."
Rarity raises her hoof while holding an icepack against her head with the other.
"Excuse me, but something was bothering me since we came back yesterday. Why was Spike able to see and breathe without any trouble in the other world?"
All glances face Rarity.
"Now that you mention it, you are right." Aj says
Hunk answers, "I´m fairly sure it is because he is a dragon. Dragons possess a natural immunity against magic."
"That would make sense." Rainbow seems pleased with that answer.
With a loud bang, the doors fly open and a messy looking Twilight stands in the doorway.
"I knew it you all plot against me! You are terrible imposters, but don´t worry I will find my real friends even if I have to do some evil deeds!"
Before anyone can react, Twilight is casting a spell that makes it impossible to move.
She runs over to Hunk and tears his suit off.
"HA! See “She” told me you are an alicorn! You hid it because otherwise it would have ruined your plan!"
She levitates Rainbow Dash and Spike up and runs out of the room, laughing like a lunatic, with them under her control.
Rainbow shouts, "Hey Twilight let me go!"
But Twilight ignores her and keeps on running.
As soon as Celestia is able to break free from the spell she starts chasing her, but to no avail. She is gone and so are Spike and Rainbow Dash.
The spells power lessens and everypony peaks out the door, to see a disappointed, head down, Celestia slowly walking back to them.
Luna tries to raise the spirits. "So you´re an alicorn, I mean what´s up with that? Right?" She lets out a forced laughter.
Celestia stares at her with a twitch in her eye.
She sits down, sighs and begins to speak, her voice sounds like she is about to snap. "I can´t take it any longer, I don´t care if you are an alicorn, evil, good or whatever. But please bring me my old Twilight back, I can´t lose another student. I, just…"-tears are welling up in her eyes- "leave me alone."
Luna tries to lay her hoof around Celestia.
Celestia yells at her. "No! You too. I don´t want to see anybody right now, just leave me be."
Luna withdraws her hoof and leaves her sister alone.
She catches up to the others.
"Where is our little prince?"
Everypony is shaking their head.
"What do we do now?" Fluttershy asks.
Applejack answers, "We al´ could go ´n search for Hunk or we could go into the other world alone."
Rarity looks a bit confused. "Why in the other world? What do you expect to find there?"
"Twily stole two of our friends and was babbling about imposters, so she probably thinks the other- is the real world."
Luna joins the conversation. "That sounds a little bit far-fetched."
Rarity nods in agreement.
Pinkie turns her head upside down and grins at the group.
"What is it Pinkie?" Aj questions her, with a slight hint of annoyance.
She takes a deep breath. "Weee could just go outside and ask if anypony saw him, I mean he is naked so anyone is able to see he´s an alicorn and that is something you don´t see every day right?"
The faces of them brighten up. "Pinkie you are a genius!"
They ask everypony outside, but not many are even willing to talk to them. Most of them wear black coats, or are just lost in thoughts.
It already becomes late and the sun is setting.
"At this rate we will never find him." Fluttershy says as she lands on the ground.
Pinkie comes down the street and whistles happily. "I found him, I found him, follow me."
The rest follows her to a bar.
There they see him, in his old cloak, sitting at the counter.
"Hunk why did ya´ run away?" Aj asks angry.
"You have all rights to be mad at me right? I´m lying to you guys, deceive you."
Rarity walks up to him. "Darling how much did you have? You already slur."
"You ain´t help´n Rarity. Leave the talk´n to me." Applejack says to her.
"Listen sugar cube, we ain´t mad at you for whatever you think you´ve done, but to wallow in self-pity won´t solve anything."
Hunk responds with a frustrated sigh. "I know that I won´t find the truth in the bottom of my drink, but,"
Before he can finish slams Aj her hoof on the counter and shouts. "I don´t know what it is you feel so bad about, but right now we have to safe our friends and you will come along with us. Do you understand?! If you wish so much for it you can be sorry for yourself after we rescued them. Got that?!"
The whole bar stares at her astonished.
"O, okay mam" Hunk stutters.
Applejack grabs him on his cloak and drags him out.
Back outside, on the street they look up the night sky.
"Oh Luna you made the moon bigger, that’s so nice of you." Pinkie smiles at her.
Luna looks at her puzzled and inspects the moon closer.
"No Pinkie, that isn´t my doing."
Apllejack, still dragging Hunk behind shouts from the end of the street.
"Hey ya´ll just wanna admire the moon or do we go and safe our friends?"
They trot towards the palace, eyes still on the moon.
Finally arriving in the mirror room.
"Let´s go." Pinkie says happily.
As they get to the other world they are faced not with the usual twisted sight, but instead find themselves in a white foggy area with only two more mirrors.
The one to the right shows a dark Cloudsdale the one to the left looks like Twilight´s tree and from it comes Twilights voice.
"What will you do now? You don´t have the time to save both, do you? Who will it be? Spike or Rainbow Dash?"
Rarity asks. "Why shouldn’t we have enough time? There is nothing to rush us, or is there?"
"Luna here, I feel that the moon is coming closer I will tell it Celestia and then try to hold it off, so you are on your own."
Applejack counts the present ponies. "Hunk, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy and myself. What if we split up?"
Fluttershy immediately declines. "Oh no this is a really bad idea."
"Do you have any better idea, or do you want to let one of our friends die?"
Fluttershy looks down.
"Thought so, ok then, Hunk and Pinkie you go to Twilight. Rarity Fluttershy and I will go after Rainbow."
The group nods in agreement and everyone goes into their assigned portal.
Aj, Rarity and Fluttershy are faced with the weather factory, the clouds are black, lightnings can be seen and thunder roars nearby.
Applejack looks down in confusion. "We are standing on clouds, how is this possible?"
Rarity follows Aj´s sight. "Probably because these aren´t real clouds."
Fluttershy is obvious afraid. "Can we turn back? I have a really bad feeling about this place."
"Just think about our friends and how scared they must be.” Rarity encourages Fluttershy.
The three begin to move towards the foreboding factory.
They see many workers while they walk along the dark clouds, but the workers aren´t noticing them.
Aj whispers to Rarity and Fluttershy. "Where could Rainbow be? In such a large factory it could take forever to find her."
Fluttershy has a determined look on her face. "I will fly around and when I find her I will get you two."
Fluttershy smiles and doesn´t even wait for an answer, she rises from the ground and flies away.
"We should search ourselves, because I really don’t want to wait here any longer than necessary." Rarity says to Applejack
"Why not?" Applejack asks while looking around. "Oh."
The workers are all staring at the two ponies.
Meanwhile in the other portal.
"Wow this looks more like a palace than a library I didn´t know Twilight has such an expensive taste." Pinkie says as she looks around the huge crystal entrance.
"Pinkie do you hear that?"
The sound of many hooves running towards their direction startles Hunk.
And before they can react ten guards are charging at them.
"Hold it right there traitor!" One of the guards shouts.
The sharp ends of the spears are pointed at Hunk and Pinkie.
"You are coming with us! The princess will decide about your fate."
Pinkie is still smiling and bouncing, like nothing is wrong.
"Hey Pinkie aren´t you aware of the situation we are in?" Hunk asks her quietly.
"Oh I´m well aware of the situation dummy." –She giggles- "But it isn´t that bad, I mean the more the merrier. Right?"
Back in the factory.
"Ourgh it´s useless we will never find Rainbow at this rate." Rarity says frustrated.
Aj replies, "I only hope Fluttershy is safe. She should have been back by now."
A familiar voice comes out of the speakers hanging at the celling.
"Here speaks your chairman. We found an intruder in sector A7 near the Pegasus device. The intruder was identified as Fluttershy, a yellow Pegasus, female and butterflies as a cuitiemark. Catch her immediately!"
"This voice! This was Rainbow Dash." Rarity says happily.
"The voice also said that they found Fluttershy so we better hurry!" As soon as Aj said so she starts running.
"Oh look a map that should be useful." Rarity takes a look at a map on the wall. "We are at 4B so if we take these stairs over there…"
While Rarity is memorizing the map Applejack is keeping watch for any sign of trouble.
"All right I found a way come on Applejack!"
Aj follows Rarity into the long hallway.
At Twilight´s palace.
Pinkie and Hunk are brought into a large library there they see Twilight reading a book, at her side is the teenage Spike which they met back at Rarities’ other world.
Twilight turns around. "So you decided to split up? If it weren´t such a dump idea I would say "clever you" but, you are simply idiots."
"Hey I´m no idiot and Twilight would never say such things to her friends!" Pinkie shouts at her.
"Oh you think I´m the "other" Twilight? You are wrong! You are the imposters and when I´m done with you I´ll finally be reunited with my real friends." –She sobs quietly-"I really miss them."
"Twilight if you really aren´t your other self then please remember your friends! I am the real Pinky, don´t you remember? You came to safe me right at the start of all this! It was you who gave the final blow to the other me!"
Twilight raises an eyebrow. "Guards leave me alone. I want to talk to our guests in private."
The guards salute and walk out the way they came.
"When you are the real Pinkie Pie why are you being accompanied by Tuxedo Masquerade?"
Pinkie thinks for a moment, then answering. "Because he is helping us since the beginning without him we wouldn´t have stand a chance against this threat! And also… when I returned from the hospital he was there to cheer me up. I consider him a friend as much as I consider you a friend Twilight!"
Twilight holds her front hooves at her head, clearly trying to remember, but something seems to detain her from doing so.
Teenage Spike, who was silent until now, speaks up. "You confuse the princess I better get rid of you before you do any more damage to our plan. Especially you Mr. Masquerade."
"What do you mean?" Hunk asks him eagerly.
"Oh you don´t know?"-He laughs at him-"Then you might be better off not knowing, believe me, you will be happier not knowing you goodie two shoes."
All of a sudden comes the normal Spike into the room and shouts from a balcony.
"Hey other me! I may not know why you are here or what my hidden feelings are but whatever it is I accept it as long as you don´t hurt my friends!"
Teenage Spike turns at him and laughs. "Do you really think I am you? I was just deceiving you my young friend, but as a sign of friendship I will allow you to join us, just as I asked of you. I think you had enough time to think about my offer, so what is your answer little dragon?"
Spike is confused, "What you are not me? But…no, no matter what I will stay true to my friends!"
"Mh foolish mortal, then you will die at their side."
Two guards appear behind Spike and throw him down from the balcony.
"Any last words before I destroy you?" Teenage Spike asks self-assured.
Spike gets up on his feet and prepares himself to battle teenage Spike. Hunk and Pinkie doing the same.
Meanwhile in the factory
"This door says Rainbow extraction room." Applejack says.
"Maybe we should peek inside." Rarity answers while she opens the door slightly.
A loud gasp escapes Rarities´ throat as she sees what is inside. A machine that resembles a meatgrinder, on the assembly line are sitting young Pegasus fillies, crying and howling.
Surrounded by some masked ponies sits Rainbow Dash.
Applejack and Rarity sneaking inside unseen by any of the guards.
"Ms. Chairman we captured the intruder." A masked pony says and throws Fluttershy in front of the chairman´s hooves.
"My, my! A full grown Pegasus will bring us a lot of colors." The chairman says mocking Fluttershy.
He continues, "Oh Fluttershy you are a disgrace to Cloudsdale. How where you even able to pass flight school? Ah that’s right, you didn´t! You ran away and where hiding on the ground in hope we wouldn´t get a looser like you."
Fluttershy is crying. "Why are you saying such things? You don´t know me."
The chairman breaks out in laughter. "I don´t know you?"- He puts down the mask all of the workers wear and reveals Rainbow Dash´s face.- "I know you better then you know yourself, but don´t worry Fluttershy you will serve Cloudsdale, even if it means your death. Take her to the machine!"
The workers who brought her here pull them up and carry her to the assembly line.
"What the hay should we do?!" Aj asks nervously.
"We need to do something!" Rarity whispers back slightly panicked.
But before any of them could think of a plan the real Rainbow Dash begins to shout.
"Stop it! Cloudsdale would never to something like this!-She kicks the guards around her away and flies with an incredible speed towards her other self.- "And most of all, I would never hurt Fluttershy, or anypony else."
She reaches her other self and slams it to the ground.
"Come on Rainbow Dash, think! What would Cloudsdale be with all the weak and sick? You of all ponies should know that the most important thing in life is the honor and loyalty of, and to, your country. Do you think something like the Wonderbolts could exist when the malformed wouldn´t be extinguished?"
Rainbow Dash slams her hooves with all of her might in the other Rainbow´s face.
"Nothing could ever justify something like this! My loyalty belongs to my friends! Then comes Cloudsdale and Equestria! I couldn´t live in a world without my friends."
Tears are streaming down Rainbow Dash´s face, still beating her other self in the face.
Fluttershy is bound and gagged, unable to move, slowly being pulled towards the blades of the machine.
The beaten-up other Rainbow laughs and spits blood onto the face of the real Rainbow.
"Do you want to see me suffer, or do you want to save your friend?"
Rainbow Dash stops her outrage and turns her gaze towards Fluttershy.
"No! I will save you Fluttershy!"
Some Pegasus guards are trying to block her path but Rainbow gives them a nice kick in the face and sends them flying.
"I got you Fluttershy."
Rainbow grabs Fluttershy and spots Aj and Rarity.
"Watch over her."
She brings Fluttershy down to Applejack and Rarity and flies back up to her other self.
A loud alarm sound brings the ponies to tremble.
A dozen masked pegasy flood the room.
The bathed in blood other Rainbow yells at the new ponies. "Get them! Kill them! I want to see their flesh grinding in the device!"
Rainbow Dash kicks her in the face again, towards the machine.
"You want to see something grinded in the machine so badly?! How about you?!"
The other Dash is frightened. "Wait think about what we can achieve together. We could rule Cloudsdale."
Rainbow Dash replies with a smirk on her face. "I am way too awesome to be stuck in one place."
With these words she kicks her other self into the machine and sees how she gets grinded into nothing more than her colors.
All of the guards stop dead in their track and walk away.
The blood covered Rainbow Dash says, "So this was it, right?"
At Twilights Palace
Teenage Spike breaths a green flame that the heroes can barely avoid.
"Holy moly!" Spike says as he jumps behind a bookshelf.
Teenage Spike taunts them. "Come on I will grand you a swift death, hiding is to no avail, I will find you anyway."
Pinkie casts her protection field and Hunk flies to the top of the room.
"I´m up here you pubescent Spike."
Teenage Spike looks up and spits a stream of fire towards Hunk.
The fire breaks through the protection from Pinkie.
Hunk screams in agony as he falls onto the floor.
"Foolish pony do you honestly think a low level protection spell will protect you from me?"
Spike jumps out of his cover and breaths with all of his might a flame at teenage Spike.
The fire bounces of his scales.
"Now you will die little one."
Teenage Spike slowly walks towards Spike and raises his sharp claw.
"Not so fast!" Pinkie dashes with her head into teenage Spike´s side.
He is pushed a little bit to the side but it didn´t do much to him.
"I will take care of you after the little baby dragon."
Teenage Spike grabs Spike who was trying to run for cover and clutches his head.
"Mh maybe the princess will be mad if I kill you right away."
He chokes him unconscious.
Pinkie watches in shock, Hunk lying on the ground, his wings still burning, Spike lifeless on the ground, barely breathing and teenage Spike heading for her.
"No! No! This can´t be true! I didn´t allow my friends to leave me!"
Pinkies hair becomes straight, her colors getting darker, a grin forms on her face.
"Oh you will pay for this!"
She charges at teenage Spike.
Back in the factory.
Rainbow Dash is breathing heavy. "This was it right?"
Rarity answers nervously. "If it is the same as the other “other” worlds I say no, because you didn’t accept any part of your other self."
A laughter startles the ponies.
"Muahahaha Rainbow Dash your friends are useless and you know it! You stand above those idiotic friends of yours. You always brag about yourself because you know you are better. You are unique!"
A liquefied Rainbow Dash rises from the machine.
"Pride, honor, loyalty these are the only things you need. When you kill these lowlife’s you will be awarded with a lot of shiny medals. Wouldn’t that be great?"
Rainbow Dash is near her breaking point. "Ok you know what? I love Cloudsdale and I love the appreciation, I am proud to be the first pony since forever to be able to perform a sonic rainboom, but if I have learned one thing about friendship it´s that you never should get your success on the costs of others."
The other slimy Rainbow Dash has an interested look on her face. "So what you are saying is that you still will trying to be the best without hurting anypony else? That is quite interesting. I think I can accept this, but only to see if you will fail of course."
The other Rainbow Dash laughs while disintegrating.
Rainbow Dash who is completely exhausted says, "But now it is over right?"
The others smile at her. "You really did it Rainbow."
In the library.
Pinkie pulls a knife from her saddlebag and rams it between teenage Spikes scales.
"Hahaha not bad Pinkamena."
"You don´t know real suffering, but you will when I´m done with you!"
A white Pegasus with a blond mane and tail rises from Pinkie Pie.
"Surprise surprise. Meet Surprise!"
Teenage Spike is shocked. "That´s impossible."
Surprise knocks teenage Spike over and Pinkie jumps on his head and stabs his eyes out.
He lets out a painful growl.
Pinkie keeps stabbing him while Surprise kicks him again and again.
When suddenly Twilight interferes. "Stop this madness! I acknowledge you as the real Pinkie and Spike and Hunk."
The bleeding teenage Spike tries to change her mind. "No they aren´t real you know…" Pinkie cuts his tongue out before he can finish his sentence.
"I acknowledge you because only the real Pinkie Pie would be able to summon her suppressed Pegasus self."
Teenage Spike tries to talk, but without his tongue he is unable to form any words. And soon after he vanishes into thin air.
Hunk still lying on the ground says. "*Cough* I will get us all out of here." And all of the ponies, including the ones in the factory are teleported back to Equestria.
Your past is always catching up with you
As all of them return, there is not a soul in sight.
Hunk has heavy burns, Rainbow Dash, still covered in blood, is staring at the ceiling, Twilight is unconscious, Fluttershy still in shock from nearly being grinded, Pinkie is in her Pinkamena form, Spike barely alive, the only ones who are full aware of their surroundings are Applejack and Rarity.
Aj observes her surroundings.
"Rarity can you carry the wounded to the infirmary?"
"Of course."
Rarity levitates all the others and walks towards the infirmary. Applejack decides to search for Celestia and Luna.
Applejack enters the throne room.
"Princess we have a lot of wounded we need immediately help in the infirmary."
Celestia is sitting on her throne.
"Applejack we will have a greater problem then the wounded. You have my sympathy but the moon is coming closer, Luna has no longer any control over it, but she is still trying to hold it in place and there is nothing I can do to help her."
"There has to be a reason my princess. Ya´ are the wisest pony in Equestria ya´ have to know something."
"I am sorry Applejack but I know as much about what is happening as any other pony."
Meanwhile in the infirmary.
"I hope you have fun brother."
A female unicorn talks to Hunk.
"Was your lower desire to meet them really worth the destruction of their world?"
Hunk looks over to her.
"Sister? Why?"
She answers despising. "Still the ignorant, disobedient fool you always were?"- She laughs at him-"Don´t worry brother it will all be over soon, but I like a good game so I will give this to someone"- She waggles a book in her hoof- "Oh you don´t remember what this is? It´s your diary, from the “other” world how you call it. They all shall know that everything that has happened is your fault."
She leaves with an evil laughter.
Twilight awakens as something heavy falls on her bed.
"What is this? A book?"
Twilight opens the book and begins to read.
"Even so my sister says I only have to observe the pony world when something important is happening I just can´t let go, their world is so full of beauty, so full of wonders."
"My sister scolded me again for observing “not important” ponies, but I think I fell in love with one of them. She had a really hard time but still she is able to smile, I wish I was able to smile in this bleak world of mine."
"I told my sister about the one pony I really like but she said “Love is something for mortals, don´t even think about it anymore and go back to work!” It really did hurt my feelings."
"Every time I try to forget this happy pony my thoughts are drifting back to her, I just can´t forget her. Maybe I should get into her world and talk to her."
"Today my sister warned me that something terrible will happen if I don´t put an end to this."
"I was powerless and could just watch as my loved one was drifting into insanity, because her friends were avoiding her. I wish I could be by her side."
"Sister said that this is the last warning, the line between our and their world is about to crumble. I know as much about the fabric of the worlds as she does. I know when to stop."
"The world around me gets weirder, the fog forms places that resemble areas I observed, I know that this world is formed by the thoughts of the inhabitants of the world I observe, but are they all having such dark thoughts?"
"I came to the conclusion that I have to warn the ponies of Equestria sooner or later."
"My sister gets angrier each day, even so we both rule about this world. I think I have to do something about it."
"Oh my beloved Pinkamena, I will soon be there to make you forever happy!"
"Sister said I endanger both of our worlds. I don´t care as long as I can be together with Pinkie."
"She tried to take away my powers! I ripped of her wings for that! She cried in pain and I liked it. She is weak, soon I´ll rule this world along with Pinkamena Diane Pie."
"Opened the portal more, thoughts of the ponies, really interesting, forming new areas."
"Oh no what did I do?! Loneliness can do terrible things to ponies, I am so sorry about everything. I have to straighten the things I did while being not myself. The fog is creeping into Equestria I have to warn them!"
"This will be my last entry I was able to hold of my sister, she said she will get her revenge but for now I will go into the other world and talk to the princess. The chance that I lose most of my memories is very high but I have to take the risk, or else the whole world of Equestria will be in danger!"
Applejack enters the room.
"Hey Twilight how are ya´ doing?"
"Oh hello Aj. Do you know in which room Hunk is? I have some questions for him."
Applejack gives Twilight an earnest look. "You sure you´re up to an interrogation?"
"Applejack I just have some questions it´s no interrogation."
Applejack answers, "He is in the room down the floor to the right."
"Thanks Aj." Twilight gets up with the book in her hoof and walks out the door.
Hunk is being awoken by the sound of the door being slammed shut behind him.
"What do you have to say about this “Hunk“?"-Twilight throws the book at Hunk.-"Let me guess, you don´t remember anything of this."
Hunk gives her a puzzled look and opens the book.
"This… I thought I just dreamed it. So my sister really was here."
He flips through the book.
"This is my handwriting, am I really the cause of all this? Now I remember, my cutiemark, hers and why I came here. Of course it was right in front of me the whole time! My vanity is the cause of all this. I wanted to stand up against my fate."
Twilight’s smugly expression fades to a slightly scared one.
"Ahem Hunk what are you talking about?"
She looks to the side of his bed and sees that he gets an infusion with strong painkillers.
"Oh the narcotics seem to kick in. I will leave you then, for now."
As soon as Twilight closes the door behind her Rarity runs into her.
"Twilight good timing these cultist, these Nihilists are spreading chaos all over Canterlot and Luna as well as Celestia are trying everything to keep the moon at bay, but to no avail."
Hunk´s room door opens and he tumbles out of it.
"Because it is no longer the real moon. It is my sister´s final solution. Nyx."
The enemy of my enemy is my friend
One of the palace guards is running towards Twilight, Rarity and Hunk.
"*Pant, pant* Princess Twilight, Celestia requests you to come to the observation platform."
Twilight looks at Hunk, who has fallen asleep while sitting in the doorway, she sighs and turns towards Rarity. "Rarity would you be so kind to bring everypony who is able to stand into the war room? I have the feeling we will need every help we can get."
Twilight follows the guard up to the observation platform.
Upon arriving she sees Luna, Celestia and Discord.
"What is Discord doing here?" Twilight asks puzzled.
Discord teleports in front of Twilight. "Is this a way to greet an old friend princess? I have to say it hurts my feelings."
It is impossible to overhear his sarcastically tone.
Luna gives Twilight and Discord an annoyed look and says. "We hate to interrupt you but we have an important task we need you to carry out. And Discord will assist you."
Discord gives a wide grin and winks at Twilight.
Twilight pulls herself together. "What do you need us to do?"
"If we want to stand a chance against this threat we need all the help we can get. You have to go into the queendom of the changelings and convince queen Chrysalis to help us. We already sent a request to the dragons and the griffins."
"And what was their answer?"
"The answer from the griffins has as yet to come and the dragons declined, they said we can be wiped out for all that they care."
Discord floats around the three princesses.
"Yes yes yes, this whole exposition is really interesting but just let us go already I want to get over with this."
He grabs Twilight and teleports her and himself away.
The door to the observation platform opens and Rarity enters.
"Twilight I have done as you asked of me…Where is Twilight?"
Twilight and Discord arrive at the changeling’s property.
"I didn´t say that I was ready Discord!"
"Oh you didn´t? Mh that’s strange could swear I heard you say "let us begin immediately, because I love to spend time with my good friend Discord.""
Twilight thinks for a moment but decides not to respond to this, then she takes a deep breath and walks toward a castle.
Surrounded by a constant buzzing sound they enter through the main gate.
Twilight and Discord are met with a great main hall that does look surprisingly inviting. A stone staircase leads upwards and as the gaze of Twilight follows the stairs up she notices that on top of the stairs Chrysalis is already awaiting them.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in."-An eerie smirk forms on her face.-"Discord to what do I owe the honor of this visit?"
Discord bows and says. "I just came for a quick visit, I wanted to see how you are doing. After all you are my favorite queen."
"You are right it really has been a long time since we saw each other."
Twilight interrupts the chat. "Can we delay this causal chat to a later point? We have some business to do."
Chrysalis swings her head into Twilight´s direction.
"I really thought you had a better taste in company Discord. So what is it and make it short please."
Before Twilight can answer Discord whispers to her. "Twilight let me handle this I know you don´t trust me all that much but please trust me on this one."
Twilight looks deep into Discord´s eyes and she can´t see any trace that he is lying.
"Excuse me my dear Chrysalis. Twilight can be such a loudmouth, but she is right that we are here to request your assistance."
Chrysalis is sneering. "And with “We” you mean that cursed princess of yours right?"
"The ponies aren´t that bad if you get to know them better." He replies abashed.
"Oh please save me this good talk about these ponies."
"But think about this situation Chrysalis, the ruler of all ponies requests your help, so it has to be important right?"
"Ha you really disappoint me Discord I couldn´t care less about the pony folks, as far as it concerns me they can perish and die."
Twilight clenches her teeth and tries to suppress her anger.
Discord gets more nervous.
"I wanted to appeal to your better nature but the truth is…"
Twilight can´t take it any longer and yells. "We don´t have all day! Chrysalis when you weren´t such a complete, insolent, fool you would have to notice that the moon is getting closer and when it crushes down on Equestria, not only will the ponies die, but everything! Including your swarm!"
Discord slams his paw into his face.
Chrysalis simply stands there mouth and eyes wide open. Shakes her head for a moment and walks closer to Twilight.
"How dare you to insult the queen of the swarm?! I will crush you with my army, my children will feed upon your body…"
Discord places himself between Chrysalis and Twilight.
"We don´t want to do something that we might regret later, so let us all calm down ladies."
Chrysalis takes a deep breath and says calmly. "Of course I noticed the change of the moon and you know what Twilight? I will help you, of course only so I can be the one who destroys your pathetic princess Celestia."
Twilight and Discord are both sighing in relief.
"You two can go ahead and inform your princess that I will lead the swarm to her aid."
She smiles and walks upstairs.
"I can´t see anything in this blizzard. How are you doing my dear?"
"I´m fine but we need to find shelter or we will freeze to death."
No matter in what direction they try to look there is nothing but wasteland, a cold, snowy wasteland devoid of any sign of life.
The stallion stops dead in his track.
"Are we walking in circles? We need to get south somehow."
The mare coughs. "Maybe I can fly up and…"
"No I highly doubt you will see anything up there and besides your wings are still not healed! We just have to keep moving until we find a cave or anything like that."
The snowstorm only intensifies and it becomes harder to walk, but then the two ponies stumble upon a cavity in a snow covered hill, big enough for both of them to fit in.
"I hope this blizzard will stop soon. I even lost track of how long we are already out here."
The mare snuggles up to him. "It will be worth it, this artifact we found possesses strong magic. I´m sure it will help all of us."
After some time both are sound asleep, when the sound of an argument gets closer, the stallion wakes up, rubs his eyes and still half asleep, tries to focus on the voices.
"You promised Iron Will much money, but instead Iron Will has to walk across this snow desert!"
"I the great and powerful Trixie commands you to be quiet! We are very close to the magic source."
The stallion wakes the mare.
"Someone is coming we have to be prepared for anything."
"Could it be? Did the undead from the ruin follow us all the way here?"
The voices are getting closer.
"Hey look over there is a hole maybe its inside!"
Two heads peeking inside the small entrance to this tiny but safe sanctuary.
The stallion tries to identify the faces looking at him.
One belongs to a light blue, female, unicorn. The other seems to belong to some sort of cow hybrid.
Before his thoughts can make any estimation the unicorn speaks to him.
"Is that you Shining Armor? And Cadance?!"
Shining Armor steps forward. "And who are you?"
"You didn´t hear about me, the great and powerful Trixie?"
"The name does ring some bells. And who is this?"
He points at the Minotaur.
"I am Iron Will. Helping ponies being more self-aware!"
"Nice to meet you two…I guess… But why are you out here in the middle of nowhere?"
"I Trixie sensed some powerful magic and came to investigate. And Trixie brought him along because Trixie doesn´t like to travel alone, also he is carrying my luggage."
Cadance shows her a crystal ball. "Did you sense this?"
Trixie stares at the sphere. "Yes this is the magic Trixie came for. But I can´t class it to no known to me magic. We have to bring this to Canterlot."
Iron Will looks disappointed. "This is for what Iron Will came all the way out here?"
The snowstorm has stopped and the four of them start their journey across the snowy wastelands.
Back in Canterlot
Twilight and Discord arrive at the castle and going straight to the princess. When Twilight is stopped by an angry Rarity.
"Twilight where did you go? I gathered everyone hours ago."
"Rarity I am really sorry but we had to talk to Chrysalis and Discord didn´t want to wait so…"
Rarity looks slightly disgusted. "Uh Chrysalis this terrible queen of the changelings?"
Rarity is caught up in her thoughts about the ruffians with their slime and the overall look.
Twilight uses this moment and runs to the princess.
She opens the door and is instantly greeted.
"My faithful student I knew you would not disappoint me. Discord already told me the good news."
"What is our next step princess?" Twilight asks.
"To be completely honest with you, I don´t know. For now we just have to wait."
"I understand."
Twilight leaves the room, from the corner of her eye she detects Discord, pretending to read a book.
She remembers. "Of course maybe I find something in the book!"
Twilight runs into Hunk´s patient room, where she left the book.
As she opens the door she is greeted by a wide smile, brown eyes with way to big pupils, a long brown mane and white coat. Dressed in a green formal attire.
"Oh Twilight why did you betray me? You could have been happy, forever!"
Twilight gives a testy reply. "I don´t know how you did it but all you showed me were nothing more than illusions."
"You saw what you needed to see. Isn´t all that I showed you the truth? Was anything I told you a lie?"
"Why are you here Diamond?"
"I came to forgive you for your high treason and offer you to join me again."
"No I won´t betray my friends again!"
"You rather help the one responsible for all of this then to help me restore peace to this world?"
"No means no!"
"Do as you please, but how do you know that this is the real world? How can you be sure you are not dead already?"
"Stop it! You won´t be able to deceive me once again."
"Ok ok princess Twilight. You win but I think you came for this book here right?"
She floats Hunks diary around, and with a *snap* it bursts into flames.
"No! Why did you do this?!"
"You wanted to see if there would be a clue to what I do next right? Don´t worry it was neither the real nor the complete diary, the real one is locked away. But anyway where was I? Oh right why read about something when I can show you!"
Twilight founds herself standing on the roof of the Canterlotcastle. The grinning Diamond beside her.
"Any minute now. Aaaaannd there!"
A huge black obsidian tower rises from the ground of the city, so impressive it overshadows the castle.
"You see Twilight I really didn´t want it to end like this, so if you have a change of heart I will be on top of that beautiful structure."
She turns around and begins walking. "Oh but before I forget it you should be careful when you walk around. The streets aren´t safe at night."
With a satisfied laugh she teleports herself away.
Twilight is still processing what she just witnessed. An enormous building appears out of thin air.
She looks up to the Nyx moon and as she does so the front of the moon is opening.
The opening reveals a giant eyeball, looking down on the city.
Twilights eyes follow the gaze of Nyx and lands on one of the Nihilists. He breaks down and seems to be in an awful lot of pain. The typical black cloak of the cult members is ripped to shreds as the pony´s muscles grow, a black tarlike liquid leaks out of him. His face slightly decays, his skin bursts open.
After this horrifying metamorphoses, the now mutated pony stands up and runs around. The sight resembles that of a rabies infected animal.
All across the town screams of fear and panic echo through the night.
Twilight teleports to the throne room where she sees Luna, Celestia, Chrysalis and all of her friends gathered.
"Princess something terrible has happened!"
"I know Twilight, that’s why we are here. The guards and changelings are trying to hold them of, but I doubt they stand a chance. We have to take action right now."
"Diamond Secret said she is waiting on top of this tower that has appeared."
All of them are startled as one of the windows in the room breaks.
A loud impact followed with, "This idea sounded better in theory." by Shining Armor
Everyone is taken aback.
Twilight runs up to Armor and nearly strangles him, so tight is she hugging him.
"I´m so happy you are alive!"
Cadance pulls some glass shards out of her body. "Celestia we found something that might help."-She shows the crystal ball to Celestia.-"I have so many questions, but let us focus on the task at hand. Where did you find this?"
"After our train derailed we wandered through the frozen north and near the Crystal Mountains we found some sort of old temple. And above the altar where this ball was lying was an inscription that read, “This crystal of power allowing one to see through to the truth of things without being swayed by hollow rumors. An orb that repels fabrications of all sorts, dispels lies and shines upon the truth.”"
Celestia is thinking about those words.
"Truth is a thing which only appears to those who have observed, considered and made a choice. That is something Star Swirl the Bearded said to me a long time ago. I think it belongs to an old legend called “The Orbs of Harmony” then this one must be the orb of sight."
A guard runs into the room.
"Princess we can´t hold out much longer! And we don´t have enough troops to protect the castle and the citizens."
Celestia speaks to the still injured Hunk.
"What would you suggest Hunk?"
"I think the tower is another trap but we don´t have much of a choice. Though I have a plan it might be risky but it could be our only chance."
Luna shouts. "Spit it out already!"
"Celestia, Luna, Chrysalis, Cadance and Twilight you go to the tower, you will probably have to walk up the tower she wouldn´t summon something like that without a strong magic barrier. “Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy will follow me into the other world, last but not least Shining Armor, Spike, Discord, Trixie and Iron Will you will help the soldiers protecting the civilians. Is everyone ok with this plan?"
Aj says skeptical. "I really would like to hear a bit more about what we have to do in the other world but I guess there´s no time right?"
"I´m sorry but you just have to trust me on this one."
Everyone nods and they all start of their separate ways.
The Alicorns fly above the streets of Canterlot, watching everypony fighting for survival against these grotesque abominations that ones were ponies.
Luna notices Celestia´s wet eyes.
"Don´t think about it sister the sad thing about war is you can´t save everyone, no matter how hard you try."
"I know, but still…"
Celestia falls silent.
Cadance flies closer to Twilight.
"It is really a shame we always meet us under such circumstances."
Twilight forces a smile.
"Yes it truly is."
"Here Twilight I think the orb is safer when you take care of it."
Cadance hands over the orb of sight to Twilight.
"Thank you Cadance, it means much to me that you entrust something so valuable to me."
"There is no pony in the whole world that I would trust more Twilight."
Twilight’s fake smile becomes one of true joy.
In the streets of Canterlot
"Don´t overdo it Spike you got that?!"
"I faced these things before but thanks anyway Armor."
Iron Will grabs one of the deformed cultists and throws him into the wall of a nearby building.
"Hu Ha don´t mess with Iron Will!"
Trixie runs to him.
"Hey how about some help here?"
A maggot like, large thing covered in the black tar, as wide as the street, crawls slowly towards them.
Iron Will gulps. "Hey Armor and the others maybe you want to join us for this one?"
Discord, Spike and Shining Armor are starring at the monster.
Inside the other world
Hunk observes his surroundings. "This place looks awfully familiar."
A wide platform rounded off in front of them, in the middle of the edge leads a stair upwards to a small circuit platform.
The other ponies looking confused at Hunk.
"No wait something is wrong about this all. My diary it wasn´t complete the truth as to be somewhere in my mind. Come on think!"
Out of the fog comes another Hunk, complete with his glasses, suit, red eyes, wings, horn simply everything is the same.
"Such foolishness. The truth is unattainable. It will always be shrouded in fog. Though you reach through the murk and the gloom to grasp something, you have no means to know it is the truth. In which case, why…? What sense is there in yearning for truth?"
Hunk is shocked. "What how can I have an other self?"
"You know what you really are and what you did."
The other Hunk forms swords out of the fog around him and swirls them around.
The ponies get ready to fight him.
"It is those efforts that I am calling useless… You are hollow. Empty."
Everypony charges towards the other Hunk.
At the bottom of the tower
Luna looks at the other Alicorns.
"So are we supposed to just enter, walk up the stairs and say hello to Ms. Secret?"
"At least that’s the plan." Cadance replies.
They enter and look up.
"Are you serious? No way I´m walking all that way." Chrysalis says and prepares to fly up in the air, but as soon as her hooves leave the ground slams an invisible force her back to the ground.
Luna lets out a deep frustrated sigh. "Oh well in that case we better start climbing up these endless stairs."
All of the Alicorns start to climb up the stairs, from time to time they look up, but there is no end in sight.
The streets of Canterlot
Discord performs some magic tricks like building a cage around the maggot, or freezing it to the ground but to no avail, it gets slowed down for less than a second and then continues crawling towards them.
A Pegasus guard flies over the creature.
"I will help you general! Don´t wo… WUAHH!"
The maggot opens it triangle split mouth and a long slimy, tentacle like tongue shoots out of it and grabs the guard. As fast as it came out it vanished back into the mouth along with the guard.
Shining Armor shouts out to the others.
"Retreat we can´t face it in a direct battle!"
Trixie shouts back at him.
"Which way should we go?"
Armor ponders about their options. "Let us rush to the main square and help the other soldiers!"
Along the way they have to engage in battles against zombielike ponies and abstract spiderponies.
Finally arriving at the town square they take a short breathing pause.
"I really thought our troops would have hold out longer, I just hope they did run away and weren´t killed." Shining Armor says while walking around the abandoned place.
Trixie looks around being a bit confused she asks. "Why is here no sign of any battle? Trixie means look at this, it looks like everypony just decided to stand up and leave."
Shining Armor agrees. "This would be clearly one of the most important areas to protect, then why is it so… clean?"
Shining Armor looks at the others they all seem just confused except Spike, he seems more frightened than confused.
"What’s the matter Spike?"
"Don´t you feel this? It´s weak but noticeable."
Armor concentrates and feels a small vibration.
"Something is definitely moving."
As soon as he said this tentacles shoot out of the buildings and grab them.
Trixie is able to free herself as is Shining Armor and Discord.
Spike and Iron Will also try to free themselves but with no success.
But instead of pulling them down they just hold them in place.
"What are they doing?" Trixie asks
More tentacles appear and trying to get a hold of the barely freed ones.
They free themselves once again with their magic but as soon as they destroyed one tentacle another appears.
"This is hardly fair." Discord mumbles angry.
Trixie and Shining Armor are too exhausted to resist any longer; they get grabbed by another pair of tentacles.
"This seems to be the end, it was an honor fighting alongside you guys." Armor says with is last breathe.
"May Equestria live on in the hearts of everyone." Trixie adds.
"If we somehow survive this I will buy you all a beer." Iron Will says laughing.
In the other world
Pinkie and Fluttershy holding up a protection around everypony as good as they can.
Hunk manifests crystal shards and throws them at the other Hunk, but he blocks them with his swords, still swirling around him like flies around a rotten corpse.
"Why are you standing in my way? Why are you keeping me from getting my memories back?"
"At your core, you know this… You just cannot accept it. So you seek an alternate form… a denial of your nature. You have no lost memories. If you have forgotten anything, it is this truth."
Other Hunk produces a flash and blinds Fluttershy as well as Pinkie, then throws one of his fog swords at Aj. She avoids it but then, *Splash* she is hit by another coming from behind. The instable looking blade pierces right through her back and comes out of her chest.
"*Cough* I… I´m sorry ya´ll."
She coughs blood and falls lifeless to the ground.
The others shout out, nearly simultaneously. "Nooo, this can´t be real!"
Other Hunk smirks and says "Close your eyes. Lie to yourself. Live in blissful ignorance… It is a much smarter way to exist." Before attacking again.
Inside the tower
"There I can see the light!"
Twilight points at the now visible opening in at the top.
They all are completely exhausted as they reach the top.
Breathing heavily Celestia screams at the pony standing at the edge of the roof and looking up in the sky.
"You! Why are you doing this?!"
Diamond Secret turns around.
"Why? Why not. Thanks to my brother this world became instable. I only do what is necessary, like always. You all will perish and from your ashes will rise a new empire, maybe even a new race. Wouldn´t that be exciting?"
"Wait a second. I´ve seen you before haven´t I?"
Diamond applauds unimpressed.
"Congratulations you remember me but from where could it be? Any idea?"
"I thought I was just hallucinating when I saw you in the mirror Sunset Shimmer was so obsessed with. Why just why do you do all this?"
"Always the same question. Why, why, why. Because sometimes things need to be done! Do you think it is fun to do this? I just roll with it. I know that you of all ponies should know how it feels to do something that breaks your heart, but it still needs to be done right?"
"There is nothing that we cannot repair if we had the time we could fix whatever you think the problem is."
"Oh Celestia kind hearted and reasonable like always, but enough of the talk are you here to stop me? Than go ahead I grant you the first blow."
Diamond points at her face.
Back in the other world
"It is the same for you all… You undergo suffering because of your search for the truth…
This world is filled with thick, heavy fog…
How can you find something when you know not what you search for?
And thus, you invite more suffering upon yourselves… It is beyond my comprehension."
Other Hunk pulls Fluttershy towards him with magic. The others trying to get closer but an infinite
Amount of blades keeps them at bay.
Hunk summons crystals and throws them at him, still they get ripped to pieces before they reach him,
Pinkie becomes her insane Pinkamena side and summons Surprise along, Rainbow Dash flies around and tries to gain enough speed for a rainbow explosion.
Rarity wants to get a hold on Fluttershy but other Hunk´s magic is just too strong.
He slowly drags Fluttershy on one of his blades. Fluttershy begins to cry, the blade is digging deeper into her abdomen, she screams in pain, while the blood drops down from her stomach down the sharp foggy sword.
"I will grant you one truth… You will all die here. You sought the truth, only to find death…"
He pulls the sword out of Fluttershy´s twitching body.
Rainbow Dash gained enough speed and rushes down onto other Hunk.
"You will pay you bastard!"
Other Hunk looks up. The last thing everypony sees is an incredible explosion in all colors of the Rainbow.
"Did we make it?" Rarity asks while grieving over the loss of her friends.
As the dust settles down Hunk, Rarity, Pinkie and even her other self, Surprise, are frozen in place.
Other Hunk is standing, grinning, there levitating one of his swords close to him, on it is the impaled Rainbow Dash. The blade goes right through her head, she doesn´t move at all.
"Foolish beings! Accept your end with dignity and grace!"
Meanwhile on the top of the tower
Celestia threatens Diamond. "If you do not give up right now we will make you stop by force!"
"Do your worst."
Celestia attacks with her sunray beam, Luna with her night beam.
"Oh near enough is not good enough!"
Diamond stands there like nothing has happened.
"My turn."
Diamond laughs and a blast wave tosses the Alicorns away. Only the magic barrier around the top of the tower stops them from falling off.
Diamond walks up to Celestia.
"Why do you want to deny so many beings their biggest wish? So many wish for this world to end. You all will be so much happier in the other world. Everything you desire will be yours. The only thing you have to do is dying."
Chrysalis, Twilight and Cadance are back up on their feet and attack with their magic beam, but it passes right through and nearly hits Celestia.
"You cannot defeat me. Just accept your fate!"
The main square
Discord is worried. "No I can´t let them die. They are my friends. At least that’s what Fluttershy taught me."
Three of the maggots crawling to their position.
"Oh that´s why they didn´t kill us right away. They want to feed us to the maggots." Trixie says like it’s no big deal.
The maggots come closer and nearly are able to reach them when of them is hit by a bomb and explodes, leaving nothing more than a black tarlike, bloody mess.
Spike looks up.
"The griffins! They came to help us!"
A whole squadron of griffins pass over their heads and are dropping bombs.
The other two maggots don´t stand a chance against the strength of the detonations.
The tentacles loosen their grip and are retreating back into the ground.
Shining Armor falls on the ground.
"So we aren´t alone after all. With these big maggots out of the way we can beat those things!"
In the other world
Other Hunk attacks Pinkamena in close combat.
She is able to avoid his attacks.
"You are quite talented, I am impressed."
Rarity, in her anger, is able to freeze other Hunk for a short moment, Pinkamena uses this opportunity, stabs him in his throat and jumps back to avoid a counter attack.
Other Hunk holds his wound.
"Stop this futile struggling. Even if you resist, it will all come to naught…"
Surprise flies above and charges down at other Hunk but she too is, just like Rainbow Dash, killed with little effort.
Pinkiamena falls onto her knees drops her knife and clutches her hooves at her chest.
Other Hunk readies one of his swords and throws it at Pinkie.
"NOO!"
Hunk jumps in front of her and gets stabbed he lands on his back looking over to Pinkie, only to see that she already has three swords stuck in her back.
"How could I fail? I´m sorry I doomed you all."
Hunk laughs at himself for having nothing better to say as his final words before closing his eyes.
Rarity´s will is broken. Seeing nearly all her friends dead and uncertain if the others are still alive.
"Why did this have to happen? That isn´t fair. Why is there nothing I can do?!"-She pounds her hooves at the cold stone floor.-"I would give my own life if only I could have another normal, happy day with all of my friends!"
A white light is going out from Rarity´s heart. Tiny light spheres floating at her dead friends and sinks into their hearts. They levitate slightly above ground and a flashing lightning blinds other Hunk.
As his sight returns he sees all the ponies he just killed, brought back to life.
"What…? How can you summon such strength for such a futile endeavor…!?"
Other Hunk is surprised and then realizes his swords are gone.
Before he is able to build new ones Aj and Rainbow kicking him with all of their strength.
The combined force is too much and he is pushed to the edge of the platform.
"It all is in vain."
Hunk tosses a crystal shard right into other Hunks heart. The impact is enough to let him loose his stand and so he falls into the fog filled nothingness below, without making so much as a beep.
Rarity absolutely exhausted stands near the stairs that lead upwards.
"Would you be so kind to support me Aj? I am a bit weak on my legs." She tries to get out a laugh but nearly suffocates while doing so.
Reaching the small circular platform they see Diamond Secret.
"She isn´t moving, why?" Fluttershy whispers to the group.
The ponies approaching her.
At the top of the Tower
The Alicorns are still attacking her even if only to buy some time.
"Oh I think I have to leave you for now I have some varmints to take care of."
She is about to vanish when Twilight has the presence of mind to pull the others close to her and holds on to Diamond.
Twilight is woken up by a comforting ray of light, shining through her window. Twilight opens her eyes, she yawns and stretches her body. She stands up from her bed and walks over to her dresser.
She looks at her unkempt mane.
"Looks like I had a rough sleep."
She giggles and brushes her mane strait.
After that she turned around and looks upon Spike, who is still asleep.
"Wake up Spike it´s already 9 o´ clock."
Spike opens his sleepy eyes.
"Just five more minutes." He says and turns himself around in his little bed.
Twilight smiles and says quietly "Well why not." And goes downstairs.
Twilight´s gaze roams around in her library and while doing so she sees all the opened up books lying around.
"I really should try to read one book at a time." She thinks to herself and takes a look in every open book.
A rapid banging on the door interrupts Twilight´s reading.
She opens the door and sees Pinkie Pie, energetic and happy like always.
"Hello Pinkie Pie. Why did you come around?"
Pinkie hops around Twilight.
"How could you forget? Today is Rarity´s birthday silly. I came to give you the invitation."
Pinkie hands Twilight an envelope.
"See you at Rarity´s party. I have some more invitations to deliver."
Twilight watches as Pinkie bounces away, whistling a cheerful tune.
"Oh I should get Rarity a present. I wonder what she would like, maybe I find something when I look around the shops."
After running around for hours Twilight still finds nothing Rarity could possibly want.
"I will get Rarity something nice next time I go to Canterlot. I think she will understand."
Twilight makes her way to the Carrousel Boutique. Upon arriving she is greeted by all of her friends.
The party decoration is in the typical Pinkie Pie style, colorful and has an overall happy atmosphere to it.
Rarity walks up to Twilight.
"I´m glad you could make it. I know how busy you are."
"I wouldn´t miss my friend´s birthday party for everything in the world."
Pinkie holds some sort of candy in front of Twilights face.
"Here try them! I made them myself."
Twilight takes one and puts it in her mouth. A burning sensation overcomes her taste buds.
"Their spicy." Twilight pant and runs over to the punch to moisten her mouth.
Time flies as Twilight has a good time with her best friends. It is already nighttime as Twilight decides to leave the party. She walks straight home accompanied by Spike who, of course, also was at the party.
As they arrive at home Twilight hits the hay immediately. She pulls her blanket over her head and thinks to herself while drifting off to dreamland, "What a wonderful day I wish this day would never end."
Twilight is woken up by a comforting ray of light, shining through her window. Twilight opens her eyes, she yawns and stretches her body. She stands up from her bed and walks over to her dresser.
She looks at her unkempt mane and her tired eyes.
"Looks like I had a rough sleep."
She giggles and brushes her mane strait.
After that she turned around and looks upon Spike, who is still asleep.
"Wake up Spike it´s already 9 o´ clock."
Spike opens his sleepy eyes.
"Just five more minutes." He says and turns himself around in his little bed.
Twilight smiles and says quietly "Well why not." And goes downstairs.
Twilight´s gaze roams around in her library and while doing so she sees all the opened up books lying around.
"I really should try to read one book at a time." She thinks to herself and takes a look in every open book.
A rapid banging on the door interrupts Twilight´s reading.
She opens the door and sees Pinkie Pie, energetic and happy like always.
"Hello Pinkie Pie. Did you come to give me an invitation for Rarity´s birthday party?"
Pinkie looks at Twilight in disbelief.
"Did you become psychic?"
Twilight laughs at that comment.
Pinkie hands her an envelope.
"See you at Rarity´s party. I have some more invitations to deliver."
Twilight watches as Pinkie bounces away, whistling a cheerful tune.
"That´s going to be so much fun. Oh well I should get Rarity a present. I wonder what she would like, maybe I find something when I look around the shops."
After running around for hours Twilight still finds nothing Rarity could possibly want.
"I will get Rarity something nice next time I go to Canterlot. I´m sure she will understand."
Twilight makes her way to the Carrousel Boutique. Upon arriving she is greeted by all of her friends.
The party decoration is in the typical Pinkie Pie style, colorful and gives an overall happy atmosphere.
Rarity walks up to Twilight.
"I´m glad you could make it. I know how busy you are."
"I wouldn´t miss my friend´s birthday party for everything in the world."
Pinkie holds some candy in front of Twilights face.
"Here try them! I made them myself."
Twilight takes one and puts it in Rainbow Dash´s mouth, who is standing right beside her.
Rainbow is puzzled at first, but then her face becomes a slight red stain.
"TO SPICY!" She yells and hurries over to the punch.
Everyone laughs and is having fun.
Time flies as Twilight has a good time with her best friends. It is already nighttime as Twilight decides to leave the party. She walks straight home accompanied by Spike who, of course, also was at the party.
As they arrive at home Twilight hits the hay immediately. She pulls her blanket over her head and thinks to herself while drifting off to dreamland, "What a wonderful day I wish this day would never end."
Twilight wakes up in a dim lit room surrounded by fog.
She rubs her eyes, right in front of her stands a magnificent Alicorn. A white coat, long mane and tail both in a maroon color tone, her cutiemark, a quill in an inkpot.
She stares, with her blue eyes directly into Twilight´s and begins to speak in a soft, comforting voice.
"My dear Twilight it doesn´t have to end this way."
Twilight still looking in these endless blue eyes, thinks about the words she just heard and answers.
"I never had any real friends until I was send to Ponyville. Every single day I spend there is more wonderful then the day before. I don´t want to be alone again."
The Alicorn gives her a smile and points at a small orb in Twilight´s hoof.
"Even if you lose everything, you will never be alone as long as you have friends."
Twilight, finally able to take her eyes of the other pony, looks at the small shiny orb that she is holding. Memories from all the great adventures she experienced with her friends come rushing into her mind. The more she thinks about these happy events the brighter shines the orb.
"My friends need me I can´t live in an illusion and this small orb the orb of sight will show me the truth, even if it is a painful one."
Twilight looks up and says. "Thank you."
The Alicorn closes her eyes, smiles at Twilight and says, "I only want you to be happy."
The light from the orb blinds Twilight and as she regains her sight she is on a round platform.
The heroes fall through the mirror, back into the world of Equestria, landing on top of each other.
A collective groaning resounds in the room.
"I get the medic-ponies hang in there!" Luna starts running.
"Did everypony make it?"-Twilight counts the present live-forms.-2One, two…seven ponies and one dragon, puh that was close."
Luna comes back with a lot of medics carrying multiple barrows.
"Don´t worry we will take care of you guys," they putt the injured and exhausted group on the barrows and carry them out the room, into the infirmary.
Twilight lies in a comfortable bed, looking out of the nearby window, into a clear, sunny, blue sky.
*knock knock* Celestia walks in "Twilight Sparkle my faithful student; I am glad to see you are doing well."
"I´m sorry princes; I might be, just a bit worn out, but the others. Rainbow Dash got really hurt back there, I´d rather not think about what happened to Pinkie Pie. And Fluttershy is so sensitive these scenes probably will take their toll on her."
Celestia is just standing in front of her bed, listening to every word.
"Princess how are the others? Are they already awake?"
"Applejack and Rarity are doing great, both of them got away fairly easy considering what you all went through, as for Fluttershy she is sleeping safe and sound, Rainbow Dash is currently in the operation room, undergoing some minor surgery, but don´t worry the doctor said she will be fine. Spike and Hunk are already wide awake, Spike wanted to see you right away-" Celestia chuckles "-but you were asleep so he decided to go with Hunk for a walk."
"And what about Pinkie?"
"She is in a coma."
Twilight doesn´t know how to react to this news, she just falls silent.
"Do you like them to visit?"
She answeres with a scarcely audible, "No I would like some time alone."
Celestia gets the subtle hint winks at Twilight and walks out the door.
Meanwhile in the royal garden
"What is so bad about that?" Spike asks while sniffing the fresh air.
"I just want to wait for the right time; Promise me you won´t tell anypony ok?"
"If it means so much to you I promise."
"Thanks Spike" a gratefully smile comes across Hunks white muzzle.
"I have one more thing to ask of you, but first, let´s eat something!"
"Do you think they got rubies here?"
"Only one way to find out!"
Twilight gets up to check on the others, still wobbly on her legs. She goes to see Rarity and Applejack which share a room together.
"Hey girls, am I interrupting anything?"
2Oh Twilight come in we were just talking about how we showed those monsters what happens when you make us mad" Rarity says, sitting upright in her bed.
"You seem to bear this event quite well" Twilight notices.
"Ya know Twilight thinking about stuff like this to much just ain´t good for you." Applejack takes another bite from an apple.
Rarity continues. "Besides Hunk explained in the beginning that these are technically just Dream-creatures, so you can think of them as nothing more than a really vivid nightmare."
"You have a point, but anyways as soon as we are all up and ready I´m going to demand some answers; I want to know what is going on in this other world."
"Twilight you might wanna get some rest to, you gave really all you´ve got back there." Applejack gives her a concerned look.
"I think you´re right; I should take it a bit easier."
The next morning, Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Spike and Hunk are gathered in Celestia´s war room, sitting around a large table.
Celestia speaks up. "Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy will be absent from this meeting."
"Why does Fluttershy not come?" Twilight questions anxiously.
"She went home, she said all she needs now is some time with her animals."
"So then let us begin the meeting. I hoof over the word to Hunk, you may speak now."
"Thank you princess. We gathered here today so I may share my knowledge of the other world with you; I apologize that I didn´t do so earlier but there simply was not enough time, also I will answer all of your questions."
Twilight raises her hoof. "Actually, I have a lot of questions. Let me start at the beginning, why didn´t we all arrive at the same point, but instead got scattered across the whole village, when we entered?"
"It was my fault; I underestimated the power Pinkies other self had over that place, that’s also the reason why Luna couldn´t contact us."
Rarity asks next."Good that you mention it, what exactly is this “other self” thing and what does it mean?"
"As I mentioned in the beginning, the other world is shaped by thoughts and fears of everyone, but the actual other self obtains its form and power from the deepest desires of that person, it feeds on these feelings and obscures them to a form, that the person in question would never show to the world."
"It exists for all inhabitants of Equestria, but here comes the fact that you all are quite famous in play. The people have more thoughts about you then a stranger on the street and this adds up so much that the other world now tries to find its way into this one."
"Whow, whow, whow, hold on a second"-Rainbow Dash interferes-"are you telling me it’s bad to be known by many?" Having a confused and angry look on her face.
Hunk clears is throat, "Well of course that’s not the only factor, but in a way it´s good that you had to deal with this, think about what chance of survival a lesser pony, than the harbinger of harmony, would have."
"But now to the positive part about this, if my assumptions are correct, defeating ones other self and accepting it should grand you its powers, also known as ones Pony-persona or persony for short."
Twilight gives Hunk a strange glimpse, "first of all, that sounds stupid and furthermore what is so positive about a “persony” that it can justify to go into such a horrible world?!"
"My dear Twilight, you would have to go either way, in order to save Equestria, but this persony will help you in fights like this one against Pinkamena, also I said “if my assumptions are correct” so we have to wait until Pinkie Pie comes out of her coma to confirm my hypothesis."
"Oh and one more thing"-Hunk continues-" we should have some time now before the fog returns, we dealt a heavy blow to the corruption of the other world."
Everyone is lost in thoughts, thinking about the new acquired knowledge.
Celestia says, "If no one has any more questions; I declare this conference as over. You are dismissed."
Everybody stands up and begins to leave the room, as Hunk suddenly breaks the silence.
"Ahem, I don´t want to be pushy, but it could take some time until this mission can be labeled as a success, so I wanted to ask if I may be allowed to get to know you guys a bit better."
The ponies give him a leery look.
Aj, with one raised eyebrow "Yea, sure it might help to get known to each other, just come by when you want to talk."
Rarity gives Hunk a judgmental gaze, "But definitely not with this outfit of yours, when you want to be seen with me in public, this strange mask of yours has to go, also your cloak is not appropriate."
Hunk quavers, "Sure I will think of something."
And so they all leave the room.
Hunk goes to check on Pinkie Pie, as he opens the door to her room he is surprised to see Rainbow Dash, sitting beside her bed, with her still bandaged wings and chest.
"Rainbow, you wanted to check on her to; I see."
"Yes the others meant there´s nothing we can do, but still I think it will make her feel better if someone’s here for her when she wakes up."
"You really are a loyal friend Rainbow, by the way how do you feel? You don´t have to answer if you don´t want to."
"Thanks for asking, I am fine, just have to wait until my wounds are healed before I’m allowed to fly again. But to be honest I´m more worried about Pinkie, this other self of her said some really cruel and nasty things; I wonder what she did undergone to feel only a tiny bit of such things." Rainbow has tears dwelling in her eyes.
"I understand your pain, but we only will find out the truth, when Pinkies is willing to tell us. I will leave now… Rainbow?"- She turns to him," Yes?"- Hunk things for a moment "just… stay strong." With this he left.
Hunk strolls through the busy streets of Canterlot "I should get something to eat."
He goes to a restaurant and is surprised to see Rarity sitting there, he things for a moment if he should approach her, but then he remembers what she said "not with this kind of outfit." Or something like that.
"Thank god I always have my spare clothes with me." He turns into a nearby public toilet and changes his clothes, wich he is carrying under his cloak in a saddlebag.
"Hi Rarity how are you doing?"
Rarity looks up from her tea "Hunk is that you?" she looks upon a stallion with a white coat, a white short mane, glasses, red iris, a black suit with a red tie and , of course, a facemask covering his muzzle, but the most noticeably thing about seeing him without this cloak is the white horn on his head.
"So you are a unicorn." Rarity states with a noticeable disinterest in her voice.
"Well kinda." Hunk mutters
"At least you tried to look acceptable why don´t you have a seat."-Hunk sets himself on the chair opposite to Rarity across this round small coffee-table- "So what brings you to me? Is it my magnificent look?" Rarity chuckles.
"Not exactly, it was really more of a coincident, but if we are already sitting here together we could get to know each other."
"Yes it might indeed be for the best to know about a little bit about each other, so what do you want to know?"
"It´s more an observation than a question, but you were able to handle yourself pretty well against these monstrosities, I have to admit I am impressed."
"Do you think I´m just pretty looking? I´ve got much more talents and being able to handle myself in risky situations is one of them." "Now I have a question for you! Why are you always hiding your face?"
Hunk´s eyes look overwhelmed, "to be honest I don´t really know myself, I just feel awkward not doing so."
The two of them chatting some more until the sun dawns and both decide to get home.
Hunk has a room prepared for him in the castle.
The next morning Hunk is awoken by a loud banging on his door.
"Hunk are you up yet? Hurry Pinkie awoke!" Rainbow Dash´s voice penetrates through the door.
Hunk jumps out of the bed, puts on his suit and facemask and hurries to Pinkies room.
Upon arrival he sees Twilight, Rarity, Aj and of course Rainbow already gathered around Pinkies bed.
"I´m so happy to see you all visiting me; I really have the best friends in all of Equestria." Pinkie says in a happy tone.
"Ah Hunk, now that you are here we can get going with the business." Twilight seems impatient.
Aj interferes, "Don’t you think we should give her a break?"
Twilight doesn´t even notices Applejack´s comment.
Hunk feels uncertain, "Yes sure, so Pinkie is it alright to ask you what that other part of you meant?"
"Not that, I mean about her perso…"- Hunk puts his hoof other her mouth- "Everything at the proper time."
Pinkie looks confused, but still answers. "The truth is I wasn´t always the joyful party pony I am today. Once I was a depressed little filly on a rock farm, the sky was always grey, no sun, no happiness just rocks to roll over. My parents didn’t pay me the least of attention; I had no friends beside my sisters, one day I began to hurt animals,"- She begins to cry-" and it felt good, to see other things see suffer made me feel less… alone, less painful."
Pinkie cries so hard, she is unable to continue speaking.
"Happy now Twilight?!" Rarity says in an upset tone.
"No,"- Pinkie interrupts – " It´s all right, it feels good to share this with somepony else."
Pinkie forces a smile.
"Twilight can I talk to you for a moment? Outside." Hunk whispers to Twilight.
She simply nods, seemingly annoyed. Both of them leave the room in silence.
"Twilight my dear; I know you want to know as much as possible, but my theory about the personies can only be confirmed when we go back into the other world. I will talk with Pinkie about this when she has calmed down and I will immediately inform you about any new information, but until then I need you to be more sensitive about this issue."
She responds with a loud shout, even the others in Pinkies room can hear it. "You don´t have the right to boss me around! We nearly know nothing about you and you act up like you be the king of all in the universe!"
Hunk reacts huffy, " Well fine little miss princess; I´m going and will not talk to you until you calmed down and understand what’s at stake here!"
Hunk walks away and leaves behind a baffled Twilight.
