The Strange Case Of Doctor Pinkie And Miss Dianeby Arreis Of AvalonChaptersLaughterFreeFacadeMurdererElement of -S-LaughterEpilogue: Mr. HydeLaughterPinkamena Diane Pie was her full name. She went by a better name, however, a more laughable name - Pinkie Pie, party planner extraordinaire. She always enjoyed a good laugh – But that was so hard to come by sometimes. She struggled to make ponies laugh, every day. But as time went on, Pinkie Pie realized something – What if she could make ponies laugh naturally? Bring out a part of them that makes them laugh, makes them happy? To do so would be hard, certainly. She thought about it night and day for years. Ever since she came to Ponyville, ever since she had left her home after struggling to bring laughter, she had thought about that fact. How could she make ponies laugh without physically making them laugh? It didn’t take long for her to form a plan. She had gone to school, and she knew the science behind it all. Emotions all come from chemicals in the mind. So what if she could mix up a potion, a drug, that made those chemicals stand out forever? Then they could be like her forever – She could be the Element of Laughter every day. She would ALWAYS be laughing – Nopony would ever be sad again! After she came to Ponyville, she met as many ponies as she could. She asked for things that nopony had ever asked for at one time – But all were given to her in time. Nopony came to question her in time – It was always just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie. Chemicals were taken without anypony truly caring – Just so long as she didn’t blow up town hall (Which only happened once, and Madam Mayor forgave her just as soon as the ash cleared up and the building was re-built). Everything that was given to her was used up in various potions and elixars. She combined them in ways she never thought possible, experimenting in the basement of Sugarcube Corner. Nopony came to look for her down there. Nopony ever came to the basement. (And this way, Pinkie noted, town hall was left undamaged). She combined chemicals without truly knowing what said chemicals did. She made duds often – strangely enough, sometimes they ever turned into cupcakes. Ponies had many stories what she did down there – again, strangely enough, mostly about cupcakes. “Why do they always go for the cupcakes,” Pinkie asked herself. “I don’t get it either, miss narrator lady.” Despite the strangeness she found from drinking said potions – one such example as hearing voices that were not there, narrating her every action – she continued her experiments. She knew she could create something that would bring out the other side of a pony, the smiling, bubbly side. It became her obsession – Her Element took over her entire life. She was always bubbly and happy, trying to see if she could elicit the same feelings from others. However, it might have been seen as a façade by some, if they could see what she did in her basement, alone. She was bubbly, yes. She was laughter, yes. But she was also something else. When she experimented, she became somepony else entirely. Doctor Pinkie would experiment, and the universe itself bowed at her hooves as she bent it’s laws for her purposes. It was one such night that the story of Pinkie Pie truly began. Deep in her lab in the dark of night, she mixed potions haphazardly, hoping beyond hope that she was close. Her last few potions had certainly made her a bit gigglier, but had come with a bitter aftertaste. That happiness had quickly faded. “Just a few more formulas,” Pinkie said softly to herself, ignoring the tiredness weighing her down. Careful as ever, Pinkie gently poured together two potions. She smiled at the mixture turned a sort of purple-pink. “That’s a good sign… I think…” With a small smile, she began to stir up the potion. “I suppose I can try it soon…” She set down the beaker, sighing. She had mixed up so many potions. She was beginning to lose hope. “Perhaps… Perhaps I should end this madness soon…” She turned, looking into the mirror. She had dark circles under her eyes – Too many late nights. Her mane was poofed up, as it always was, but it seemed to hang tiredly on her head. Her fur was stained with various potions. She saw this and washed herself off a bit while she let her formula rest. As she finished, her eyes were drawn once more to the mirror. Another side-effect of all this potion tasting was strange music, seemingly from nowhere, beginning to play. Pinkie heard it now, a questioning little chord starting the music. Is all my work - all my effort in vain, she asked the mare in the mirror, glad for the soundproofing on the walls around her. Are these trials to end in my pain? These potions failing, turning black Just tell me… What’s the thing my Laughter lacks? Pinkie turned, looking at her journal. In it, all her failures at potions over the years had been written. Explosions, mane changes, even color swaps had happened. I’ve worked so hard, in the darkest night Deep in my labs, down below… The tale of Doctor Pinkie Pie, she said with a small chuckle, Must remain secret… Only I must know. They’d only see my failures and regrets… They’d scorn and judge me so… And so, here I’ll stay, I guess And simply know… It isn’t so… My potions… She sighed. They’re all a mess… She turned once more to the mirror. She smiled softly, and the mare smiled back, as though to ask, ‘Why so downy and frowny, Pinkie Pie?’ “That’s right,” she said softly, smiling. “I AM Pinkie Pie… It’s my duty, not only to make other ponies laugh, but to make myself happy as well… And what would make me the most happy right now… is to make that potion!” With a large grin, she spun to the potion waiting for her. Iiiiiii’ll Confess, I digress, put this ‘mess’ to the test! It’s my time to shine, the best of the best! Everypony around will smile in glee All because of ME! Doctor Pinkiiiiiie Grinning, Pinkie picked up the beaker. This is the moment, the die will be cast As I drink of this potion, I’ll drink of the past! My failures have led me to this, my victory And noooow~ Pinkie laughed out loud as she poured the potion into a sterile glass. Now is my chance… To show them How far I’ve advanced! From forever before, and henceforth hereafter, The name to remember Pinkie – The one full of Laughter! With almost a mad cackle, Pinkie lifted her glass. “To Laughter,” she toasted to nopony in particular. Tilting the glass back, she finished the drink in a single gulp, the magenta liquid tinting her already pink lips a darker magenta. She licked off the sweet mixture as though it were honey. “Now… To record my findings…” Author's Note Edited mostly by DrakeFang (He edited the original draft~) Also, I counted - Other than lyrics, there are EXACTLY 1,001 words in this, so hopefully that didn't break any rules this time All of the music is done originally by me, so you can't find a recording of it anywhere. Terribly sorry. FreeDoctor Pinkie – August 21st, 11:56 pm I’ve drank the entire potion. It should kick in shortly. I have a feeling that this is my final potion, but if not, I refuse to be discouraged. I will make as many potions as are needed to accomplish my goal. Pinkie smiled, licking her lips. They still tasted like the potion. The potion tastes warm and sweet – Almost like cotton candy in the sun. It makes my teeth tingle a bit. She began to write more, but suddenly found it rather hard to hold the pencil. She began to sweat, feeling a bit disoriented. Suddenly very warm. I’m sweating quite a bit, and my head – god, my head feels… Pinkie dropped the pencil, holding her head. She began to sway slightly. Her mind still thought away with all of her different findings. I-I’m beginning to feel lightheaded… She began to laugh, her laughter echoing in her ears. T-there’s a slight feeling of… Euphoria… Her laughter rose in pitch, filling the room around her. “I-I’ve done it,” she cackled, her eyes brimming with victory, glory and happiness. “I’ve done it!” She laughed harder and harder, louder and louder. “Tonight, I have robbed from the gods! I have become the controller of emotions, of the building blocks of a pony!” She turned to the notebook to pick it up. “M-My findings, I must share them, I must share this feeling of-“ Agony. “A-AAH!” With a startled cry, she fell, her blood boiling within her. Every single inch of her body ached with searing, unbearable agony. Never, in any of her experiments, had she felt pain like this. Tears rolled down her face as she screamed. “S-SOMEPONY, ANYPONY, S-STOP THIS,” she screamed futilely as the pain seemed to only grow. Agony could no longer describe her suffering. This was beyond death itself – Death was far greater than this tearing inside, this great chasm that was tearing her body in two, slowly. Her scream could no longer be heard – She was dying, slowly, she had to be. This amount of pain could only leave her as a corpse. Blackness overwhelmed her. Pain became numbness. Sight became nothing, smell became her own sweat as she tried to cling to all she had left – A single strand of consciousness. She was scared, terrified, lost and confused in a dark world. Until, finally, that strand snapped – Pinkie Pie lay unconscious on the floor, her tears pooled around her face where she was collapsed. …. ……. …………. Music. The sound seemed distant and vague. Dark, sinister, yet so… the term escaped her. And who was ‘her’? Who was she? The being groaned. Darkness became a laboratory in a basement. Numbness became a dull ache of sore muscles from untold anguish and tortured bones. Unconciousness became… again, the term escaped her. She slowly got to her hooves. The music got louder – Yes, that was what had woken her. It was coming back – The potion. The laughter. The pain… The music. She turned to the mirror, and began to grin as she saw her reflection. She saw her mane, flat against the side of her face. Her face glistening with now dried tears. Her eyes… Those maddening green eyes. They were once blue, she remembered. “But that was before… That was before I became free…” She turned to the opened notebook on the table. She walked towards it, slowly, almost as a lion stalking its prey. She picked up the pencil, her grin unfading. She heard the soft toll of a bell above her – The clock tower, its gears shifting and groaning, tolled out the twelve rings of the night. Miss Diane – Midnight And all is well. She let the pencil drop to the floor below. “What an… unanticipated development…” She had to laugh, ever so softly, as the words left her mouth. The laughter echoed around her coldly, as though the walls cackled along with her. The room felt colder just as she heard the laugh, a bitter, stinging cold – She felt right at home. She gasped lightly as she felt it again – That feeling. The music began again, that beautiful, haunting music that filled her mind. She turned to the mirror, feeling that beating inside. She trotted to it, her green eyes shining. What is this feeling, she sang slowly, questioningly, a fire in my blood… This feeling I cannot derive... Akin to a heart beating faster and faster, A tempo, insane but- She paused for but a moment. She tilted her head slightly, her lips curling slightly into a grotesque smile. “…Alive…” Yes, that was the word. Alive. Alive… Alive, the walls seemed to call to her, singing their praises. She had done it. She was free. The being called Diane grinned further, her eyes shining in the mirror. The music slowly got faster, faster and faster than ever before as her heart began to race. She laughed aloud, spinning around. That potion, that potion, I’ve done it, you see?! I’ve become all I’ve ever wanted to be! That line, that boundary, nopony could cross, I’ve done it, you see, Not her, Pinkie But I~ With a sinister cackle, she ran to the coat hanger. There, in case of a weather emergency, was kept a cloak and hat, something to keep her warm. Now, she would use it to shadow herself into the darkness, to blend with the night that they would all learn to fear. She wrapped it around herself, turning back to the mirror. I’ve done it, I’ve done it, the lines are redrawn, her reflection said with her. The Pinkie they knew, guess what – She’s gone! I’ll be here inside her forever! The puppeteer pulling the strings! The mad mare, behind the scenes… She grinned at her eyes. Those maddeningly green eyes, swirling with her own insanity. She licked her lips, watching herself, thinking. Dreaming. Wishing. “Mad… I’m mad,” she whispered with a soft laugh. “I’ve lost all touch with reality… and I’ve never felt better in my life!” Pinkie – No, Pinkamena, Pinkamena Diane Pie ran to the desk. There sat a knife – Oh, she would use it so much better than that foal who had chained her, who had locked her deep within her heart. She took the knife and ran. She ran up the stairs, opening the door. With a murderous smile, she walked slowly to the exit of the bakery. She unlocked it and opened it, feeling the chill of the night air wrap around her like a sheet. She shut the door behind her, taking a deep breath of the frigid wild now open to her. I’ve got a thirst, no one can deny A thirst for life, for being alive! As she walked out into the air, the door closed behind her. A thirst for blood, a lust for killing… This perverse longing, that red life, spilling… She took a breath or two, trying to slow her rapid heartbeat. She glanced at the knife in her hooves. Her lips curled over a cruel smile as she trotted into the night. She glanced around a corner to see a mare, wandering. She remembered her from the other’s memories, that curl of pink hair. As she watched the timid creature walking alone, she felt a pang of… friendship in her heart. She gasped softly, almost in pain. “Wait… What’s this?” She shut her eyes softly, holding her chest. There, inside, she could just sense it. “Sweetness... I’d lost you…” With almost a purr behind her voice, she sighed. “It’s faint… But Bliss… Sweet, miss…” Her eyes hardened as she crept ever closer, behind the mare. “It’ll cost you dear, my dear… You’ll see…” You’ll not escape me, she thought to herself, that little touch of music still rolling around in her mind. I’m here, I fear… And you’ll pay dear…. My, dear~ The alabaster unicorn glanced around, sure she had heard something. Her ears must’ve been playing tricks on her. She had been out late again. She berated herself, knowing how scared she was of walking alone. “I-Is sompony there,” she asked softly, hoping that nopony would answer. As nopony did, she sighed in relief. Relief, that is, until the light post above her blew out. “A-ah!” Shy took a deep breath, her eyes wide. “H-hello??” She spun around, sure in the fact that she had seen the corner of a cloak pass by. She thought she heard the trot of hooves, and a slight growl. She was shaking. Still, there was nothing behind her. She took a deep breath, telling herself to calm down. She turned to face forward again, only to gasp in fright at the pony before her. It took her a moment to recognize her. “P-Pinkie?!” She couldn’t help but back up. The element of harmony didn’t look like herself. She had a dark grin, and her eyes seemed to glow green… “P-Pinkie, w-what’s wrong? W-why are you wearing that…” Pinkie stepped closer. The mare felt herself back up against a wall, frozen in fear. The evil mare pinned the unicorn to the wall, chuckling. “Pinkie?...” She felt tears welling up in her eyes. She was scared – the usually friendly mare's voice wasn’t right. “My name… is Pinkamena Diane Pie…” Slash. Her slaughter was masked by the night as she ran, cackling. Her lips were stained a ruby red, her laugh echoing her lunacy. Animals trapped behind bars, in cages Need to run rampant, free!! The predator stalks the prey, then engages Tonight, the predator’s me! Standing in the middle of the empty square, Diane licked the blood from her lips. Tonight, I Stole from the gods, freed myself at last! Tonight, I’ll Conquer the odds, freed of the past I feel I’ll live on forever Without her there, by my side And I know, that now and forever, My name shall be… Not hers, Pinkie… But Pie….. Pinkamena… Diane… Pie…. With a small laugh, the mare disappeared into the night. Author's Note FINALLY. JUST, FINALLY. You all have NO idea how hard it is to write custom songs for each of these chapters. Facade“Hello, Mrs. Cake,” Twilight said softly as she entered the sweets shop. The sun shone through the windows of Sugarcube Corner, but the warm rays did little to comfort Twilight as she glanced around the abandoned bakery. This was no day for sweets. “O-Oh, hello dearie,” Mrs. Cake said, albeit a bit timidly. Everypony had been on edge today, and they all knew why. They tried to refuse it had happened. But it had. “I… came to see Pinkie. I want to see how she’s… coping.” “She… hasn’t come out of the um… basement, dearie.” “Basement?” Twilight glanced at the basement door. “What on earth is she doing down there?” “She goes down there every night… We’ve never bothered her about it, you know, we just thought… She’s always so silly, we thought it was just her being herself.” Mrs. Cake turned to the door as well, her face worried. “But, this morning, she hadn’t gone back up to her room… I thought I heard something shatter, and I checked the door… She screamed to leave her be…” “Screamed? To leave her be?” Twilight trotted up to the door. “That’s not like her…” “I’m a bit worried about her, Twilight… I thought I heard… sobbing, earlier. And when she told me to leave her be… She didn’t sound at all herself… She sounded cold…” Twilight knocked on the door lightly. Instantly, a voice replied. “Stay away! I don’t want anypony coming down here!” “Pinkie, it’s me, Twilight!” “I…” A small sigh was heard on the other side of the door. There was a small unlocking sound. “C-come on in, Twilight… Only you, though.” Twilight glanced once at Mrs. Cake. Both of them looked worried. Twilight nodded to her, a silent promise to get to the bottom of this. Turning back, she opened the door. It was dark inside. Somehow, that made Twilight more worried. Why would Pinkie have spent the entire night down here, in the dark? Lighting up her horn, she began to trot downstairs, shutting the door behind her. “Pinkie,” she asked hesitantly, unnerved. “I’m down here,” a sad little voice said downstairs. Twilight frowned. Pinkie was acting strange… Twilight lit up her horn more as she got to the bottom step. It was pitch black, but for a single candle next to an open notebook. Papers were scattered around, torn in two, ink smudged over the words. Various liquids dried on the floor, staining it bizarre colors. As Twilight walked across some parts of the floor, it felt uncomfortably sticky. “Pinkie?” “Let me get the light for you…” In a flash, the lights came on. Disoriented at first, Twilight shook her head. Brushing her bangs to the side, she gasped. “P-Pinkie, you…” “I know. I look horrible.” Indeed she did. Her curly mane was in tatters, half down, half up. Her skin was bruised and it looked as though she had been in a struggle. Her eyes were tired, and Twilight saw they were bloodshot. “It’s… been a long night.” “Do you… know what happened?” Pinkie looked up at her, her eyes… concerned? That was the only term to describe it, but it looked so strange on her friend’s face that Twilight almost discounted the look. “What’s happened? What’s going on?” “Somepony was… um…” Twilight gulped, trying to find the words. She had certainly read about it, but it had been so terribly long in Equestria since it had happened. “Somepony was…” “Murdered?” Twilight nodded, her eyes confused. “That’s right… how did you know?” “Uh… Mr. Cake slipped a newspaper down here.” Twilight’s eyes narrowed. She felt as though Mrs. Cake would’ve mentioned that, with how concerned she was. But why would Pinkie be lying to her? Did she know something about the murder? Was that why she was being so secretive? “Why did you come down here, Twilight?” The question came harsher than Twilight would’ve thought. “I came to check up on my friend… Pinkie, Mrs. Cake said you’ve been down here all day… I’m worried about you.” “I’m fine, Twilight. For now, it’s best if I’m left alone.” “T-that’s not the way friendship works, Pinki-“ “I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!” Twilight gasped as Pinkie’s eyes flashed a dark red, her voice dark and cold, as though all the happiness and laughter in her had been lost. Twilight stumbled back, surprised, her eyes wide. Pinkie stood a bit straighter as she watched Twilight stumble, her eyes returning to normal. She seemed almost as surprised as Twilight was. “T-twilight, I…” “P-Pinkie… What’s. Wrong.” “… Here.” Pinkie walked to her desk. Twilight glanced at the broken glass and beakers there, unable to stop herself from wondering what Pinkie had been doing down here. “I… wrote a few letters…” “Letters?” “5 of them… 5 for you and the girls…" Pinkie opened a drawer, revealing all 5. “I want you all to read those letters tomorrow.” “Why won’t you just tell me what’s wrong, Pinkie? I’m worried.” “You would never understand, Twilight… I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you what’s happened. What I’ve been doing down here.” “Pinkie, somepony’s been murdered, and you’re sitting down here, in the dark, being, I have to admit, very much unlike your usual self! I’m scared, Pinkie! I don’t want to see you hurt!” “… It’s not me you should worry about, Twilight…” Pinkie smiled ruefully. “Please. Deliver those letters for me. Read them tomorrow. For now… I… have some things to do.” “Pinkie…” Twilight sighed, hanging her head. She could always try a truth spell, make her tell the truth… But what if this is something her friend needed? Time alone? What if… There were too many what if’s. Twilight nodded, looking at her friend sadly. “Alright, Pinkie. You’re not going to let me do anything but that, and I don’t want to use magic against you. So I’ll play along for now. May I have the letters?” Pinkie smiled, a bit more happily this time. Grateful. “Thank you.” Her smile rubbed off on Twilight, who couldn’t help but smile softly herself. Pinkie handed over all 5 letters. Twilight poofed them to her home. “I must ask you leave now, Twilight. I just… I need to be by myself for awhile.” “Alright, Pinkie. Just please… don’t spend all day down here. Go out, enjoy the sunlight… Keep smiling.” Pinkie nodded and turned her back on her friend. Unable to do anything else, Twilight turned and trotted up the stairs. Twilight said her goodbyes to Mrs. Cake, unable to truly explain anything to her. She walked outside, feeling completely useless. What could she do for her friend? What could she do to brighten her day, make her happy? Around town, everypony was buzzing with rumors about what had happened with the body. How ponies might not be as they seem. Twilight could hear them as she walked around town. There's ponies who walk among us every day, Carrot Top sang in a hushed voice to her customer as she gave him his groceries. Wearing masks of emotion, he responded, just as quietly as he gave her his bits. It's societies way. What do they wear, everypony seemed to say. What do they eat? They're all hiding something away.... Twilight trotted up to a flower stand, getting some flowers from Rose. It's that being we all deny that we know, Rose murmured softly to another customer as she snipped the flowers. It festers inside, he responded, in the darkness, it'll grow. It's our true self, beneath the facade Hidden by the cold light of day, Rose said as she gave Twilight her flowers. Twilight turned as ponies around her all seemed to sing the same tune, all seemed to say the same thing. That's the way! How we all hide who we are! Get fresh paint And brush on a smile! In this Masquerade! Acting out the days charade Living in the dark shadows While playing the saint! Murder, murder, they all murmured, whispered in Twilight's ear. There's one thing, she said One thing I know for sure Till who did this dies This fear has no cure… Twilight glanced around at those around her. Look around! You can't tell what you've found! Lurking beneath the mask You wear for show! Twilight looked behind her as she reached her door, watching the ponies mutter suspiciously about their friends. Somepony's got a sinister secret Who lies and who is true? If you look past the mask, You'll find not one mare, but two! She galloped inside, locking the door. Slowly, she slumped down the side, sighing. Resting on her desk were 5 letters. She hardly wanted to acknowledge them. What was wrong with Pinkie?... At the end of the day, she sang softly She didn't know what to say Beyond the smile, it's odd.. She's hiding something Why won't she come clean? And finally break The Facade! Author's Note Fairly certain this was edited a long while back, and recently went through massive editing. Lookie! I'm alive! And posting the things! MurdererThe newsmare rose her hoof high, a newspaper held aloft in the air. Read about the brutal murder In the streets of Ponyville! Profane, insane this murder! When will this killer get his fill? She was all alone that night, one man sang as he read through the paper. They say she gave no fight! I wish this all was but a dream, the town seemed to cry in unison. It's a mystery! A horrid mystery! Bloody murder in the night! Who can solve this mystery Before we're history And bloody murders in the night? Diane licked her lips as she watched those foalish ponies walking around. Their fear was so thick she could nearly taste it. It tasted like honey laced with strawberries and blood - oh how she was enjoying blood! All these new things to try, all those horrors to commit. She retreated further into the alleyway shadows as she chuckled. She backed herself up onto her hind hooves against the wall. She saw an empty window across from her, saw her emerald eyes swirling with madness. She licked her lips again. "My business," she whispered, "is going well... More will die this day..." She laughed, a bitter, cruel sound. She began to walk down the alley, until she saw a skinny little colt on the corner, selling papers. Her grin engulfed her face wickedly. "Boy?~" The little Pegasus - they all seemed to be Pegasi - fluttered his pale wings. Quickly, he scurried into the alley, his saddle bags jingling with bits he’d earned. Nopony saw him run; nopony knew they were there. It was an abandoned alley, after all. “Yes’sum, Miss,” he said, smiling in his ignorance. “Did you want a paper?” “No, little one,” she said, a smirk rising to her face. The child, so innocent, simply tilted his head, wondering why she was smiling. She gently tousled his mane, chuckling. “I am happy to inform you, sweet foal… that you are relieved of your duties…” “Huh?” *~*~*~ There’s been another murder, the ponies all cried as the Royal Guards roped off the alley. Just like the other murder! That poor little colt, one mare cried, being comforted by others. Dead! Can’t you see, all is lost here, one pony said. Please, no, you must be calm dear, her husband said, trying desperately to calm her down in her sheer terror. No, we can’t trust you, everypony seemed to say to everypony else. No, we can’t trust you! We walk everyday and hide what we all think Our neighbor, are they who they say? We can’t trust you, no we can’t even blink Without fearing to see the next day! It’s a mystery! A horrid mystery! Who’s behind these murders, is it you? Let’s solve this mystery! That murderer’s history, Another bloody murder is due! Today! Pinkie charged through the store from an alley, her torn cloak wrapped tight around her. She shook, her face looking almost green - her eyes, even, with that strange sickening tint. Her mane was ragged, curly and wild, but splayed in different directions. The bags under her eyes were completely uncharacteristic. “C-chemical!” An earth pony stallion trotted out of the back. “Ah, Pinkie, how c- Pinkie?!” He ran to her quickly, holding her as she nearly collapsed. “Pinkie, what happened?! You look…” Pinkie growled slightly at him as he coddled her, tearing away quickly. She seemed almost to instantly regret the growl, but shook her head roughly. “Not now, Chemical,” she said in a tired voice. “P-Please tell me you have the things I ordered!” “I-I have them behind the coun-” “Get them,” she yelled, lunging at him, her eyes flashing green. Chemical recoiled and quickly ran behind the counter, grabbing the bags of everything she had asked for. “T-thank you, Chemical,” she panted out, clutching them close. “Pinkie, please, what’s going on? You look horrible!” “I-I’ve been better,” Pinkie muttered as she stumbled toward the door. “I’ve been so much better before, Chemical. Remember that! Remember how much better I used to be!” Without another word, she ran out, her cloak fluttering behind her, leaving a very confused store owner behind her. *~*~*~ A day had passed. Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Twilight waited outside Sugarcube Corner. 4 had been murdered in 2 days. They had found another body, killed the same as the first night – Another, today. All of them looked at each other, scared, worried, confused. Twilight shook her head, sighing. “You all read the letters, then.” “Pardon me saying this, darling, but I must ask – Why didn’t you open this letter sooner?!” Rarity had tears in her eyes. “It’s obvious who… Who did all this, now. We could’ve prevented 2 murders, Twilight!" “I-I know, Rarity. I know. B-But Pinkie, she told me not too, I couldn’t open them… I-I just couldn’t, not as a good friend…” “Don’ beat yourself up about it, sugarcube,” AJ said softly, patting her on the back. “Y’all were just tryin’ to do what y’all thought was best.” “I just can’t believe Pinks would do something like this,” Rainbow said, her eyes downcast. Fluttershy said nothing, her face solemn. Twilight glanced around at all of her friends. “Thank you, girls…” Twilight took a deep breath. “Come on. We need to face her, once and for all.” “Twilight,” Rarity said, her eyes wide. “Do you think going in there is the best idea? Shouldn’t we, perhaps, lure her out? Going straight to her might be cause for alarm. She might try to lash out.” “Alarm, Sharm, I say we go in there and buck some sense into our friend!” Rainbow flipped upside down, bucking the Sugarcube Corner sign to demonstrate. “Rainbow Dash, get down from there! Rarity’s right, we need some sort of plan…” “I… I could go in as a distraction, i-if that might work.” Everypony turned to the shy pegasus. “I-I mean… I could go down there, a-and you all could come in while I try and talk to her… I-If that’s a good plan…” “Darling, I couldn’t allow one of my friends to go down there alone!” “Shucks, Shy, y’all shouldn’t have to go down there.” Applejack stood taller. “Ah can go too.” Twilight sighed. “I don’t know we’ll have much of a choice in this, guys. Let’s at least go inside.” Everypony nodded and trotted inside. Only to find the door to the basement was wide open. “Oh no…” Without another word, Twilight ran downstairs. Everypony gasped and followed her quickly. Down below, papers were scattered. Blood matted them to the floor, but whose blood was unknown. Potions laid undrunk on the counter, some spilled among the shattered glasses. The only thing still left undamaged was a single open notebook. Pinkie was nowhere to be found. Twilight crossed the room, hearing the papers crinkle beneath her hooves. It looked far worse in here than it had the last time she had been here. Trotting to the desk, she flipped through the notebook, reading the entries. Miss Diane– August 22nd, 3:27 am 2 fresh murders. ‘Doctor’ Pinkie will be in for a surprise when she wakens once again. A mare, with the most lovely pearls around her neck, and a stallion with a peculiar cutiemark. Both of them seemed to be smiling before I killed them – I thought it would be best to kill them smiling. You see, ‘Doctor’, when you read this, your potion DID work. Now ponies will always be happy. They’ll always smile. Because I kill them right after they smile. You were the one who wanted to bring out the opposite part of ponies. It worked perfectly. I am the opposite you. The part that never laughs as you did, the part that only smiles at pain. I am Pinkamena Diane Pie. Twilight shivered and moved to the next, reading them aloud now for all of her friends to hear. Doctor Pinkie – 4:14 am I’m scared. I read the message left by… Diane. I woke up with blood on my hooves. I don’t know how to react to this. The message said I… I killed ponies. Their blood is on my hooves. I’m really scared and I’m crying and I don’t know what to do. I know I need to put a stop to this. I need to make a new potion, one to counter this… thing I turned into. I’ll get right to work on that. 5:15 am New potion made. Drank it all. Feeling hot and warm and uncomfortable again, appear to be coughing up blood. I don’t care. 5:17 am Choking on my own tears. Can’t wr Twilight felt tears coming to her eyes as she read on. Miss Diane – 6:30 am DAMN YOU TO HELL, ‘DOCTOR’! DAMN YOU AND YOUR POTIONS! Doctor Pinkie – 8:18 am Mrs. Cake called for me right after my change. I’m scared she heard my monster breaking my glasses. Apparently, Diane didn’t like my most recent batch. She knows I’m trying to get rid of her. I yelled at Mrs. Cake to go away – The sight of another pony might awaken Diane’s blood lust once more. I don’t want anypony else to get hurt. I’ll keep mixing potions. It’s the only way to fix this… Twilight flipped through a few more pages, reading each and every single passage. 10:45 am Twilight visited me. I gave her letters I hardly recall writing. 5 letters in all. They should tell them about my experiments, what I’ve done so far. I feel… strange, lately. I have been looking tirelessly for a cure, but none has presented itself. I find myself thinking back to an old tale my Nana Pinkie used to tell me… Where the brambles are thickest, There you will find, A pool beyond the most twisted of vines A mare came To gaze in the pool Her mind betwixt by, who’d have guessed 2 personalities that needed be fixed And into her own reflection she stared Yearning for one whose reflection she shared, And solemnly sweared not to be scared At the prospect of being doubley mared. I can’t stop thinking about it… the tale of the Mirror Pool… I wonder… Miss Diane – 3:46 pm Killed 2 more ponies, ‘Doctor’. Hurry hurry with that cure. Pinkie Pie – 3:56 pm I’ve decided potions won’t work anymore. I am leaving. Everypony gasped as they heard Twilight say that. “L-Leaving,” Fluttershy said, her eyes wide. “She can’t jus’ leave! She’s gotta find a cure to all this, she’s gotta fight it!” Applejack’s eyes narrowed. “Come on, girls, we gotta find her.” Everypony sounded their agreement except Twilight. “Girls, wait! There’s more here…” That story my Nana Pinkie told me is my final hope. Somewhere, deep within the Everfree, has to be the pool I’m looking for. I’m bringing a knife to cut through the brambles, and, if all goes to plan... Diane will be the last blood on my hooves. Everypony stood in silence. Twilight cleared her throat. “That’s the last entry… She’s alone in the forest. We’ve got to go find her!” Everypony nodded. “I’ll be right up, girls. I’m going to see if there’s any other clues down here.” Twilight turned as everypony trotted upstairs. She gazed at the chaos around her, feeling tears rising to her eyes. All of this… All of this was caused by the most likeable, laughable pony around… Twilight had promised to always be there for her, always be her best friend. And now, they were hunting her down, like an animal. Was that all her friend would end up being? A monster? If you live around here, she said softly, lots of ponies, I fear Their promises they will not honor, it’s clear That the truth is… She’ll end up getting scarred… There’s a beast inside her, And it’s wild and free Will she let it out, None of us want to see What’s lurking… Behind her façade... Outside, the ponies shouted. They screamed. And the ponies sang. Hunt down the murderer, they must be found... Author's Note Dark twist, and the story shall end soon~ Two chapters, and... >3 I'm gonna try for a duet~ Element of -S-LaughterAuthor's Note COLOR GUIDE :D Diane Pinkie Unison Side by side words are sung at the same time. Wrote this totally super late, but WHATEVER Element of -S-Laughter Pinkie took a deep breath as she walked along the ramp. Far below her was the pool. There was no doubt it was the right one. Its surface shimmered so… well, she could only describe it as magically. It seemed to reflect everything in precise detail, and yet, it seemed off. Water had that ability, she supposed. To create something. Something not right. Something… peculiar. To take a beautiful thing and transform it entirely into something hideous. She sighed, glancing at the knife in her bag. She slipped the straps off and pulled it out, holding it in her hoof as she walked. She was going to do this. After all, it wasn’t like blood hadn’t been on her hooves before. It’s just that, this time… it would be her doing the killing. Herself, not some morbid, twisted reflection. She would be a murderer. Somehow, only thoughts of her experiments came to her mind. Those potions she had constantly consumed, all those failures. All in the hopes of finding something splendid. Something worthwhile in this life. But she had only succeeded in ruining that beautiful thing, tarnishing beauty with crimson stains. All my work, she said, her voice cracking as she walked towards the pool slowly from the ramp. All that effort… in vain… All my trials have ended in pain… My potions all failed… My soul black with sin… “How... how did I deserve this,” she asked no one in particular, sighing. I tried to hard, I must confess… I put each and every one to the test… Deep in my labs, down below… Only I… can know… Pinkie stared into her reflection. She could swear that her eyes flashed a sinister green, a sickening, blood stained smile shining back at her frown. The mirror’s water was distorted by ripples as, one by one, tears fell into the pool. She was a murderer, and now the time had come to end it, once and for all. “A-am I a good mare,” she asked in a hurried voice, pleading to the pool. She needed an answer, before the madness truly began. “Am I a good mare… or a mad mare?... Were my intentions good?...” She sobbed, tasting the salty tears on her lips as her lungs gasped for breath. All she could hear were the fading screams of Diane’s victims - of her victims. “T-there’s such a fine line… between a good mare… and a mad…” She watched. She sank closer to the pool. The knife was in her hoof the entire time. She would go through. She would come out. And Diane would be there, for her to murder. “Such… a fine line,” she muttered as she closed her eyes. “Between us… Diane…” Her body became weightless. The world shifted. Reality skewed. And she stood right side up, on dry land, not a drop of water on her. She opened her eyes in a rush… To see nothing. “It didn’t work…” She sank down, sitting on the ground by the pool, tears still rolling down her face. Nothing had changed. Nothing had worked. “T-tell me it worked… Tell me she’s gone…” Did you really think that you were safe? Pinkie’s eyes snapped open. Did you really think that you were free? A body was rising out of the water. Did you know that you could kill? Pinkie backed away, her eyes wide. Did you know that you could cry? Water streamed off the form of the grinning mare. Did you know you had me inside, Diane asked, her emerald eyes shining through her dripping skull. All is lost for you, Miss Diane Pie, Pinkie shouted, holding up the knife, despite her trembling, fearful voice. It’s time to leave, it’s time for you to die! All you are is a shattered reflection, The last fading light of a hellish dream! After tonight, no more will ponies scream! Diane cackled, walking on the water, safe from Pinkie for now. Her fanged grin did nothing to settle Pinkie down. No ponies scream but you, my dear! Let your horror thrive! I feast upon your every fear Every tear makes me alive, she said, her voice ringing with bitter laughter. I don’t need you to survive - but you need me! Come, oh you wearer of the mask of death: Hear me rejoice as you breathe your final breath! Can’t you see, they sang together, one in desperation, the other in pride. It’s over now! It’s time I leave you behind. With these words Let us be severed No longer intertwined! You are my secret I am your secret And now I pray And you can pray Your bloodied evil But blood will stain Won’t see the dayYour hooves today And for your sins you’ll pay! And as this nightmare goes on - You will never be free - I know that soon we’ll be gone - Sing your eulogy!~ As death haunts out steps today I know I know In Hell In you You’ll stayI’ll stay! “NO,” Pinkie screamed as Diane lunged, her doppelgangers laughter echoing around them as Pinkie closed her eyes. She held up her knife, hoping beyond hope that the monster before her would be slain. She felt the shift in her - Diane had never left, of course. The pool could only do so much. She panted as she opened her eyes, gazing at her reflection with dread. One eye was swirling with emerald madness; the other, simply with tears. This is what it had come to. To fighting an illusion. A reflection in a pool. She looked at the knife in her hoof. It was the only way, she knew. She didn’t know how her friends would ever be able to take the news… but it was the only way. Can’t you see, she begged softly, holding the knife up to the peculiar light in the cavern. It’s over now, a sly voice sang to her confidently. She knew who it was. It’s time I leave you behind - You will never be free - With this knife… Let us beWe cannot be Severed! No longer intertwined! Forever intertwined! This is the moment, Pinkie sang, feeling the knife in her hooves even as she watched it draw ever closer to her chest. The die will be cast! I’ve got a thirst, no one can deny, Diane’s cruel voice sang out in her mind, almost begging for blood to be spilt. As I think of this day, I dream of the past! A thirst for blood, for being alive! From forever before, and henceforth hereafter - And I know, that now and forever - The name they all will remember Isn’t yours, Diane!Isn't yours, Miss Pie! May each and every forget,they cried out in unison as the cool steel touched Pinkie’s skin. As we leave, with but one regret! Forget all you’ve learned That one can remember About Pinkie And I... Element of Laughter!Element of Slaughter! Her eyes opened as not a sound came from her gaping mouth; the blade felt so cool, despite the warmth of the blood now dripping down her stomach. No sound, in fact, seemed to reach her ears directly after the stabbing. Then, there was a bit of ringing… Her vision began to grow a bit blurry as she watched the pool become a beautiful shade of red. She heard someone call her name. She glanced to the ramp to see her friends… such wonderful friends. But they all looked so terribly sad. That wasn’t what she wanted at all. Her sight became lopsided. Oh. She had fallen on her side. She watched as Twilight began to run down the ramp. She was crying. Pinkie smiled weakly. She only wanted ponies to smile. The last thing she saw was her friends sobbing… and, the last thing she heard? I’ll see you in hell… Pinkie... Epilogue: Mr. HydeTwilight stood in the basement of Sugarcube Corner. It had been somewhat cleaned up by now, but the tools of Pinkie’s trade still remained on desks and things. Pinkie… She closed her eyes tightly. The mare was safe, but for how long? She had gotten Pinkie to the hospital as soon as she could, but her friend was still in an unstable condition. She still hadn’t woken up. What would happen when she did? Who would greet them when she woke up? Pinkie, or… Twilight sighed. “I can’t keep thinking about it,” she said to herself; her voice echoed around the room. She trotted to the diary Pinkie kept. This had led them to her… it had been convenient. Pinkie owed her life to what this diary contained. As she picked it up, a page in the diary tore away. She levitated it with her magic and was surprised to see a very old entry - from years ago. Pinkie Pie, February 20th, 10:47pm Me and the rest of the gang had a picnic today! It was our first one in a looong line of picnics I think! Twilight seems like a nice pony, and now that we all know that we’re supposed to be together and destined to be these nice Elements of Harmony, I just know I have to make her feel welcomed! I’ve been thinking about who I am a lot recently. Ever since fighting Nightmare Moon (I still like the name Black Snooty, myself). I’m the Element of Laughter. I do that pretty well, of course, but there’s times when you just CAN’T laugh. Those are the bad times, like when a friend is in the hospital or whenever you favoritest most bestest pet dies. It always hurts a lot when those things happen. I’ve been thinking, what if those times NEVER happened? What if you could ALWAYS laugh and be happy, even when bad things happen? Like, when your friend is in the hospital, you could go and make them laugh and make them feel better? Or when your pet dies, you can laugh a lot about all the funny things they did, and never feel sad, cause they’re in a happy place now? Wouldn’t that be awesome?! Twilight told me that I always sound like I’m on some sort of happy pill or something. She said it as a joke, but it got me thinking. What if I made some sort of laughing potion? One that could make somepony happy ALL the time? I could even be a doctor! Doctor Pinkie… Twilight put down the paper, tears rolling down her face as she did. She had caused this. She made this happen… She had to fix it. “S-she’s cursed because of me… I need to find some spell, some potion, some way to cure her…” She glanced around at the makeshift lab. Her basement was full of even better equipment… “I can fix this,” she whispered to herself. “I can find a cure for this. I can quell that part of her, make it so she doesn’t go wild again…” She began to pace, her face beginning to form a grin as she thought. “I can fix all of this… I’ll have to hide away my findings, of course. If anypony found out I was doing something similar to what Pinkie did, I’ll be shut down… I’m much better at this sort of thing, though…” She shook her head. “I’d need a name, something to go by to buy the ingredients I needed… Everypony would know if I called myself Twilight…” She sat in the nearby chair, tapping her head. “Think, Twilight, think… Dusk Shine? Nah, Spike came up with that already… Come on… a name I can…” She looked up, eyes gleaming as she thought of it. “... Hide… under…” She smirked. “Mr… Hyde…” Author's Note I know, it's a very short epilogue. I never planned this part, but the idea came to me! <3 Finally, this is over. I liked the idea, but it kind of died flat while working on it. Hope you all enjoyed it!!
LaughterPinkamena Diane Pie was her full name. She went by a better name, however, a more laughable name - Pinkie Pie, party planner extraordinaire. She always enjoyed a good laugh – But that was so hard to come by sometimes. She struggled to make ponies laugh, every day. But as time went on, Pinkie Pie realized something – What if she could make ponies laugh naturally? Bring out a part of them that makes them laugh, makes them happy? To do so would be hard, certainly. She thought about it night and day for years. Ever since she came to Ponyville, ever since she had left her home after struggling to bring laughter, she had thought about that fact. How could she make ponies laugh without physically making them laugh? It didn’t take long for her to form a plan. She had gone to school, and she knew the science behind it all. Emotions all come from chemicals in the mind. So what if she could mix up a potion, a drug, that made those chemicals stand out forever? Then they could be like her forever – She could be the Element of Laughter every day. She would ALWAYS be laughing – Nopony would ever be sad again! After she came to Ponyville, she met as many ponies as she could. She asked for things that nopony had ever asked for at one time – But all were given to her in time. Nopony came to question her in time – It was always just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie. Chemicals were taken without anypony truly caring – Just so long as she didn’t blow up town hall (Which only happened once, and Madam Mayor forgave her just as soon as the ash cleared up and the building was re-built). Everything that was given to her was used up in various potions and elixars. She combined them in ways she never thought possible, experimenting in the basement of Sugarcube Corner. Nopony came to look for her down there. Nopony ever came to the basement. (And this way, Pinkie noted, town hall was left undamaged). She combined chemicals without truly knowing what said chemicals did. She made duds often – strangely enough, sometimes they ever turned into cupcakes. Ponies had many stories what she did down there – again, strangely enough, mostly about cupcakes. “Why do they always go for the cupcakes,” Pinkie asked herself. “I don’t get it either, miss narrator lady.” Despite the strangeness she found from drinking said potions – one such example as hearing voices that were not there, narrating her every action – she continued her experiments. She knew she could create something that would bring out the other side of a pony, the smiling, bubbly side. It became her obsession – Her Element took over her entire life. She was always bubbly and happy, trying to see if she could elicit the same feelings from others. However, it might have been seen as a façade by some, if they could see what she did in her basement, alone. She was bubbly, yes. She was laughter, yes. But she was also something else. When she experimented, she became somepony else entirely. Doctor Pinkie would experiment, and the universe itself bowed at her hooves as she bent it’s laws for her purposes. It was one such night that the story of Pinkie Pie truly began. Deep in her lab in the dark of night, she mixed potions haphazardly, hoping beyond hope that she was close. Her last few potions had certainly made her a bit gigglier, but had come with a bitter aftertaste. That happiness had quickly faded. “Just a few more formulas,” Pinkie said softly to herself, ignoring the tiredness weighing her down. Careful as ever, Pinkie gently poured together two potions. She smiled at the mixture turned a sort of purple-pink. “That’s a good sign… I think…” With a small smile, she began to stir up the potion. “I suppose I can try it soon…” She set down the beaker, sighing. She had mixed up so many potions. She was beginning to lose hope. “Perhaps… Perhaps I should end this madness soon…” She turned, looking into the mirror. She had dark circles under her eyes – Too many late nights. Her mane was poofed up, as it always was, but it seemed to hang tiredly on her head. Her fur was stained with various potions. She saw this and washed herself off a bit while she let her formula rest. As she finished, her eyes were drawn once more to the mirror. Another side-effect of all this potion tasting was strange music, seemingly from nowhere, beginning to play. Pinkie heard it now, a questioning little chord starting the music. Is all my work - all my effort in vain, she asked the mare in the mirror, glad for the soundproofing on the walls around her. Are these trials to end in my pain? These potions failing, turning black Just tell me… What’s the thing my Laughter lacks? Pinkie turned, looking at her journal. In it, all her failures at potions over the years had been written. Explosions, mane changes, even color swaps had happened. I’ve worked so hard, in the darkest night Deep in my labs, down below… The tale of Doctor Pinkie Pie, she said with a small chuckle, Must remain secret… Only I must know. They’d only see my failures and regrets… They’d scorn and judge me so… And so, here I’ll stay, I guess And simply know… It isn’t so… My potions… She sighed. They’re all a mess… She turned once more to the mirror. She smiled softly, and the mare smiled back, as though to ask, ‘Why so downy and frowny, Pinkie Pie?’ “That’s right,” she said softly, smiling. “I AM Pinkie Pie… It’s my duty, not only to make other ponies laugh, but to make myself happy as well… And what would make me the most happy right now… is to make that potion!” With a large grin, she spun to the potion waiting for her. Iiiiiii’ll Confess, I digress, put this ‘mess’ to the test! It’s my time to shine, the best of the best! Everypony around will smile in glee All because of ME! Doctor Pinkiiiiiie Grinning, Pinkie picked up the beaker. This is the moment, the die will be cast As I drink of this potion, I’ll drink of the past! My failures have led me to this, my victory And noooow~ Pinkie laughed out loud as she poured the potion into a sterile glass. Now is my chance… To show them How far I’ve advanced! From forever before, and henceforth hereafter, The name to remember Pinkie – The one full of Laughter! With almost a mad cackle, Pinkie lifted her glass. “To Laughter,” she toasted to nopony in particular. Tilting the glass back, she finished the drink in a single gulp, the magenta liquid tinting her already pink lips a darker magenta. She licked off the sweet mixture as though it were honey. “Now… To record my findings…” Author's Note Edited mostly by DrakeFang (He edited the original draft~) Also, I counted - Other than lyrics, there are EXACTLY 1,001 words in this, so hopefully that didn't break any rules this time All of the music is done originally by me, so you can't find a recording of it anywhere. Terribly sorry.
FreeDoctor Pinkie – August 21st, 11:56 pm I’ve drank the entire potion. It should kick in shortly. I have a feeling that this is my final potion, but if not, I refuse to be discouraged. I will make as many potions as are needed to accomplish my goal. Pinkie smiled, licking her lips. They still tasted like the potion. The potion tastes warm and sweet – Almost like cotton candy in the sun. It makes my teeth tingle a bit. She began to write more, but suddenly found it rather hard to hold the pencil. She began to sweat, feeling a bit disoriented. Suddenly very warm. I’m sweating quite a bit, and my head – god, my head feels… Pinkie dropped the pencil, holding her head. She began to sway slightly. Her mind still thought away with all of her different findings. I-I’m beginning to feel lightheaded… She began to laugh, her laughter echoing in her ears. T-there’s a slight feeling of… Euphoria… Her laughter rose in pitch, filling the room around her. “I-I’ve done it,” she cackled, her eyes brimming with victory, glory and happiness. “I’ve done it!” She laughed harder and harder, louder and louder. “Tonight, I have robbed from the gods! I have become the controller of emotions, of the building blocks of a pony!” She turned to the notebook to pick it up. “M-My findings, I must share them, I must share this feeling of-“ Agony. “A-AAH!” With a startled cry, she fell, her blood boiling within her. Every single inch of her body ached with searing, unbearable agony. Never, in any of her experiments, had she felt pain like this. Tears rolled down her face as she screamed. “S-SOMEPONY, ANYPONY, S-STOP THIS,” she screamed futilely as the pain seemed to only grow. Agony could no longer describe her suffering. This was beyond death itself – Death was far greater than this tearing inside, this great chasm that was tearing her body in two, slowly. Her scream could no longer be heard – She was dying, slowly, she had to be. This amount of pain could only leave her as a corpse. Blackness overwhelmed her. Pain became numbness. Sight became nothing, smell became her own sweat as she tried to cling to all she had left – A single strand of consciousness. She was scared, terrified, lost and confused in a dark world. Until, finally, that strand snapped – Pinkie Pie lay unconscious on the floor, her tears pooled around her face where she was collapsed. …. ……. …………. Music. The sound seemed distant and vague. Dark, sinister, yet so… the term escaped her. And who was ‘her’? Who was she? The being groaned. Darkness became a laboratory in a basement. Numbness became a dull ache of sore muscles from untold anguish and tortured bones. Unconciousness became… again, the term escaped her. She slowly got to her hooves. The music got louder – Yes, that was what had woken her. It was coming back – The potion. The laughter. The pain… The music. She turned to the mirror, and began to grin as she saw her reflection. She saw her mane, flat against the side of her face. Her face glistening with now dried tears. Her eyes… Those maddening green eyes. They were once blue, she remembered. “But that was before… That was before I became free…” She turned to the opened notebook on the table. She walked towards it, slowly, almost as a lion stalking its prey. She picked up the pencil, her grin unfading. She heard the soft toll of a bell above her – The clock tower, its gears shifting and groaning, tolled out the twelve rings of the night. Miss Diane – Midnight And all is well. She let the pencil drop to the floor below. “What an… unanticipated development…” She had to laugh, ever so softly, as the words left her mouth. The laughter echoed around her coldly, as though the walls cackled along with her. The room felt colder just as she heard the laugh, a bitter, stinging cold – She felt right at home. She gasped lightly as she felt it again – That feeling. The music began again, that beautiful, haunting music that filled her mind. She turned to the mirror, feeling that beating inside. She trotted to it, her green eyes shining. What is this feeling, she sang slowly, questioningly, a fire in my blood… This feeling I cannot derive... Akin to a heart beating faster and faster, A tempo, insane but- She paused for but a moment. She tilted her head slightly, her lips curling slightly into a grotesque smile. “…Alive…” Yes, that was the word. Alive. Alive… Alive, the walls seemed to call to her, singing their praises. She had done it. She was free. The being called Diane grinned further, her eyes shining in the mirror. The music slowly got faster, faster and faster than ever before as her heart began to race. She laughed aloud, spinning around. That potion, that potion, I’ve done it, you see?! I’ve become all I’ve ever wanted to be! That line, that boundary, nopony could cross, I’ve done it, you see, Not her, Pinkie But I~ With a sinister cackle, she ran to the coat hanger. There, in case of a weather emergency, was kept a cloak and hat, something to keep her warm. Now, she would use it to shadow herself into the darkness, to blend with the night that they would all learn to fear. She wrapped it around herself, turning back to the mirror. I’ve done it, I’ve done it, the lines are redrawn, her reflection said with her. The Pinkie they knew, guess what – She’s gone! I’ll be here inside her forever! The puppeteer pulling the strings! The mad mare, behind the scenes… She grinned at her eyes. Those maddeningly green eyes, swirling with her own insanity. She licked her lips, watching herself, thinking. Dreaming. Wishing. “Mad… I’m mad,” she whispered with a soft laugh. “I’ve lost all touch with reality… and I’ve never felt better in my life!” Pinkie – No, Pinkamena, Pinkamena Diane Pie ran to the desk. There sat a knife – Oh, she would use it so much better than that foal who had chained her, who had locked her deep within her heart. She took the knife and ran. She ran up the stairs, opening the door. With a murderous smile, she walked slowly to the exit of the bakery. She unlocked it and opened it, feeling the chill of the night air wrap around her like a sheet. She shut the door behind her, taking a deep breath of the frigid wild now open to her. I’ve got a thirst, no one can deny A thirst for life, for being alive! As she walked out into the air, the door closed behind her. A thirst for blood, a lust for killing… This perverse longing, that red life, spilling… She took a breath or two, trying to slow her rapid heartbeat. She glanced at the knife in her hooves. Her lips curled over a cruel smile as she trotted into the night. She glanced around a corner to see a mare, wandering. She remembered her from the other’s memories, that curl of pink hair. As she watched the timid creature walking alone, she felt a pang of… friendship in her heart. She gasped softly, almost in pain. “Wait… What’s this?” She shut her eyes softly, holding her chest. There, inside, she could just sense it. “Sweetness... I’d lost you…” With almost a purr behind her voice, she sighed. “It’s faint… But Bliss… Sweet, miss…” Her eyes hardened as she crept ever closer, behind the mare. “It’ll cost you dear, my dear… You’ll see…” You’ll not escape me, she thought to herself, that little touch of music still rolling around in her mind. I’m here, I fear… And you’ll pay dear…. My, dear~ The alabaster unicorn glanced around, sure she had heard something. Her ears must’ve been playing tricks on her. She had been out late again. She berated herself, knowing how scared she was of walking alone. “I-Is sompony there,” she asked softly, hoping that nopony would answer. As nopony did, she sighed in relief. Relief, that is, until the light post above her blew out. “A-ah!” Shy took a deep breath, her eyes wide. “H-hello??” She spun around, sure in the fact that she had seen the corner of a cloak pass by. She thought she heard the trot of hooves, and a slight growl. She was shaking. Still, there was nothing behind her. She took a deep breath, telling herself to calm down. She turned to face forward again, only to gasp in fright at the pony before her. It took her a moment to recognize her. “P-Pinkie?!” She couldn’t help but back up. The element of harmony didn’t look like herself. She had a dark grin, and her eyes seemed to glow green… “P-Pinkie, w-what’s wrong? W-why are you wearing that…” Pinkie stepped closer. The mare felt herself back up against a wall, frozen in fear. The evil mare pinned the unicorn to the wall, chuckling. “Pinkie?...” She felt tears welling up in her eyes. She was scared – the usually friendly mare's voice wasn’t right. “My name… is Pinkamena Diane Pie…” Slash. Her slaughter was masked by the night as she ran, cackling. Her lips were stained a ruby red, her laugh echoing her lunacy. Animals trapped behind bars, in cages Need to run rampant, free!! The predator stalks the prey, then engages Tonight, the predator’s me! Standing in the middle of the empty square, Diane licked the blood from her lips. Tonight, I Stole from the gods, freed myself at last! Tonight, I’ll Conquer the odds, freed of the past I feel I’ll live on forever Without her there, by my side And I know, that now and forever, My name shall be… Not hers, Pinkie… But Pie….. Pinkamena… Diane… Pie…. With a small laugh, the mare disappeared into the night. Author's Note FINALLY. JUST, FINALLY. You all have NO idea how hard it is to write custom songs for each of these chapters.
Facade“Hello, Mrs. Cake,” Twilight said softly as she entered the sweets shop. The sun shone through the windows of Sugarcube Corner, but the warm rays did little to comfort Twilight as she glanced around the abandoned bakery. This was no day for sweets. “O-Oh, hello dearie,” Mrs. Cake said, albeit a bit timidly. Everypony had been on edge today, and they all knew why. They tried to refuse it had happened. But it had. “I… came to see Pinkie. I want to see how she’s… coping.” “She… hasn’t come out of the um… basement, dearie.” “Basement?” Twilight glanced at the basement door. “What on earth is she doing down there?” “She goes down there every night… We’ve never bothered her about it, you know, we just thought… She’s always so silly, we thought it was just her being herself.” Mrs. Cake turned to the door as well, her face worried. “But, this morning, she hadn’t gone back up to her room… I thought I heard something shatter, and I checked the door… She screamed to leave her be…” “Screamed? To leave her be?” Twilight trotted up to the door. “That’s not like her…” “I’m a bit worried about her, Twilight… I thought I heard… sobbing, earlier. And when she told me to leave her be… She didn’t sound at all herself… She sounded cold…” Twilight knocked on the door lightly. Instantly, a voice replied. “Stay away! I don’t want anypony coming down here!” “Pinkie, it’s me, Twilight!” “I…” A small sigh was heard on the other side of the door. There was a small unlocking sound. “C-come on in, Twilight… Only you, though.” Twilight glanced once at Mrs. Cake. Both of them looked worried. Twilight nodded to her, a silent promise to get to the bottom of this. Turning back, she opened the door. It was dark inside. Somehow, that made Twilight more worried. Why would Pinkie have spent the entire night down here, in the dark? Lighting up her horn, she began to trot downstairs, shutting the door behind her. “Pinkie,” she asked hesitantly, unnerved. “I’m down here,” a sad little voice said downstairs. Twilight frowned. Pinkie was acting strange… Twilight lit up her horn more as she got to the bottom step. It was pitch black, but for a single candle next to an open notebook. Papers were scattered around, torn in two, ink smudged over the words. Various liquids dried on the floor, staining it bizarre colors. As Twilight walked across some parts of the floor, it felt uncomfortably sticky. “Pinkie?” “Let me get the light for you…” In a flash, the lights came on. Disoriented at first, Twilight shook her head. Brushing her bangs to the side, she gasped. “P-Pinkie, you…” “I know. I look horrible.” Indeed she did. Her curly mane was in tatters, half down, half up. Her skin was bruised and it looked as though she had been in a struggle. Her eyes were tired, and Twilight saw they were bloodshot. “It’s… been a long night.” “Do you… know what happened?” Pinkie looked up at her, her eyes… concerned? That was the only term to describe it, but it looked so strange on her friend’s face that Twilight almost discounted the look. “What’s happened? What’s going on?” “Somepony was… um…” Twilight gulped, trying to find the words. She had certainly read about it, but it had been so terribly long in Equestria since it had happened. “Somepony was…” “Murdered?” Twilight nodded, her eyes confused. “That’s right… how did you know?” “Uh… Mr. Cake slipped a newspaper down here.” Twilight’s eyes narrowed. She felt as though Mrs. Cake would’ve mentioned that, with how concerned she was. But why would Pinkie be lying to her? Did she know something about the murder? Was that why she was being so secretive? “Why did you come down here, Twilight?” The question came harsher than Twilight would’ve thought. “I came to check up on my friend… Pinkie, Mrs. Cake said you’ve been down here all day… I’m worried about you.” “I’m fine, Twilight. For now, it’s best if I’m left alone.” “T-that’s not the way friendship works, Pinki-“ “I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!” Twilight gasped as Pinkie’s eyes flashed a dark red, her voice dark and cold, as though all the happiness and laughter in her had been lost. Twilight stumbled back, surprised, her eyes wide. Pinkie stood a bit straighter as she watched Twilight stumble, her eyes returning to normal. She seemed almost as surprised as Twilight was. “T-twilight, I…” “P-Pinkie… What’s. Wrong.” “… Here.” Pinkie walked to her desk. Twilight glanced at the broken glass and beakers there, unable to stop herself from wondering what Pinkie had been doing down here. “I… wrote a few letters…” “Letters?” “5 of them… 5 for you and the girls…" Pinkie opened a drawer, revealing all 5. “I want you all to read those letters tomorrow.” “Why won’t you just tell me what’s wrong, Pinkie? I’m worried.” “You would never understand, Twilight… I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you what’s happened. What I’ve been doing down here.” “Pinkie, somepony’s been murdered, and you’re sitting down here, in the dark, being, I have to admit, very much unlike your usual self! I’m scared, Pinkie! I don’t want to see you hurt!” “… It’s not me you should worry about, Twilight…” Pinkie smiled ruefully. “Please. Deliver those letters for me. Read them tomorrow. For now… I… have some things to do.” “Pinkie…” Twilight sighed, hanging her head. She could always try a truth spell, make her tell the truth… But what if this is something her friend needed? Time alone? What if… There were too many what if’s. Twilight nodded, looking at her friend sadly. “Alright, Pinkie. You’re not going to let me do anything but that, and I don’t want to use magic against you. So I’ll play along for now. May I have the letters?” Pinkie smiled, a bit more happily this time. Grateful. “Thank you.” Her smile rubbed off on Twilight, who couldn’t help but smile softly herself. Pinkie handed over all 5 letters. Twilight poofed them to her home. “I must ask you leave now, Twilight. I just… I need to be by myself for awhile.” “Alright, Pinkie. Just please… don’t spend all day down here. Go out, enjoy the sunlight… Keep smiling.” Pinkie nodded and turned her back on her friend. Unable to do anything else, Twilight turned and trotted up the stairs. Twilight said her goodbyes to Mrs. Cake, unable to truly explain anything to her. She walked outside, feeling completely useless. What could she do for her friend? What could she do to brighten her day, make her happy? Around town, everypony was buzzing with rumors about what had happened with the body. How ponies might not be as they seem. Twilight could hear them as she walked around town. There's ponies who walk among us every day, Carrot Top sang in a hushed voice to her customer as she gave him his groceries. Wearing masks of emotion, he responded, just as quietly as he gave her his bits. It's societies way. What do they wear, everypony seemed to say. What do they eat? They're all hiding something away.... Twilight trotted up to a flower stand, getting some flowers from Rose. It's that being we all deny that we know, Rose murmured softly to another customer as she snipped the flowers. It festers inside, he responded, in the darkness, it'll grow. It's our true self, beneath the facade Hidden by the cold light of day, Rose said as she gave Twilight her flowers. Twilight turned as ponies around her all seemed to sing the same tune, all seemed to say the same thing. That's the way! How we all hide who we are! Get fresh paint And brush on a smile! In this Masquerade! Acting out the days charade Living in the dark shadows While playing the saint! Murder, murder, they all murmured, whispered in Twilight's ear. There's one thing, she said One thing I know for sure Till who did this dies This fear has no cure… Twilight glanced around at those around her. Look around! You can't tell what you've found! Lurking beneath the mask You wear for show! Twilight looked behind her as she reached her door, watching the ponies mutter suspiciously about their friends. Somepony's got a sinister secret Who lies and who is true? If you look past the mask, You'll find not one mare, but two! She galloped inside, locking the door. Slowly, she slumped down the side, sighing. Resting on her desk were 5 letters. She hardly wanted to acknowledge them. What was wrong with Pinkie?... At the end of the day, she sang softly She didn't know what to say Beyond the smile, it's odd.. She's hiding something Why won't she come clean? And finally break The Facade! Author's Note Fairly certain this was edited a long while back, and recently went through massive editing. Lookie! I'm alive! And posting the things!
MurdererThe newsmare rose her hoof high, a newspaper held aloft in the air. Read about the brutal murder In the streets of Ponyville! Profane, insane this murder! When will this killer get his fill? She was all alone that night, one man sang as he read through the paper. They say she gave no fight! I wish this all was but a dream, the town seemed to cry in unison. It's a mystery! A horrid mystery! Bloody murder in the night! Who can solve this mystery Before we're history And bloody murders in the night? Diane licked her lips as she watched those foalish ponies walking around. Their fear was so thick she could nearly taste it. It tasted like honey laced with strawberries and blood - oh how she was enjoying blood! All these new things to try, all those horrors to commit. She retreated further into the alleyway shadows as she chuckled. She backed herself up onto her hind hooves against the wall. She saw an empty window across from her, saw her emerald eyes swirling with madness. She licked her lips again. "My business," she whispered, "is going well... More will die this day..." She laughed, a bitter, cruel sound. She began to walk down the alley, until she saw a skinny little colt on the corner, selling papers. Her grin engulfed her face wickedly. "Boy?~" The little Pegasus - they all seemed to be Pegasi - fluttered his pale wings. Quickly, he scurried into the alley, his saddle bags jingling with bits he’d earned. Nopony saw him run; nopony knew they were there. It was an abandoned alley, after all. “Yes’sum, Miss,” he said, smiling in his ignorance. “Did you want a paper?” “No, little one,” she said, a smirk rising to her face. The child, so innocent, simply tilted his head, wondering why she was smiling. She gently tousled his mane, chuckling. “I am happy to inform you, sweet foal… that you are relieved of your duties…” “Huh?” *~*~*~ There’s been another murder, the ponies all cried as the Royal Guards roped off the alley. Just like the other murder! That poor little colt, one mare cried, being comforted by others. Dead! Can’t you see, all is lost here, one pony said. Please, no, you must be calm dear, her husband said, trying desperately to calm her down in her sheer terror. No, we can’t trust you, everypony seemed to say to everypony else. No, we can’t trust you! We walk everyday and hide what we all think Our neighbor, are they who they say? We can’t trust you, no we can’t even blink Without fearing to see the next day! It’s a mystery! A horrid mystery! Who’s behind these murders, is it you? Let’s solve this mystery! That murderer’s history, Another bloody murder is due! Today! Pinkie charged through the store from an alley, her torn cloak wrapped tight around her. She shook, her face looking almost green - her eyes, even, with that strange sickening tint. Her mane was ragged, curly and wild, but splayed in different directions. The bags under her eyes were completely uncharacteristic. “C-chemical!” An earth pony stallion trotted out of the back. “Ah, Pinkie, how c- Pinkie?!” He ran to her quickly, holding her as she nearly collapsed. “Pinkie, what happened?! You look…” Pinkie growled slightly at him as he coddled her, tearing away quickly. She seemed almost to instantly regret the growl, but shook her head roughly. “Not now, Chemical,” she said in a tired voice. “P-Please tell me you have the things I ordered!” “I-I have them behind the coun-” “Get them,” she yelled, lunging at him, her eyes flashing green. Chemical recoiled and quickly ran behind the counter, grabbing the bags of everything she had asked for. “T-thank you, Chemical,” she panted out, clutching them close. “Pinkie, please, what’s going on? You look horrible!” “I-I’ve been better,” Pinkie muttered as she stumbled toward the door. “I’ve been so much better before, Chemical. Remember that! Remember how much better I used to be!” Without another word, she ran out, her cloak fluttering behind her, leaving a very confused store owner behind her. *~*~*~ A day had passed. Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Twilight waited outside Sugarcube Corner. 4 had been murdered in 2 days. They had found another body, killed the same as the first night – Another, today. All of them looked at each other, scared, worried, confused. Twilight shook her head, sighing. “You all read the letters, then.” “Pardon me saying this, darling, but I must ask – Why didn’t you open this letter sooner?!” Rarity had tears in her eyes. “It’s obvious who… Who did all this, now. We could’ve prevented 2 murders, Twilight!" “I-I know, Rarity. I know. B-But Pinkie, she told me not too, I couldn’t open them… I-I just couldn’t, not as a good friend…” “Don’ beat yourself up about it, sugarcube,” AJ said softly, patting her on the back. “Y’all were just tryin’ to do what y’all thought was best.” “I just can’t believe Pinks would do something like this,” Rainbow said, her eyes downcast. Fluttershy said nothing, her face solemn. Twilight glanced around at all of her friends. “Thank you, girls…” Twilight took a deep breath. “Come on. We need to face her, once and for all.” “Twilight,” Rarity said, her eyes wide. “Do you think going in there is the best idea? Shouldn’t we, perhaps, lure her out? Going straight to her might be cause for alarm. She might try to lash out.” “Alarm, Sharm, I say we go in there and buck some sense into our friend!” Rainbow flipped upside down, bucking the Sugarcube Corner sign to demonstrate. “Rainbow Dash, get down from there! Rarity’s right, we need some sort of plan…” “I… I could go in as a distraction, i-if that might work.” Everypony turned to the shy pegasus. “I-I mean… I could go down there, a-and you all could come in while I try and talk to her… I-If that’s a good plan…” “Darling, I couldn’t allow one of my friends to go down there alone!” “Shucks, Shy, y’all shouldn’t have to go down there.” Applejack stood taller. “Ah can go too.” Twilight sighed. “I don’t know we’ll have much of a choice in this, guys. Let’s at least go inside.” Everypony nodded and trotted inside. Only to find the door to the basement was wide open. “Oh no…” Without another word, Twilight ran downstairs. Everypony gasped and followed her quickly. Down below, papers were scattered. Blood matted them to the floor, but whose blood was unknown. Potions laid undrunk on the counter, some spilled among the shattered glasses. The only thing still left undamaged was a single open notebook. Pinkie was nowhere to be found. Twilight crossed the room, hearing the papers crinkle beneath her hooves. It looked far worse in here than it had the last time she had been here. Trotting to the desk, she flipped through the notebook, reading the entries. Miss Diane– August 22nd, 3:27 am 2 fresh murders. ‘Doctor’ Pinkie will be in for a surprise when she wakens once again. A mare, with the most lovely pearls around her neck, and a stallion with a peculiar cutiemark. Both of them seemed to be smiling before I killed them – I thought it would be best to kill them smiling. You see, ‘Doctor’, when you read this, your potion DID work. Now ponies will always be happy. They’ll always smile. Because I kill them right after they smile. You were the one who wanted to bring out the opposite part of ponies. It worked perfectly. I am the opposite you. The part that never laughs as you did, the part that only smiles at pain. I am Pinkamena Diane Pie. Twilight shivered and moved to the next, reading them aloud now for all of her friends to hear. Doctor Pinkie – 4:14 am I’m scared. I read the message left by… Diane. I woke up with blood on my hooves. I don’t know how to react to this. The message said I… I killed ponies. Their blood is on my hooves. I’m really scared and I’m crying and I don’t know what to do. I know I need to put a stop to this. I need to make a new potion, one to counter this… thing I turned into. I’ll get right to work on that. 5:15 am New potion made. Drank it all. Feeling hot and warm and uncomfortable again, appear to be coughing up blood. I don’t care. 5:17 am Choking on my own tears. Can’t wr Twilight felt tears coming to her eyes as she read on. Miss Diane – 6:30 am DAMN YOU TO HELL, ‘DOCTOR’! DAMN YOU AND YOUR POTIONS! Doctor Pinkie – 8:18 am Mrs. Cake called for me right after my change. I’m scared she heard my monster breaking my glasses. Apparently, Diane didn’t like my most recent batch. She knows I’m trying to get rid of her. I yelled at Mrs. Cake to go away – The sight of another pony might awaken Diane’s blood lust once more. I don’t want anypony else to get hurt. I’ll keep mixing potions. It’s the only way to fix this… Twilight flipped through a few more pages, reading each and every single passage. 10:45 am Twilight visited me. I gave her letters I hardly recall writing. 5 letters in all. They should tell them about my experiments, what I’ve done so far. I feel… strange, lately. I have been looking tirelessly for a cure, but none has presented itself. I find myself thinking back to an old tale my Nana Pinkie used to tell me… Where the brambles are thickest, There you will find, A pool beyond the most twisted of vines A mare came To gaze in the pool Her mind betwixt by, who’d have guessed 2 personalities that needed be fixed And into her own reflection she stared Yearning for one whose reflection she shared, And solemnly sweared not to be scared At the prospect of being doubley mared. I can’t stop thinking about it… the tale of the Mirror Pool… I wonder… Miss Diane – 3:46 pm Killed 2 more ponies, ‘Doctor’. Hurry hurry with that cure. Pinkie Pie – 3:56 pm I’ve decided potions won’t work anymore. I am leaving. Everypony gasped as they heard Twilight say that. “L-Leaving,” Fluttershy said, her eyes wide. “She can’t jus’ leave! She’s gotta find a cure to all this, she’s gotta fight it!” Applejack’s eyes narrowed. “Come on, girls, we gotta find her.” Everypony sounded their agreement except Twilight. “Girls, wait! There’s more here…” That story my Nana Pinkie told me is my final hope. Somewhere, deep within the Everfree, has to be the pool I’m looking for. I’m bringing a knife to cut through the brambles, and, if all goes to plan... Diane will be the last blood on my hooves. Everypony stood in silence. Twilight cleared her throat. “That’s the last entry… She’s alone in the forest. We’ve got to go find her!” Everypony nodded. “I’ll be right up, girls. I’m going to see if there’s any other clues down here.” Twilight turned as everypony trotted upstairs. She gazed at the chaos around her, feeling tears rising to her eyes. All of this… All of this was caused by the most likeable, laughable pony around… Twilight had promised to always be there for her, always be her best friend. And now, they were hunting her down, like an animal. Was that all her friend would end up being? A monster? If you live around here, she said softly, lots of ponies, I fear Their promises they will not honor, it’s clear That the truth is… She’ll end up getting scarred… There’s a beast inside her, And it’s wild and free Will she let it out, None of us want to see What’s lurking… Behind her façade... Outside, the ponies shouted. They screamed. And the ponies sang. Hunt down the murderer, they must be found... Author's Note Dark twist, and the story shall end soon~ Two chapters, and... >3 I'm gonna try for a duet~
Element of -S-LaughterAuthor's Note COLOR GUIDE :D Diane Pinkie Unison Side by side words are sung at the same time. Wrote this totally super late, but WHATEVER Element of -S-Laughter Pinkie took a deep breath as she walked along the ramp. Far below her was the pool. There was no doubt it was the right one. Its surface shimmered so… well, she could only describe it as magically. It seemed to reflect everything in precise detail, and yet, it seemed off. Water had that ability, she supposed. To create something. Something not right. Something… peculiar. To take a beautiful thing and transform it entirely into something hideous. She sighed, glancing at the knife in her bag. She slipped the straps off and pulled it out, holding it in her hoof as she walked. She was going to do this. After all, it wasn’t like blood hadn’t been on her hooves before. It’s just that, this time… it would be her doing the killing. Herself, not some morbid, twisted reflection. She would be a murderer. Somehow, only thoughts of her experiments came to her mind. Those potions she had constantly consumed, all those failures. All in the hopes of finding something splendid. Something worthwhile in this life. But she had only succeeded in ruining that beautiful thing, tarnishing beauty with crimson stains. All my work, she said, her voice cracking as she walked towards the pool slowly from the ramp. All that effort… in vain… All my trials have ended in pain… My potions all failed… My soul black with sin… “How... how did I deserve this,” she asked no one in particular, sighing. I tried to hard, I must confess… I put each and every one to the test… Deep in my labs, down below… Only I… can know… Pinkie stared into her reflection. She could swear that her eyes flashed a sinister green, a sickening, blood stained smile shining back at her frown. The mirror’s water was distorted by ripples as, one by one, tears fell into the pool. She was a murderer, and now the time had come to end it, once and for all. “A-am I a good mare,” she asked in a hurried voice, pleading to the pool. She needed an answer, before the madness truly began. “Am I a good mare… or a mad mare?... Were my intentions good?...” She sobbed, tasting the salty tears on her lips as her lungs gasped for breath. All she could hear were the fading screams of Diane’s victims - of her victims. “T-there’s such a fine line… between a good mare… and a mad…” She watched. She sank closer to the pool. The knife was in her hoof the entire time. She would go through. She would come out. And Diane would be there, for her to murder. “Such… a fine line,” she muttered as she closed her eyes. “Between us… Diane…” Her body became weightless. The world shifted. Reality skewed. And she stood right side up, on dry land, not a drop of water on her. She opened her eyes in a rush… To see nothing. “It didn’t work…” She sank down, sitting on the ground by the pool, tears still rolling down her face. Nothing had changed. Nothing had worked. “T-tell me it worked… Tell me she’s gone…” Did you really think that you were safe? Pinkie’s eyes snapped open. Did you really think that you were free? A body was rising out of the water. Did you know that you could kill? Pinkie backed away, her eyes wide. Did you know that you could cry? Water streamed off the form of the grinning mare. Did you know you had me inside, Diane asked, her emerald eyes shining through her dripping skull. All is lost for you, Miss Diane Pie, Pinkie shouted, holding up the knife, despite her trembling, fearful voice. It’s time to leave, it’s time for you to die! All you are is a shattered reflection, The last fading light of a hellish dream! After tonight, no more will ponies scream! Diane cackled, walking on the water, safe from Pinkie for now. Her fanged grin did nothing to settle Pinkie down. No ponies scream but you, my dear! Let your horror thrive! I feast upon your every fear Every tear makes me alive, she said, her voice ringing with bitter laughter. I don’t need you to survive - but you need me! Come, oh you wearer of the mask of death: Hear me rejoice as you breathe your final breath! Can’t you see, they sang together, one in desperation, the other in pride. It’s over now! It’s time I leave you behind. With these words Let us be severed No longer intertwined! You are my secret I am your secret And now I pray And you can pray Your bloodied evil But blood will stain Won’t see the dayYour hooves today And for your sins you’ll pay! And as this nightmare goes on - You will never be free - I know that soon we’ll be gone - Sing your eulogy!~ As death haunts out steps today I know I know In Hell In you You’ll stayI’ll stay! “NO,” Pinkie screamed as Diane lunged, her doppelgangers laughter echoing around them as Pinkie closed her eyes. She held up her knife, hoping beyond hope that the monster before her would be slain. She felt the shift in her - Diane had never left, of course. The pool could only do so much. She panted as she opened her eyes, gazing at her reflection with dread. One eye was swirling with emerald madness; the other, simply with tears. This is what it had come to. To fighting an illusion. A reflection in a pool. She looked at the knife in her hoof. It was the only way, she knew. She didn’t know how her friends would ever be able to take the news… but it was the only way. Can’t you see, she begged softly, holding the knife up to the peculiar light in the cavern. It’s over now, a sly voice sang to her confidently. She knew who it was. It’s time I leave you behind - You will never be free - With this knife… Let us beWe cannot be Severed! No longer intertwined! Forever intertwined! This is the moment, Pinkie sang, feeling the knife in her hooves even as she watched it draw ever closer to her chest. The die will be cast! I’ve got a thirst, no one can deny, Diane’s cruel voice sang out in her mind, almost begging for blood to be spilt. As I think of this day, I dream of the past! A thirst for blood, for being alive! From forever before, and henceforth hereafter - And I know, that now and forever - The name they all will remember Isn’t yours, Diane!Isn't yours, Miss Pie! May each and every forget,they cried out in unison as the cool steel touched Pinkie’s skin. As we leave, with but one regret! Forget all you’ve learned That one can remember About Pinkie And I... Element of Laughter!Element of Slaughter! Her eyes opened as not a sound came from her gaping mouth; the blade felt so cool, despite the warmth of the blood now dripping down her stomach. No sound, in fact, seemed to reach her ears directly after the stabbing. Then, there was a bit of ringing… Her vision began to grow a bit blurry as she watched the pool become a beautiful shade of red. She heard someone call her name. She glanced to the ramp to see her friends… such wonderful friends. But they all looked so terribly sad. That wasn’t what she wanted at all. Her sight became lopsided. Oh. She had fallen on her side. She watched as Twilight began to run down the ramp. She was crying. Pinkie smiled weakly. She only wanted ponies to smile. The last thing she saw was her friends sobbing… and, the last thing she heard? I’ll see you in hell… Pinkie...
Epilogue: Mr. HydeTwilight stood in the basement of Sugarcube Corner. It had been somewhat cleaned up by now, but the tools of Pinkie’s trade still remained on desks and things. Pinkie… She closed her eyes tightly. The mare was safe, but for how long? She had gotten Pinkie to the hospital as soon as she could, but her friend was still in an unstable condition. She still hadn’t woken up. What would happen when she did? Who would greet them when she woke up? Pinkie, or… Twilight sighed. “I can’t keep thinking about it,” she said to herself; her voice echoed around the room. She trotted to the diary Pinkie kept. This had led them to her… it had been convenient. Pinkie owed her life to what this diary contained. As she picked it up, a page in the diary tore away. She levitated it with her magic and was surprised to see a very old entry - from years ago. Pinkie Pie, February 20th, 10:47pm Me and the rest of the gang had a picnic today! It was our first one in a looong line of picnics I think! Twilight seems like a nice pony, and now that we all know that we’re supposed to be together and destined to be these nice Elements of Harmony, I just know I have to make her feel welcomed! I’ve been thinking about who I am a lot recently. Ever since fighting Nightmare Moon (I still like the name Black Snooty, myself). I’m the Element of Laughter. I do that pretty well, of course, but there’s times when you just CAN’T laugh. Those are the bad times, like when a friend is in the hospital or whenever you favoritest most bestest pet dies. It always hurts a lot when those things happen. I’ve been thinking, what if those times NEVER happened? What if you could ALWAYS laugh and be happy, even when bad things happen? Like, when your friend is in the hospital, you could go and make them laugh and make them feel better? Or when your pet dies, you can laugh a lot about all the funny things they did, and never feel sad, cause they’re in a happy place now? Wouldn’t that be awesome?! Twilight told me that I always sound like I’m on some sort of happy pill or something. She said it as a joke, but it got me thinking. What if I made some sort of laughing potion? One that could make somepony happy ALL the time? I could even be a doctor! Doctor Pinkie… Twilight put down the paper, tears rolling down her face as she did. She had caused this. She made this happen… She had to fix it. “S-she’s cursed because of me… I need to find some spell, some potion, some way to cure her…” She glanced around at the makeshift lab. Her basement was full of even better equipment… “I can fix this,” she whispered to herself. “I can find a cure for this. I can quell that part of her, make it so she doesn’t go wild again…” She began to pace, her face beginning to form a grin as she thought. “I can fix all of this… I’ll have to hide away my findings, of course. If anypony found out I was doing something similar to what Pinkie did, I’ll be shut down… I’m much better at this sort of thing, though…” She shook her head. “I’d need a name, something to go by to buy the ingredients I needed… Everypony would know if I called myself Twilight…” She sat in the nearby chair, tapping her head. “Think, Twilight, think… Dusk Shine? Nah, Spike came up with that already… Come on… a name I can…” She looked up, eyes gleaming as she thought of it. “... Hide… under…” She smirked. “Mr… Hyde…” Author's Note I know, it's a very short epilogue. I never planned this part, but the idea came to me! <3 Finally, this is over. I liked the idea, but it kind of died flat while working on it. Hope you all enjoyed it!!
