The Link Between the Worlds

"So what do you think of them, rookie?"

The orange pegasis and the white stallion were conversing outside Ms. Heartstrings's house, with the humans and the new pegasus inside, under keen eye.

"I think that you should give them a chance. The boy seemed nice enough."

Upon listening the his superior's silence, he added, "I don't know why you're so suspicious of them. They're just as confused as we are."

Flash could see the stallion turning the information over in his head. After a minute, he turned to Flash. "Let's say you're right. They're completely harmless. What do we do with them?"

It was Flash's turn to think. "Well, you know those mares Twilight always hung out with? The ones with the rainbow laser of death that's saved Equestria three times already?"

Shining nodded. "Sounds somewhat familiar."

"What if we let Dipper, Mabel, and Stan stay with them? They've been all over Equus, so they should be able to explain how Equestria works better than anypony."

A look of agreement showed itself on Shining Armor's face. "And if I'm right, then they'll be living with the most watched and heavily guarded mares in Equestria."

The orange pegasus felt a hint of satisfaction at the compromise. "That way, everyone's happy. And nothing can go wrong. Ever. Not in a million-" Flash paused. "Wait, did you say heavily guarded?"

The white stallion smiled. "Yeah, we've got undercover guards stationed all around Ponyville acting like regular ponies."

Flash rolled his eyes. "I would question the morality of decieving an entire town and stationing incredibly well-trained fighters in said city's most public places, but this day has been so weird, I just couldn't be bothered."

Shining Armor's voice took on a tone of finality. "Well, thank you for your help, Soldier Flash Sentry. You may now return to your post in Canterlot." Shining Armor seemed to have completely forgotten that it was Flash's idea that had caused the Princess of the Sun to be considered MIA.

As Flash walked out of the square, Berry Punch approached him. "Hey Flash, where are you going?"

Pinkie Pie appeared out of seemingly nowhere. "Oh, he's going to disappear for a few chapters, meaning that his tag on the main page will be replaced by yours truly!" She smiled broadly while everypony who heard her gave her a strange look. "What, it's true." Everypony rolled their eyes in unison and returned to their occupations. The pink mare bounced away singing under her breath.

"Allow me to introduce myself," the creature in the middle greeted. "I'm Discord, comedian, stunt devil, history expert, showhost, restaurant owner, thrill seeker, guidance counselor, therapist, and prank gimmick seller. Nice to meet you."

Soos, by now, had decided that the Pines family were playing an elaborate prank on him. As Discord reached out his hand, the handyman replied, "Hello, life-size puppet hung by invisible strings. My name is Soos, the handyman here at the Mystery Shack."

"I'm going to assume that your universe's greeting is a bit different from ours." Discord pointed at the tall, white one. "This one right here, her name's Sun Butt, better known as Princess Celestia." Now he gestured toward the small purple one. "This is Princess Twilight Sparkle, who I have yet to create a nickname for. She's the newest Alicorn in Equestria."

The handyman decided to play along with the prank. Chuckling, he said, "Sorry dude, I have no idea what you're talking about."

Discord smile grew all the wider. "Right, I forgot. Alternate universe." He snapped his fingers and a chalkboard appeared behind them. Soos found himself sitting in a school chair. Dipper really went all out on this one, he thought.

One history lesson later…

Soos had decided that this wasn't a prank. It was just too elaborate. Dipper would have to use the book if he wanted to make something like this, and he had promised Mr. Pines he wouldn't touch the book if not for self-defense.

Before he could comment on the Cheese Wars of Minotauria, he was interrupted by a loud SQEAK as the door to the Mystery Shack opened. Panic filled his eyes. "Dudes, quick, act like you're part of the attractions!" Glancing around briefly, they jumped into position as the first costumer of the day walked in. The chalkboard and seat disappeared, dumping Soos unceremoniously onto the floor. He jumped back up and greeted the man at the door. "Hello, and welcome to the Mystery Shack."

The man smiled. "Hello, I'm on a road trip across the U.S. and I heard about this place from the locals. It seems… interesting," he said, eying the purple and white pony wax figurines, as well as the gray creature wrapped around the rafters. "Is the famed Mr. Mystery here?"

"Sorry, sir, he's out for a little bit. Why don't you leave the money you were going to spend over there?"

The tourist's head bobbed enthusiastically. "Sounds good to me." He dropped twenty dollars near the cash register and walked back out the door. Soos relaxed and sighed with relief. Too close.

As the tourist neared the woods at the side of the trail, his arms and legs fell off, revealing the five gnomes operating the pseudo-human. The bushes rustled, revealing the twenty other gnomes behind to.

"Sir, the Pines family seems to have left the Mystery Shack and the building is currently in a very damaged state. We should be able to infiltrate it very easily."

"Good," the leader replied, turning toward the shack.

"GNOMES, ATTACK!"